European Commission Commends Emirates’ Websites

The European Commission’s Director General for ‘Health and Consumers’ (DG SANCO), has confirmed that Emirates airline’s websites are fully compliant with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation, and it further commended the airline for its commitment to consumer transparency.

In a statement, Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said: "I am delighted to confirm that contrary to some earlier reported indications, Emirates airline is fully in compliance with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation that were monitored in the recent ’health check’ in relation to air ticket selling websites and therefore belongs to those companies that can serve as an example to be followed by others. I commend Emirates airline as a non-EU carrier for the observance of Community law and for the commitment to maintain these standards and to consumer protection in general demonstrated at a meeting held in Brussels on 17 June".

DG SANCO’s ‘health check’ investigation and report on airline websites published in May listed Emirates as being non-compliant. Subsequent discussions between the airline and DG SANCO confirmed that this was inaccurate.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “We have had a number of open and productive conversations with DG SANCO over the past weeks. Although we were disappointed with how the original investigations were conducted, we are pleased that this is now resolved, and that consumers can be absolutely satisfied that Emirates’ websites not only fully comply with EU regulations, but also demonstrate leadership in terms of transparency and inclusive pricing.

“As a responsible global airline, our commercial operations are guided by fair business practices and transparency for our customers. All Emirates’ fares include taxes and surcharges and no service fees apply when bookings are made and paid for online. We also provide a breakdown of the fare components both online and with Global Distribution Systems (GDS).”

Mr Vaughan added: "Emirates wants to see high, universal standards across our industry to ensure a level playing field for those airlines, like Emirates, who adhere to transparency and the highest possible standards versus some who continue to practice more opaque pricing and other less consumer-friendly techniques".

Dubai Summer Surprises Gets Healthy Boost With Summer Health Festival

This edition, Dubai Summer Surprises will add a health dimension to its activities. Concurrent with all the other activities, will be a ten-week long health carnival, Summer Health Festival to educate the visitors about healthy lifestyle and well-being. Five dedicated themes – Healthy Eating, Physical Fitness, Beautiful You, Health & Hygiene and Health Check-ups will generate awareness about good health practices, each conducted for two weeks. The initiative has been conceived by ExHealth and will be supported by key healthcare and lifestyle entities.

“DSS has so far concentrated on offering a great fun experience to the residents with numerous games and activities; we have witnessed an increasingly greater number of footfalls, year on year. This is an opportune time to address the health hazards being experienced by the nation and promote healthy lifestyle consciousness amongst the visitors,” said Suhaila Gobash, Events Manager at DSF Office, organizers of Dubai Summer Surprises.

The event comes at a time where incidences of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular conditions and pulmonary diseases are on the rise. “Education coupled with screenings at high footfall areas, especially in an entertaining ambience where people are more relaxed is a great way to acquaint people with such serious concerns. Health is a matter gaining importance in all our lives, and I mean not just the physical aspect but even the mental wellbeing. We have tried to address these issues through our activities,” said Dr. Prem Jagyasi, Managing Director and CEO of ExHealth.

Fun filled programmes will inform visitors about healthy eating habits, physical fitness, mental wellbeing and hygiene and will be followed by two weeks of free health checkups across participating destinations. Leading malls will come on board as weekly participants while Modhesh World will host the activities throughout the duration. A dedicated website www.SummerHealthFestival.com will keep residents abreast with forthcoming activities.