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Emirates orders 65 additional Boeing 777X aircraft
Emirates announced orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by GE 9X engines, worth US$ 38 billion at list prices, on the opening day of Dubai Airshow 2025. This takes the airline’s total orderbook with Boeing to 315 widebody aircraft, comprising 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s; and its orderbook with GE Aerospace for GE9X engines to a total of 540 units including the 130 additional units signed today. This is a massive long-term commitment to US aerospace manufacturing, generating support for hundreds of thousands of high value manufacturing jobs in the US over the life of the programmes. Emirates’ latest agreement with Boeing also provides strong backing for Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10, a larger variant of its 777X family, with the airline signing up for options to convert its latest 777-9 order into the 777-10 or the 777-8. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator and we are expanding our commitment to the programme today with additional orders worth US$ 38 billion for 65 Boeing 777-9s, and 130 GE9X engines. This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE, and to US aerospace. “Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans. Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy, and we look forward to continue working closely with Boeing to receive delivery of our first 777-9s from Q2 of 2027, and to equip our latest aircraft with state-of-the-art, industry-leading onboard products.” Commenting on the 777-10 study, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates has been open about the fact that we are keen for manufacturers to build larger capacity aircraft, which are more efficient to operate especially with projected air traffic growth and increasing constraints at airports. We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10 and have options to convert our latest 777-9 order to the 777-10 or the 777-8.” Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said: “We are deeply honoured that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network. Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates over the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers and developed a reputation for excellence and innovation. We look forward to growing our partnership and for Emirates to fly Boeing airplanes for decades to come.” Russell Stokes, President & CEO, Commercial Engines & Services for GE Aerospace said: “We are proud to deepen our decades-long partnership with Emirates as we advance the future of flight together. Already the world’s largest customer for GE90 and GP7200 engines, this additional GE9X order reflects Emirates’ confidence in our technology and our team. We are ready to support Emirates in every way to leverage the efficiency and durability of our industry-leading solutions and services.” Over its 40-year history, Emirates has operated every model in the Boeing 777 family and today flies the largest 777 fleet in the world, powered by GE90 engines. Emirates’ 119 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 777-200LRs, and 11 Boeing 777 freighters connect Dubai to over 140 cities and facilitate trade, commerce and tourism traffic across six continents. After today’s order, Emirates will be expecting Boeing aircraft deliveries up to 2038, a long-term commitment and partnership that will engage the skill and craftmanship of many thousands of workers who manufacture and assemble the 777X and GE9X engines at locations throughout the United States including in Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont and Washington. Emirates aircraft fleet and orderbook – 17 November 2025 Aircraft In fleet Future deliveries Airbus A380 116 - Airbus A350-900 13 52 Boeing 777-300ER 119 - Boeing 777-200LR 10 - Boeing 777 freighters 11 10 Boeing 777-9 - 270 Boeing 787s - 35 TOTAL 269 367
Emirates A350 starred in the spectacular 2025 Dubai Airshow opening flypast
Making its first-ever appearance in aerial formation, the Emirates A350 starred in the spectacular 2025 Dubai Airshow opening flypast. Joined by the Emirates Boeing 777 and the iconic A380, the airline showcased its full fleet in flight for the first time since the A350’s arrival in November 2024. Representing the UAE’s impressive aviation capabilities, the aerial performance consisted of a 60 aircraft formation, with Emirates headlining the commercial aviation fleet, followed by other UAE commercial airlines, and a fleet of military aircraft and helicopters. The iconic Emirates A380 flew at an altitude of 500ft, followed by the Boeing 777 at 700 ft and finally the A350 flying at an altitude of 900ft. One of the Dubai Airshow’s most highly anticipated events, the stunning aerial display delighted thousands of attendees, as the formation soared above the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) runway. Propelling the UAE’s aviation legacy forward, the Emirates section of the showcase was helmed by an all-Emirati team, from planning to piloting the aircraft. Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri flew the A380 at the head of formation, while Captain Ali Almarzooqi and Captain Rashed Murshed commanded the Boeing 777 and the A350 respectively. Captain Khalid Akram, Deputy Chief Pilot Boeing was on the Flight Control Committee team overseeing the entire commercial showcase. Planning for the aerial display is extensive and requires coordination with the full aviation ecosystem, including several teams at the airline, the other UAE carriers, the UAE Ministry of Defence, the UAE Military, and Air Traffic Controllers and collaborating with the Dubai Air Show Flying Control Committee and both aviation authorities (DCAA and GCAA). Every minute detail was factored in – from the varying air traffic patterns and areas over flown to weather and wind conditions – to ensure a seamless performance.
