Sheikh Mohammed: Emirates Becomes One of the World’s Leading Airlines on 40th Anniversary
Ashwini Gambo
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the remarkable growth of Emirates Airline as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, describing the carrier as one of the world’s leading airlines and a key pillar of the UAE’s development.
In a post on the social platform X, Sheikh Mohammed reflected on Emirates’ journey since its inaugural flight on October 25, 1985, noting the airline’s role in connecting Dubai to the world.
“Forty years ago, on October 25, 1985, the first Emirates flight took off, carrying with it great ambitions that soared toward the sky,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote. “Today, Emirates has become one of the world’s leading airlines, directly connecting Dubai to 152 cities across the globe. It transports people, and with them, their dreams and aspirations, to Dubai and beyond.”
Over its four decades of operation, Emirates has carried more than 860 million passengers across continents, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub and contributing significantly to the UAE’s economic growth and international connectivity.
The airline’s 40-year milestone also reflects its commitment to innovation, service excellence, and expansion, establishing Emirates as a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and the UAE’s vision for global leadership in air travel.
