New York – 31 August 2026: Seven kids. One legendary court. One Grand Slam star. For a handful of young tennis players from Miami Gardens, Brooklyn's Kings County Tennis League, and East Palo Alto, today wasn't just another day at the US Open - it was the day they got to rally with a pro at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The seven were nominated by the USTA Foundation for their game, as well as for who they are off the court - strong students, natural leaders, and active volunteers in their communities.

Miami Gardens, Brooklyn's Kings County Tennis League, and East Palo Alto are communities that have benefitted so far from Emirates' Force for Good initiative. This community-focussed programme, run in partnership with the USTA Foundation, has funded court refurbishments in under-resourced neighborhoods for the past three years.

Today, young players from each city stepped onto Arthur Ashe to trade shots with Isner, soaking up pointers straight from one of the game's biggest names. The event was not only a clinic, but also a platform that brought kids from different Force for Good communities together for the first time and gave them a shared sense of what accessible courts and real mentorship can build.

Emirates cabin crew were on hand to give out encouragement and a fresh kit of high-quality tennis gear to each young participant to fuel their next season. There was also time for autographs and photos with Isner.

Emirates also opened its doors for the day to additional young fans and their families, giving even more people a taste of US Open magic.

Miami, Florida – 11 August 2026: Emirates and the USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTA Foundation), in partnership with the Sloane Stephens Foundation, have joined forces to present newly refurbished tennis courts to the community of Miami as part of Emirates’ “Force for Good” court rejuvenation initiative. The world’s largest international airline’s contribution of USD 500,000 supported the construction of one of the two new courts in the city in addition to funding programs to benefit youth in the community.

The global airline contributed to the tennis court project at Buccaneer Park in Miami Gardens, in its commitment to uplift U.S. communities and engage young people from under-resourced communities through sports, by providing access to tennis and education. During this year’s programme efforts, two courts were renovated for the local Miami community.

Sloane Stephens, Founder of the Sloane Stephens Foundation, and Sybil Smith, Executive Director of the Sloane Stephens Foundation, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they're capable of, and access to welcoming places to play is where that journey begins. These newly renovated courts represent far more than a place to play tennis. They are a place where young people can build confidence, develop life skills, form meaningful connections, and dream bigger. We're so proud to work with the USTA Foundation and Emirates to create opportunities that will leave a lasting impact on the next generation for years to come."

The newly refurbished tennis courts have so far benefited approximately 1,000 students and young people from the Miami Gardens community, which is closely associated with professional tennis player Sloane Stephens.

For the next two years, Emirates has committed to continue funding to support more projects that will touch the lives of youth and families across the nation, in collaboration with the USTA Foundation.

As Emirates' Force for Good initiative expands, it continues to build on its connections with the communities that benefit from the program. At the 2026 US Open, six young players, two each from Miami Gardens, Kings County Tennis League, and East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring will take part in a VIP clinic on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, learning valuable tips from a tennis legend. Delivered in collaboration with the USTA Foundation and the Sloane Stephens Foundation, the day brings together youth from past court rejuvenation projects, with nominees selected by the USTA Foundation based on academic performance, leadership, community service, and tennis ability.

Emirates has been a proud partner and Official Airline of the US Open since 2012. The airline began its U.S. operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates out of 12 U.S. gateways, including two points in Florida – Miami and Orlando – in addition to Boston, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Dallas, and New York JFK.

For more information, visit emirates.com.

About Force for Good

The ‘Force for Good’ initiative uplifts communities and creates opportunities for youth of all ages to develop their sporting skills and engage in educational programs that contribute to their future success and overall wellbeing. In addition to the refurbishment of the tennis courts, the funding will continue to support programming designed to provide youth with access to tennis, cultivating a spirit of sport and excellence, alongside educational opportunities.

About Emirates

Emirates began operations to the U.S. in 2004 with its scheduled services to New York JFK. The airline serves customers with its award-winning services and seamless connectivity to its global network of almost 140 destinations. Travelers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, thanks to regionally-inspired, multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs and complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can sit back and relax with more than 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content featuring movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. Emirates currently offers services to 12 U.S. gateways, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). More information can be found at www.emirates.com

About the USTA

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, along with approximately 100 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and TikTok.

USTA Foundation (USTAF or USTA Foundation Incorporated) is a national non-profit organization that provides the powerful combination of tennis, education, and mentorship to prepare young people from under-resourced communities for the challenges and opportunities of life. Founded in 1994, the USTA Foundation serves as the social impact arm of the USTA. For more information, visit ustafoundation.com and stay connected through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Sloane Stephens Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Grand Slam champion and former World No. 3 Sloane Stephens to expand opportunities for underserved youth through education, sports, and wellness. Partnering with public school districts, municipalities, and community organizations, the Foundation delivers year-round programs in tennis, swimming, soccer, academic enrichment, workforce development, and mental wellness. Serving thousands of young people annually across California and South Florida, the Foundation uses sport as a catalyst to build confidence, improve health, strengthen academic success, and create pathways to lifelong opportunity.

The award was presented by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Majra, to Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Adel Al Redha, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The Impact Seal – Platinum Tier is the UAE's highest federal recognition for organisations that have demonstrated outstanding performance and measurable impact across environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. It follows a comprehensive assessment against Majra's evaluation metrics, spanning an organisation's CSR initiatives, sustainability practices, governance, and overall impact, alongside its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE national priorities.

Adel Al Redha said: "The Emirates Group is proud to be recognised with the Platinum Impact Seal for the second consecutive cycle, and this award reaffirms and demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing sustainability and introducing innovative practices across our businesses. We recognise our responsibility to support and participate in solutions that contribute to the aviation’s environmental challenges, therefore we continue to focus on making progress and taking an active role where we can have a positive outcome: through practical environmental practices and projects, support for our communities, sound governance, and partnerships across our ecosystem aimed at practical solutions, in line with the UAE's national priorities."

The Emirates Group’s Environmental Sustainability Framework is built on three pillars: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and preserving wildlife and habitats.  Across these pillars, the Group strives to deliver value to people, communities and economies while aiming to continuously improve its environmental performance. Some initiatives over the last year include:

• Green Ops: The airline continues implementing its operational fuel efficiency programme, first established in 2016, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions through pilot training, data analytics, optimised flight routings, reducing engine taxiing, among others. In 2024–25, these initiatives saved over 98,000 tonnes of fuel and cut carbon emissions by more than 312,000 tonnes while maintaining safety.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): In 2025-2026, Emirates procured over 28,000 tonnes of SAF, leading to further reduction in emissions by more than 93,000 tonnes. The airline also signed an MoU with ENOC Group to explore and develop joint initiatives for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Emirates at its Dubai hub.
• Upcycling materials from the world’s largest retrofit programme: Fabrics and parts salvaged from the airline's retrofit programme have been upcycled into limited-edition luggage pieces, with proceeds supporting the Emirates Airline Foundation. In 2025, the airline launched the Aircrafted KIDS programme and has so far donated around 4,000 upcycled school bags to children’s organisations across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
• Repurposing plastic: The airline continued its closed-loop recycling initiative for inflight meal service items, which have so far repurposed over 88,000 kilograms of damaged or unserviceable items into new products for use onboard.
• Clean energy: In October 2024, Emirates partnered with Etihad Clean Energy Development to install nearly 40,000 solar panels at Emirates Engineering Centre, supplying 37% of the facility’s energy and reducing annual CO₂e emissions by over 13,000 tonnes.
• Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) biodigester: EKFC, the world’s largest flight catering facility, commissioned a large-scale, custom-built biodigester to enable on-site processing of organic waste. At full capacity, the biodigester is estimated to avoid more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
• Fleet transformation: dnata is steadily replacing diesel-powered ground support equipment with hybrid, electric and, in the future, hydrogen-powered alternatives. As a result of its investments in recent years, more than 17% of its global fleet is now electrified.
• Alternative fuel adoption: dnata supports the use of lower-carbon fuels, including biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and other emerging fuel alternatives. In the financial year 2025–26, dnata increased its global consumption of alternative fuels by 89% year-on-year. This progress builds on a landmark achievement in the UAE in 2024, when dnata transitioned all non-electric airside vehicles in Dubai to biodiesel, reducing CO₂-equivalent emissions by more than 3,500 tonnes annually.
• Investment in renewable energy: dnata continues to invest in renewable energy across its facilities, including the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and the adoption of renewable electricity tariffs. In the financial year 2025–26, its onsite solar systems generated 5,126 MWh of electricity, while a further 24,564 MWh was sourced through renewable energy tariffs globally. As a result, renewables accounted for 15% of dnata's total energy consumption.
• Waste reduction and resource efficiency: dnata is focused on reducing material consumption and waste, increasing recycling and reuse, and advancing circular solutions across its operations. In the financial year 2025–26, 47% of waste generated across dnata's global operations was diverted from disposal.

This year’s ceremony also marked the launch of the UAE Companies for Good 2031 Strategy, a national framework designed to strengthen private sector contributions to advance the UAE's Impact Economy and further enhance the country's CSR, ESG and sustainability ecosystem.

For more information about Emirates' and dnata's sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/connecting-tomorrow/ and https://www.dnata.com/en/sustainability/environmental-initiatives/

Cape Town, South Africa, 25 June 2026 – Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), and the Kolisi Foundation have launched the Emirates Nourishment Programme, a long-term initiative designed to ensure that thousands of children start every school day with a nutritious breakfast, giving them a stronger foundation to learn, develop and thrive.

Across South Africa, an estimated 15 to 16 million people experience food insecurity, with children often bearing the greatest burden. Breakfast is frequently the first meal sacrificed, yet it is one of the most important for a child's ability to concentrate, participate in class and engage in learning throughout the day. The Emirates Nourishment Programme aims to address this by providing approximately 400,000 nutritious breakfasts every year—around 1.6 million breakfasts over the initial four-year partnership—ensuring around 2,000 learners each year have the opportunity to begin every school day nourished and ready to learn.

The initiative, which will run until 2030, combines nutritional support with the inspirational power of rugby, creating opportunities for children not only to receive consistent access to breakfast, but also to engage with role models who demonstrate resilience, teamwork and leadership.

The Kolisi Foundation believes that lasting change requires addressing inequality in all its interconnected forms. Through programmes focused on food security, education, gender-based violence prevention and sport, the Foundation works alongside communities and strategic partners to remove barriers that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.

Commenting on the launch of the Emirates Nourishment Programme, founder of the Foundation, Siya Kolisi said “No child should have to choose between learning and hunger. I know from my own journey how much opportunity can change a life, but it's difficult to dream, concentrate or believe in yourself when you're hungry. That's why this programme matters. A nutritious breakfast may seem like a simple thing, but for a child it can mean arriving at school ready to learn, to grow and to believe in what's possible."

The Foundation’s Managing Director Mahlatse Mashua, added, "Good nutrition is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a child's future. A breakfast served consistently over an entire school year doesn't simply satisfy hunger—it improves attendance, supports cognitive development, enables children to participate more fully in the classroom and creates better conditions for learning. Those seemingly ordinary mornings accumulate into extraordinary opportunities over time.

"We are grateful to Emirates and EPCR for their commitment to this shared vision. Together, we are helping create an environment where children can focus on being children, learning, growing and building brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities."

Jacques Raynaud, CEO of EPCR, said "Rugby has a unique ability to unite people, inspire communities and create meaningful change beyond the field of play. Through our impACT strategy, EPCR is committed to harnessing that power and working with partners who share our ambition to leave a positive legacy.

"The Emirates Nourishment Programme is a perfect example of what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared purpose. Together with Emirates and the Kolisi Foundation, we will be supporting thousands of children across South Africa with the nutrition they need to learn, develop and thrive. We are incredibly proud to launch this programme and excited about the impact it will create over the years ahead."

Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for South Africa said, “At Emirates, we have a legacy connecting communities through our sponsorship portfolio, using sport as a platform for social inclusion and youth development. Through this partnership with EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation, we hope to remove one of the barriers that can stand in the way of learning and opportunity, helping young people reach their full potential, and deliver a positive impact that extends far beyond the classroom.”

By combining consistent nutritional support with the unifying power of rugby, the Emirates Nourishment Programme represents a long-term investment in South Africa's children. Together, Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation are helping ensure that thousands of young people begin every school day nourished, ready to learn and better equipped to realise their potential.

London, UK, 15 June 2026 - The All England Lawn Tennis Club has today published its Championing Nature One Year Report, revealing the significant impact of the programme since its launch in May 2025 and marking the programme’s first anniversary with a special celebration event at Wimbledon.

The report highlights that 28,539 people have taken part in 865 sessions and activities delivered through the programme over the past year, with 73% of participants coming from underserved communities. The impact of participation has been substantial, with 93% of those engaged saying they felt inspired to take action for nature, and 91% reporting increased confidence that their individual actions can make a difference.

In recognition of these achievements, the All England Club welcomed young people and conservation leaders to Wimbledon for the “Championing Nature: Game. Set. Grow” anniversary event.

Hosted at the home of The Championships, the day brought together representatives from London Wildlife Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust; programme supporters the All England Club and Emirates; and programme participants from across the UK to celebrate the occasion.

The event was hosted by climate presenter Abbie Dewhurst and featured a keynote from naturalist, broadcaster and Championing Nature Ambassador Steve Backshall. Speaking about the importance of youth-driven environmental action, Backshall highlighted the role the programme is playing in inspiring the next generation.

Steve Backshall later said: “Spending time in nature can completely change the way young people see the world and their place within it. What’s been so inspiring about Championing Nature is seeing young people not only reconnect with the environment, but also become leaders and advocates within their own communities. The passion, confidence and commitment we have heard today gives me huge optimism for the future.”

Championing Nature is a multi-year initiative delivered by four Wildlife Trusts across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle and funds bespoke projects that help children, young people and families in underserved communities access green spaces and develop stronger connections with nature. The multi-million pound programme is made possible by The All England Club and Emirates partnership.

A key focus of the “Championing Nature: Game. Set. Grow” event was amplifying the voices of young participants. Throughout the day, attendees shared personal stories of leadership, conservation and community action, reflecting on how the programme has influenced their confidence, ambitions and connection to the natural environment in their local areas.

Guests also heard from representatives from the All England Club and Emirates, who reflected on the programme’s first-year success and outlined ambitions for future growth. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring access to nature remains inclusive and accessible for all communities.

Ulrika Hogberg, Head of Community Strategy at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, said: “Championing Nature is about helping children, young people and families build a stronger connection with the natural world, no matter their background or where they live. Over the last year, we have seen first hand how time spent in nature, alongside mentoring and local support, can make a real difference to confidence, wellbeing and future goals. We are incredibly proud of what the partner trusts and young people involved have achieved so far, and we are excited to see the programme continue to grow over the coming years.”

Valerie Tan, Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications, CSR and Media Affairs at Emirates said: “Championing Nature is a powerful example of how we can work with partners like the All England Club and the Wildlife Trusts to go beyond sponsorship and create something with real purpose. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the programme come to life over the past year, from hands-on experiences to permanent new spaces like the natural play area at Woodberry Wetlands. We are proud to support a programme that is opening up access to nature and creating meaningful opportunities in communities across the UK.”

The celebration also included a screening of the Championing Nature hero film available here and a behind-the-scenes tour of Wimbledon.

As Championing Nature enters its second year, the partnership aims to expand opportunities for young people to engage with conservation, outdoor education and environmental leadership across communities throughout the UK.

Uncertainty around airport and aircraft procedures, coupled with concerns on unknown sensory stimuli, are key concerns for travellers and families with accessibility requirements – a study on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families report feeling hesitant to travel or visit new places. In its role as the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, Emirates ideated the global Travel Rehearsal initiative, to help remove this barrier.

In Lusaka, Emirates collaborated with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and AutistismTales Support Group to host children on the autism spectrum along with their carers on a simulated, real-time journey through the airport, practicing the actions of checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing the hustle and bustle of retail and dining areas. 

Ahmad Ismail, Emirates’ Country Manager in Zambia said, “Our Travel Rehearsal programme is an important initiative to empower children and young adults with autism, by helping to make the airport and aircraft experience more predictable and reassuring. We are proud to bring it to Zambia and would like to extend our thanks to the full airport community at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, and AutistismTales Support Group for their role in this pioneering event, and to the Emirates Airport Services management and team in Lusaka who were instrumental in hosting this simulation.”

Urvesh Desai, Managing Director of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL), welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to inclusive and accessible travel experiences:

“At Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, we believe that every passenger deserves a seamless, dignified, and enjoyable travel experience. Inclusion is therefore not simply a customer service consideration, but a fundamental component of how we design, operate and continuously improve our airports.

As airport operators, we recognise that passengers with autism and other hidden disabilities may face unique challenges when travelling. Initiatives such as this travel rehearsal are invaluable in helping airports, airlines and other stakeholders better prepare and reduce travel-related anxiety and create a more supportive and predictable journey for passengers and their families.”