Emirates to launch third daily service to Nairobi
Building on Emirates’ 30th anniversary of operations to Kenya it has announced a third daily flight to Nairobi, commencing 1st March 2026. With the additional frequency, the Kenyan capital will be served with 21 Emirates flights per week, connecting travellers to Dubai, and onwards to the airline’s vast global network of close to 150 destinations. The new flight complements Emirates’ existing schedule into Nairobi, adding an early morning arrival and departure to enhance two-way connectivity with key European destinations, including the UK, France, Norway and Italy, as well as the US. By creating easier access from key markets, the additional frequency will further support Kenya’s tourism goals, which aim to attract 5 million international tourists by 2030. EK717 will depart Dubai at 00:55 hrs, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 05:05 hrs; the return flight, EK718, will depart Nairobi at 06:50 hrs and arrive in Dubai at 12:50 hrs. In recent months, Emirates has been operating its double daily flights at a healthy seat factor, underlining the growing demand for air travel. The third daily service, operated on a three-class Boeing 777, will boost Emirates’ capacity and provide more access to the airline’s world-class product and services, including its First Class cabins, which Emirates exclusively operates in and out of the city. The new flight schedule has been optimised for connectivity with key flights operated by Kenya Airways, enabling seamless onward travel to top regional destinations such as Rwanda, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mozambique and Burundi. Since signing the agreement in 2023, over 31,000 passengers have benefited from the interline partnership between the two airlines, with a near 50/50 split of bookings, highlighting the mutual benefits for both Emirates and Kenya Airways customers. Beyond passenger travel, the additional flight will also boost the transportation of goods to and from Kenya, with an additional 280 tonnes of capacity weekly in and out of Nairobi via the belly of the Boeing 777. The early morning departure will be particularly beneficial for the movement of time- and temperature-sensitive perishable commodities like fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Kenya and the UAE have deep-rooted and mutually beneficial bilateral and economic relations, headlined by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, has played a key role in facilitating global trade with Kenya, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi, in addition to the soon-to-be three daily passenger flights offering a total weekly capacity of over 1,100 tonnes in and out of the market. In October, Emirates marked 30 years of service to Nairobi, following the inaugural flight in 1995. Since then, the airline has carried over 6.6 million passengers to and from the country, forging key inbound traffic from South Korea, China, Thailand and Australia as well as ultra-long-haul passengers travelling from the US. The outbound traffic is similar, with destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing, China; Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; and Seattle, New York and Washington proving popular with travellers from Kenya. In 2024, Emirates opened Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi, introducing the airline’s refined retail store experience to the region for the first time. Featuring immersive product displays and an expert team to provide travel consultation and bookings, the store further elevates Emirates’ world-class customer experience, on-ground. Bookings for all three daily flights on the Dubai-Nairobi route are open now, on emirates.com, Emirates Retail Stores, the Emirates app, and preferred travel agencies.
