Emirates has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Maldives by extending a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism earlier this week. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group met His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of the Maldives, at the Emirates Pavilion in Expo 2020.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates and Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism Maldives, and Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation.

The ceremony was also attended by: Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates; Abdulla Al Olama, Regional Manager Commercial Operations Far East, West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates; Chandana De Silva, Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives at Emirates; Hamad Ustadi, Business Analysis Manager at Emirates; Fathimath Nilfa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism Maldives; Mohamed Khussan, Senior Policy Director Ministry of Tourism Maldives; and Fazeela Ali, Executive Director Ministry of Tourism Maldives.

Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates said: “Maldives is a very integral market in Emirates’ network and we are very pleased to be renewing our commitment to the island-nation today. Emirates has proudly served the country for more than 34 years and we look forward to continue strengthening our long-standing partnership, and to boosting the country’s trade and tourism industry.”

Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism Maldives, said: “With over 1,000 flights and visits from 170,000 passenger arrivals to the Maldives this year, Emirates Airline continues to be a very important partner in Maldives Tourism success story. Ministry of Tourism is confident that this tri-party MOU between Emirates Airline, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation MMPRC and the Ministry, will connect the Maldives better with UAE and the world, support tourism development and promote tourism.”

Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, said: “Our relationship with Emirates Airline is one that spans over three decades. A great deal of the success of the Maldives tourism industry can be attributed to the long-lasting and fruitful relations we have with airlines – and Emirates is no exception. We are grateful for the trust and commitment Emirates have shown towards Maldives for the past 34 years.”

The agreement reaffirms the airline’s commitment to the island-nation and outlines key initiatives to continue supporting the country’s tourism recovery. Since January 2021, the airline has operated the highest number of passenger flights to the Maldives, connecting 170,000 passengers to the country, from more than 100 destinations including the top markets, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Germany, United States of America, and Czech Republic.

Emirates launched operations to the Maldives in 1987, and the airline currently serves the island-nation with 28 weekly flights. The airline’s cargo operations also plays a crucial role by helping facilitate business between the Maldives and its key trading markets worldwide.

As travel restrictions continue to ease, Emirates has resumed passenger services to over 120 destinations via Dubai. The airline has led the industry with its innovative products and services, including a comprehensive set of health and safety measures at every step of the journey, contactless technology at Dubai Airport, generous and flexible booking policies, and an industry-first multi-risk insurance cover.