Nyakandata Mwaba, Founder of AutistismTales Support Group and a mother of a neurodiverse child and three others, explained that travel can be difficult for people on the spectrum and their families as they experience a lot of challenges such as unfamiliar spaces and awareness levels among service providers. She noted that preparedness on both sides was important in making travel accessible and comfortable for them: “This initiative by Emirates is definitely encouraging and we are in a better space to travel knowing we can find some understanding and accommodations.”

Bupe Masenga, another parent and avid traveller whose son is yet to make his first trip, described the experience as “something that needed to be done,” and to “see the areas that needed attention or things that can be done to accommodate children on the spectrum.”

“It was awesome because he has learnt what to do, how to board a plane, handle the luggage and everything. The whole experience was beautiful, and we are very ready to travel,” said Alice Bweupe, mother to a six-year-old son.

“I came with my two kids to just have a whole airport experience before travel and it has been such a great experience,” said Chimfwembe, a grateful mother who noted that the initiative helped to broaden the children's perspective on travel. 

Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to arrange more than 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports like Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Lusaka, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice, Vienna, Washington, and Warsaw.

More than 35,000 Emirates staff have been trained to support customers with autism and can help facilitate travel, and Travel Rehearsals. Emirates teams work very closely with airport authorities and partners to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive and successful experience for the families.

The new gymnasium was revealed during a ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurated by officials from Emirates, the NBA and San Antonio Spurs players. Youth from The Denver Heights Community Centre (DHCC), who stand to benefit from the initiative, were also present at the official reveal of the new recreational space. Leading the formalities at the unveiling event was Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor, R.C. Buford, CEO of SSE, Patricia Mejia, Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer, Harrison Barnes and David Jones Garcia from the San Antonio Spurs, Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner and, Matthew Jones, Emirates’ VP-USA.

The Denver Heights Community Centre serves as a critical hub for youth and families, providing access to safe spaces, recreational programming, and resources that support health, education, and long-term opportunity.

The refurbishment project renovated the DHCC’s gymnasium and multipurpose room, complete with new fitness equipment, scoreboards, backboards as well as major aesthetic enhancements including fresh paint, fresh tiles, new graphics and flooring to result in a new and inspiring space for kids to enjoy. Additionally, the multipurpose room will be upgraded with latest tech and gaming devices.

Courtesy of Emirates, each young participant was presented with a backpack from the airline’s ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, filled with Emirates and NBA co-branded merchandise. The special upcycled backpacks are created from repurposed Economy Class seat fabric generated from its massive retrofit programme underway. To date, nearly 4,000 sustainable Aircrafted for Kids backpacks have been distributed to schools and community centres around the globe.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a commemorative plaque highlighting the support of the NBA and Emirates in the refurbishment project was placed at the gymnasium. To celebrate the opening of the new facility, local youth participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinic.

Emirates is the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, and presenting partner of this year’s NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sports.

The airline operates to 12 US cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Newark, Dallas, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, in addition to New York JFK.

For more information, visit emirates.com.

Exclusive suite, elevated experience

Emirates will once again welcome guests across its two exclusive hospitality spaces at Roland-Garros — the Emirates Lounge in the Hospitality Village and Salon Philippe-Chatrier – offering exceptional views of the action and the airline’s renowned hospitality.

With a sponsorship portfolio boasting the world’s most beloved, most played and most watched sports across tennis, rugby, football, basketball, cycling, golf, horse-racing, cricket, sailing and even Aussie Rules Football, Emirates is also set to welcome some of the greatest athletes of all time to the Emirates Lounge to enjoy the tournament.

 Game on, in the Roland-Garros app

Check out the interactive Emirates game in the Roland-Garros app for a chance to win big prizes. Virtually fly an Emirates aircraft over iconic Australian landmarks and natural wonders such as the Sydney Opera House, Uluru, Stadium Australia, and the outback, and capture as many bonus rings as you can. Top scorers are in for the chance to win two tickets to attend Roland-Garros 2027!

 Also keep an eye out for the iconic Emirates A380 emblazoned with the bespoke livery celebrating all four Grand Slams, soaring across your screen whenever you open the Roland-Garros app. The very same aircraft design can also be spotted in skies around the world, bringing Emirates’ passion for tennis to life both on screen and in the air.

 En Route to France

Until 7 June, passengers can get in the Roland-Garros spirit onboard Emirates’ flights between Dubai and France. Special curated menus will be available in all cabins, with seasonal favourites and delicious tennis-inspired desserts. Roland-Garros headrest covers will grace every cabin, weaving the spirit of the tournament into the onboard experience.

Emirates award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, will also be showing the tournament live in all cabins, on all flights worldwide, so you can tune into the action on Sport 24 and Extra while in the sky.

Connecting with the Community

This Saturday, Emirates will participate in Yannick Noah Day at Roland-Garros, inviting tennis-loving young athletes from Attrap’la Balle for a behind the scenes tour of the stadium.

Once the tournament begins, young athletes from Attrap’la Balle will participate in the coin toss at the Trophée des Légendes contest, signalling the start of each match, meeting tennis legends and taking photos with Emirates’ friendly cabin crew.

The new play area is the first permanent site to open as part of the long-term, multi-million-pound initiative delivered by four Wildlife Trusts across England.

Through Championing Nature, Emirates and the All England Club are working with four Wildlife Trusts – London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust – to fund bespoke projects that bring more children, young people and families closer to nature in urban areas.

Over six years, the initiative will provide significant investment and support across all four locations, helping to open up access to nature for children, young people and families in underserved communities. The programme aims to help them reconnect with the natural environment and inspire lasting, positive change. To date, it has engaged more than 20,000 people and delivered over 750 Championing Nature activity sessions.

The new play area was officially opened by naturalist, presenter and Championing Nature ambassador Steve Backshall, who welcomed children from Holmleigh Primary School to explore the space for the first time during an outdoor learning session. Designed to help young people connect with wildlife and green spaces, the play area will provide hands-on outdoor experiences that encourage curiosity, learning and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Jabr Al-Azeeby, divisional vice president, Emirates UK, said: “Our global Force for Good programme is about connecting communities and creating opportunities through our vast sponsorship portfolio. Seeing this space come to life at Woodberry Wetlands in London is a powerful example of how our partnerships can deliver lasting, local impact for the benefit of future generations.”

Championing Nature forms part of Emirates’ global Force for Good programme, which supports and promotes projects that positively impact society and local communities through the airline’s global sponsorship portfolio.

The global “Travel Rehearsal” programme from Emirates, the world’s first autism-certified airline, offers guided simulations of the full air travel journey, familiarising participants with airport procedures and the onboard experience before they travel.

In collaboration with local Additional Support Needs Group Autastic Club, several children on the autism spectrum and their families experienced the end-to-end journey at Glasgow Airport, from check-in to the departure gate. Supported by airport and airline staff, participants moved through check-in, security and the departure lounge, before taking part in a mock boarding experience with customer announcements. They also simulated the arrivals process, including immigration and passport control, baggage collection, and arrivals meet-and-greet.

Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ divisional vice president, UK, said: “Following our first travel rehearsal programme in London earlier this year, we are proud to bring the initiative to Scotland with our first session in Glasgow. As the world’s first autism-certified airline, we aim to break down the invisible barriers faced for people with accessibility requirements - by providing a safe and supportive simulation of the journey. This session would not have been possible without the Emirates Airport Services team in Glasgow, who helped organise and host the experience.”

Angela Armour, co-founder of Autastic Club, added: “We are very grateful to Emirates and Glasgow Airport for delivering such a positive and valuable experience. Opportunities like this play a vital role in supporting those who may feel hesitant about travel – particularly individuals with Additional Support Needs.”

Making travel more accessible

Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialised autism awareness training. The programme equips employees with in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges faced during travel, and personalised support strategies tailored to individual passenger needs.

Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to arrange 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports like Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Lusaka, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice, Vienna, Washington, and Warsaw.

In a spirited community effort, the Emirates Airport Services team transported the spare airport strollers to the Emirates Engineering Facility and team who upcycled them. Then dnata’s employee-driven initiative - dnata4good, stepped in to identify several local entities to deliver them to, including Hope Amel UAE, Senses and Al Noor. Each organisation expressed their gratitude and shared a different plan for using the strollers, from donating to single mothers in need, to using for emergency transportation for students, to usage on school trips and outings.

The instantly recognisable red Emirates strollers form part of Emirates’ family-friendly approach and are available on a complimentary basis at Emirates’ dedicated hub in Dubai International Airport (DXB). Families travelling through Terminal 3 can borrow a stroller from a dedicated stand and use them to make their journey smoother from check-in to boarding and upon arrival to Dubai. Helping parents navigate the airport with greater ease and comfort, they are regularly sanitised for hygiene and are ideal for infants, toddlers and children with accessible travel needs, during longer walks between gates or lounge visits.

In December 2025, Emirates purchased 1000 new strollers for customers and set aside 430 older models for repurposing. Emirates Engineering team, already renowned for their repurposing of seat fabrics into schoolbags for children across the globe, took the strollers to the dedicated repurposing workshop to be upcycled. The strollers are high quality, so the team only needed to make some adjustments to branding and added their signature tag made from the leather of Business Class seats – ‘Donated with love by Emirates.’

The next step was led by the employee team at dnata4good, a staff-led initiative that focuses on volunteerism across the pillars of Community, Environment, and Wellbeing. dnata4good identified and communicated with 3 worthy local entities who could benefit from the strollers – Hope Amel UAE, Al Noor and Senses and arranged the handover.

Then Emirates Airport Services team took the strollers to a specialised facility to initiate a thorough cleaning and sanitisation process, to be ready to meet their new passengers.

Hope Amel UAE

Hope‑Amel UAE is a grassroots humanitarian initiative based in Dubai that began in 2020 with a simple yet powerful mission of supporting mothers and families in need across the UAE by spreading hope through kindness and community-driven action. Founded by Canadian Iraqi expatriate Abbie Kadom, the group started as a Facebook support page and quickly grew into a thriving network of volunteers and donors. Hope-Amel collects essential items such as diapers, baby formula, pre-loved baby gear and other necessities, distributing them to families experiencing hardship to ease financial burdens and foster dignity.

Senses

Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs is a Dubai-based non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering children and young adults through tailored care, education and life-skills development. Established to provide both residential and day-care services, Senses offers a nurturing, structured environment where students receive specialised therapy, vocational training and personalised learning programmes designed to foster independence and confidence. Beyond daily care, the organisation works closely with families and the wider community to promote inclusion, dignity and long-term opportunity for people of determination in the UAE. Through fundraising initiatives, community partnerships and volunteer engagement, Senses continues to play a vital role in supporting some of Dubai’s most vulnerable families while championing a more inclusive society.

Al Noor

Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination is a long-standing non-profit organisation in Dubai dedicated to empowering people of determination and individuals with additional needs through education, therapy, vocational training and comprehensive care. Al Noor has grown into a key community resource providing holistic programmes that combine specialised instruction, rehabilitation services and individual intervention plans tailored to each student’s needs. It supports over 200 students from diverse backgrounds, offering therapies, life-skills development, work placement opportunities and extracurricular activities designed to enhance independence and social inclusion. Al Noor also works to raise awareness about disability issues, trains professionals and families, and partners with corporates and volunteers to broaden its impact and foster greater inclusion in the UAE.

Mauritius, 10 March 2026 – Emirates has donated 100 limited-edition school backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to students supported by APEIM (Association des Parents d’Enfants Inadaptés de l’Île Maurice), reinforcing the airline’s commitment to supporting education and community development in Mauritius.

APEIM is one of Mauritius’ leading organisations supporting children and young people with intellectual disabilities. Through specialised education, therapy and vocational programmes, the organisation helps develop essential life skills and build confidence while promoting greater inclusion in society.

The world’s largest international airline is giving back to the local community and supporting Mauritius’ efforts of empowering youth through education, training, and employment opportunities, with the objective of fostering their potential to make positive societal contributions.

The donation event coincided with Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations and was held at APEIM in the presence of H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius.

The donation forms part of ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative, where the airline has repurposed materials from its aircraft interiors, including fabric from its A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.  The treated seat fabric are handcrafted by Emirates Engineering into sturdy backpacks in Dubai, and donations have been made to schools and community organisations supporting children across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

H.E. Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius stated: “I express my profound gratitude to Emirates for its sincere commitment to Mauritius, a commitment that goes far beyond economic development to also support human and social well-being.

These gestures of solidarity and generosity take on an even deeper meaning and remind us how essential mutual support and humanity remain.

I hope that this donation from Emirates will contribute significantly to the well-being of our children and young people and encourage them to progress in their learning and development.”

The school bags, which were also filled with stationery and learning supplies, including pencils, notebooks, story books and drawing books, were presented by Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands and the local Emirates team. At the event, the Emirates Mauritius team met with students, teachers and caregivers at APEIM to personally distribute the bags and celebrate the students’ dedication to learning.

Globally, Emirates has already donated more than 3,700 Aircrafted backpacks in 10 countries and partnered with 18 non-governmental organisations, helping to provide practical resources that support students’ educational journeys while giving new life to the airline’s interior cabin materials.

Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands, said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape society and inspire the next generation. Through Emirates’ Aircrafted initiative, we wanted to support students with something practical that helps them in their daily learning journey while also sharing a small piece of our history as an airline serving Mauritius.

Mauritius has been an important part of the Emirates network for more than two decades, and we remain committed not only to connecting the island to the world but also to supporting the communities we serve. It was truly inspiring to meet the students and educators at APEIM and celebrate their dedication to learning and personal growth. It has been exceptionally rewarding and a privilege to make a small difference in a community we have been a part of for over 23 years.”

Jocelyne Beesoon, Director of APEIM, said: “At APEIM, our mission is to empower children and young people with intellectual disabilities by guiding them on their journey toward autonomy and social integration. Advocating for their capacities, inclusion and rights is fundamental to our leading principles and our daily actions. We deeply value partnerships that embrace and reflect these advocacy commitments. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel valued within our community. We are grateful to Emirates for this meaningful gesture, which echoes our message of inclusivity. The backpacks are more than practical school items; they are a symbol of encouragement and inclusion for our beneficiaries.”

Emirates has been serving Mauritius since 2002, playing a key role in connecting the island to its global network of more than 150 destinations. Through its operations in the island nation, Emirates has been an integral partner in supporting the development of the country’s tourism sector, while bringing tangible benefits to the wider economy through job creation, supply chains, and business opportunities for local suppliers.

Dubai, UAE, 10 February 2026:  In a successful first, the Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction have raised AED 8.8 million (USD 2.4 million) to advance humanitarian programmes for underprivileged children worldwide.

The auction ran from 17 December 2025 to 17 January 2026 and attracted over 900 bids from participants across 131 countries. Seven rare Emirates Skywards membership numbers with Platinum tier status benefits were offered to bidders globally, with the highest single bid reaching AED 1.6 million over the one-month bidding period. Two bidders secured 20-year Platinum memberships, while five others won 15-year memberships. Top bidders hailed from the UAE, UK, India, United States, Pakistan, France, Germany, Egypt and Thailand, among other countries.

Funds raised will enable the Foundation to launch new projects, while expanding support for the children and communities already benefiting from its existing programmes in collaboration with 14 NGOs across nine countries.

Following the success of the initiative, the Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction will continue to hold annual auction events, creating an ongoing opportunity for supporters worldwide to contribute to the Foundation's mission.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation said: "When we brought this initiative to life in December, we were guided by a simple objective to look at new, innovative ways to grow the Foundation’s humanitarian work and impact. What made this initiative so compelling wasn't just the exclusivity of the membership numbers, but the value and prestige that comes with Platinum status. Bidders recognised that, and they showed up. The response was extraordinary, and a testament to the generosity of our global community of Skywards members and bidders.

The proceeds will allow us to do more, partner with more organisations, reach new communities, and strengthen the programmes already changing the lives of hundreds of children across India, the Philippines, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond. For the children at the heart of our work, this generosity will make a real and lasting difference.

We are proud to continue our partnership with Emirates Auction as an annual initiative, giving supporters around the world a meaningful way to contribute while receiving something of real value in return, proving that loyalty and generosity can work hand in hand.

To everyone who participated: thank you. Your contribution will reach further than you know."

Meanwhile, Abdullah Matar Al Mannai, Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates Auction, said: “We are pleased with the outstanding results achieved by this auction, which demonstrate what can be accomplished when purpose, innovation, and collaboration come together. At Emirates Auction, supporting charitable and humanitarian initiatives has always been a core part of our mission, particularly when it comes to national institutions with a global humanitarian outlook such as the Emirates Airline Foundation.”

Al Mannai added: “We are proud to have played a role in the success of this initiative and to have dedicated our expertise, platforms, and teams to ensuring the auction delivered the expected impact. The strong partnership between Emirates Airline and Emirates Auction demonstrates a shared commitment to giving back and to translating value into real, lasting change for communities in need. We look forward to building on this success and continuing our collaboration in the years ahead, as we work together to achieve greater impact and advance humanitarian causes that extend far beyond our borders.”