Emirates deploys Airbus A350 between Hangzhou and Dubai
Emirates has recently deployed its new Airbus A350 aircraft on flights between Dubai and Hangzhou. With this significant move, Hangzhou becomes the first Chinese mainland city to feature Emirates’ latest aircraft type, further underscoring the airline’s unwavering commitment to the Chinese market. Since launching in July 2025, Emirates’ daily Dubai-Hangzhou service has received steady demand from customers, as it provides the Chinese city with capacity and global connectivity via Dubai. By deploying its latest generation aircraft to Hangzhou, Emirates aims to further enhance the onboard experience for travellers while ensuring product consistency. Operated by Emirates’ Airbus A350, flight EK310 departs daily from Dubai International Airport at 04:15hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00hrs. The return flight, EK311, departs from Hangzhou at 00:10hrs and lands in Dubai at 06:10hrs. All times are local. Orhan Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (Far East), commented: “In line with its expansion efforts in East Asia, Emirates has significantly enhanced its operations in the Chinese mainland by adding two new main gateways, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, introducing new and enhanced cabins to both cities. Since it launched, Hangzhou has become a strategic hub for Emirates’ ongoing development in China. Its robust economic growth, international outlook, and diversified brand landscape make it one of China’s most dynamic and high-potential markets, along with its neighbouring cities, such as Jinhua, Shaoxing, Ningbo and Taizhou. The deployment of the Airbus A350 on the Hangzhou route demonstrates Emirates’ efforts to align with the evolving travel trends in the Chinese market and further deepen its presence.” Adam Li, Vice President China of Emirates Airline, said: “Since the launch of our daily Dubai-Hangzhou route on 30 July, we have witnessed a strong demand from Hangzhou and the wider Zhejiang region. As a key aviation hub in eastern China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, with its efficient facilities and modern infrastructure has become a strategic gateway for Emirates’ already deepening presence in the Chinese market. Its prime geographical location and robust regional economy provide unparalleled competitive advantages for foreign airlines connecting the Yangtze River Delta economic zone with global markets. “We’re grateful for the strong support from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in ensuring the success of Emirates’ launch and ongoing operations and are pleased to select Hangzhou as the first Chinese mainland city to receive our new A350 aircraft.” Emirates’ Airbus A350: redefining excellence in air travel As the first new aircraft type introduced by Emirates since 2008, the Airbus A350 complements the airline’s existing fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s serving the Chinese mainland. The A350 features Emirates’ latest-generation iconic cabin design, with higher ceilings and wider aisles throughout, creating a more spacious and airier environment. The cabin is meticulously designed to ensure passenger comfort, seamlessly integrating smart technology and a world-class in-flight entertainment system to elevate the travel experience. The introduction of the A350 on the Hangzhou route brings Emirates’ Premium Economy Class to Chinese passengers, offering a richer selection of premium travel options. Emirates’ Premium Economy Class delivers an experience comparable to the business class of many airlines to bring travelers an exceptional flying experience that includes spacious reclining leather seats with full leg and foot support, adjustable headrests, built-in charging ports, and side cocktail tables. Passengers enjoy a 13.3-inch personal screen, access to over 6,500 entertainment channels, plush oversized pillows, and blankets. The Emirates A350 is configured with a three-class layout, accommodating 312 passengers: 32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement, 21 highly acclaimed Premium Economy Class seats in a 2-3-2 layout, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. For more information or to book your flight, please visit the official Emirates website emirates.com/cn, the Emirates mobile app, contact Emirates Customer Service Center, or consult your travel agent. Passengers booking through Emirates’ official website can also enjoy the convenience of online payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Emirates Group hits new half-year profit record for 2025-26
The Emirates Group announced a new record half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, making this the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for the half-year reporting period. After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax is AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), up 13% from last year. Illustrating its strong operating performance, the Group maintained a robust EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), 3% higher than the AED 20.4 billion (US$ 5.6 billion) reported for the same period last year. Group revenue was AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, up 4% from AED 70.8 billion (US$ 19.3 billion) last year. The Group closed the first half year of 2025-26 with a record cash position of AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) on 30 September 2025, compared to AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion) on 31 March 2025. The Group has been able to tap on its own strong cash reserves to support business needs, including funding for new aircraft deliveries and servicing existing debt obligations. The Group also paid the remaining AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) in dividend to its owner, of the AED 6 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) declared during the financial year 2024-25. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025-26. I’m delighted to note that Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period. “This performance was primarily driven by the unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services, which drove revenue growth and profitability. “Emirates and dnata have invested billions to continually enhance our products and services, to bring new products to market, to improve our operations through innovation and technology, and to look after our employees who ensure our customers’ safety and satisfaction. These are core to our DNA. “The Group’s strong profitability enables us to continue making these investments, and to scale up our proven business models in concert with Dubai’s growth as a global city of choice for talent, for businesses, and for tourists.” Sheikh Ahmed added: “Global demand for air transport and travel services has been buoyant, despite geo-political events and economic concerns in some markets. We expect this demand resilience to continue for the rest of 2025-26 and look forward to increasing our capacity to grow revenues as new A350 aircraft join the Emirates fleet, and new facilities come online at dnata.” To support increased operations and business activities, the Emirates Group’s employee base, compared to 31 March 2025, grew 3% to an overall count of 124,927 on 30 September 2025. Both Emirates and dnata have ongoing recruitment drives to support their future requirements. Emirates airline Emirates continued to enhance its network and connectivity options through its Dubai hub. During the first half of 2025-26, Emirates launched new flight services to: Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. At 30 September, Emirates’ passenger and cargo network spanned 153 airports in 81 countries and territories. The airline strengthened its network connectivity by deploying 28 additional weekly scheduled flights to: Antananarivo, Johannesburg, Muscat, Rome, Riyadh and Taipei. Providing even more connection options for customers, during the first six months of 2025-26, Emirates entered agreements with 3 codeshare and interline partners: Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny. Between 1 April and 30 September, Emirates received delivery of 5 new A350 aircraft, adding more Business Class and Premium Economy seats into the airline’s inventory. During this period, 23 aircraft (6 A380s, 17 Boeing 777s) with fully refreshed interiors rolled out of the airline’s US$ 5 billion retrofit programme. This enabled Emirates to bring its latest cabin products to even more markets, including the industry-leading Emirates Premium Economy. By 30 September, Emirates Premium Economy was available to customers flying between Dubai and 61 cities. On ground, “Emirates First” opened at Dubai Airport, offering First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members a luxurious private check-in area and experience. In the first six months of 2025-26, Emirates accelerated the roll-out of its retail strategy with the opening of new concept travel stores in Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore. Emirates continued to progress on its environmental initiatives, uplifting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) where available and feasible, including at 37 airports. In April, Emirates joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), a network of organisations committed to building a circular economy for aviation and creating new pathways to accelerate decarbonisation through high-value circularity in the global supply chain. In the first half of 2025-26, Emirates made notable investments to boost its global brand visibility. The airline signed multi-year sponsorship deals to become Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munchen, Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid Basketball, and Premium Partner and Official Airline Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup. Emirates also extended its partnership with ATP as Premier Partner and Official Airline of the ATP Tour up to 2030, and its shirt sponsorship with Olympique Lyonnais until 2030. Overall capacity during the first six months of the year increased by 5% to 31.3 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM) due to expanded flight operations. Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), increased by 5%, whilst passenger traffic carried measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) was up by 4% with an average Passenger Seat Factor of 79.5%, compared with 80.0% during the same period last year. Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers between 1 April and 30 September 2025, up 4% from the same period last year. Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes in the first six months of the year, up by 4% compared to the same period last year. Customer demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised products and excellent network of freighter and bellyhold cargo operations remained steady. However, cargo yields decreased by 6% due to softening demand in some market segments amidst tariff concerns. Emirates SkyCargo added capacity from 3 new Boeing 777 freighter delivered. In April, the cargo division launched Emirates Courier Express, an innovative product that leverages the power of the airline’s global network to provide door-to-door express shipping services for businesses. Cementing its position as the world’s most profitable airline for the half year reporting period, Emirates profit before tax for the first half of 2025-26 hit a new record of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), compared to AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Emirates profit after tax is AED 9.9 billion (US$ 2.7 billion), up 13% from last year. Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion) was up 6% compared with AED 62.2 billion (US$ 16.9 billion) for the same period last year. The airline’s new record revenue can be attributed to unabated travel appetite across markets, and customer preference for Emirates’ products and services, particularly for its premium cabins. Emirates’ operating costs (including fuel) grew by 4% in line with increased operations. Fuel remains the largest component of the airline’s operating cost at 30%. Driven by customer demand and increased operations during the six months, Emirates’ EBITDA of AED 19.7 billion (US$ 5.4 billion) remained strong, up 3% compared to AED 19.1 billion (US$ 5.2 billion) for the same period last year. Emirates Flight Catering grew revenue from external customers by 13% to AED 555 million (US$ 151 million), uplifting 7.7 million meals (up by 2%) for 116 airlines during the period. Emirates Leisure Retail acquired the remaining 25% stake in Air Ventures LLC in the US, securing full ownership of the entity, which operates airport retail and F&B outlets. dnata dnata saw strong growth in the first six months of 2025-26, as it continued to ramp up operations across its cargo and ground handling, catering and retail, and travel services businesses. In the first half of 2025-26, dnata’s airport services and catering and retail divisions won several significant new contracts and grew existing customers across its international operations. This shows dnata’s ability to serve the diverse requirements of its airline customers with high safety standards and consistently high-quality products and services. dnata continued to make strategic investments in its business to respond to customer needs and tap on market prospects. It announced plans to deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units across its global network in 2025, an investment valued at US$ 110 million to further enhance operational performance and secure a steady supply of advanced, lower-emission equipment to support dnata’s growth and sustainability targets. Other highlights in the first half of 2025-26 include: the launch of its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, in the United Kingdom; a €3 million minority stake investment in WonderMiles, an advanced NDC-enabled booking platform to strengthen dnata Travel’s corporate business offering; and the disposal of its 75% stake in Super Bus, which operates sightseeing tours in the UAE. dnata also entered its first major sports sponsorship partnership, signing a three-year agreement with Dubai Basketball to become a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise. dnata achieved a new record half-year revenue, crossing the US$ 3.0 billion mark for the first time for this reporting period. dnata’s revenue, including other operating income, of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) increased by 13% compared to AED 10.4 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) generated in the same period last year. Overall profit before tax for dnata is AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up by 17% from the same period last year. dnata’s profit after tax is AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), up 22% from last year. Illustrating its operating performance, dnata’s EBITDA was AED 1.4 billion (US$ 372 million), up 5% from last year’s AED 1.3 billion (US$ 354 million). dnata’s airport operations remains the largest contributor to revenue with AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, as its airline customers’ operations continued to pick up particularly in Italy, Australia, the UK and the UAE. Across its operations, the number of aircraft turns handled by dnata increased by 15% to 450,903 bolstered by its newly launched operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport, and it recorded 1.59 million tonnes of cargo handled, up by 3% due to additional cargo handling driven by its UAE operations. dnata’s flight catering and retail operations, contributed AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) to its revenue, up 11% as its retail product grew significantly as part of the division’s strategy, catering production increases in Australia and the UK to meet customer demand, and the positive impact of revised contracts to reflect rising supply costs. The overall number of meals uplifted slightly decreased by 1% to 60.0 million meals compared to last year. dnata's travel division contributed AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million) to revenue, up 11% compared to AED 1.8 billion (US$ 483 million) for the same period last year. The division reported an underlying total transactional value (TTV) of AED 5.0 billion (US$ 1.4 billion), compared to AED 4.5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), up 9% compared to the same period last year.
