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Experience

Private Members Clubs in Dubai and the Finest Lounges

A private members club in Dubai is now as much part of the city's social life as its restaurants, and Doha, Riyadh and Bahrain are following. Here are the members' clubs, cigar lounges and airport lounges that define discreet luxury in the Middle East.

Updated

At a glance

Private Clubs and Lounges at a glance

Membership
Usually by nomination and committee approval
Fees
Annual fees typically from approximately US$3,000 to well over US$10,000
Visitors
Some clubs offer reciprocal access or guest passes via members
Dress
Smart; many clubs set their own code

Why clubs are flourishing

The Gulf has a long tradition of the majlis, the sitting room where people gather to talk business, family and ideas. Private members' clubs are a modern version, and they have multiplied as Dubai and its neighbors have drawn entrepreneurs, financiers and creatives from around the world. The best combine a fine restaurant, a quiet bar and a calendar of talks and dinners.

For the tradition behind them, see hospitality and the majlis. For evenings out, our guides to finest restaurants and beach clubs cover the public side of the scene.

A private lounge with curved velvet sofas, low lighting and tall windows over the city
Photo: Pexels

Members' clubs

The Arts Club Dubai

DIFC, Dubai

The Dubai outpost of the historic London club, in DIFC, with restaurants, a terrace and a strong cultural program. Membership by application.

Official site ↗

Fiena

Dubai, UAE

A women's members' club in Dubai, a concept born in London, offering a calm space to work, meet and dine.

No house in Dubai

Soho House (Cities Without Houses)

Dubai, UAE

Soho House offers Dubai membership through its Cities Without Houses program, with events around the city rather than a dedicated house; members can use houses worldwide.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

NO HOMME

Dubai, UAE

A new members' club announced for the Waldorf Astoria building in Dubai. Check the club's status before applying.

Ned's Club Doha

Doha, Qatar

The members' club within The Ned Doha, a hotel in the restored former Ministry of Interior building on the Corniche, with a rooftop pool and bars.

Official site ↗

Capital Club Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain's leading business club, high in the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, with views over Manama Bay.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Arabian Ranches, Dubai

A sporting club with polo fields, riding and a relaxed clubhouse, busy during the winter polo season.

Official site ↗

Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club

Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi

Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the home of high-goal polo in the UAE, with an elegant clubhouse.

Airline lounges of note

For first- and business-class travelers, these lounges are destinations in themselves. See also the best airlines.

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge

Hamad International Airport, Doha

A vast, calm first-class lounge at Hamad International with fine dining, a spa and quiet rooms.

Official site ↗

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge

Hamad International Airport, Doha

Among the world's largest business-class lounges, overlooking the airport's garden.

Official site ↗

Emirates First Class Lounge

Dubai International Airport

Covering an entire level of Concourse A at Dubai International, with direct boarding to the A380, a spa and fine champagnes.

Official site ↗

Etihad First Class Lounge

Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi

Etihad's flagship lounge at Zayed International's Terminal A, with à la carte dining and spa treatments.

Official site ↗

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Lounge

Istanbul Airport

An enormous business lounge at Istanbul Airport with a library, live cooking stations and a golf simulator.

Official site ↗

Saudia Alfursan Lounge

Riyadh and Jeddah

Saudia's premium lounges at King Khalid and King Abdulaziz airports, refreshed with a strong focus on Saudi hospitality.

Official site ↗

Cigar lounges

Cigar lounges and the evening ritual

Several of the region's five-star hotels keep walk-in humidors and cigar lounges with leather armchairs, rare cognacs and Arabic coffee. They are quiet places for business conversations, open to hotel guests and visitors alike. Ask your hotel's concierge for the best in your city, and note that smoking rules vary by venue and emirate.

For travelers who prefer privacy at every step, combine club life with arriving privately and a stay in one of the region's branded residences, many of which have residents-only lounges.

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Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.