About the Emirates Airline Foundation

Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Emirates Airline Foundation is Emirates' official charity arm, providing vulnerable children with housing, healthcare, nutrition, education, and vocational support. Funded by Emirates customers and employees, the Foundation has completed 50+ projects, with nearly all donations going directly to programmes.

Current Projects (14 NGOs across 9 countries):

• India: Emirates-CHES Home (37 children living with HIV/AIDS); IIMPACT Girls Education Project (5,000 girls across 11 states)
• Sri Lanka: Prithipura Communities (250 individuals with disabilities receiving care, education, and vocational training)
• Zimbabwe: St. Marcellin's Children's Village (56 orphaned children, including those with disabilities and HIV)
• South Africa: Singakwenza Education and Health (1,000 children in early childhood education); Fikelela Children's Centre (40 children affected by HIV/AIDS)
• Kenya: Little Prince Nursery and Primary School (Kibera slums); Alfajiri Street Kids (200+ children in art therapy programs); Starehe Boys' Centre (four-year scholarships for academically talented boys)
• Philippines: Virlanie Foundation (housing and protection for abused, exploited, and orphaned children)
• Brazil: Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage (orphaned girls aged 4-12); Externato São Francisco de Assis (day school for underprivileged children)
• UAE: SAFE Centre for Autism (innovative curriculum for students aged 4-18)
• Bangladesh: Emirates friendship Hospital (medical care to over 650,000 people in isolated areas)

About Emirates Auction

Emirates Auction LLC is the UAE’s leading auction house and a pioneer in the region’s asset auction industry. Established in 2004, the company has built a reputation for innovation, transparency, and operational excellence across a wide range of auction categories including vehicles, real estate, distinctive number plates, exclusive watches, medical equipment, industrial assets, and charitable auctions.

Through its advanced digital platforms and extensive nationwide presence, Emirates Auction enables thousands of bidders to participate in real time from anywhere in the world. The company holds multiple Guinness World Records for record-breaking sales of high-value assets, real estate, and marine vessels, reinforcing its position as a global leader in premium and high-profile auctions.

Emirates Auction partners with leading government institutions, private sector organizations, and charitable foundations to advance initiatives that promote sustainability, innovation, and social development across the UAE.

With a shared commitment to excellence and social responsibility, Emirates Auction continues to collaborate with national institutions such as the Emirates Airline Foundation to create meaningful opportunities that benefit the wider community and reflect the UAE’s enduring spirit of leadership and generosity.

·       Over 2,000 kids were introduced to tennis through the Emirates Force for Good program in 2025.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 17 January 2026 - Today, dreams came true for a special group of children and young people from across Australia as the Force for Good program, a joint initiative with Emirates and the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF), culminated its first year. Twenty-five participants, alongside their guardian or friends, were flown to Melbourne for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the heart of the Australian Open.

For many of these children, who might never have had the chance to pick up a racquet, the program has unlocked a new world of possibility. The day marked a significant milestone for the Emirates Force for Good program, a $2.25 million, five-year commitment from Emirates designed to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children through tennis.

Throughout its 2025 pilot year, the program has made a remarkable impact across the five Australian cities Emirates serves – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

In partnership with 53 local community partners, 44 programs and events were delivered, introducing over 2,000 children to the sport. The overarching program created over 10,500 hours of joy and more than 7,600 opportunities for participants to play, connect, and grow. To ensure a lasting legacy, over 715 racquets, nets, and balls were donated to children and community groups.

The 2025 program culminated today with these young participants experiencing the magic of the Australian Open, meeting tennis legends Casey Dellacqua and Pat Cash at the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates and soaking in the atmosphere of a sport they have come to love.

Dean Cleaver, Emirates Regional Sales Manager, spoke of the atmosphere and excitement of the day. "Today is a celebration of the impact this program continues to have on children's lives. We’re not just introducing them to a sport. We are providing a pathway to build confidence, improve their physical health, and boost their mental wellbeing. The 25 participants here today were chosen for their dedication and positive attitudes. Flying them to Melbourne embodies what our Force for Good initiative is all about – connecting communities and creating opportunities.”

The power of the Emirates Force for Good program was echoed by its participants, with 85% now feeling more positive about themselves and their future, and 76% feeling more confident to try new things.

Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Australian Tennis Foundation, watched on as the children experienced the event. "This is the magic of sport in action. The program is designed to help participants build their confidence to try something new, find a place to belong, and experience the joy tennis can bring. To see these kids, who started this journey on their local community courts, now standing here at a Grand Slam is incredibly moving and speaks volumes about the power of creating opportunity.”

Australian tennis legend Casey Dellacqua, who spent time with the children, shared her excitement. "This is what it's all about. Looking at these kids, I see the same spark I had when I first picked up a racquet. To be part of their journey, has been an absolute honour. For many, this experience will be a defining moment, showing them that no dream is too big.”

The Force for Good program is a cornerstone of Emirates’ deep and long-standing support and investment in Australian sport and culture. The airline’s commitment to the nation for nearly three decades includes its iconic partnership being the Official Airline of the Australian Open.

Building on the momentum of its pilot year, the Emirates ‘Force for Good’ program will continue its five-year journey in 2026, with plans underway to deliver more tennis programs and impactful community events across Australia.

Dubai, UAE, 17th December 2025: The Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction are partnering for an exclusive online auction to offer special Emirates Skywards membership numbers that come with Platinum tier status benefits valid for up to 20 years. Running from 17 December 2025 until 17 January 2026, bids can be made for special membership numbers with Platinum tier status benefits. The auction will be open to bidders worldwide.

100% of funds raised from Emirates Auction will be directed entirely toward the Emirates Airline Foundation's vital work in supporting vulnerable children worldwide. Proceeds from the bids will benefit 14 NGOs in 9 countries that mobilise housing initiatives, provide safe spaces for education, deliver essential nutrition and healthcare, secure opportunities for skills and vocational development, and much more. Every contribution brings the Foundation closer to its mission of creating lasting, meaningful change in the lives of children; and the auction presents a unique opportunity for donors to play a meaningful role in that transformative work.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation said: “This unique auction is an innovative funding approach to connect us with new supporters globally, as we look to scale up the Emirates Airline Foundation’s impact. All donations help us continue funding and empowering our local NGO partners who have the deep community roots and firsthand knowledge to ensure resources reach children in the most effective manner. Every bid represents more than a Skywards Platinum membership; it’s a contribution that creates pathways to lift children and their families out of poverty and create sustainable impact.”

His Excellency Abdulla Matar Al Mannaei, Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates Auction, reaffirmed that Emirates Auction is committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in the UAE, adding that the company will continue to play a key role as a strategic partner for numerous charitable and developmental initiatives with lasting impact by harnessing its extensive expertise in organising world-class charity auctions.

Al Mannaei noted that the company’s collaboration with the Emirates Airline Foundation reflects this commitment and aligns with its corporate social responsibility to continue backing sustainable charitable projects that make a positive difference in people’s lives.

How to Participate

The fully digital auction is open to participants worldwide from 17^th December 2025 through the Emirates Auction platform. Registration is free and can be completed in minutes via the website or mobile app, with UAE Pass integration is available for UAE residents.

Steps to bid:

1. Visit emiratesauction.com/register or download the Emirates Auction mobile app
2. Complete the complimentary registration
3. Browse the seven exclusive membership numbers available through https://www.emiratesauction.com/emirates-skywards
4. Pay a refundable security deposit to activate your bidding privileges
5. Place bids throughout the auction period

The following Skywards membership numbers are available for bidding:

• 2111111111
• 6000000005
• 6999999996
• 7000000000
• 7000000070
• 7070000000
• 7777777770   

Winning bidders will be notified within 24 hours of the auction's conclusion on 17^th January 2026. Payment can be made via bank transfer or cheque. Skywards Platinum membership validity periods are determined by the winning bid amount.

Skywards Platinum membership benefits

The highest tier in the Emirates Skywards programme is reserved for the airline's most valued frequent flyers, offering an elevated travel experience. Platinum status is typically achieved by earning 150,000 Tier Miles or more, plus completing at least one qualifying flight in First or Business Class.*

Platinum members enjoy the complete suite of Blue, Silver, and Gold benefits, elevated further with other privileges. Members receive complimentary Home Check-in service in Dubai, priority First Class airport check-in, and white-glove baggage delivery. This is in addition to access to Emirates' global network of First Class and Business Class lounges, with complimentary entry extended to their guests. Members earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on every Emirates and flydubai flight and can extend Gold tier status to a spouse, partner, or friend.

Platinum members can also unlock additional exclusive privileges including Tier Miles Rollover, discounted cabin upgrades, and complimentary upgrade opportunities.

The Emirates Airline Foundation is regulated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) and is licensed by the Community Development Authority of Dubai.

Coinciding with the UAE's Year of Community 2025, the Foundation’s latest initiative reinforces the airline's commitment to humanitarian impact, shared responsibility, and sustainable community development.

*Effective 1 April 2023

** Legal disclaimer: The Emirates Skywards numbers and Emirates Platinum Skywards Tiers auctioned by Emirates Auction LLC on behalf Emirates are rights extended to eligible Buyers and do not constitute ownership of any product or service of Emirates. Emirates Skywards numbers and Emirates Platinum Skywards Tiers and all access rights associated with the Emirates Skywards Programme are subject to expiry and may be revoked, amended, or adjusted at any time in line with the Emirates Skywards Programme Rules, applicable terms and conditions or by Emirates acting in its sole discretion.

About the Emirates Airline Foundation

Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Emirates Airline Foundation is Emirates' official philanthropic arm, providing vulnerable children with housing, healthcare, nutrition, education, and vocational support. Funded by Emirates customers and employees, the Foundation has completed 50+ projects, with nearly all donations going directly to programmes.

Current Projects (14 NGOs across 9 countries):

• India: Emirates-CHES Home (37 children living with HIV/AIDS); IIMPACT Girls Education Project (5,000 girls across 11 states)
• Sri Lanka: Prithipura Communities (250 individuals with disabilities receiving care, education, and vocational training)
• Zimbabwe: St. Marcellin's Children's Village (56 orphaned children, including those with disabilities and HIV)
• South Africa: Singakwenza Education and Health (1,000 children in early childhood education); Fikelela Children's Centre (40 children affected by HIV/AIDS)
• Kenya: Little Prince Nursery and Primary School (Kibera slums); Alfajiri Street Kids (200+ children in art therapy programs); Starehe Boys' Centre (four-year scholarships for academically talented boys)
• Philippines: Virlanie Foundation (housing and protection for abused, exploited, and orphaned children)
• Brazil: Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage (orphaned girls aged 4-12); Externato São Francisco de Assis (day school for underprivileged children)
• UAE: SAFE Centre for Autism (innovative curriculum for students aged 4-18)
• Bangladesh: Emirates friendship Hospital (medical care to over 650,000 people in isolated areas)

About Emirates Auction

Emirates Auction LLC is the UAE’s leading auction house and a pioneer in the region’s asset auction industry. Established in 2004, the company has built a reputation for innovation, transparency, and operational excellence across a wide range of auction categories including vehicles, real estate, distinctive number plates, exclusive watches, medical equipment, industrial assets, and charitable auctions.

Through its advanced digital platforms and extensive nationwide presence, Emirates Auction enables thousands of bidders to participate in real time from anywhere in the world. The company holds multiple Guinness World Records for record-breaking sales of high-value assets, real estate, and marine vessels, reinforcing its position as a global leader in premium and high-profile auctions.

Emirates Auction partners with leading government institutions, private sector organizations, and charitable foundations to advance initiatives that promote sustainability, innovation, and social development across the UAE.

With a shared commitment to excellence and social responsibility, Emirates Auction continues to collaborate with national institutions such as the Emirates Airline Foundation to create meaningful opportunities that benefit the wider community and reflect the UAE’s enduring spirit of leadership and generosity.

The full-day event brought together members of the Emirates Group Youth Council, senior executives from the Emirates Group and students of Rashid Centre for a meaningful exchange focused on the UAE’s values of unity, compassion, and inclusion.

The day began with a gracious welcome from the Rashid Centre's management team and students, setting the stage for an inspiring programme of musical performances, art workshops, and sports activities. The students' remarkable talents shone throughout, reflecting the impactful mentorship they continue to receive.

In the spirit of UAE National Day, students created artwork honouring the UAE's founding fathers: the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Select works were showcased at Emirates Group headquarters, reflecting the enduring values of collaboration and creativity that bind both organisations.

Emirates Group executives and the Centre's specialists also explored new ways of enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination. The conversation reaffirmed Emirates' commitment to accessibility and ensuring seamless journeys for every traveller.

The event concluded with a vibrant musical performance by a group of students in celebration of UAE National Day. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the Emirates Group participants in recognition of their contributions to promoting inclusion and unity.

Oliver Grohmann – Executive Vice President, Human Resources at the Emirates Group said: “We are proud to join the Rashid Centre in marking UAE National Day as we celebrate the remarkable talents and inspiring resilience of their students, while continuing to learn how we can enhance accessibility across our operations. Observing the passion of their leadership, as well as every single member of the centre was truly impressing.

Collaborations like this inspire us to continually evolve and ensure every journey with Emirates is welcoming and seamless for all."

Mariam Othman, General Manager, Rashid Centre for People of Determination commented: “We are delighted to partner with the Emirates Group in the UAE’s Year of Community. This meaningful engagement gave our students the chance to showcase their talents while strengthening the values of inclusion and cooperation that define our nation. We appreciate the Emirates Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting People of Determination and working with us to enhance accessibility and opportunities for all.”

Commitment to accessible travel

Emirates has been working closely with local and international entities to advance its accessible travel agenda. From launching AI-driven technologies to introducing innovative solutions, the airline continues to pave the way to make accessible travel easier, smoother and more efficient.

Earlier this year, Emirates was recognised as the world's first Autism Certified Airline by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The airline offers a wide range of services and accommodations for passengers with diverse accessibility needs, detailed on Emirates’ Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub page. 

About the Rashid Centre for People of Determination
The Rashid Centre for People of Determination is an internationally recognised Dubai-based institution established in 1994 that provides integrated education and therapy for children and young people with a range of special needs, including physical, learning, and sensory challenges. It offers a unique "Education for Life" programme that combines academic, vocational, and life skills training to foster independence and community engagement. The centre caters to students from age 4 up to adulthood, providing tailored curricula, therapy services, and vocational training in areas like gardening, carpentry, and printing. 

Education is one of the most powerful drivers of social mobility and economic empowerment, which inspired Emirates to launch this initiative distributing limited-edition handcrafted backpacks and essential stationary from its ‘Aircrafted KIDS’ collection to students in Jordan. The initiative equips students with learning essentials, reinforcing Emirates’ longstanding dedication to empowering young people in the communities it serves.

Mohammad Bin Hafiz, Emirates’ Country Manager for Jordan and West Bank, said, “Education is a fundamental driver of progress, and through Aircrafted KIDS, we want to help children have access to resources necessary to build a better, successful future. We have been a part of Amman’s skies since the beginning of our operations, dating back to 1986 and share a long and storied history in this country. We are proud to have invested in not just scaling our operations over the years but also in the local community.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with Emirates. It goes beyond mere distribution of schoolbags; it carries a message of hope, joy, and learning. These bags have touched our students’ hearts, inspiring them to dream bigger and strengthening their sense of responsibility towards our world”, said Tala Sweis, Madrasati’s Director.

Areej Khatib, Fund Development and Communications Director at SOS Children’s Villages, stated: “A child’s school bag holds more than just books, it carries the beginning of a dream and marks the first step toward a future we believe in and strive to build with every child.”

The backpacks, part of the airline’s upcycled ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, are handmade by the skilled Emirates Engineering team. Over 50,000 kg of reclaimed materials from the airline's iconic Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft currently undergoing complete cabin refurbishments were used for the collection.

The launch of Aircrafted KIDS in Jordan is part of a wider Emirates initiative that has already seen more than 3,700 bags donated in 10 countries including Egypt, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. By bringing Aircrafted KIDS to Jordan, Emirates connects more than destinations, it invests in people, using its global reach to create tangible opportunities that empower tomorrow's generations.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, 5 September 2025 – On the 4^th of September, about 250 primary school students from low socio-economic and multicultural communities joined a free rotational sports day designed to introduce them to tennis, while enhancing their physical and mental fitness. The initiative was one of 11 community tennis initiatives in 2025 to receive funding from the Emirates’ Force for Good program, now in full swing across Australia for the first time this year.  

Yesterday's sports day, the Schools Future Fit Program, was delivered by Youth of Tomorrow which gained funding from Emirates’ Force for Good initiative earlier this year. Held at the Pat Rafter Arena, Queensland State Tennis Centre, approximately 250 students participated in a series of on court tennis activities delivered by qualified coaches, including introduction to Pop and Pickleball, and preventative mental health workshops.

In celebration of the Force for Good program, Australian tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, John Millman, joined the students in a series of coaching sessions focused on fun and social connection. Guest appearances were made by Emirates mascots and Emirates cabin crew. Students received a series of tennis gifts and got to capture special moments and create memories with a Polaroid photo in a limited-edition Emirates photo frame as a keepsake.

In partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, Emirates launched its Force for Good program in Australia in 2025 to make a meaningful impact in local communities. Emirates is investing $2.25 million over five years to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis. The Emirates’ Force for Good program operates in the five Australian cities where the airline flies – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The community initiatives offer a structured and supportive environment where kids can develop their sporting skills and build social connections, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. ​ 

In 2025 alone, Emirates Force for Good program will support approximately 3,000 disadvantaged children and young people in gaining access to tennis across 11 community initiatives. These will include over 60 schools, clubs and other community courts, offering children over 10,000 opportunities to play.​

Beginning for the first time this year, the Emirates Force for Good program has already been in full swing in Australia, with six community initiatives having already kicked off across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, with over 800 participants.

Dean Cleaver, Regional Sales Manager at Emirates said: "Emirates is passionate about ensuring our commitment to Australia extends beyond the flights we operate. For us, the Force for Good program is an opportunity to give back to the communities we serve in Australia.

"Backed by a legacy of strong sporting sponsorships including our longstanding partnership with Tennis Australia, we know that offering children access to tennis is about more than the game. For children who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity, we're not only introducing them to a sport, we're offering pathways to develop physical skills, build social connections, and enhance mental wellbeing. The enthusiasm and fun we saw from the students in Brisbane is exactly what this program is about.”

Executive Director, Australian Tennis Foundation, Vicki Reid said: “We are excited to join forces with Emirates to support social impact initiatives across Australia. Through this collaboration, we can break down barriers and provide young people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,”

John Millman, tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, said: “Tennis has the power to bring people together and create lasting change. It’s incredible to see the joy and connection these kids experience when they’re given the chance to play.”

Chief Executive Officer of Youth of Tomorrow, Umit Oraloglu said: “We’re proud to partner with Emirates, ATF and Tennis Queensland to deliver a fully funded program to schools that need it most, supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people.”

Emirates' Force for Good program builds on the airline's ongoing commitment to Australia, where it has invested over $230 million in sponsorships, including the Australian Open. The first year of the program will culminate in January 2026 with a special event at the Australian Open.

AGEOP Ricerca is an independent association that has supported children with cancer and their families since 1982. Young patients from Italy and abroad come to this centre to access therapies that are not readily available in their hometowns.  This collaboration reinforces Emirates’ commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Emirates’ signature children’s backpacks distributed on board to entertain young passengers during their journeys, take on a new and heartfelt purpose: to offer encouragement, familiarity, and a sense of normalcy to children facing challenging times.

Flavio Ghiringhelli, Emirates’ Country Manager in Italy said: “We’ve long sought a project that would allow us to support the local community in a truly meaningful way. We’re especially proud this initiative is taking place in Bologna, where we are celebrating ten years since our first flight to the city. It reflects our deep roots here, and it’s a tangible way of showing the children and their families that they are not alone — that a global community stands with them, even from thousands of kilometres away.”

Francesca Testoni, General Director Ageop Ricerca said: “Each and every backpack that Emirates donates to our children and teenagers represents more than the object itself: it is a thought, a kind touch, a sign of attention and interest from those who live beyond the walls of paediatric oncology hospital. Receiving these backpacks during the summer period has a greater meaning, both for the patients and for us, the ones who take care of them. These are the months during which most people are thinking about their vacations, but paediatric cancer patients unfortunately never take one. There is less support and fewer donations in the summer months and so, knowing that someone is thinking about us and is supporting us, makes the loneliness more bearable. We are very thankful to Emirates who, with this initiative, has enabled us to keep directing our focus and efforts towards these programmes of care - which must not, and cannot ever stop.”

The donation aims to ease the hospital routine with moments of enjoyment, particularly during the summer months when opportunities for social connection can be more limited. This simple yet thoughtful gesture reflects Emirates' broader mission to connect communities not only through its extensive route network, but also through acts of solidarity and care.

For more information, visit emirates.com

At the clinic, youth from Kings County Tennis League, who benefited from the programme’s inaugural project at De Hostos Playground in South Williamsburg, had the opportunity to interact with and receive lessons from the two legends. 

Emirates is the Official Airline of the US Open Grand Slam^® tournament and launched the Force for Good programme in partnership with the USTA Foundation in 2024.

The six children from Kings County Tennis League also received special gifts from Emirates cabin crew members, including new kits consisting of high-quality tennis gear to up their game. The kids also received autographs from the legends and had the opportunity take commemorative photos before visiting Emirates’ premium hospitality suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 

To provide the opportunity for a wider group of children from Kings County Tennis League to enjoy the matches at the US Open, Emirates also treated 160 guests, consisting of youth and their guardians, to promenade seats and an invite-only experience at the airline’s hospitality suite. 

Emirates’ Force for Good initiative, now in its second year, aims to uplift communities and create opportunities for youth of all ages to develop their tennis skills by engaging in educational programs that contribute to their future success and overall wellbeing. The five-year partnership will see Emirates refurbishing tennis court facilities in US cities, with a total commitment of USD 2.5 million.

To date, Emirates has contributed USD 1 million to the USTA Foundation to fund the renovation of tennis courts in communities in Brooklyn, New York, and East Palo Alto, California.

·       The drop brings the total number of bags donated under the Aircrafted KIDS initiative to over 2,750 to date, with Jordan to follow in the coming months

Cairo, Egypt, 1 August 2025 – Emirates has launched its Aircrafted KIDS initiative in Middle East and North Africa, donating 800 bags to two non-profit organisations in Egypt. The initiative was born from the understanding that while education is one of the greatest engines for societal development and economic empowerment, access to resources is a barrier for children and young people. To help address this, Emirates launched an initiative to donate essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to organisations across Africa and West Asia, and now in the MENA region.

Educate Me and Resala serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space, for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. With a longstanding legacy of supporting youth, and a particular focus on education, Emirates aims to support both organisations’ students with their schooling by providing practical, stylish backpacks and stationery supplies. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves.

Abdalla Al Zamani, Country Manager for Egypt, Emirates, said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change society, inspiring and empowering the next generation to build a brighter future. We wanted to support that learning journey by providing the students at Resala and Educate Me with the essential tools for their education, along with a little piece of Emirates’ history, in the form of upcycled backpacks. We have a long and rich history serving Egypt dating back almost four decades, and we remain committed today, not just to scaling our operations but to enriching the surrounding communities too.”

To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, Resala and Educate Me handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by the Emirates Engineering team in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft.

"Resala Charity Organization is proud to partner with Emirates Airline in this impactful initiative, empowering 800 children with access to quality education across Egypt. Resala works to support children in underprivileged rural areas through innovative educational programs that combine direct learning, alternative education, and skill development. We sincerely thank Emirates for their support, which brings us closer to our vision of inclusive and equitable education for all," added Adel AbdelFattah, Director of Community Convoys & Volunteering.

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, geometry sets, notebooks and more. The airline also purchased books from local authors, which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material. The Emirates team based in Egypt visited both Educate Me and Resala to deliver the 800 bags and meet Egypt’s leaders of tomorrow.

"We are deeply grateful to Emirates Airline for their generous contribution, which goes far beyond school supplies. At Educate Me, we believe education is a gateway for children to shape a better future for themselves — to not just survive, but dream. This kind of support helps create a more engaging and enriching learning environment, giving students the opportunity to grow, explore, and imagine new possibilities for their lives,” commented Christine Safwat, Executive Director of Educate Me Foundation. 

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and ‘Aircrafted KIDS’ by Emirates is an extension of this work. In total, more than 50,000 kg of materials from 205 aircraft slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Egypt, Emirates provided organisations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia with bags, bringing the total donation to 1,239 in Africa alone, with a further 744 donated in Dhaka, Pakistan and India.

Offering an opportunity to own a unique piece of aviation history, the second collection of Aircrafted by Emirates features 3 new trolley bag styles – the most popular item from the launch collection. Two trendy backpack styles are also available, as well as two handbags – one of which is made from the fur of the Emirates’ Captain seat. Prices of each handmade item range from USD 80 to USD 350.

The materials used to craft the collection have been gathered from the iconic Emirates A380, as well as from Boeing 777 aircraft. From 63 retrofitted aircraft so far, more than 30,000 kg of materials have been repurposed and assigned to creating luggage and bags. The materials used range from aluminium headrests to pure leather from First and Business Class seats, and the sofas in the A380 onboard lounge. All fabrics are freshly laundered in a facility, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces. Brand new lining is added to the bags, along with functional zippers. Some bags even feature actual Emirates’ seatbelts as straps.

All the Aircrafted bags were designed and handmade by Emirates tailors in a dedicated cabin workshop, at Emirates Engineering facility in Dubai. Emirates has a team of 14 ‘tailors’, officially titled as Engineering Maintenance Assistants, whose usual role involves fixing and stitching any tears in the interiors of Emirates vast aircraft fleet. The success of Aircrafted by Emirates and Aircrafted KIDS, means that an entire team of tailors are now dedicated full time to the initiative.

The Emirates Retrofit Project

In August 2022, Emirates began the largest known fleet retrofit project, as part of a multi-billion-dollar investment to elevate customer experience. Emirates aims to upgrade the entire interior cabins of 219 of its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft – two of the largest commercial aircraft types in service today. Managed entirely by Emirates’ Engineering team, the retrofit will see nearly 4,000 brand new Premium Economy seats installed, 728 First Class suites refurbished and over 5,000 Business Class seats upgraded to a new style and design when the project is complete.

Read more about sustainability at Emirates

Palo Alto, 20 June 2025:  Emirates and the United States Tennis Association Foundation (USTA Foundation) have joined forces to present brand new tennis courts to the community of East Palo Alto as part of Emirates’ “Force for Good” court rejuvenation initiative. The world’s largest international airline’s contribution of USD 500,000 supported the construction of one of the six new courts in the California city in addition to funding programmes by East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring (EPATT) to benefit youth in the community.

The global airline donated the funds as part of its five-year commitment of USD 2.5 million to support court rejuvenation projects across US cities. East Palo Alto is the second US city to benefit from Emirates’ partnership with the USTA Foundation for the provision of new tennis courts, following on from last year’s refurbishment of three tennis courts in Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground, also made possible with a donation of USD 500,000 from Emirates.

The ‘Force for Good’ initiative uplifts communities and creates opportunities for youth of all ages to develop their sporting skills and engage in educational programs that contribute to their future success and overall wellbeing. Besides the construction of the new tennis courts which began last year, the funding will continue to support academic programming on-site and grants for youth who are talented in the sport of tennis and college scholarships.

The six brand new tennis courts were unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurated by officials from Emirates, USTA Foundation and EPATT in the presence of public officials representing the city of East Palo Alto. Legendary tennis coach Paul Goldstein was present to showcase the new courts with the first match, along with kids from the community who benefit from EPATT’s programming and facilities.

With the airline’s funding, Emirates has the naming rights to a tennis court, marked by a commemorative plaque and presented to Matthew Jones, Emirates’ VP – USA in acknowledgment of the airline’s contributions that enabled the initiative in East Palo Alto.

For the next three years Emirates’ funding is earmarked to support additional projects that will touch the lives of youth and families across the nation.

Emirates is the Official Airline of the US Open and has been a proud partner since 2012. The airline began its US operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates to 12 US cities, including two points in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco, in addition to Boston, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Newark, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, and New York JFK.

As a global airline, Emirates’ “Force for Good” initiative also supports social impact initiatives touching the lives of youth in local communities across the UK in partnership with Wimbledon. Emirates also makes an impact on communities around the world through its other partnerships, directly or through the Emirates Airline Foundation.

For more information, visit emirates.com.

Indianapolis, Indiana – 12 June 2025: In line with its commitment to positively impacting cities nationwide, Emirates has joined forces with NBA Cares once again to launch a newly renovated technology and gaming room at the Wheeler-Dowe Club, a key facility of the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis. Emirates, the Official Airline Partner of the NBA, is this year’s presenting partner in the basketball association’s community initiative, the NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects.

The grand unveiling marks the second restoration project presented this week under the NBA Cares initiative, following the conversion of a classroom to a recreational room equipped with STEM technology and devices, furniture and more, in an Oklahoma County Boys & Girls Club.

The Wheeler-Dowe Club’s new game room was officially revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials from The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, the primary beneficiaries of the program, and led by representatives from Emirates, the NBA, Indiana Pacers and the local community. Speakers at the unveiling event included Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer; Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Mayor; Matthew Jones, Emirates’ VP-USA, and executives from Indiana Pacers including Steve Simon, Indiana Pacers Alternate Governor and Mel Raines CEO Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

The effort which benefits Indiana youth is part of the airline’s broader investment in uplifting communities across the U.S. and supporting the well-being and aspirations of young people. By restoring community clubs and recreational spaces that enable youth development and provide opportunities to enrich their lives, Emirates aims to support communities’ efforts to foster essential life skills, academic growth, and positive mentorship through sports and recreation.

The multi-purpose room at the Wheeler-Dowe Club received a full makeover, including new paint, graphics, updated technology, gaming equipment, consoles, new furniture and accessible storage to hold books and games. With its refreshed look and equipment, the game room will provide an inspiring and creative space for kids of all age groups to enjoy.

The Wheeler-Dowe Club was established in 1972 and is one of the sites of Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis where kids can enjoy extra-curricular activities after school and benefit from mentorship and a range of programs designed to help youth discover their full potential and enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. To empower the community’s youth and provide a safe place for kids to learn and grow, the club offers programmes including education career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, sports and the arts. Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis has served more than 7,300 youth at 10 different sites across Indianapolis, including the Wheeler-Dowe Club.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a commemorative plaque highlighting the support of the NBA and Emirates in the refurbishment project was placed at the club’s game room. Local youth that attended the inauguration event also participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinic with Indiana Pacers coaches and players.

Emirates is the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, and presenting partner of this year’s NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sports.

The airline began its US operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates to 12 US cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Newark, Dallas, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, in addition to New York JFK.

The airline also strives to make an impact on communities around the world through various means, via its partnerships, directly or through the Emirates Airline Foundation.

For more information, visit emirates.com.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 7 June 2025: Emirates, the Official Airline Partner of the NBA, has partnered with the basketball association to unveil a newly renovated space at Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, as part of the NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. The initiative comes as part of the airline’s investment with the NBA and Emirates’ commitment to making a difference in cities across the US, by positively impacting and contributing to the well-being of youth in the nation’s communities.

The new “Wonder Room” was revealed during a ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurated by officials from Emirates, the NBA and Oklahoma City Thunder players. Youth from Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, who stand to benefit from the initiative, were also present at the official reveal of the new recreational space. Leading the formalities at the unveiling event was Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner; Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer; Kathy Behrens, NBA President Social Responsibility & Player Programs; and Matthew Jones, Emirates’ VP-USA.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County provide clubs where kids can enjoy extra-curricular activities after school and grow beyond the classroom. Since opening their doors 30 years ago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County have grown from one to 16 clubs serving over 1,200 club members each day and over 17,000 youth every year.

The refurbishment project transformed a third-grade classroom into a Wonder Room, complete with tech equipment, STEM Zone, reading nook and a lounge space for teen members. The room also underwent major aesthetic enhancements including fresh paint, new graphics and flooring to result in a new and inspiring space for kids to enjoy.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a commemorative plaque highlighting the support of the NBA and Emirates in the refurbishment project was placed at the Wonder Room. To celebrate the opening of the new community room, local youth participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinic.

Emirates is the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, and presenting partner of this year’s NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sports.

The airline began its US operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates to 12 US cities. The airline also strives to make an impact on communities around the world through various means, via its partnerships, directly or through the Emirates Airline Foundation.

For more information, visit emirates.com.

London, UK, Wednesday 21 May 2025: Championing Nature, a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature, has launched. 

The multi-million-pound programme will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts: the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust. 

During the next six years, these Wildlife Trusts will each receive investment from The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates to fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas, with a particular focus on bringing disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families closer to nature, and creating a lasting infrastructure legacy for the benefit of future generations.

Research conducted on behalf of the four Wildlife Trusts indicated that roughly one out of eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds aged under 12 has never experienced nature. Lack of green space facilities nearby (21%) and the cost of transport (17%) to get to the nearest green space facilities were identified by parents as two of the key barriers to their children spending more time in nature. Parents identified improved mood (48%), overall happiness (48%), more active (42%) and better physical health (35%) as the top positive changes within their children after they had spent time in nature. 

Championing Nature was officially launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with representatives of the four Wildlife Trusts, All England Club and Emirates joined by programme ambassador Steve Backshall MBE to mark a collective commitment to creating lasting change through positive community engagement and increased connection to nature. 

Steve Backshall MBE, who is renowned for his lifelong passion and commitment to nature, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable benefits that a closer connection to nature and the outdoors can provide. The Championing Nature programme is a great opportunity to encourage children, young people and families living in urban environments to discover and explore the green spaces around them. Through my role as President of Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, I’m familiar with the fantastic work these organisations do to protect wildlife and enhance the natural environment. The four Wildlife Trusts have some exciting plans ready to roll out, thanks to the support of the Championing Nature programme, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive difference they will make to the lives of many.” 

