While the United Arab Emirates and Egypt commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations this week, flag carrier Emirates is concurrently celebrating 36 years of service between the two countries and its role in facilitating the partnership.

One Heart

From October 26 to 28, the UAE and Egypt are hosting a range of events in Cairo to celebrate the ties between the countries. The UAE gained independence from the British protectorate back in 1971, moving to build relationships within the region in the subsequent months. One of its longest and strongest ties has been with Egypt, with the UAE becoming one of the country’s top investors over the past several years. In the first nine months of 2022, the gulf state accounted for 72% of total Arab investment in the country, sending through $4.6 billion to support Egyptian industry and trade.

A vital piece in that partnership has been Emirates, which has served Cairo from its hub at Dubai International Airport since 1986. In the subsequent years, Emirates has shuttled over 9 million passengers on 38,000 flights to the Egyptian capital, strengthened even further with the utilization of the airline’s flagship Airbus A380 on the routes.

Currently, Emirates operates 25 weekly services to Cairo International Airport, a minimum of two daily flights onboard its A380s and Boeing 777. The flights connect Egypt with Emirate’s expansive international network, facilitating a significant portion of tourism and trade in the region.

Tourism is notably one of the most significant contributors to Egypt’s GDP, accounting for around 12% back in 2019, and considered a lifeblood to many communities in the country.

While connecting tourists with the North African cultural center, Emirates’ network additionally supplies Egypt with further trade, investment, and business opportunities, from Dubai’s own financial and commerce hub to other major commercial centers across the Asia-Pacific region and North America, including Hong Kong, Sydney, and New York.

Emirates’ charitable work has provided major social contributions to Egypt, separate from UAE’s government. Back in 2020, the carrier pledged support to help build The Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre in Cairo, which aims to provide free treatment for cardiovascular patients in Egypt, North Africa, and the Middle East. The hospital will provide advanced cardiac care for over 80,000 patients annually, including 12,000 surgical procedures. Around 70% of patients will be children diagnosed with cardiovascular health conditions.

Emirates Airbus A380
Photo: Getty Images

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Operations in Egypt

Within Cairo, Emirates operates two offices to support operations in Mohaddessin and Heliopolis, supporting its Egyptian customers with travel requirements and providing 1,600 roles within the airline to Egyptian citizens. Egyptian nationals account for 4% of Emirates flight crews, including 850 cabin crew members and 22 pilots.

In 2018, the carrier invested $3.6 million into constructing a dedicated first and business class lounge at Cairo Airport, becoming its first lounge in North Africa. Emirates has been committed to representation for its Egyptian customers, providing passengers with access to 220 Egyptian films, TV shows, and other media onboard its flights.

During the pandemic, Emirates’ SkyCargo continued freight operations within Egypt, facilitating trade during a crucial economic period. Egypt provides a wide range of food exports internationally, with SkyCargo providing the required cool chain infrastructure to ensure the transport of perishable products out of Cairo.

What are your thoughts on Emirates’ support for Egypt? Would you like to see it connect with any other destinations within the country? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Arabian Business

  • Emirates, Airbus A380, Penultimate
    Emirates
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    EK/UAE
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Dubai International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1985
    CEO:
    Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
    Country:
    United Arab Emirates