Emirates Inflight Entertainment Keeps Young Flyers Entertained

School is out and summer holidays are underway, starting in August Emirates Inflight Entertainment system, ice (information, communications and entertainment), is specially-loaded with top-quality entertainment for our younger fliers.

Recent winner of the 2011 Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment,’ ‘ice Digital Widescreen’ has the complete set of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies; including the latest adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, exclusively available on Emirates this August before any other airline in the world.

Regardless of the traveller’s age, ice Digital Widescreen has programming to meet every need. With over 35 dedicated children’s TV channels, what pre-schooler can resist a complete channel dedicated to the world phenomena, The Wiggles? Or the much-loved international hits In the Night Garden, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Roary the Racing Car or the hugely successful first series of Rastamouse, from the BBC’s CBeebies Channel?

Emirates makes every flight enjoyable and offers an entire Cartoon Network channel where kids can see Ben 10 and the rest of their favourites; plus, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond joins us for his very own children’s show Richard Hammonds Blast Lab, those meddling kids are solving mysteries in What’s New Scooby Doo, and Wolverine and his X-Men carry on their fight with Magneto. ice Digital Widescreen also goes retro and introduces new generation to classic Tom and Jerry and Loony Tunes.

For older kids, ice Digital Widescreen features hit series Gossip Girl and Glee and also has the most expansive music collection in the sky. Straight from the top of the charts, Emirates offers a selection of new albums from Britney Spears, Nicole Scherzinger, Moby, Gorillaz, Foo Fighters, REM, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Jessie J, to name a few. There is also a world of international artists to discover, radio & podcast channels, and over 60 music videos, featuring some of today’s hottest artists.

In addition to premier television and music options, ice Digital Widescreen also boasts an impressive collection of over 30 Disney feature films – everything from classics such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins, Bambi, Dumbo, and Beauty and the Beast, to the recent Disney/Pixar blockbusters Monsters Inc., WALL-E, Finding Nemo, Up, and Cars. Furthermore, Emirates offers the complete box sets of Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Chronicles of Narnia. Hollywood’s latest animated and live-action family hits are also on board; including Kung Fu Panda 2, Rio, Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil, Rango, Mars Needs Moms, Gulliver’s Travels, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never and much more. For every child, and those young at heart, Emirates ensures a variety of choices to create thoroughly entertaining flights for passengers of all ages.

Emirates has maintained its industry-leading position by continuously investing in and expanding its entertainment offering; resulting in an incredible range of movies, television and music from around the world. ice Digital Widescreen, offers a staggering choice of over 1200 channels of entertainment, including over 280 movies from around the world, hundreds of TV choices and thousands of music tracks from contemporary to classical. ‘ice Digital Widescreen’ is featured on all Emirates A380s and select Boeing 777s.
 

Emirates Live – Tickets To The Hottest Events

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Emirates Airline has always been a strong supporter of major events and sports worldwide. Now, in partnership with TUI Travel PLC’s Sport Division, Emirates announces ‘Emirates Live;’ giving customers full access to international events including tickets, flights, hotels and transport all in one simple step.

Emirates Live offers a full package of service; allowing easy access to the world’s premier events. For those who believe that being a fan means more than watching your favourite team on TV, Emirates Live will bring passengers right to the heart of the action. Whether it’s the pressure of scrums at Rugby World Cup, a need for speed on the Formula 1 circuit, whizzing shuttlecocks at the World Badminton Championship or seeing the Gunners fight for the top spot in the English Premier League, Emirates Live can get you there. Currently, Emirates Live offers packages for the following:

Rugby – Rugby World Cup 2011 – 07-24 October, 2011 – New Zealand
Rugby – IRB Rugby 7s Series
Racing – F1 British Grand Prix – 08-10 July, 2011, Silverstone
Racing – F1 Belgian Grand Prix – 26-28 August, 2011 – Spa
Racing – F1 Italian Grand Prix – 09-11 September, 2011, Milan
Racing – F1 Singapore Grand Prix – 23-25 September, 2011, Singapore
Cricket – England v. India: npower Test Series 2011– 10-14 August, 2011 – Birmingham
Badminton – Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships – 8-14 August, 2011, London
Football – England’s 2011/2012 Barclays Premier League Season – 2011/2012 United Kingdom
Horse Racing – Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival 2011 – 1-4 November, 2011, Melbourne

All customers are eligible to purchase the Emirates Live packages with flights on Emirates Airline, regardless of airfare or class of travel. In addition to match ticket(s), packages include hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and all taxes and service charges. Should passengers want to arrange a trip tailored to their specific interests, individual and group packages can also be arranged for each event.

