Review: Qatar Airways First Class, Dubai-Doha

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Qatar Airways First Class, Dubai-Doha
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Qatar Airways Airbus A320 bound for Doha

Flight: QR 1023
Departure time in Dubai (DXB): 13:30 (actual 13:27)
Arrival time in Doha (DOH): 13:40 (actual 13:29)
Equipment: Airbus A320
Seat/Apartment: 2A but later transferred to 1A
Duration: 1h 10m (actual 1h 2m)
Date of flight: December 5, 2015
*This is an award travel, Business Class flight #96

Dubai International Airport Terminal 1


I arrived at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 more than 3 hours before my flight as our group had already left for London and thought I could spend my time at the airport instead. I wanted to visit the British Airways Lounge as well so I decided to come early and make it before they close.

Check-in

The check in desks for Qatar Airways flight were pretty empty when I came. A friendly young agent from Asia helped me with the check in process and issued my boarding pass all the way to Stockholm. I was also offered a first class luggage tag which I gladly took.

I was also given a Lounge Invitation card by the agent since Qatar Airways do not have their own lounge in Dubai Airport. They use the Dubai International First Class Lounge instead but since I also have Sapphire status on One World, I was also able to visit the British Airways Galleries Lounge.

Lounge


Dubai International First Class Lounge

Boarding


At about 12:15, I started walking my way to the gate which was C5. Boarding started as scheduled at 12:45, with no priority boarding although it was not that important to me as the flight was not that full.

Cabin

There were a total of 12 seats in the first class cabin with a 2-2 configuration. On that afternoon flight to Doha, only a third of the cabin was taken.

Seat

My seat 2A, was a window.

In front of my seat was plenty of legroom, and from the seat pocket, they have the usual inflight entertainment magazines and safety instructions card.

The seat controls were pretty basic

The headphone socket and entertainment controls were located on the right side of the seat although for a very short flight, one wouldn't really need to use them.

Qatar Airways iflight magazines and safety instruction card.

There were also magazines displayed in a magazine rack located at the back of the first class cabin.

Qatar Airways TV screen

As soon as boarding was completed, I was asked by Jacklyn, the Filipina flight attendant if I wanted some hot or cold towels and a predeparture drink to go with it. I settled for a glass of water with lemon and a hot towel which was promptly served. Newspapers were also offered moments later.

I was also offered some arabic coffee and dates but I declined.

The weather in Dubai that day was not perfect although a few minutes after take off, I was still able to take a picture of the skyline with Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building still visible.

I was also able to take a picture of the Palm Islands!

Dining

Qatar Airways First Class menu card


All Day Dining menu

Beverages menu

Qatar Airways First Class meal, Dubai-Doha

Seasonal Salad
Chicken Musakhan
La Duree Plaisir Sucre
Non Alcoholic Champagne, So Jenny


Chicken Musakhan and Seasonal Salad

La Duree Plaisir Sucre

Everything from the salad to the dessert tasted great specially the Chicken Musakhan.

Lavatory

Business Class lavatory

Lavatory amenities by Rituals

Arrival at Hamad International Airport

We arrived in Hamad International Airport 11 minutes ahead of schedule at gate A6.

CONCLUSION

Flying within the Gulf, I've always been amazed by how fantastic the crew are. With very limited time, Jacklyn (the flight attendant) and Andressa, the cabin manager from Brazil definitely did an amazing job serving the meal in the best possible way without compromising the service. And of course, the seats were very comfortable as they are real first class seats! To all the crew on this flight, Shukran for such an awesome flight!


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