Each Wildlife Trust will deliver a bespoke programme to make nature more accessible through a combination of infrastructure projects, learning initiatives and engaging outreach events. Further information on each Wildlife Trust’s activity is below and updates on how local communities can get involved will be available on the respective Wildlife Trust websites in the coming weeks. 

London Wildlife Trust 

Charlie Sims, Director of Visitor Experience at London Wildlife Trust, said: “Connecting people with nature isn’t as simple as opening the gates—it’s about removing physical, social, and financial barriers to accessing wild spaces. It also means creating relevant and inclusive programmes that help everyone feel a genuine sense of belonging in nature. This funding enables us to accelerate our Learning & Engagement work and bring wildlife back to the heart of communities across London.” 

The funding will be used to support the running of London Wildlife Trust’s Wild About Learning outdoor education programme for schools and families. Each year, with this generous funding the Trust will run 150 school sessions reaching more than 5,600 pupils, and deliver more than 250 family learning sessions for 2,500 children. London Wildlife Trust will also install a nature play and learning space at Woodberry Wetlands in Hackney in 2026 and a sensory wildlife garden and education hub at Gunnersbury Triangle in Hounslow in 2028. www.wildlondon.org.uk.

Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust 

“We are incredibly excited at the opportunity that Championing Nature provides to us,” said Delia Garratt, Chief Executive. “The funding offered through Championing Nature will enable Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust to deliver deeply rewarding education and engagement activity to some of the most at risk and nature deprived young people in England, enabling these young people to release the immense benefits that can be had from a connection to the natural world.” 

Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust will use the funds provided by Championing Nature to deliver a wide-ranging new programme of education and community engagement. The Trust will offer interactive nature based education sessions to schools in Birmingham, prioritising schools with the lowest access to green space. We will also create a new year round series of nature focused outreach events open to young people and the wider community. Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust will also invest in a major overhaul of our iconic environmental education site, Centre of the Earth. www.bbcwildlife.org.uk 

Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working on this exciting new partnership,” said Rory Andrews, Greater Manchester nature recovery manager. “This collaboration will provide a huge boost for both people and nature in Wythenshawe—helping to create greener, healthier spaces and inspiring more local residents to connect with the natural world on their doorstep. Together, we’re laying the foundations for lasting change that will benefit communities and wildlife for years to come.” 

Using the funding, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside will support a transformative community-driven initiative that addresses the decline of nature in the Wythenshawe area of Greater Manchester, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and belonging by empowering the community, and children, young people and families in particular, to care for local wildlife and green spaces. This will include learning workshops, school partnerships, skill development, community volunteering, habitat restoration and species recording, with the aim of creating a nature corridor through this urban environment. www.lancswt.org.uk 
  
Northumberland Wildlife Trust 

Northumberland Wildlife Trust covers the areas of Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside as well as Northumberland. Championing Nature is primarily focussed on our urban and suburban areas, where access to nature is more challenging. 

“This new partnership is an amazing opportunity to scale up our efforts to engage urban communities with nature as never before,” commented Mike Pratt, Chief Executive. “Championing Nature is ambitious and long term in its approach so we can enable communities to connect to wild places in more meaningful ways. It will be an ongoing celebration of how transformative connecting with nature can be in everyone’s daily lives. 
“We are very excited to be part of this journey to increasing nature awareness and appreciation and the wellbeing of people from all backgrounds.” 

Northumberland Wildlife Trust will increase nature connection for children and young people through educator upskilling, school partnerships, nature reserve visits and a youth activism programme. The Trust is in the final stages of tendering for the provision of managing a section of a much-loved country park in North Tyneside for the next 40 years. If the Trust is successful, they will co-design the investment with the local community which would go towards improved engagement infrastructure within the section they will manage. www.nwt.org.uk 

Emirates was announced as an Official Partner of The Championships in 2024, extending its long-standing support of tennis into a fourth decade and complementing its existing Grand Slam partnerships with the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and US Open. 

Commenting on the launch of the Championing Nature initiative, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We’re passionate about our sport sponsorships going beyond the game to give back to the communities we serve. Championing Nature brings the worlds of sport, nature conservation and travel together in a way that we hope will inspire engagement with thousands of young people across the U.K. These four Wildlife Trusts are doing incredible work to protect nature and help people connect with it and through this unique partnership we hope to have a positive impact for generations to come.” 

Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, said: “Wimbledon is known for its ‘tennis in an English garden’ setting and our focus on horticulture and biodiversity around our Grounds is part of what makes The Championships so special. We believe that the All England Club has a meaningful role to play in achieving a positive environmental impact, but we know this is not achievable on our own. That’s why we are delighted to be working in partnership with Emirates and four Wildlife Trusts on Championing Nature, a programme that demonstrates our shared commitment to connect people across the country with nature and to protect our natural world.” 
 

Notes to Editors: 
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2001 parents of a nationally representative sample of children aged under 12. The data was collected between 07.05.2025 - 13.05.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. 

About Wimbledon: 
The Championships, Wimbledon, is the oldest of the four tennis Grand Slams and the only one played on grass. Managed by The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and staged on the AELTC Grounds, Wimbledon has evolved from its origins as a private members’ croquet club in 1868, to one of the world’s biggest annual sporting events and one of the most well-respected brands in sport. Visit www.wimbledon.com and follow @wimbledon on all major social media platforms. 

The All England Club’s Community Strategy is grounded in its ambition to be a force for good, leading by example through our commitment to community, inclusivity, environment, and inspiring others to take action. This means actively generating meaningful and positive benefits for our communities and ensuring that everyone feels welcome at Wimbledon. 

About Emirates: 
Emirates is the award-winning global airline operating to 130 cities on six continents through its efficient hub in Dubai. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 160 nations. Emirates supports local communities worldwide and brings people together through its vast portfolio of international sports and cultural sponsorships. Emirates is also committed to environmentally-responsible operations and focusses its environmental efforts in three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and preserving wildlife and habitats. 

Dubai, UAE, 21 April 2025: Emirates is doubling down efforts to support children in need and build on the gains it has made over the last two decades to bolster support for 13 community-based organisations and grassroots NGOs that safeguard the health and wellbeing of children.

For every dollar, dirham or any currency donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates will fully match every contribution made up to US $10,000, helping double the impact of every customer as part of its long-standing commitment to build a better future for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children the Foundation supports.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation said: “As global challenges intensify for the world’s most vulnerable people, safeguarding the fundamental needs of children and their access to food, health, housing and education has never been more vital. This is why we are scaling up our support by matching every donation made to the Emirates Airline Foundation as part of our commitment to prioritising the needs of children and helping to break the cycle of poverty. Every contribution made today is a stepping stone towards a fully nourished, educated, and empowered child.”

The airline’s latest philanthropic initiative to boost humanitarian efforts comes as the UAE marks the Year of Community in 2025, which aims to make a lasting impact on communities, support a culture of shared responsibility and unlock potential for sustainable growth.

Ways to give

Support the Emirates Airline Foundation’s vital work to help children around the world and double your donation through the following opportunities:

• Donate onboard: Every Emirates flight offers donation envelopes and customers can drop in any amount they wish to donate in any currency, seal it and hand to a Cabin Crew member. Customers can also donate using their credit or debit card.
• Donate online: Anyone can donate at any time through the dedicated, secure and convenient Emirates Airline Foundation payment portal.
• Donations can also be made via bank transfer or by cheque made payable to 'Emirates Airline Foundation'. Details can be found on the Emirates Airline Foundation website.

The impact of donations 

From projects that mobilise safe housing, essential nutrition and healthcare, secure educational opportunities and vocational development to medical, engineering and education missions around the globe, the Emirates Airline Foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of children over the last two decades.

Today, the Foundation supports 13 NGOs in 9 countries:

In India, Emirates-CHES Home serves as a haven for over 37 abandoned children living with HIV/AIDS. Within its walls, these children receive comprehensive medical support and compassionate care. Emirates proudly supports IIMPACT Girls Education Project, funding learning centres across 11 states in India. This project empowers 5,000 young girls up to grade 5 with meaningful and stimulating education and supports face to-face training sessions for teachers.

In Sri Lanka, Prithipura Communities provides transformative support to nearly 250 individuals with disabilities—from infants to young adults—through specialised care, comprehensive education, professional vocational training, and meaningful employment pathways that nurture independence and dignity.

In Zimbabwe, St. Marcellin's Children's Village serves as a refuge for orphaned and homeless children, including many with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and HIV. Through the Foundation's vital support, the organization currently provides comprehensive care to over 56 children, offering hope for the future.

In South Africa, the Foundation has stood side by side with Singakwenza Education and Health in Johannesburg, supporting early childhood education for close to 1,000 young children in disadvantaged communities. Fikelela Children’s Centre’s mission is to serve children with HIV/AIDS. The Foundation supports the running costs of the centre and has also funded new facilities to help care for and house 40 young children, including infants who have been neglected or abandoned because of the virus. 

In Kenya, the Foundation supports three organisations:  The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School for children in the Kibera slums; Alfajiri Street Kids which offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; the Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships at the Starehe Boys’ Centre, a boarding school for academically talented boys.

In the Philippines, Emirates Airline Foundation supports Virlanie Foundation, which provides housing and protection to abused, exploited, neglected and orphaned children through its various programmes and services.

In Brazil, the Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage provides a nurturing haven for orphaned and abandoned girls aged 4-12 in Rio de Janeiro, offering comprehensive shelter, education, and compassionate care. Externato São Francisco de Assis operates as a dedicated day boarding school serving underprivileged children, particularly those from single-parent households, creating pathways to opportunity through holistic support and education.

In the UAE, SAFE Centre for Autism offers an innovative curriculum and proven therapy programmes for students between the ages of 4-18 years struggling with complex learning difficulties.

Funding towards projects is made possible by the generous donations from Emirates customers, donors and employees. Nearly all inbound funding goes directly to projects, and all efforts are made to minimise administrative costs through the support of employee volunteers.

The Emirates Airline Foundation is regulated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) and is fully licensed by the Government of Dubai and IACAD, license A91.

Find out more about the Foundation’s active projects and make a donation by visiting: www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org

About the Emirates Airline Foundation

Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, the Emirates Airline Foundation is the airline’s official charity and philanthropic arm. The brainchild of Emirates cabin crew, the Foundation has been operating for over twenty years to create meaningful, sustainable and lasting impact in the communities that it serves, now and in the future.

Dubai, UAE, 27 March 2025: Supporting children’s education and making meaningful connections within the communities it serves, Emirates has engaged with several educational entities across Asia; to provide 700 handmade schoolbags and essential stationery supplies directly to young students. Each schoolbag is a piece of history - a limited-edition bag from Emirates’ Aircrafted range, made from the fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft. With 1300 bags already distributed across Africa, the Asia Aircrafted KIDS delivery is part of a larger initiative by Emirates to repurpose and upcycle materials for the benefit of children across the globe.

Aircrafted Kids by Emirates goes to Asia

In India, Emirates collaborated with Smile Foundation India, a respected institution that provides education, healthcare and livelihood programmes to children aged between 6-14 years. In Bangladesh, Emirates partnered with Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari – three sister entities across Dhaka that provide shelter for women and children, and a safe place to nurture education and wellbeing. In Pakistan, Emirates worked with SOS Children’s Villages, a renowned entity which serves local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and Aircrafted Kids is an extension of this work.

Emirates has a local office in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, so each entity was visited by the Emirates representatives who helped pack the bags and distribute them and were eager to connect with the organisations who do such important work in the community. Inside the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as stationary, calculators and essentials, as well as a variety of books that can be shared throughout schools.

The next stop on the Aircrafted Kids schoolbags trail is Egypt, with more destinations in the MENA region to follow.

The making of Aircrafted Kids schoolbags

As part of an environmental strategy that includes responsible consumption, Emirates committed to repurposing more than 50,000 kilograms of materials, from 205 aircraft that are undergoing a cabin interior refit and refresh. The team at Emirates Engineering brainstormed a myriad of ways in which the old materials could be reused and upcycled and settled on a range of sturdy backpacks. The high-quality seat fabric of Emirates Economy Class seats is 95% wool and 5% nylon, a flat weave structure sourced from Germany and Ireland which is ideal for upcycling due to its durability and non-flammable nature.

In a dedicated workshop at Emirates, a team of 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants creatively designed and tailored a whole range of backpacks for children of different ages. The Emirates Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand team then identified charitable entities, schools and foundations, where the bags could be distributed for most impact, communicating with the NGOs on what their preferences would be. The teams spent weeks researching styles, ensuring the bags were safe and comfortable for children to use. Across all the bag designs, the fabrics were professionally laundered, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned for the accents, and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces. Brand new lining was added to the bags, along with functional zippers and adjustable straps, before being packed into specially branded ‘Aircrafted Kids’ boxes and shipped to their final destinations.

With the transport and logistics fully supported by Emirates’ SkyCargo teams, and dnata Logistics across the continents – Aircrafted Kids by Emirates connected the community of employees within Emirates to achieve a meaningful goal.

Aircrafted by Emirates Limited Edition Luggage for sale

Emirates fans can also get involved in this ‘connecting communities’ initiative, by purchasing limited edition luggage in the coming months, as the Aircrafted by Emirates retail range prepares to launch a second phase of the capsule collection. Like the first collection, which sold out in a matter of days - proceeds after costs are donated to Emirates Airline Foundation supporting humanitarian projects around the world. Customers and fans can also donate to Emirates Airline Foundation any time, and help children in need.

Delhi, India - 26 March 2025: Education is one of the greatest engines for societal development, laying a strong foundation for economic empowerment. To support India’s initiatives of making education accessible to its children, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to a non-profit organisation in India. 

India is making reforms in its education system, continuously improving its infrastructure and resources to provide equal opportunities to children across the country. To support their efforts in rolling out access to education for underprivileged children, Emirates assisted the students of Smile Foundation with their schooling by providing 400 practical, stylish backpacks filled with stationery, and learning supplies.

The organization was carefully selected as it serves local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for disadvantaged youths to continue their education in a safe environment. The institute has a longstanding legacy of supporting youth and a particular focus on education. The initiative reinforces the airline's commitment to 'connecting communities' by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President Emirates for India, said: “Education is a fundamental right. In line with our support for UN Sustainable Development Goal number 4, focused on quality education, we are dedicated to ensuring that children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the resources needed to learn and create an equitable future for themselves.”

"We are pleased to partner with Smile Foundation, that has been working for over two decades to ensure underprivileged children have the opportunity to progress, setting them on the path for a brighter, more productive tomorrow. The bags from the Aircrafted KIDS collection will support their mission as they are uniquely made and filled with stationery, books, and hygiene items to assist children in their daily tasks and learning. We are proud to share these bags, which are upcycled from materials from our aircraft. They connect children to Emirates' history while demonstrating a sustainable use of resources."

Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation remarked, “Education of children is the key to a future full of potential and is instrumental in nation-building too. I firmly believe in the philosophy of civic-driven change, wherein responsible organizations and members of the civil society complement the governmental efforts. We appreciate Emirates for encouraging our children and our initiatives.”

Smile Foundation handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and B777 aircraft that underwent refurbishments. 

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school and hygiene supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks, sanitizers, soaps, other sanitary items and more. The airline also purchased books which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Under the Aircrafted program more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircrafts slated to undergo the airline's interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in India, Emirates provided organisations in Bangladesh and Pakistan with bags, bringing the total donation to 700 in Asia alone after donating 1,239 in Africa in the previous months

Bangladesh is making reforms in its education system, continuously improving its infrastructure and resources to provide equal opportunities to children across the country. To support their efforts in rolling out access to education for underprivileged children, Emirates assisted the students of Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari with their schooling by providing 187 practical, stylish backpacks filled with stationery, and learning supplies.

These organizations were selected carefully as they serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for disadvantaged youths to continue their education in safe environments. The institutes have a longstanding legacy of supporting youth and a particular focus on education. The initiative reinforces the airline's commitment to 'connecting communities' by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Mansoor Alsuwaidi, Airport Services Manager, Bangladesh for Emirates, said: “At Emirates we are committed to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 to ensure every child has access to quality education and gets a chance to learn, thrive and unluck their full potential.  We are delighted to collaborate with organizations such as Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari which are dedicated to uplifting lives of underprivileged communities by providing them basic necessities and shelter. With these Aircrafted bags we provided essential educational supplies and stationery that will greatly benefit the students' learning experiences. We hope these resources will enable them to learn, grow, and build brighter futures.

“The Aircrafted bags we donated are made from upcycled materials, helping to teach children the importance of sustainability. Each bag is designed based on thorough research into children’s styles and needs, empowering them with comfort and confidence. Through these bags, we proudly share a piece of our history with children across Bangladesh.”

Md.Shajedul Qayyum Dulal, Executive Director, Dhaka Ahsania Mission parent NGO of Kanan, Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari and Thikana (Shelter Home) said: "We are grateful to Emirates for their donation. Their commitment to investing in our community's future propels our mission to elevate the lives of underprivileged children. Our students are excited to be a part of the Aircrafted program and receive these unique bags which will not only benefit them in their day-to-day life but will inspire them to aim higher.”