“Combining the expertise of TUI Travel PLC, which is a respected global tour operator, with the six-continent-wide Emirates route network is a huge advantage for our customers; giving them access to premier events with the comfort and satisfaction of these two reputable brands,” says Russell Sheldon, Senior Vice-President, Network Sales and Passenger Development. “Emirates has grown its route network based on the needs of its customer’s and now, through Emirates Live, we are expanding our customer-focus further by offering events packages to meet their leisure interests. As the programme grows and through customer feedback, we will continue to increase the number and variety of events; offering the world’s hottest events to our valuable customers.”

With its long-standing commitment to sport sponsorships, Dubai-based Emirates Airline has been involved with a wide range of sporting events and teams around the world for over 20 years. Emirates has a vast rugby sponsorship portfolio around the globe in all formats of the game. In Rugby Union, the airline is a long-standing Partner of the IRB (International Rugby Board) and strengthened its commitment by becoming the first Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011, to be staged in New Zealand. Furthermore, Emirates’ ICC Official Partner status gives the airline sponsorship rights to all ICC major tournaments and Emirates is title sponsor of both the US$10 million Dubai World Cup and the Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival. Connecting travel and events through Emirates Live ensures Emirates passengers always have the best seat in the house – on board and live at the action.

To get the latest updates when new events are added, to find more information about Emirates Live and to purchase event packages, go to emirateslive.com.
 

Emirates Closes US Dollar Bond Issue At USD 1 Billion

Emirates has announced the successful close of its US$ “Reg S” bond issue at USD1 billion.

The unrated issue will carry a coupon of 5.125 % p.a. fixed, payable semi-annually. It will have a five-year maturity and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

“This latest issue from Emirates has received an overwhelmingly positive response from a very wide range of investors, which is indicative of our financial strength. This also shows a high level of confidence in our successful business model and growth plans,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Emirates was able to achieve attractive pricing from a wide geographical spread of investors including banks, fund managers and insurance companies, following fixed income investor meetings in Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Geneva and Zurich.

The Joint Lead Managers of the issue are Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD, HSBC and Morgan Stanley.

Proceeds will be used for general corporate financing purposes.

The bond will be subject to the stabilisation rules of the FSA (Financial Services Authority, U.K.) and ICMA (International Capital Market Association).

 

Fly In Style, Stay In Style With Emirates This Summer

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Emirates Airline has teamed up with leading hotels in Dubai – The Armani Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Address Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel – to offer first class and business class passengers, flying to and via Dubai, complimentary hotel stays and 96-hour transfer visas.

First class passengers receive a complimentary two-night stay, including breakfast, at either The Armani Hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa, or the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the Palm Jumeirah Island. Business class passengers obtain a one-night stay with breakfast at either The Address Dubai Marina or the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel.

With the offer, passengers staying at The Armani Hotel or The Address Dubai Marina also get the chance to experience being on top of the world with priority tickets to the ‘At the Top,’ Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. While passengers who choose the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray or Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel can splash the day away with free entrance to the Wild Wadi Water Park.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance and add value to our offerings for our premium customers. With this offer, not only do our passengers experience Emirates’ award-winning first and business class products, but they also stay in style and comfort,” said Russell Sheldon, Senior Vice President, Network Sales & Development. “What could be more stylish than staying in one of the four of the most iconic hotels today – The Armani Hotel Dubai, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Address Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel? This excellent offer further extends the outstanding service our premium passengers know and expect when they fly with Emirates.”

Eligible passengers must complete their journey entirely in either Emirates First or Emirates Business class, between 1 August and 30 September, 2011 and book before 31 July 2011. The offer cannot be combined with any inclusive tour packages. More information can be found on www.emirates.com/luxurynights.
 

Emirates Takes Its Premium Onboard Offering To Greater Heights

Reinforcing its commitment to providing the best onboard experience to its customers, Emirates (www.emirates.com) has unveiled a new range of products in its premium cabins.

Customers in First Class and Business Class can look forward a new range of white Royal Doulton fine bone china, whose delicate relief pattern and subtle simplicity provides the ideal backdrop to showcase the diversity of Emirates’ extensive menu. The redefined dining experience also includes the introduction of elegant Robert Welsh cutlery which adds to the contemporary and high-quality dining experience onboard.

