Emirates 40th anniversary celebration marks a proud moment for the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Emirates on completing 40 years since its first flight on October 25, 1985.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed described Emirates as a “national pride that has transported more than 860 million passengers across the world.” He praised the airline for connecting Dubai to 152 cities and for carrying the dreams and ambitions of millions of travelers.
Over four decades, Emirates has become one of the world’s leading airlines. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that it stands as a symbol of the UAE’s progress and one of the key drivers of the nation’s development journey. He also thanked Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, along with over 100,000 employees who continue to make the airline an “unprecedented Emirati success story.”
The Emirates 40th anniversary celebration also recalls the airline’s humble beginnings. Emirates started in 1985 with just $10 million in seed funding and two wet-leased aircraft from Pakistan International Airlines. Its first flights connected Dubai to Karachi and Mumbai.
Today, Emirates operates a fleet of 260 aircraft serving over 160 destinations in 85 countries. With more than 300 aircraft on order, the airline continues to grow. Sheikh Ahmed noted that Emirates remains committed to excellence and delivering value to Dubai, its people, and the world.
