This article has been reviewed by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated November 2024
Key takeaways
- Qatar Airways consistently offers the cheapest first-class tickets to multiple destinations.
- British Airways and Emirates follow as affordable alternatives for first-class travel, offering competitive fares and exceptional service.
- Air France and Etihad provide direct first-class flights with standout amenities like spas and private suites.
Which airlines provide the cheapest first-class tickets from the UAE?
On Wego, you will find several airlines that offer first-class cabins to international destinations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We compared prices for a few popular first-class routes to show you which airline offers the best value for your buck.
Please note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing and reflect research done for flights in December.
UAE – USA (New York City)
Five airlines offer first-class cabins for this route: Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa.
Dubai to NYC
Let’s compare the prices of a one-way first-class flight from Dubai to New York City on 6 December 2024:
- British Airways (Boeing 777 – 1 layover): AED 26,411
- Qatar Airways (Airbus 351 – 1 layover): AED 16,233
- Emirates ( Boeing 777 – direct): AED 28,061
- SWISS (Airbus 330 – 1 layover): AED 25,151
Abu Dhabi to NYC
Air tickets follow the pattern below for prices from Abu Dhabi to New York City on 6 December 2024:
- British Airways (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 27,847
- Qatar Airways (Airbus 1051 – 1 layover): AED 16,031
- Etihad Airways (Boeing 787 – direct): AED 36,989
- SWISS (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 35,714
We explored various flight dates throughout the week and found the same result: Qatar Airways first class consistently offers the best value for flights to New York City, with up to 50% lower airfares than others.
Book cheap flights from the UAE to New York City
UAE – France (Paris)
Four airlines offer first-class cabins for this route: Etihad Airways, Emirates (airline), Qatar Airways, British Airways and Air France.
Dubai to Paris
Let’s compare the prices of a one-way first-class flight from Dubai to Paris on 4 December 2024.
- British Airways (Airbus 380 – 1 layover): AED 11,394
- Qatar Airways (Boeing 777 – 1 layover): AED 7,447
- Emirates (Airbus 380 – direct): AED 25,444
- Air France (Boeing 777 – direct): AED 19,398
Abu Dhabi to Paris
Air tickets follow the pattern below for prices from Abu Dhabi to Paris on 4 December 2024:
- Etihad Airways (Airbus 380 – direct): AED 19,573
- Qatar Airways (1 layover): AED 7,447
We explored various flight dates throughout the week and found that:
- Qatar Airways first class consistently offers the best value for flights to Paris, with comparatively lower airfares than others.
- Air France has special direct flights connecting Dubai and Paris.
- Starting on 13 December, British Airways will also connect Abu Dhabi and Paris.
Book cheap flights from the UAE to Paris
UAE – Singapore
Four airlines offer affordable first-class cabins for this route: British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa.
Dubai to Singapore
Let’s compare the prices of a one-way first-class flight from Dubai to Singapore on 3 December 2024:
- British Airways (Boeing 777 – 1 layover): AED 26,685
- Qatar Airways (1 layover): AED 5,718
- Emirates (Boeing 777 – 1 layover): AED 10,070
- Lufthansa (Airbus 330 – 1 layover) : AED 48,976
Abu Dhabi to Singapore
Air tickets follow the pattern below for prices from Abu Dhabi to Singapore:
- British Airways (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 20,007
- Qatar Airways (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 6,215
- Emirates (Boeing 777 – 2 layovers): AED 27,631
- Lufthansa (Boeing 787 – 2 layovers): AED 64,529
We explored various flight dates throughout the week and found that Qatar Airways first class consistently offers the best value for flights to Singapore, with airfares lower than 50% compared to others.
Book cheap flights from the UAE to Singapore
UAE – Jordan (Amman)
Dubai – Amman
Let’s compare the prices of a one-way first-class flight from Dubai to Amman on 5 December 2024:
- British Airways (Airbus 380 – 1 layover): AED 12,949
- Qatar Airways (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 7,705
- Emirates (Airbus 380 – direct): AED 7,902
- Royal Jordanian (Boeing 787 – 1 layover): AED 8,544
Abu Dhabi – Amman
Air tickets follow the pattern below for prices from Abu Dhabi to Amman on 5 December 2024:
- Qatar Airways (Airbus – 1 layover): AED 8,030
- Royal Jordanian (1 layover): AED 11,985
We explored myriad flight dates throughout the week and found Qatar Airways and Emirates offer the best value for flights to Amman, with lower airfares than others.