“We are constantly seeking new ways to not only delight, but also surpass the high expectations of our discerning customers. By taking a fine dining experience they may have had as a benchmark, we at Emirates continue to innovate and raise the bar,” said Terry Daly, Divisional Senior Vice President, Service Delivery – Emirates. “Redefining not just our onboard product, but also the complete customer service experience is the result of painstaking attention to detail and extensive planning.”

The new service extends beyond the launch of new products, and resonates through the onboard dining philosophy to also include the exclusive introduction to the First Class dining range, such as stylish charger plates that are present in many leading restaurants, new salad and soup bowls, coffee mugs and teacups, as well as the introduction of soup dishes to the Business Class menu. In addition, approximately 5,000 cabin crew including Pursers, Senior Flight Stewards, and crew who operate in Business Class have been through an intensive training programme aimed at familiarizing the crew with not only the new product range, but also the new service philosophy.

The new service and range of cutlery, crockery and other products in premium cabins launched across all flights in Emirates’ main fleet in July, and will launch across the Airbus A380 fleet from 1st August, 2011. Additionally, passengers who travel on Emirates First Class and Business Class not only have the opportunity to enjoy the new service, but also experience some of Dubai’s leading hotels such as The Armani Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Address Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel – where passengers, flying to and via Dubai, are offered complimentary hotel stays and 96-hour transfer visas. To take advantage of this great offer, passengers must complete their journey entirely in either Emirates First Class or Business class, between 1 August and 30 September, 2011 and book before 31 July 2011.
 

Emirates Grand Hotel Launches Special Ramadan Offers

Emirates Grand Hotel, the 50-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district, will play host to a sumptuous Iftar and Sohour cuisines and guests can expect a wholesome Arabic hospitality.

Start your day with a special sohour set menu in the privacy of your room or in La Veranda Shisha Place which will start from 3:00am to 5:00 am. Break your fast with specially selected Arabic cuisine each evening while enjoying the magnificent view of the city at the hotel’s Panorama Restaurant located at 43rd Floor. The iftar buffet will cost AED95 per person with entertainment from an oud player. Ten guests who will visit for iftar will pay for only eight persons.

Traditional coffee and dates will be provided for breaking the fast. Guests can enjoy a flavourful selection of hot and cold Arabic mezzeh including dips, olives, pickles and breads as appetisers. The culinary team will serve up special traditional Arabic charcoal grilled meat selections including Shish Taouk, Shawarma, Kofta and mixed-grilled meat in various marinades as well as chefs’ lamb roast marinated with secret recipes available daily. To complete the feast, guests must not miss out on the traditional Arabic sweets and Ramadan beverages such as Katayef, Kunaffa, Umm Ali and much more.

Mr. Eyad Hamed, Resident Manager, Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Families and friends usually gather to break the fast together preferably at a convenient venue. Our location is perfect for families to come and enjoy Iftar and Sohour during Ramadan. With our specially selected cuisine for the occasion, we guarantee a truly enjoyable and memorable Ramadan for our valued guests.”

Special Ramadan packages are on offer for corporate clients and large groups. For details and reservations, please contact +971 4 323 0000 or send an email to info@emiratesgrandhotel.com.
 

Emirates Grand Hotel Organises Ramadan Football Tournament

To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, Emirates Grand Hotel, the 50-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district, is organising a Ramadan Football Tournament for hotel tour operators and travel agents on 12th August, 2011.

There will be 16 teams who will be competing at the tournament dubbed as “Thanks Dubai!” – a show of appreciation to the tour agents and operators who are earnestly and incessantly promoting Dubai as a safe and favourable destination in the region.

Mr. Nasser Shams , Director sales & Marketing , Emirates Grand Hotel, said: “Ramadan is a time to strengthen ties with family and friends and we are pleased to host this football event to show our appreciation to the tour operators and tour agents who are supporting our business and promoting Dubai and the UAE as a whole. The friendly match between the tour operators will display and test their sporting skills. This is the first time we are holding this tournament and we plan to do it every year.”

Winners of the tournament will receive exciting prizes. Mark your calendar and catch all the action on 12th August, 2011 at the first football of the year for DMCs at Emirates Grand Hotel!
 