To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, the three organizations handpicked the specific bags they required from the 'Aircrafted by Emirates' collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and B777 aircraft that underwent refurbishments. 

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks, water bottles, lunchboxes and more. The airline also purchased books from local authors, blending culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Under the Aircrafted program more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircrafts slated to undergo the airline's interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Bangladesh, Emirates provided organisations in Pakistan and India with bags, bringing the total donation to 700 in Asia alone after donating 1,239 in Africa in the previous months.

Pakistan has made significant reforms in its education system, continuously improving its infrastructure and resources to provide equal opportunities to children across the country. To support their efforts in rolling out access to education for children in rural areas, Emirates assisted the students of SOS Children’s Villages by donating 107 practical, stylish backpacks filled with stationery, books and hygiene supplies. The NGO was selected carefully as it serves local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. The institute has a longstanding legacy of supporting youth and a particular focus on education. The initiative reinforces the airline's commitment to 'connecting communities' by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Mohammed Alhashmi, Vice President, Pakistan for Emirates said: “We are pleased to collaborate with organizations such as SOS Village that share our commitment to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 4  to ensure every child has access to quality education and gets a chance to learn, thrive and unlock their full potential. With 17 branches across Pakistan, SOS Children’s Villages has a wide network in the country. They have been carefully selected for their dedicated work in providing abandoned or orphaned children with a safe and stable home where they can pursue their education.

“Donating the Aircrafted KIDS bags made with recycled materials and filled with essential stationary, learning and hygiene items will equip children with confidence and tools to make their everyday learning journey easier. We take pride in sharing our upcycled bags as this initiative not only promotes sustainability but also connects children in Pakistan with a piece of our history."

Saba Faisal, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Emirates team, and we would like to thank them for supporting the educational development of our children, who come from vulnerable backgrounds yet possess immense potential to achieve success and positively contribute to society. We are grateful for companies such as Emirates for their contribution towards the wellbeing of our students and impact them in such a positive way. It was a delight for our children to meet the Emirates team, receive the bags, and create happy memories they will cherish forever."

To ensure the NGO received exactly what they needed for each and every student, SOS Children’s Villages handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and B777 aircraft that underwent refurbishments. 

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school and hygiene supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks, sanitizers, soaps, toothpastes and more. The airline also purchased books which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Under the Aircrafted program more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircrafts slated to undergo the airline's interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Pakistan, Emirates provided organisations in Bangladesh and India with bags, bringing the total donation to 700  in Asia alone after donating 1,239 in Africa in the previous months.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 5 March, 2025 – Education is one of the greatest engines for societal development, laying a strong foundation for economic empowerment, however adequate access to resources is an ongoing barrier for children and young people. To help address this, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection to two non-profit organisations in Ethiopia. 

Roots Ethiopia and Brave Hearts Ethiopia serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space, for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. With a longstanding legacy of supporting youth, and a particular focus on education, Emirates aims to support both organisations’ students with their schooling by providing practical, stylish backpacks and stationery supplies. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Manoj Nair, Country Manager for Ethiopia, Emirates, said: “Education has the power to not only change the lives of individuals, but of society at large, by equipping the next generation with the essential tools to build a better future. We wanted to start by providing the students at Roots and Brave Hearts with the supplies and resources to support on their journey, along with a little piece of Emirates’ history, in the form of upcycled backpacks. Since our first flight in 2006, we have been committed to Ethiopia, scaling our operations and enriching the local communities too.”

To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, Brave Hearts and Roots handpicked the bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft. 

Brave Hearts Ethiopia expresses heartfelt gratitude to Fly Emirates for their generous support through the Aircrafted initiative. Mrs. Konjit Yimer, Director of Brave Hearts said: “The donation of backpacks symbolizes a shared commitment to empowering orphaned and vulnerable children through education. Special thanks to Mr. Manoj Nair, Emirates Country Manager for Ethiopia, whose presence and dedication made the occasion even more meaningful. We appreciate the entire Emirates team for joining us in creating a lasting impact on the lives of our children.”  

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks and more. The airline also purchased books from local authors, blending culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Roots Ethiopia extends its deepest gratitude to Emirates for their generous in-kind donation and shared commitment to education. “As an NGO dedicated to improving schools, educating children, and enabling livelihoods in Ethiopia, we believe in empowering local communities with sustainable solutions. This support will have a meaningful impact on the children we serve, reinforcing our mission of "Local Ideas for Lasting Change." Thank you for investing in brighter futures,” said Mohammed Jemal, PhD, Country Director, Roots Ethiopia.

The Emirates team based in Addis Ababa visited both Roots and Brave Hearts to deliver the 450 bags and meet Ethiopia’s leaders of tomorrow.   

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ is an extension of this work. In total, more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircraft slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Ethiopia, Emirates provided organisations in Zimbabwe and Zambia with bags, bringing the total donation to 1,239 in Africa alone, with more to follow in Asia in the coming months.

Dubai, UAE, 24 February 2025 – World-class riders at UAE Team Emirates XRG, the world’s number one ranked team on the UCI World Tour and Emirates partnered up to offer Al Nasr Sports Club’s youth cyclists a unique coaching session, helping breed interest, support young talent and encourage commitment to the growing sport of cycling.

The coaching clinic saw 17 young cycling enthusiasts, aged 10 to 16 take on challenges in mixed sessions which included cycling drills that helped improve stamina, riding efficiency and control. UAE team Emirates XRG’s elite riders, led by Tadej Pogacar, Jay Vine, Florian Vermeersch, and Team Director, Yousif Mirza Alhammadi also passed on personalised tips and tricks to the young cyclists, and shared experiences from their own cycling careers.

The cycling clinic demonstrates Emirates’ and UAE Team Emirates XRG’s shared objective to support local community grassroots activities to grow the prospects of young, talented athletes in the UAE, by providing opportunities to engage with professional athletes and help them fulfil their potential.

Emirates recently renewed its partnership with UAE Team Emirates XRG who competed in the 2025 UAE Tour last week. The title was won by the world champion, Pogacar, making it his third UAE Tour win and an incredible display on home soil for the team.

Aircrafted Kids by Emirates goes to Africa

In Zimbabwe, Emirates collaborated with St Marcellin's Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon, two not-for-profit entities that care for vulnerable children, and provide a nurturing and inspirational space for children’s education. In Zambia, Emirates partnered with the Kucetekela Foundation, supporting academically promising, financially disadvantaged children, and the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Zambia, protecting families and vulnerable children and strengthening communities through economic empowerment and education. In Ethiopia, Emirates worked with Bravehearts Ethiopia, an NGO devoted to empowering vulnerable children with a focus on quality education, and also with Roots Ethiopia, which focuses on supporting several aspects of children’s education, specifically in rural areas. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and Aircrafted Kids is an extension of this work.

Emirates has a local office in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia, so each entity was visited by the Emirates Country Manager and their team members, who helped pack the bags and distribute them, and were eager to connect with the organisations who do such important work in the community. Inside the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as stationary, calculators and essentials, as well as books from local authors that blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities.

The next stops on the Aircrafted Kids schoolbags trail are India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with several more to follow.

The making of Aircrafted Kids schoolbags

As part of an environmental strategy that includes responsible consumption, Emirates committed to repurposing more than 50,000 kilograms of materials, from 205 aircraft that are undergoing a cabin interior refit and refresh. The team at Emirates Engineering brainstormed a myriad of ways in which the old materials could be reused and upcycled and settled on a range of sturdy backpacks. The high-quality seat fabric of Emirates Economy Class seats is 95% wool and 5% nylon, a flat weave structure sourced from Germany and Ireland which is ideal for upcycling due to its durability and non-flammable nature.

In a dedicated workshop at Emirates, a team of 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants creatively designed and tailored a whole range of backpacks for children of different ages. The Emirates Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand team then identified charitable entities, schools and foundations, where the bags could be distributed for most impact, communicating with the NGOs on what their preferences would be. The teams spent weeks researching styles, ensuring the bags were safe and comfortable for children to use. Across all the bag designs, the fabrics were professionally laundered, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned for the accents, and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces. Brand new lining was added to the bags, along with functional zippers and adjustable straps, before being packed into specially branded ‘Aircrafted Kids’ boxes and shipped to their final destinations.

With the transport and logistics fully supported by Emirates’ SkyCargo teams, and dnata Logistics across the continents – Aircrafted Kids by Emirates connected the community of employees within Emirates to achieve a meaningful goal.

Aircrafted by Emirates Limited Edition Luggage for sale

Emirates fans can also get involved in this ‘connecting communities’ initiative, by purchasing limited edition luggage in the coming months, as the Aircrafted by Emirates retail range prepares to launch a second phase of the capsule collection. Like the first collection, which sold out in a matter of days - proceeds after costs are donated to Emirates Airline Foundation supporting humanitarian projects around the world.

The guests had the chance to visit some of the most exclusive areas of San Siro stadium, welcome the First Team players upon their arrival, and enjoy a special surprise from Zlatan Ibrahimović, who greeted them personally and shared a few words of inspiration. During the team’s warm-up, the group took a lap around the pitch and met Milanello, the Club mascot, as well as Rossoneri speaker Gegio.

After watching the match from the stands of San Siro with their parents, the children had another chance to meet the AC Milan players, who signed Emirates’ branded merchandise, including the 2024/25 Home Jersey, and took keepsake photos of the special day.

This initiative, which took place during Emirates’ sponsored AC Milan x Inter match, aligns with similar activations carried out by the airline and AC Milan in previous seasons - including:

• 23-24 AC Milan v Salernitana (25 May 2024): Emirates gifted 11 mascot places to ASD Sporting Murialdo, a club that facilities sports scholarships for underprivileged youth who otherwise wouldn’t have access to sports due to socioeconomic challenges.
• 24-25 AC Milan v Genoa (15 Dec 2024): Emirates gifted 11 mascot places to ASD Fenice, an amateur sports association based in the Gratosoglio district in Milan. Through sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball, the association helps young and disadvantaged youth (aged 6-17) overcome socioeconomic barriers, combating school dropout and social exclusion.

These efforts also align with Emirates’ deeper commitment to the markets it serves, showing its support for local communities worldwide. Through its vast sponsorship portfolio, the airline leverages the power of sport to create meaningful connections and inspire positive change. Together with Fondazione Milan, both entities are committed to creating far-reaching impact in Italy and beyond through their shared values.

Learn more about Emirates’ partnership with AC Milan here.

Harare, Zimbabwe, 10 February, 2025 – Education is one of the greatest engines for societal development, laying a strong foundation for economic empowerment, however adequate access to resources is an ongoing barrier for children and young people. To help address this, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to two non-profit organisations in Zimbabwe. 

While Zimbabwe has made significant reforms in their education system, many rural schools do not have access to the necessary infrastructure and resources, causing a disparity with students in urban areas. St Marcellins Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space, for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. With a longstanding legacy of supporting youth, and a particular focus on education, Emirates aims to support both organisations’ students with their schooling by providing practical, stylish backpacks and stationery supplies. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Talal Al Gergawi, Country Manager for Zimbabwe, Emirates, said: “To provide the next generation with the essential tools to build a better future, we first must provide them the essential tools for their education. We wanted to provide better access to supplies and resources to help the students of Rose of Sharon and St Marcellins continue their studies, build a brighter future. Celebrating our shared values, we also provided a little piece of Emirates’ history, in the form of upcycled backpacks, demonstrating our longstanding and ongoing commitment to Zimbabwe’s culturally rich and diverse communities.”

To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, Rose of Sharon and St Marcellins handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft. 

Dr Fatima Maruta, Founder of Rose of Sharon, said: “We are grateful for the practical support that Emirates is giving to the children as it will make the world of difference.” 

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks and more. The airline also purchased books from the Plus One Readers series by Munyaradzi Gunduza, Blessed Mudzingwa and Reggies Chapwanya, which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Sybil Macdonald, Co-founder of St Marcellins, said: “Emirates has been incredible as they have carried us over the past 7 – 8 years and as a result we have managed to educate these children. We are truly grateful for the help.”

The Emirates team based in Harare visited both St Marcellins and Rose of Sharon to deliver the 325 bags and meet Zimbabwe’s leaders of tomorrow.   

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, including initiatives at St Marcellins. Over the last several years, the airline has supported their mission to care for orphaned and homeless children in Zimbabwe, many of whom have physical disabilities, blindness and HIV. Over 70 children are currently under the care of the organisation with the Foundation’s support and will now each receive an Aircrafted backpack too. 

‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ is an extension of this work. In total, more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircraft slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Zimbabwe, Emirates provided organisations in Zambia and Ethiopia with bags, bringing the total donation to 1,239 in Africa alone, with more to follow in Asia in the coming months.

Lusaka, Zambia, 10 February, 2025 – Education is one of the greatest engines for societal development, laying a strong foundation for economic empowerment, however adequate access to resources is an ongoing barrier for children and young people. To help address this, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection to two non-profit organisations in Zambia. 

Kucetekela Foundation and Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Zambia serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. With a longstanding legacy of supporting youth, and a particular focus on education, Emirates aims to support both organisations’ students with their schooling by providing practical, stylish backpacks and stationery. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. 

Omar Bushlaibi, Country Manager, Zambia, Emirates, said: “Education, much like travel, broadens the mind and brings immeasurable value to society at large, providing the next generation with the essential tools to build a better future. Celebrating the values we share with ACE Zambia and Kucetekela Foundation, we wanted to support by providing school supplies and a little piece of Emirates’ history, in the form of upcycled backpacks. We have been committed to Zambia since our first flight in 2012, and we remain committed, not just to scaling our operations but to enriching the surrounding communities too.”

To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, Kucetekela Foundation and ACE Zambia placed an order for a variety of bags from the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by Emirates Engineering in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft. 

Simasiku Mukena, General Manager at Kucetekela Foundation said, “Emirates donated a total of 84 bags and the organisation is very thrilled. There were a lot of smiles on the kid's faces and we really appreciate the donation. It was a very generous gesture that will profoundly impact our organisation.” 

In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks and more. The airline also purchased books from local authors via Kulanda House and from Aliness Phiri, which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material.

Elarm Chalusa Head Teacher for Jana Secondary School under the Alliance for Children Everywhere said: “We are a very small school, but Emirates brought such a wonderful gift that will go a very long way in the lives of the children. One of the things that we strive for is to improve reading ability and embed reading culture in our children – Emirates brought plenty of literature for our learners, which they are thrilled and excited to read.”

The Emirates team based in Lusaka visited both Kucetekela Foundation and ACE Zambia, to deliver the 464 bags and meet Zambia’s leaders of tomorrow.   

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ is an extension of this work. In total, more than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircraft slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Zambia, Emirates provided organisations in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia with bags, bringing the total donation to 1,239 in Africa alone, with more to follow in Asia in the coming months.

In September 2024, Tracy Pearce, an outreach teacher with Sight Scotland based at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh had an idea to reach out to Emirates with a request for eye shades, knowing that these are used by passengers travelling overnight onboard Emirates’ flights to 140 destinations. Tracy and her colleagues work with visually impaired children in Scotland, training teachers and support staff on how best to support young people who are blind or visually impaired. Tracy wrote passionately about the school, and how they often use eye shades during training activities, to simulate some effects of a visual impairment. The aim of these trainings is to encourage thought-provoking experiences, by taking part in everyday activities without vision. Tracy stressed how impactful this exercise can be for teachers and wondered whether Emirates could support.

Emirates’ PR and CSR team were able to locate eye shades to fulfil Tracy’s request, and encouraged Tracy to connect with her network of teachers across the UK so multiple requests could be fulfilled. Within a few days, Emirates had requests from more than 80 dedicated teachers across the UK, who shared that they would love to use the eye shades in trainings. By November, 12,250 First Class eyeshades had been distributed to schools and centres like Guide Dogs for the Blind Associations, Learning and Inclusion Centres, Sensory Service providers, Schools for the Low Vision Community and Habilitation services.

“These eye shades provide invaluable insight into the realities of living with a visual impairment. They are a crucial tool in our training sessions, allowing participants to experience first-hand the challenges faced by those with sight loss. We’re grateful to Emirates for their generous donation, which will make a significant difference in our ability to teach with empathy and expertise.”

Tracy Pearce, Outreach Teacher at Sight Scotland

Emirates’ inclusive services for blind and low vision customers

As part of a mission to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all, Emirates is currently also working with the Be My Eyes app for the blind and low vision community, making it the first airline in the world to launch the service. The Be My Eyes app provides accessible video support for customers, creating empathetic experiences for customers with disabilities. Customers can download the Be My Eyes app for free on their smartphones and by selecting Emirates from the company profile list on the app, are then able to place a call routed through the Emirates Call Centre for support via a live video call. The Emirates agent can then direct the customer on which direction to walk or what to do next. The Be My Eyes app has grown in popularity and is supported through 8 million volunteers who become the eyes for the blind and low vision community.