Book cheap flights from the UAE to Amman
UAE – Morocco (Casablanca)
Dubai to Casablanca
Let’s compare the prices of a one-way first-class flight from Dubai to Casablanca on 4 December 2024:
- British Airways (Airbus A380 – 1 layover): AED 21,990
- Qatar Airways (Airbus A351 – 1 layover): AED 7,052
- Emirates (Airbus A380 – direct): AED 14,911
- Air France (Boeing 777 – 1 layover): AED 29,141
Abu Dhabi to Casablanca
Air tickets follow the pattern below for prices from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca on 4 December 2024:
- Royal Air Maroc (1 layover): AED 7,655
- Qatar Airways (Airbus – 1 layover): AED 7,545
- Emirates (Boeing 777 – 2 layover): AED 23,781
- Etihad (1 layover): AED 22,937
We explored an assortment of flight dates throughout the week and found Qatar Airways to consistently offer the best value for flights to Amman, with airfares lower than 50% compared to others.
Book cheap flights from the UAE to Casablanca
Conclusion
Best value
We have run flight price comparisons to a few more destinations from the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar Airways continues to be the top winner in most scenarios, with only a few exceptions. It provides the cheapest first-class tickets to all the destinations listed above.
Best for luxury
Keeping the cost of ticket prices in mind and the access to the routes, amenities, and facilities, the following airlines are the best in terms of luxury:
Air France
One of the fastest options if you want to fly to Paris like an heiress, Air France offers first-class cabins and an award-winning lounge, dining, and concierge service from UAE. From Sisley beauty products and spa treatments at La Première Lounge Suites to boarding your flight in a Porsche, it is a journey—as important as the destination.
Emirates
Emirates will fly you away to your chosen destination like a royal from Dubai with its award-winning comfortable seats, virtual windows, and luxury skincare amenities. Control the light and temperature of your cabin, feel rejuvenated by freshening up at the shower spa and lounge bar, and continue your skincare routine even in the stratosphere before settling in for a true midnight’s dream.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways can help you arrive at your destination feeling indulged to the T from Abu Dhabi. Start your journey by working out some sweat at the First Lounge or availing yourself of a complimentary spa treatment. After boarding your suite in the air (more details below), experience decadence like never before with gourmet à la carte, designer loungewear, items for a complete skin-care routine and amenity kits.
We recommend checking your flight schedule on Wego to seize the cheapest first-class tickets.
How do the routes and amenities compare?
According to the airlines mentioned above, below is a detailed list of destinations served and amenities offered by them, along with a comprehensive comparison.
Qatar Airways
Destinations served
Qatar Airways serves first class cabin to a select destinations:
- Europe: France, Germany, Austria, etc
- US: New York, etc.
- Asia: Thailand, Singapore, UAE, India, etc.
- Oceania: Sydney
Book on Wego and Get a Discount on Your Qatar Airways Ticket
Amenities
Part of the World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024 list, Qatar Airways offers you the following facilities before and during your flight:
- Spacious, comfortable cabin seats that can be converted to an ultra-comfortable, fully lie-flat bed.
- Cabin workspace with laptop power, USB plug, onboard Wi-Fi, and access to up to 8,000 entertainment options.
- Signature dishes tailored exclusively for you, along with an on-demand à la carte menu.
- Diptyque amenity kits and the White Company loungewear.
- HEPA air filtration for the purest air.
Emirates
Destinations served
Emirates serves first-class cabins to select destinations:
- Europe: UK, France, Spain, etc
- US: New York City, Los Angeles, etc.
- Africa: Egypt
- Asia: Singapore, India, etc.
Amenities
Being a consistent member of the top 10 airlines in the world this decade and holding the third position for World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024, here’s what Emirates’ First Class cabins of Emirates A380 & Boeing 777 offer you high up in the sky:
Emirates A380
- The feeling of traveling in your private jet with enclosed cabin space.
- Access to fine dining at any time during your flight.
- An onboard shower spa and the ultimate lounge bar—just a short walk from your cabin space.
Boeing 777
- The feeling of having access to a personal suite in the sky.
- Access to “Game-changing technology” lets you control the temperature and lighting to match your mood.
- Virtual windows
- Soft leather seating akin to that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Other than these, irrespective of the airplane type, Emirates first-class cabins allow you to convert your seat into a fully flat bed and access comfort items like Bulgari fragrance, exclusive skin-care and spa items, and loungewear and slippers sleep sets.
Air France
Destinations served
Air France serves first-class cabins to select destinations:
- Europe: France (Paris), Austria (Vienna), Germany (Munich), Spain (Barcelona).
- US: New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami.
- South America: Brazil (São Paulo)
- Africa: Côte d’Ivoire (Abidjan)
- Asia: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Singapore, and Japan (Tokyo).