Emirates To Establish An Engine Repair And Overhaul Facility In Dubai

Emirates Airline has unveiled plans for the construction of the most technologically-advanced Engine Overhaul Shop in Asia.

The state-of-the-art Engine Shop will complement the present Test Cell Facility in Dubai and will be constructed on a 90,000 square meter piece of land at an estimated cost of US $120 million. The growth of the Emirates fleet and the subsequent number of operating engines have necessitated the need for an in-house Engine Shop in Dubai to provide the most cost-effective, efficient engine maintenance.

“The establishment of an Engine Shop reemphasizes Emirates’ commitment to provide the highest standard of in-house maintenance to its fleet, utilizing best practices,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “The Engine Shop will create over 500 new job opportunities, with a large percentage of these to be occupied by UAE nationals.”

The Engine Shop will have the capability of performing 300 engine repairs per annum for the GE90 and GP7000 engines fitted to the B777 and A380 aircraft. This announcement represents another milestone for Emirates Engineering in their efforts to increase engine maintenance capability in terms of volume and repairs. It is anticipated that construction will commence by first quarter of 2012 and commissioned by the fourth quarter of 2014.

Emirates has signed a Letter of Intent with General Electric (GE) to oversee the design and construction of the Shop using the most advanced technology, equipment and best practices in the industry.

“We are very pleased and proud to be working with Emirates in supporting the building of the Engine Shop and to use GE expertise in this field to introduce best industry practices in managing engine repairs,” said Mr Muhammad Al-Lamadani, Senior Executive Sales, VP GE International Inc.

 

Emirates Post Group Supports Campaign On Banning Outdoor Work For Labourers During Summer

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Emirates Post Group participated in the 7th campaign of the Ministry of Labour on banning outdoor work for labourers between 12:30 and 3:00 pm in summer.

As part of the campaign, Emirates Post Group teams visited workers at their work sites in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, as part of an initiative to appreciate the contribution of labourers and their role in society as well as to raise awareness of their rights to rest in the shade during the ban period, as per the directive of the Ministry of Labour.

Volunteers from Emirates Post Group distributed water, soft drinks, snacks and gifts to workers during the outdoor trips to various companies and sites.

The Emirates Post Group’s campaign, which was organized under the slogan ‘My Break from the Sun’, was aimed at encouraging community service among employees, under the direction of Strategic Planning and Excellence Department.

Fahad Al Hosni, Acting President of Emirates Post Group, said the participation was in line with the strategy of the United Arab Emirates to serve the community and encourage involvement in social issues.

"Our volunteers were delighted to join the representatives of the Ministry of Labour and all other partners and supporters in this successful campaign that promotes a spirit of brotherhood in the community,” Al Hosani said.

Emirates Post Group has been supporting various campaigns and humanitarian initiatives by issuing special stamps and cancellation postmarks on different topics, as a means of spreading important messages.
 

Emirates NBD Signs Strategic Partnership With Arabian Automobiles

• Customer-focused initiative – buyers can own new vehicle every three years
• Lower monthly payments compared to traditional car finance
• Guaranteed minimum future vehicle buy-back value of 50 per cent after three years

In line with its long-term commitment to initiatives that benefit its customers, Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today a strategic tie-up with Arabian Automobiles, the sole distributor of Nissan Cars in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The new agreement will enable customers of new Nissan passenger vehicles to upgrade their cars once every three years through the new guaranteed ‘buy-back’ programme, ‘Nissan Freedom’. In addition, customers availing of an Emirates NBD auto loan will pay lower monthly installments towards their new purchase.

Vehicle buy-back under ‘Nissan Freedom’ is guaranteed by the dealer at the end of the three year term. Customers have the flexibility to upgrade, hand back or continue with the vehicle loan based upon their individual need.

"Emirates NBD offers innovative solutions with strategic partners in order to better serve our customers," said Abdulelah Al Kindy, General Manager – Retail Banking, Emirates NBD. "This new agreement with one of the longest-established automobile distributors in the country will make purchasing a new Nissan vehicle more attractive than ever before. We are delighted to enter into this partnership and look forward to a long-lasting and rewarding relationship."

Mr. Felix Welch, Director Sales & Marketing Arabian Automobiles, said: “We are delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership with the country’s leading bank. With help of Emirates NBD we have been able to make our latest Nissan Freedom finance product both highly appealing and flexible for our customers who are looking for an alternative to traditional bank finance. We hope this agreement paves the way to even greater links between our two institutions.”