Sunday, December 3, 2023
Merely five days following Emirates’ commemoration of the UAE’s significant achievements in space exploration, the airline has once again taken to the skies, this time executing a remarkable National Day flypast during the Emirates Dubai 7s.
At an elevation of just 500 feet, the iconic A380 gracefully soared over the primary pitch at 3:43 pm local time, adorned with Emirates’ distinctive new livery, enchanting the multitude of spectators. Exactly five minutes later, the A380 glided back, offering a salute to both world-class athletes and fervent fans alike.
Guiding the flight was UAE National Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, Deputy Chief Pilot, accompanied by Captain Ricky Garala, Deputy Chief Pilot, and Captain Philippe Lombet, Technical Pilot for the Airbus A380. Captain Mubarak, with 18 years of experience with Emirates, has led the airline in seven celebratory flypasts, including supporting the Jetman stunt, heading the opening of the 2023 Dubai Air Show, and participating in National Day festivities for the past three years.
The Emirates Dubai 7s, the most extensive and long-standing sports and entertainment festival in the Middle East, holds a prominent spot on the Dubai calendar. The 2023 edition, attracting over 100,000 attendees, stands out as one of the most popular to date. Evolving alongside the dynamic UAE sport and fitness community, this year’s tournament included Padel in its lineup, joining over 500 rugby, netball, cricket, and fitness teams in showcasing athletic prowess. New entertainment features, such as the Shaded Garden—a boho festival chill zone—and the Kids Stage, offering a dedicated lineup of family-friendly fun, were also introduced.
From the skies to the playing field, Emirates stands as one of the world’s foremost supporters of rugby. The airline caps off a successful year for the sport, following the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where it served as the Official Worldwide Partner. Emirates has been a sponsor of the Rugby World Cup since 2007 and will maintain a significant presence at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Emirates further solidifies its commitment through local partnerships with entities like the Dubai Hurricanes and UAE Rugby Federation. Over five decades, the airline has played a crucial role in elevating the profile of rugby within the UAE, fueled by the popularity of the Emirates Dubai 7s.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
