Uganda hailed as Dubai-headquartered airline marks 25th anniversary
Since its inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has carried over 2.8 million passengers and operated 15,900 flights between Dubai and Entebbe, connecting Ugandans to more than 140 destinations worldwide.
Marking a quarter-century of operations in Uganda, Emirates Airlines has named the country one of its most cherished African markets. (Courtesy photo)
_________________
Marking a quarter-century of operations in Uganda, Emirates Airlines has named the country one of its most cherished African markets. The Dubai-based carrier celebrated its 25th anniversary of flying to Entebbe by reaffirming its commitment to boosting Uganda’s tourism and global connectivity.
Since its inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has carried over 2.8 million passengers and operated 15,900 flights between Dubai and Entebbe, connecting Ugandans to more than 140 destinations worldwide.
“Uganda is not only a key market on our network but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa,” said Mohamed Tahar, Emirates country manager for Uganda while speaking at Entebbe Airport on Wednesday.
“Over the last 25 years, we have built strong partnerships… helping position Uganda as a premier global tourism destination.”
He said Emirates’ collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has been central to this success, adding that joint campaigns showcasing Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and safaris have contributed to a 16% increase in passengers on the Dubai–Entebbe route since January 2025.
“We signed a memorandum of understanding with UTB to promote inbound tourism,” said Rashid Al Ardha, Emirates vice-president for commercial operations in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We’ve also organised familiarisation trips for tour operators from the Middle East and Asia to experience Uganda firsthand.”
Ardha said although passenger growth has been especially strong from the US, China, India, the UK, and the Middle East, Uganda is also the only country in the region to feature Emirates’ premium First Class cabin on its Boeing 777-300ER.
To mark the milestone, Emirates on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, flew a special one-off flight to Entebbe on a refurbished four-class Boeing 777, showcasing next-generation cabins, including Premium Economy Class, introduced in Uganda for the first time.
The aircraft is part of Emirates’ $5 billion global retrofit programme to upgrade 219 planes.
“Passengers can now enjoy a completely upgraded travel experience from Entebbe to Dubai and beyond,” Tahar said. “Our focus has always been on offering the best travel experience—from comfort and connectivity to quality service.”
Dignitaries at the event included work minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala and Fred Bamwesigye, the director general of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
Emirates also highlighted its commitment to local investment and sustainability, including a $200 million pledge to renewable energy projects and sourcing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Beyond sustainability, the airline supports Ugandan communities. In 2024, its “Dubai 7s for Good” initiative raised shillings 587 million (about $155,000 USD) to improve facilities at North Road Primary School in Mbale city, including a rugby pitch, solar-powered water stations, and sports equipment.
“This year alone, Emirates plans to hire 17,000 new employees globally, and we encourage Ugandans to apply through our transparent online recruitment process,” Al Ardha said, expressing hope that the African market will grow tremendously in the next decade or two.
“We look forward to being part of that growth story and continuing to serve Ugandans with excellence.”