Emirates invests in facial recognition technology across DXB
Emirates has invested AED 85 million to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – allowing more customers to pass through Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board the aircraft, simply by facial recognition, with a quick and easy registration on Emirates app. Eliminating the need to take out a passport and boarding pass at various points in the airport, the new biometrics initiative is a collaboration between Emirates and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), that reduces processing time significantly for all registered customers. The powerful cameras can recognise the biometric profile of a customer from one metre away, allowing customers to walk swiftly through areas where they used to have to pause and show documents. Whether visiting the UAE or as a resident, any Emirates customer can sign up for the swift and secure biometrics services on the Emirates app, at the Self-Service Kiosks at the airport, or at Check-In desks. Consenting to Emirates Biometrics Registration once, allows customers to skip queues and speed through the airport every time they travel, choosing the route of the dedicated Biometric Zones when flying to and from Dubai International (DXB). Adel al Redha, Emirates' Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer said:‘With our latest Biometrics Path development, Emirates has invested in further innovations to enhance the customer travel experience, providing remarkable speed, efficiency, and accuracy at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport. Since 2017, we have been working in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.’ Commenting on the collaboration, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, said: ‘At GDRFA Dubai, innovation has long been part of our DNA and a cornerstone of our services. Over the years, we have integrated artificial intelligence and biometric technologies to make travel through Dubai faster, safer, and more intuitive. Our partnership with Emirates continues this path of excellence, reflecting the spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai’s government and private sectors. Together, we are shaping a seamless travel experience that embodies reputation of the United Arab Emirates in general, and Dubai in particular, for efficiency, hospitality, and digital governance.’ How Emirates Customers can use Biometrics at DXB Step 1: Register Customers can register using the Emirates app, or in person at check‑in desks in Dubai. Customers must be 18 years or above to register and each customer must register individually. Using the Emirates app to complete registration takes only a few minutes. Customers are required to be members of Emirates Skywards and need to simply scan their passport, ensure all passport details match their Emirates Skywards profile, and provide consent for Emirates to use details stored in the UAE General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs database. Step 2: Enjoy a Biometric check-in Once a customer is registered, they can use biometric facial recognition to check‑in at kiosks whenever they fly from Dubai. Customers will soon be able to use biometrics at Connections when transferring to another Emirates flight. Step 3: Breeze through Biometric Smart Gates in Dubai Emirates customers can also skip queues at Immigration by using the GDFRAD-managed Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3, every time they arrive and depart from Dubai. Customers just need to step into the Smart Gate, wait for a quick photo, and continue to security or baggage collection in seconds. Customers can use the Smart Gates if they are a UAE citizen or resident, or a GCC national, or visa on arrival visitor with a biometric passport. Step 4: A seamless Biometric entry to the Emirates Lounge Emirates customers eligible for Lounge access, may enter the lounge at Concourse B through facial recognition at five entry points. Registered customers simply approach the gate, look at the camera, and walk through to the lounge to enjoy a wide range of chef-crafted dishes and beverages, and world-class facilities. Step 5: Speedy Biometric boarding There is no need for registered biometrics customers to reach for their boarding pass, as they can board faster with biometric facial recognition. Some of Emirates departure gates on Concourses A, B and C have biometric boarding, with more coming soon. Process and Consent for Emirates Biometric Registration If a person has visited Dubai before, or is a resident of Dubai, and has a biometric record with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), Emirates can match their facial image against their GDRFAD profile once the person registers. If the person does not yet have a GDRFAD profile, Emirates can create a temporary biometric profile to register consent for Emirates Biometrics. Once the person enters Dubai, the temporary profile will be converted to a GDRFAD profile and Emirates will use that next time they fly to and from Dubai. A GDRFAD profile is a digital profile created and managed by GDRFAD when a customer visits Dubai.