On Emirates’ newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, there is a new user interface on the inflight entertainment system ice for visually impaired customers, that imparts best practice experiences including audio-cue navigation assistance, voice metadata feedback, touch and swipe gesturing support and has a large selection of audio-descriptive (AD) content available, including movies and TV series.

Assistance for Emirates customers who are blind or visually impaired

Website Accessibility

Emirates is committed to making its digital experiences accessible to the broadest possible audience and are working to constantly improve the overall usability of the Emirates.com website, using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA Success Criteria.

Making a booking

If a customer requires guidance though the airport and assistance on board, Emirates can support if the customer contacts their Local Office a few days before travel.

At the airport

Emirates has introduced accessible self-service kiosks at Dubai International Airport (DXB), in addition to at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The solution is designed to support passengers with diverse needs, including those with visual, hearing, and physical impairments, ensuring a more inclusive and seamless travel experience across key international hubs.

As part of this enhancement, Emirates introduced improved typography, contrast, and colour schemes to enhance readability and usability. Additionally, a text-to-speech capability has been integrated to assist customers with visual limitations, enabling them to navigate the application with greater ease and independence at Self-Service Kiosks (SSK).

Emirates can also arrange a meet and assist service from check‑in to the gate, or from the aircraft to onward transport at all airports. There are boarding announcements at the airport and customers can ask team members for information at any time.

Onboard

Emirates can provide individual safety briefings for flights. Emirates cabin crew will explain the safety procedures, exit locations, and how they can best assist, read the menu options and explain the placement of items in front of the customer.

Inflight entertainment

Many movies and TV shows onboard Emirates inflight entertainment system ice, have audio description to explain what’s happening in the scene. Before a flight, customers can explore what movies and TV shows with audio description are available in advance by checking the ice section on Emirates.com.

Travelling with a guide dog

Onboard Emirates, guide dogs or service dogs can fly with a customer for free, and on certain routes they can travel in the cabin. Customers need to inform Emirates at least 48 hours before a flight so arrangements can be made.

Emirates’ Accessible Travel Information & Sensory Guides

Sport dans la Ville is dedicated to the social and professional integration of youth from disadvantaged neighbourhoods through sports. The kids also had the opportunity to interact with Jr. NBA coaches, participate in friendly games and take home keepsake photos at the end of the session.

As the Official Airline Partner and Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, the airline connects fans with basketball through community programs and unique experiences. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sport.

The airline also welcomed NBA Legend Tony Parker earlier this week to its newly opened Travel Store in Paris, offering guests a chance to meet the player and take home signed merchandise.

The NBA Paris Games 2025 presented by Tissot took place from 23 to 25 January. Basketball fans enjoyed an immersive experience at the NBA House located in Carreau du Temple, with live entertainment, photo opportunities, merchandise giveaways, and a dedicated playground area for fans to interact with players. Fans also had the exciting opportunity to take part in the 'Around the World Challenge’ at the Emirates booth, for a chance to win an authentic Emirates Wilson ball.

Emirates has been operating to France for more than 30 years. The airline currently serves Paris with 21 weekly flights, including 3 daily A380 flights; a daily A380 service to Nice; and a daily flight to Lyon utilising its Boeing 777 aircraft (upgraded to a daily A350 service starting from June 2025).

For more information, visit emirates.com.

Emirates Public Relations

pr@emirates.com

More than 23 children enjoyed a unique experience walking hand-in-hand with players to kick off the match between Olympique Lyonnais and OGC Nice on 1 December. From behind the scenes access to the stadium, meeting the players, and an exclusive opportunity to walk on the pitch in front of thousands of fans – the airline stayed true to its brand promise of making every experience simply, better.   

Emirates utilises its extensive sponsorship portfolio to support local communities, connect with fans worldwide, and create lasting memories. The airline has been a partner of Olympique Lyonnais since 2020, and every year, offers local organisations a chance to make children’s dreams come true.

The Center Léon Bérard is a hospital that is dedicated to offering excellent care and services in medical oncology and surgery. Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant is a dedicated facility that specialises in paediatric care. 

Emirates currently serves Lyon with a daily Boeing 777 flight.  The airline recently welcomed its highly anticipated A350 aircraft to its fleet, scheduled to serve Lyon starting from March 2025. French customers can connect to more than 140 destinations within the airline’s extensive network across the Far East, Middle East, Africa and Australasia, via Dubai.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Emirates Public Relations

pr@emirates.com

In the face of an urgent situation, Raphael acted with precision under pressure. His story is a shining example of the exemplary commitment of Emirates Group employees who consistently rise to the occasion to make an indelible mark on the business, their peers, and the wider industry.

Raphael’s story is one of six Najm Chairman’s 2024 Awards that individually and collectively recognise Emirates Group employees in six categories: measurable customer experience improvements, innovation, leading impactful initiatives that contribute to the Group’s ESG efforts and commitment to fostering a safety-first culture. 

Employees were honoured at a ceremony today at Emirates’ Group Headquarters, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.

His Highness commented on the extraordinary efforts and initiatives of the winners of this year’s awards: “The dedication, spirit of collaboration, perseverance and ingenuity of team members being honoured today shows the Emirates Group at its best. Whether its skilfully undertaking the largest known fleet retrofit project, expanding the digital retailing experience, achieving fuel savings across our flight operations, bringing sustainability to the forefront of our dnata Travel business, making the travel experience more inclusive, and showing courage in the face of danger,  these defining moments demonstrate the attitudes and actions that will have a lasting impact on the organisation for years to come.”

Najm Chairman’s Award nominations run through a rigorous review before the final selection is made. 22 individuals and team members were awarded this year, and here are their stories:

Breathing new life into the Emirates fleet

In August 2022, Emirates began the largest known fleet retrofit project the industry has seen. The endeavour was internally dubbed ‘Project Phoenix’, and involved a year of detailed planning, trialling and innovation, and resulted in a sequenced task to install a full Premium Economy cabin and refresh the full aircraft interiors.

Working with tenacity and dedication, the teams clocked in over 30,000 manhours, taking apart the interiors of the Emirates A380 and refitting the parts again in a carefully planned and tested sequence. The same endeavour was then undertaken for Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft. The retrofit project will increase the lifespan of the Emirates fleet by more than a decade, and the precedent set by the airline and trailblazing approach it has taken to upgrade its fleet interiors is now being emulated across the industry.

Futureproofing Emirates’ retail capabilities

Emirates’ Revenue Optimisation team embarked on a strategy to modernise the airline’s retail capabilities. The result was the introduction of a New Distribution Capability (NDC) Gateway, and today, thousands of trade partners use the system to drive product and price differentiation, supporting millions of customers to choose Emirates for their journeys. Teams working on the painstaking details of the project have helped the airline strengthen the expansion of its distribution landscape across the global travel retail community and offer travellers a better view of Emirates’ best-in-class products and services.

 Reducing fuel burn with reduced arrival procedures

Ever-conscious of their responsibility to minimise emissions from operations, the Emirates Flight Operations team found an opportunity to streamline lengthy arrival procedures, reducing mileage and cutting fuel consumption.  Presented with numerous technical, regulatory and safety considerations and processes, the team worked with Dubai Air Navigation Services to safely adjust arrival procedures, which not only cut flight planning distances, but also made DXB the first airport to publish reduced arrival protocols, setting a global precedent and encouraging others to adopt the innovative method.

Bringing sustainability to the forefront at dnata Travel

Lara Seymour at dnata Travel has pioneered several projects to cut carbon emissions by establishing and leading the sustainability practice for dnata Travel Group, which spans over 15 businesses across 16 countries. Several initiatives are well underway, including optimising City Sightseeing bus routes in Dubai to cut emissions by 40%, the implementation of a responsible travel policy, and the launch of an animal welfare practice. Lara’s efforts have led to significant reductions in carbon emissions, and she also contributed to dnata Travel Group receiving IATA's Environmental Management Certification.

Transforming the travel experience for People of Determination

The Emirates Airport Passenger Services team, Customer Affairs team and Dubai International (DXB) collaborated with local schools and autism groups to substantially improve the on-ground experience for People of Determination at Terminal 3. Championing inclusivity, two key initiatives were rolled out: sunflower lanyards and the travel rehearsal. Sunflower lanyards and pins indicated the need for enhanced support and visibility for people with hidden disabilities, granting priority boarding and personalised assistance along with facilitating special training for teams.

Travel rehearsals for neurodivergent passengers have allowed them to practise the on-ground experience across different airport touchpoints, including check-in, immigration and customs, boarding gates, as well as being on board, ahead of their real journeys. This allays stress for families during the actual travel experience and provides greater confidence and comfort during their journeys. Both initiatives culminated in an April 2024 real-life on-ground experience and familiarisation flight for 30 UAE families with neurodiverse children on Emirates.

As an employer of choice, the Emirates Group celebrates talented individuals who drive the organisation’s success through the Najm programme.  Najm awards consist of different tiers, and the Chairman’s Awards is the highest level that can be attained.  In the last financial year, the Emirates Group awarded 21,000 Najms across different tiers worth over AED 2 million.

To download the video of the event - please go to this link.

Johannesburg, 28 October 2024 – Recognising the dedication of South Africa’s hardworking educators, Emirates has gifted 100 teachers with sold-out, limited-edition backpacks from its second ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ repurposed luggage collection, as part of the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves.

Afzal Parambil, Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa said, “Since our first flight to Johannesburg in 1995, we have not only invested in scaling our operations and developing South Africa’s tourism sector but invested in the community too. Education, much like travel, broadens the mind and brings immeasurable value to society at large. Celebrating these shared values, we wanted to show our appreciation for the teachers in one of Johannesburg’s most impoverished townships. We are proud to enrich the communities we serve.”

In the same month as World Teachers Day, the Emirates team based in Johannesburg visited two schools located in Alexandra, Sandton – Carter Primary School and Gordon Primary School. Both schools in the township play a crucial role in shaping young minds and providing the next generation with crucial tools to build a better future. These efforts are aligned with the airline’s long-standing support for youth through providing essential services, with education at the heart of many of its initiatives, helping create meaningful, sustainable and lasting impact in the communities that it serves.

The teachers in both schools each received a premium cream leather backpack handmade from materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft, including leather from First Class seats. Handmade at the Emirates Engineering facility in Dubai, each item represents a piece of the airline’s history and encapsulates the spirit of innovation that Emirates shares with teachers. Each backpack included a luxe leather notebook, an on-the-go tea tumbler and a gift pack of delicious teas from Dilmah.

“It means a lot to us to have our hard work, dedication and sacrifices recognized. We are grateful to the Emirates team for hand-picking our school. We don’t often get recognition for the work we do, in the communities we work in. Emirates has shown our learners that through hard work they too can be recognised for their efforts and become key players and role models in their own communities regardless of their backgrounds. And we hope that this is the start of a long-lasting relationship,” said Principal Seemela of Carter Primary school, Alexandra.

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s schooling programmes, believing education to be one of the greatest engines for societal development. In South Africa, the Foundation supports two projects: Singakwenza supports early childhood education for low-income communities in South Africa, provided training for 71 practitioners to create learning opportunities for 970 young children; Fikelela Children’s Centre  is committed to serving children afflicted with HIV/AIDS, providing them with housing and placing them in education programmes. Just last month, the airline’s latest A380 livery celebrating the decades-long work of the Foundation, made one of its first voyages to Johannesburg, bringing its inspirational philanthropic message to South Africa’s skies.

Aircrafted by Emirates repurposes materials salvaged from the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme, upcycling them into a collection of bags and accessories. More than 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircraft are expected to be recovered and repurposed. Designed and tailored in-house at Emirates Engineering, the bags are destined to be donated to community schools and organisations supporting early education across Africa and Asia before the end of this year.

Dubai UAE, 20 September 2024: Emirates has today announced its continued commitment to grow the sport of rugby and expand its reach into new, untapped markets by serving as the Title Sponsor of Asia Rugby.

The new multi-year partnership allows the airline to enable Asia Rugby to invest in and stage 7s and 15s series tournaments, as well as Asia Rugby Championships with participation that cuts across 36 countries in Asia.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Emirates has a long history of supporting rugby, dating back to our early days as an airline. Since then, we’ve deepened our presence within the sport across every level, from supporting global organisations and tournaments like World Rugby and five consecutive Rugby World Cups, and the global 7s series, to headlining the Emirates Dubai 7s and growing the footprint of the UAE Rugby Federation. We’re particularly proud to extend our support to Asia Rugby to take the sport into new markets and boost its appeal, as well as open untapped possibilities for younger athletes to develop their skills and realise their full potential. And this is just the start. We will continue to harness the power of grassroots sporting activities that forge strong bonds with the communities we serve to meaningfully contribute to their growth and resilience.”

His Excellency Qais Al-Dhalai, Asia Rugby President said: “I am delighted to welcome Emirates as the Title Sponsor of Asia Rugby. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand the reach and impact of rugby across our 36 members and across Asia. With Emirates' support, we are poised to bring the excitement and values of rugby to a new generation of athletes and fans. Our growing reputation for reliability, credibility and professionalism has given Emirates the confidence to associate their brand with ours. With the UAE serving as the headquarters of Asia Rugby, this partnership with Emirates feels like a perfect synergy. The UAE has become a centre for rugby activities, providing a strategic base to coordinate and grow the sport across the continent. Emirates is synonymous with premier rugby events globally, and this collaboration is set to elevate the sport's profile across Asia.”

He continued: “In the last five years, we have established Asia Rugby as a brand with more tournaments and increased the reach of our social media with all our events live streamed, to bring rugby to Asia. Our shared goal is to empower athletes, build a robust talent pipeline, and cultivate a passionate fanbase that will sustain the sport for years to come.”

As part of the agreement, the airline will be the title sponsor across Asia Rugby competitions and tournaments, including the Asia Rugby Men’s and Women’s Championships, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series and age-grade competitions cutting across a number of age groups. These tournaments offer a pathway to premier regional and global competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Olympic Games, Asian Games as well as the HSBC SVNS Series and the World Rugby Sevens Challenger.

The airline’s iconic ‘Fly Better’ branding will appear on match official jerseys, match balls, support staff bibs, post pads, as well as stadium branding, among other benefits for 21 different tournaments over the span of 3 years.

The first of the more than 20 tournaments where Emirates will have a strong presence includes the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Men’s and Women’s Round 2, set to begin on 21 September 2024 in Hangzhou, China.  The tournament will feature the top 8 men’s and women’s teams fighting for ranking spots for the final round to be played in Bangkok, Thailand in November.

Asia Rugby, the regional association of World Rugby, is based in Dubai, and represents 36 member unions across the continent, including China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, to name a few. The association organises a mix of Sevens and Fifteens competitions, for both men and women, across different age groups, including U18s and U20s.

With Asia home to 60% of the world’s population, and 80% of its youth, the potential to cultivate a new generation of players and enrich the pipeline of talent and love for the game through a strong fanbase in local communities is in line with Emirates’ shared objective with Asia Rugby to empower athletes from the ground up.

Emirates can be found at the centre of the action at almost every international rugby match. Globally, Emirates has been sponsoring Rugby World Cup (RWC) since 2007 and in 2011, became RWC’s worldwide partner, further cementing the airline as one of the world’s biggest supporters of the sport of rugby. The airline also sponsors the jerseys of World Rugby’s Match Officials who take to the field in their Emirates ‘Fly Better’ kits. Emirates’ strong rugby partnerships also extend to the South African Emirates Lions and their home venue, Emirates Airline Park.

In the airline’s home base of Dubai, The Emirates Dubai 7s tournament has been running for more than 50 years and Emirates was an active partner in growing its international status when it first began its support in 1987 in cooperation with World Rugby. Through clear focus and a strong commitment from the airline, the Emirates Dubai 7s has become the largest sports event in the region, with over 100,000 fans joining over the three-day tournament every year. In addition, Emirates’ longstanding sponsorship of the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Club is part of its commitment to growing the sport and connecting young people to the game in local communities in the UAE.

Last October, Emirates renewed its support for the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) as title and jersey sponsor of the UAE national 15s and 7s teams (men’s and women’s) including the all-Emirati Shaheen and Al Maha teams, as well as official airline of the federation until the end of 2026.

Dubai, UAE, 17 September 2024: Emirates and the Museum of the Future will host the first Aviation Future Week, taking place from 15-17 October 2024 in Dubai.

UAE ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders from across the aviation and aerospace, airfreight, Maintenance, Overhaul & Repair (MRO) and logistics ecosystem, will converge in Dubai for the inaugural event.  The event presents a platform for unparalleled insights and discussion opportunities around the passenger journey and future traffic demand, airfreight and logistics, as well as the latest developments in AI and XR.   

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “It is fitting that Dubai is setting the stage for visionary global leaders and decision makers in aviation and aerospace to gather for key discussions and powerful collaborations to help redefine what the future could look like for the industry at Aviation Future Week. Dubai’s strategic commitment to leveraging technology and innovation and embracing the digital revolution is fertile ground to pioneer new approaches and push the boundaries of what is possible for more efficient and sustainable operations, and reshaping the passenger journey and experience as the industry forges ahead.”