Amenities
With Air France, royal treatment begins before you even step inside the airport. Being a consistent member of the top 10 airlines in the world this decade and holding the second position for World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024, here’s what Air France’s la première classe offers you:
- Porter service takes care of your baggage and assists you in going to the private check-in lounge. Airport formalities are completed on your behalf so you can enjoy the tranquility of the private lounge.
- Air France lounges transport you to a tranquil world of comfort before you board your plane. You enjoy the complete range of signature Sisley beauty treatments exclusively designed for Air France La Première Lounge Suites from Dubai—winner of Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining 2024.
- Expedited boarding in Porsche Cayenne Hybrids.
- A dedicated crew will assist you to your Paris check-in lounge, where you can shower and enjoy snacks prepared by chef Alain Ducasse and his teams.
- La première cabins are equipped with individual cloakrooms, bedside lamps, and seats that can be transformed into beds with memory foam mattresses, pillows and fluffy duvets—just like in a hotel suite.
- Access to over 1500 hours of entertainment in 12 different languages.
British Airways
Destinations served
British Airways serves first-class cabins to select destinations:
- Europe: UK, Netherlands, etc
- US: New York, Miami, etc.
- Asia: Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, UAE, and more.
- Oceania: Sydney
Book on Wego and Get a Discount on Your British Airways Ticket
Amenities
Part of the World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024 list, your luxurious travel with British Airways will include the following facilities before and during your flight:
- Exclusive and dedicated service.
- Generous baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding.
- Luxurious lounges—HAYYAK Lounge at terminal 3 for RUH and Aerotel Lobby Lounge at terminal 1 for JED.
- Anytime dining experience in the finest crockeries designed by exclusive British designers.
- Private, spacious suite-like cabins with a flatbed and flat-screen HD screen connected to Paramount+
- Seven luxury skincare products from Elemis UK are packed in a Temperley amenity bag in a ‘D’ora’ print, along with Temperley London loungewear and slippers.
Etihad Airways
Destinations served
Etihad Airways serves first-class cabins to select destinations:
- Europe: Paris, Vienna, Munich, etc
- US: New York, etc
- Africa: Cairo, etc
- Asia: India, Singapore, etc
Book on Wego and Get a Discount on Your Etihad Airways Ticket
Amenities
When flying with Etihad Airways, know the world is their home, you are their guest. Part of the top 10 on the World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024, here are all the facilities you can avail of when flying with them:
- Relax at the First Lounge before boarding your flight. You can even work some last-minute sweat at the Fitness Room, and your clothes will be ironed as you shower later and freshen up—all before boarding your plane.
- When boarding from Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi, you can enjoy a complimentary spa treatment at the Be Relax Spa, next to Gate C27.
- The most comfortable seats can be converted into beds—part of Best First Class Airline Seats in 2024.
- Gourmet dining experience includes an extensive à la carte menu and a boutique wine list.
- Comfortable seats that can be converted to a fully flat bed along with a natural fiber mattress, plush duvet and pillow and Giorgio Armani sleepwear and super soft slippers.
- Amenity kit made in collaboration with Giorgio Armani with ESPA skincare essentials like hand cream, rest and recovery balm, facial mist, lip treatment and pulse point oil.
Available for selected destinations like Paris, Etihad Airways’ A380 flight offers the added luxury of stepping inside a three-room suite up in the sky called “The Residence,” which has an ensuite shower room, private bedroom with a double bed and separate living area.
Lufthansa
Destinations served
Lufthansa Group serves first-class cabins to select destinations:
- Europe: Paris, Vienna, Munich, London, etc.
- US: New York City, etc.
- Africa: Egypt
- Asia: Singapore, India, Japan, etc.
Amenities
When you fly with Lufthansa, you say yes to the world. Being a consistent member of the top 10 airlines in the world this decade and holding the sixth position for World’s Best First Class Airlines of 2024, Lufthansa’s first-class tickets open up a world of luxury flying that can be as personalized as you wish. Some of these include the following:
- Maximum privacy with utmost comfort, just like in a hotel suite.
- 2 separately controllable extra-wide seats can be converted into a spacious single or double bed.
- 43-inch monitor in 4K quality, with wireless charging and noise-cancelling headphones.
- Culinary extravaganza, including Michelin-quality cuisine on board.
- In-flight entertainment includes more than 100 films in up to eight languages, including Hollywood blockbusters, new German and European productions, and movies from Japan, China, and India—all of which you can enjoy with Bose noise-cancelling headphones.
[Total: 162 Average: 4.7]
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Source: blog.wego.com