Emirates boosts presence in Egypt with a fifth daily flight
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is deploying an additional six weekly frequencies on the Dubai-Cairo route from 1st December 2025*. Strategically scheduled for maximum connectivity with the airline’s vast global network, the additional frequencies will cater to the increased demand during peak winter season. From 1st February 2026*, this will scale to a daily flight with revised timings that complements the current schedule of four daily flights, reinforcing the airline’s confidence in meeting strong leisure and corporate travel demand in and out of Egypt. Operated with a Boeing 777, the flight schedule is optimised for seamless connections with key destinations in Asia including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and many more. As one of the earliest destinations on Emirates’ global network, Egypt has long been a priority market for the airline. Cairo already boasts the highest deployment of the iconic Emirates A380s in the Middle East and North Africa, outside of Dubai, and once live with the fifth daily service, will also become the most served city in the airline’s African network, a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to the market as it approaches 40 years of service. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “As one of the region’s busiest gateways for both passengers and cargo, Cairo has long been a key destination for Emirates. The additional service will make it easier for customers to connect across our network, while fostering strong trade and tourism links between Egypt, the UAE and the wider world. On the eve of our 40th anniversary of operations to Cairo, the enhanced schedule is a mark of our unwavering commitment to the region. We’d like to extend our thanks to the Egyptian authorities for their support in securing this new frequency and look forward to welcoming passengers onboard soon.” Egypt and the UAE have longstanding strong bilateral relations, including numerous tourism, industrial and commercial developments across Cairo and the country’s northern coast in addition to other areas. The additional frequency is set to boost connectivity between the two countries, while also increasing cargo capacity in and out of Egypt, offering 300 tonnes via the belly of the Boeing 777, weekly. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, uplifts key commodities, including beloved Egyptian fresh produce such as strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, further stimulating the economy and connecting Egyptian businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently. Emirates has firmly established itself as a long-term partner of Egypt’s aviation, tourism and trade, since the inaugural flight in 1986. Since then, the airline has scaled operations, increased frequencies and served over 10 million passengers to and from the market, forging key inbound traffic from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and Australia, among others.
Emirates launches Emirates World store in Riyadh
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has inaugurated its latest Emirates World retail store in Riyadh, introducing an immersive experience-led travel retail concept to the Kingdom. Located in the heart of Riyadh, the new, 288m2 store is ready to welcome customers in a stylish, lounge-inspired space to plan their next journey, receive expert travel advice, and experience Emirates’ signature products through interactive and immersive displays. The store was inaugurated by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, alongside Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of International Affairs; Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, in presence of His Excellency Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Ali Rajab, Executive Vice President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The opening ceremony was also attended by trade partners and government representatives. Adnan Kazim said, "Saudi Arabia is one of Emirates' most important markets, and Emirates World in Riyadh reflects our commitment to the Kingdom. This flagship store transforms how customers experience our brand, offering personalised service, a seamless booking process, and travel solutions design around their needs." Travel planning, elevated The Emirates World concept redefines the traditional airline retail experience by combining personalised service with smart, interactive technologies. At the Riyadh store, visitors can explore Emirates’ signature onboard products, including the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge as well as the luxurious First-Class suite and enjoy one-on-one consultations with Emirates’ travel experts on itinerary planning, ticketing, or general queries. The travel consultants have been cross-trained, ensuring a one-stop shop that includes airline ticketing, Emirates Holidays and Skywards support. The store also features innovative digital touchpoints such as the ‘selfie mirror’, allowing visitors to capture moments against scenic destination backdrops, and self-service kiosks, designed to reduce wait times and offer a smoother, faster service. Strong, continued commitment to the Kingdom Emirates has been a part of the Kingdom’s skies for over three decades, operating 74 weekly flights between Dubai and Saudi Arabia’s four gateways - Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina – connecting travellers to over 150 Emirates’ global destinations via a seamless stopover in Dubai. The airline has continually invested in expanding capacity and enhancing the travel experience for Saudi customers, deploying its latest aircraft including the Airbus A350, iconic Airbus A380s and retrofitted Boeing 777s on select routes. Just last year, Emirates also opened a dedicated premium lounge in Jeddah and launched Chauffeur-Drive Service in Riyadh, making them the first Emirates’ regional destinations to offer such services. The airline also maintains strong partnerships with local stakeholders, supporting tourism, trade, and business links between the Kingdom and the UAE, in line with Vision 2030.