Aviation Future Week will include key notes, panels and workshops over three days. The first day includes a packed programme led by speakers and industry experts who will address air travel demand and airport infrastructure and how airports, airlines, aerospace manufacturers and other stakeholders can deliver an enhanced passenger experience using technology.

The second day will be dedicated to developments within airfreight and logistics, while the second half of the day with focus on MRO development within the region. The third and final day will navigate the boundary-breaking potential of Web3, AI and XR infused solutions to drive workflow efficiencies and service delivery.  Sessions will also tackle strategies required to rethink existing processes through AI, and the collaboration necessary to upskill the aviation workforce today to embrace, adopt and leverage these technologies.

In addition to the main programme track, Aviation Future Week will also feature a rich exhibition platform showcasing the latest in aviation technologies.  Visitors can learn about new products and concepts, and network with industry representatives. A series of interactive workshops will be spearheaded by Emirates and Museum of The Future, supported by Emirates CX teams, dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, Flight Operations, Emirates and dnata environment teams, Boeing and the Emirates Group Youth Council.

Through supporting flights from Karachi to Houston, Emirates continues its commitment of positively impacting the communities it serves by providing opportunities for talented youth from diverse backgrounds to fulfil their potential and pursue their academic and athletic dreams. By facilitating the journey of Daniah and Abiha to continue their education while competing at the highest levels of collegiate golf, Emirates is also reinforcing its dedication to nurturing the pipeline of sporting talent as a new generation of players emerge.

Mohammed Alhashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan said “These sisters have already made a significant mark on the World Amateur Golf Ranking list and these remarkable achievements have earned them full scholarships. They were awarded for their exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As key members of the Pakistan National Team, they have represented their country in prestigious tournaments worldwide, earning acclaim in countries such as Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Dubai, and Thailand and we are proud to be an enabler in their pursuit of education abroad.”

Syed Abiha, currently playing with a handicap of 2 and a driving distance of over 240 yards, has achieved a best score of 70 (2 under) while her sister, Syed Daniah, with a handicap of 1 and a similar driving distance, boasts a best score of 69 (3 under). Both sisters are recognized not only for their impressive golfing skills but also for their leadership and sportsmanship, qualities that have propelled them to the forefront of the sport both nationally and internationally.

Emirates is the award-winning global airline operating the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft and serving 140 cities on six continents through its efficient hub in Dubai. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 160 nations. Emirates supports local communities worldwide and brings people together through its vast portfolio of international sports and cultural sponsorships. Emirates currently operates 53 flights per week from the Pakistan to Dubai.

For more information, visit emirates.com. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office or contact centre, or via travel agents.

● Fundraising enables Emirates Dubai 7s team to use the power of sport to improve education and sports facilities in disadvantaged areas

● Money raised this year will go towards further infrastructural developments at North Road Primary School in Mbale, Uganda

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 September 2024: Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme, dedicated to developing sports and educational facilities in disadvantaged areas, has raised AED 580,000 in its fourth year, bringing the total to AED 1.68 million raised to date, during its annual Long Lunch event.

In another year of remarkable fundraising, the programme achieved its highest total of AED 580,000 in just a few hours, which will go towards building community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda. A team of volunteers will be heading out to Uganda in July next year to lay the groundwork for the 2025 plan. Funds raised by the programme so far have made a significant impact at North Road Primary, a school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball, embodying Uganda’s rugby heritage. Nearly half of the students participate in rugby, and the school’s team is one of the best in Eastern Uganda.

Since its inception in 2021, the programme has supported the development of sports facilities at the school, establishing a rugby pitch and donating equipment along with delivering coaching for both adults and children. In addition to promoting sports development, the funds have been used to build better infrastructure for the school’s community, creating a safer and healthier environment for students and locals. Last year, the programme facilitated the construction of a new water station with a 100,000-litre tank and installed a solar-powered system to supply clean water across 16 other stations. Volunteers also helped make major repairs and improvements throughout the school grounds.

Funds raised from this year’s Long Lunch will go towards immediate community development needs, such as building a retaining wall to protect the rugby pitch from erosion and constructing a security fence to ensure the safety of children when playing sports on school grounds. Refurbishments to the on-site living quarters will improve accommodations for boarding students, while new changing rooms will support the growing sports programmes at the school. Additionally, a netball court will be built, with the sport growing in popularity among the girls at North Road Primary.

Matthew Burn, Emirates Dubai 7s for Good Programme Lead, commented: “The funds raised this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students at North Road Primary and the wider Mbale community. We know that sport is a powerful tool to enrich, inspire, and bring people together, and this is evident in the success of the Dubai 7s For Good programme so far.”

He added: “We are aware that nearly 50% of children in Uganda do not complete primary school, so by improving facilities and creating a safe environment with access to sports amenities, we can empower students to unlock their potential, both on the pitch and in the classroom. The initiative also serves as an awareness tool for students here in the UAE and, with the World Rugby SVNS Series taking place annually at the Sevens Stadium, we hope a shared love for sport can continue to fuel a big difference to the lives of others.”

The Emirates Dubai 7s festival weekend will return this year, kicking off the first of the World Rugby SVNS Series in Dubai. The festival, taking place from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December 2024 across the UAE National Day Weekend. As the Middle East’s largest sports and entertainment festival, the event offers something for everyone—from world-class and amateur rugby, cricket, and netball to padel tennis and fitness competitions. Visitors can also enjoy a three-day lineup of A-list headline artists and a range of family-friendly festival activities.

Standard tickets are available for AED 425, or AED 550 for full weekend passes and AED 325 for People of Determination. Reserved seating and hospitality packages are available too via emiratesdubai7s.com.

For more information on tickets for this year’s event, visit emiratesdubai7s.com 

New York - 7 September 2024:  Emirates and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation have unveiled the refurbishment of the first three courts at Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground funded by Emirates’ new “Force for Good” court refurbishment initiative. Emirates will donate a total of USD 2.5 million over five years to support the transformation of community tennis courts across the US and provide youth with education programming.

The three tennis courts were revealed during a ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurated by officials from Emirates, USTA Foundation, Kings County Tennis League (KCTL), public officials of NYC, in addition to tennis legend James Blake, who was the first to play the new courts. Youth from across Brooklyn who stand to benefit from the initiative were also present at the official opening of the tennis courts.

A commemorative plaque was presented to Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – USA and Canada to mark the support provided to make the initiative possible. Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground is the first to benefit from the initiative, with additional projects set to roll out and touch the lives of youth and families across US cities.

Emirates is the Official Airline of the US Open and has been a proud partner since 2012. The airline began its US operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates to 12 US cities.  

As a global airline, Emirates’ “Force for Good” initiative will also support social impact initiatives across the UK where it has joined forces with Wimbledon to support local communities.

DUBAI, UAE, 2 September 2024: Emirates has rolled out a new A380 livery dedicated to raising awareness around the Emirates Airline Foundation’s humanitarian work, which has transformed the lives of thousands of children around the world.

The A380 livery’s design is inspired by the playful elements of the Emirates Airline Foundation’s logo, incorporating the theme of children’s artwork with pastel stars in light green, warm orange, baby blue and soft pink across the fuselage, rounded off with a bold message that encapsulates the Foundation’s mission – ‘Help to support children in need’. All four engine cowls of the Emirates A380 have also been adorned in the warm orange hue, symbolising a better future for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children that the Foundation supports. Watch the livery come to life here

The new livery has taken the airline’s philanthropic message to the skies, and the aircraft heads to Johannesburg, South Africa, today where the Foundation supports two important projects.

Operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, the Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-profit charity organisation providing humanitarian, philanthropic aid and essential services for children, with the aim to create meaningful, sustainable and lasting impact in the communities that it serves.

Over the last twenty years, The Emirates Airline Foundation has supported over 50 projects, partnering with numerous community-based organisations and NGOs to deepen their work and serve the critical developmental needs of children for safe housing, food and medical care, and empowerment through education and capacity development, irrespective of geography, background, political associations or religion. Funding towards projects is made possible by the generous donations made onboard or online by Emirates customers, donors and employees.

The projects supported by the Foundation have mainly been focused in Emirates’ destinations, where the airline’s employee volunteers can actively donate their time and oversee their management.

The Foundation currently supports 14 NGOs in 9 countries, which includes Emirates-CHES Home, a safe haven for 100 abandoned HIV positive children who regularly receive medical support and care; IMMPACT Girls Education Project in rural India which provided education through community-based learning centres to 5,000 girls last year and face to-face training sessions for almost 1,500 teachers; Prithipura Communities in Sri Lanka supporting 240 infants, children and young adults with disabilities through specialist care, education, vocational training and employment opportunities; Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines where funding from the Emirates Airline Foundation helps reach out to abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected and orphaned children. The Foundation also helped to bring the Emirates Friendship Hospital in Bangladesh to life for over a decade, and healthcare has been made available to over 650,000 people living in poverty.

In Kenya, the Foundation supports three organisations:  The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School providing holistic education and rehabilitation for children, and the Foundation has supported its meal programme since 2014; Alfajiri Street Kids which offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; Starehe Boys’ Centre which delivers academic support for underprivileged boys and includes a high school and multiple tertiary programmes. The Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships for 10 boys studying at the school.  

In South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Foundation’s focus on holistic education and medical care includes: Fikelela Children’s Centre which is committed to serving children afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The Foundation supports the running costs of the centre and has also funded new facilities to help care for and house 40 young children, including infants who have been neglected or abandoned because of the virus. Singakwenza aims to support early childhood education for low-income communities in South Africa, and the Foundation has provided training for 71 practitioners to create learning opportunities for 970 young children.  St Marcellin’s Children’s Village cares for orphaned and homeless children in Zimbabwe, many with physical disabilities, blindness and HIV, and over 70 children are currently under the care of the organisation with the Foundation’s support.

In Brazil, the Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage houses 96 orphaned and abandoned girls in Rio de Janeiro and provides shelter, education and care from ages 4-14. Externato Sao Francisco de Assis is a non-profit that cares for underprivileged children, often from single-parent families and operates a school with more than 70 pre-school students.

In its home base of Dubai, the Foundation supports SAFE Centre for Autism, a facility that offers a safe and inclusive environment for children struggling with complex learning difficulties.

In the last financial year, 20 other NGOs have also benefited from the Foundation, with over 500 flight tickets issued on Emirates to volunteers conducting medical, engineering and education missions around the globe. Missions include Virginia Children’s Connection to perform plastic surgery, cleft lip repair, and burn care for more than 275 patients in India; World Wide Smiles (FWWS) travelled to Uganda to offer dental healthcare; Global Smile Foundation journeyed to Lebanon to perform surgery on children born with cleft palate and lip; Operation of Hope Worldwide sent 46 medical professionals from various countries to perform transformative surgeries in Zimbabwe for conditions such as cleft lips and severe burn injuries; and Australian Doctors for Africa went to Ethiopia to conduct  intensive training in orthopaedics and wound management.

The Emirates Airline Foundation is regulated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) and is licensed by the Government of Dubai.

To find out more about the Foundation’s active projects, or if you would like to make a donation of cash or Emirates Skywards Miles, please visit: www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org

●       Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground to be site of first court rejuvenation during 2024 US Open

●       Emirates marks renewed partnership with refreshed 1,358-square-foot luxury hospitality suite to showcase its premium offerings

Dubai, UAE, 15 August 2024 – The USTA and Emirates today announced a transformative partnership renewal that will extend Emirates’ long-standing support of the US Open Tennis Championships. Now in its 13^th consecutive year, Emirates is back as the Official Airline Partner of the US Open and is set to make an impact on local communities within the United States.

The extended multi-year partnership will see Emirates and the USTA Foundation launch the Emirates “Force for Good” court refurbishment initiative across US cities. The program will launch during the 2024 US Open at Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground courts, with the refurbishment of three courts to be unveiled on September 7. Over the new multi-year term, the program will uplift and support tens of thousands of under-resourced youth with life-changing access to tennis and education. De Hostos Playground is a home of the Kings County Tennis League, which serves more than hundreds of youth across Brooklyn as one of the USTA Foundation’s 250-plus National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters nationwide.

Emirates’ “Force For Good” court refurbishment initiative will donate annually to the USTA Foundation, partnering to resurface courts at underserved parks, schools and community centers across cities served by Emirates in America.  Emirates’ funding will support the tennis and education programming on those rejuvenated courts and will uplift local youth and their families served by the USTA Foundation in those cities.

On Emirates’ new “Force for Good” community initiative Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand said: “Emirates is delighted to be back as the Official Airline of the US Open where we share the passion for tennis and sports with our global fans. This is our 13th year of partnering with the USTA and we are especially proud to be celebrating our renewed commitment to the prestigious event by introducing a new community initiative that will touch the lives of youth in communities throughout the US.

Emirates operates to 12 cities in the country and it’s rewarding to be giving back to the communities we serve.  The refurbishment of tennis courts and support of training programs is a meaningful way to inspire young tennis lovers and future stars and we are glad to be playing a role in nurturing talent amongst the youth. We look forward to the unveiling of the first three refurbished courts in Brooklyn in New York where our US operations began 20 years ago.”

In addition to “Force for Good”, the airline’s partnership with the USTA includes prominent brand visibility at the US Open, with the fan favorite post-match Emirates Ball Flight, on-site activations like handing out caps on Emirates Day, sponsorship of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and more. Customers onboard flights can tune in to Live TV to watch US Open matches.

The airline will also be unveiling its revamped hospitality suite at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Besides sporting a refreshed new look, the massive 1,358-square-foot luxury suite is amongst the largest at the two-week event, offering premium dining and exclusive beverages, entertaining tennis enthusiasts and guests and delivering on its #FlyBetter promise.

Emirates’ ongoing partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the high-profile annual sporting event goes back to 2012. The US Open was the first Grand Slam® tournament partnership for Emirates, and since then the airline’s portfolio of tennis sponsorships has grown to include all four Grand Slam® tournaments in addition to 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP, including the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Miami Open and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the U.S.

"Emirates has been a bedrock partner of the US Open for the last 12 years, and we're thrilled to have our partnership continue in ways that will have a profound impact on the sport and in communities across the country,” said Kirsten Corio, Chief Commercial Officer, USTA. “We're incredibly proud to have been the first Grand Slam event Emirates partnered with back in 2012, and having seen our partnership grow to elevate the US Open experience in so many new and exciting ways over the years has been especially gratifying. Now being able to positively change the lives of youth across America, in partnership with the USTA Foundation and NJTL network, is an inspiring next step in our upward trajectory."

As part of its new partnership, Emirates and Wimbledon will also be championing “Force for Good” by joining forces to support social impact initiatives across the UK. Under the partnership, a multimillion-pound fund is being created to support and promote initiatives that positively impact society and support local communities.

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About the USTA

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, along with approximately 100 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and TikTok.

About the USTA Foundation

USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTAF or USTA Foundation), the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), utilizes the powerful combination of tennis and education to enhance the lives of under-resourced youth through its support of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more than 50 years, NJTL has impacted thousands of youth nationwide, and today, the network features over 250 chapters. The USTAF supports these chapters by providing financial grants, scholarship opportunities, curricula, technical assistance, and training. USTAF raises money and public awareness through donations, corporate support, foundations, and fundraisers, including the US Open Opening Night Gala and various Pro-Ams, to name just a few. To date, the USTA Foundation has awarded approximately $64 million in grants and scholarships. For more information on the USTA Foundation, visit www.ustafoundation.com or stay connected through Facebook and Instagram at @USTAFOUNDATION.

Adam Li, Emirates’ Vice President in China, commented: Emirates’ commitment to China doesn’t stop at providing world-class onboard and on-ground experiences, we also believe in the power of giving back by supporting community outreach efforts that drive positive change. The SmileAngel Foundation has been making a tremendous progress in offering support for children born with clefts, and we’re proud to establish this partnership with the foundation and contribute to their ongoing efforts that align with our core values.”

Ms HU Man, Executive Director of SmileAngel Foundation added:” This year marks the 11th Charity Parent-Child Summer Camp of SmileAngel Foundation. On behalf of SmileAngel Foundation and the children and parents participating in this event, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Emirates for this support. As the Foundation continues to expand our activities, we believe that more attention and support will be received by children with cleft lip and palate in need of help.”

Visit this page to find out more about Emirates’ ongoing efforts in supporting the communities it serves.

About the SmileAngel Foundation

SmileAngel Foundation, a charity affiliated with the Chinese Red Cross Foundation was established on 21^st November 2006 to provide comprehensive services and support for children born with cleft lip and palate defects and their families. The annual summer camp aims to offer growth and development opportunities for these children. The 11th charity parent-child summer camp takes place from 31 July to 11 August in Beijing, supported by experts from various fields such as medicine, education, and the arts, as well as volunteers. Through diverse programs and activities including speech therapy, psychological healing, drama education, music, and painting, the summer camp significantly contributes to the children's growth.