Emirates celebrates 30 years of operations to Nairobi
Emirates marks 30 successful years of flying to Nairobi, Kenya. Since the inaugural flight in October 1995, Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers to and from the country, on over 34,250 flights. Served with a double daily Boeing 777 service, Emirates connects Nairobi, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, with over 145 countries on its vast global network, facilitating trade and tourism. In the last year, key inbound traffic has been from Asia and Australasia, including South Korea, China, Thailand and Australia as well as ultra-long-haul passengers travelling from the US. The outbound traffic is similar, with travellers from Kenya visiting destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing, China; Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; and Seattle, New York and Washington. Further expanding their combined footprints, Emirates and Kenya’s flag carrier, Kenya Airways, signed an interline partnership in 2023, offering seamless one-ticket-itineraries and unlocking connectivity to some of the most in-demand tourist destinations in East Africa. In the last 2 years, 31,000 passengers have taken advantage of the partnership – with almost a 50/50 balance between Kenya Airways passengers and Emirates passengers. The most popular destinations Emirates passengers travel to beyond Nairobi are Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro), Mozambique and Burundi. Commenting on the milestone anniversary, Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, said: “Since launch, Nairobi has been one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network, not just with international tourists but with corporate travellers connecting with one of the continent’s major economic hubs. Over the last three decades, we have steadily and strategically expanded our operations both in the skies and on the ground to provide our renowned world-class experience in Kenya. We are proud to play a key role in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade journey and remain committed to the destination for the decades to come.” Nairobi is home to Africa’s very first Emirates World travel store, which opened its doors and introduced the airline’s reimagined retail concept in 2024. Centrally located in the ultra-modern Cube, Riverside Drive, the store offers customers expert travel advice, immersive displays and the airline’s elevated experience. Since the very first flight, Emirates has provided an outstanding passenger experience and, to date, remains the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins. The airline also offers one of the most generous baggage allowances on the market, starting at two bags at 23KG each in Economy and two bags at 32KG each in First and Business Class, per traveller. Passengers in every cabin can enjoy regionally inspired menus prepared by award-winning chefs, and over 6,500 channels of entertainment, including Kenyan movies, TV shows and music. Kenya and the UAE have deep-rooted and mutually beneficial bilateral and economic relations, headlined by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, has played a key role in facilitating global trade with Kenya, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi, in addition to the bellyhold capacity in passenger aircraft. Kenya is one of the top four flower producing countries in the world, growing popular buds such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums. In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted over 16,000 tonnes of fresh cut flowers, transporting them from farm to florist in as little as 24 hours. Emirates also created employment opportunities, both with the 50-person strong staff in Nairobi and across its global operations. Over 1,100 Kenyans work with The Emirates Group in a variety of different roles, from HR, sales and marketing, through to flight deck. 254 of those employees work as part of Emirates’ multinational Cabin Crew community, and a further 41 are employed as pilots, travelling all over the globe with the world’s largest international airline. Beyond its operations, Emirates supports three Kenyan humanitarian organisations focused on child welfare through the Emirates Airline Foundation. The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School provides holistic education and rehabilitation for children, and the Foundation has supported its meal programme since 2014; Alfajiri Street Kids offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; and finally, the Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships for 10 students at the Starehe Boys’ Centre which delivers academic support for underprivileged boys and includes a high school and multiple tertiary programmes.
Emirates welcomes UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters
After a triumphant season, UAE Team Emirates XRG have touched down in Dubai, making their first stop at Emirates Group Headquarters. During their visit, employees, many cycling enthusiasts, were given a chance to meet and mingle with team members. The team was led by Tadej Pogačar, world number one in the UCI World Ranking and four-time Tour de France champion. He was joined by world number 5 João Almeida, along with riders Florian Vermeersch, Jay Vine, Johnatan Narváez, and Tim Wellens. The team's CEO, Mauro Gianetti, also attended. They were warmly welcomed by Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. The visit followed the team's impressive season, which saw them achieve a record number of victories across the global cycling calendar. Emirates employees interacted with the riders and celebrated the team’s remarkable achievements, underscoring the strong partnership between Emirates and UAE Team Emirates XRG. Emirates has been the co-title sponsor and a steadfast supporter of UAE Team Emirates XRG since its inception in 2017. The airline renewed its partnership with UAE Team Emirates XRG earlier this year. The team will participate in a community ride in Al Hudayriat Island on 30 October 2025 to celebrate the landmark season.
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