Dubai Silicon Oasis , known as DSO ( Arabic : واحة دبي للسيليكون ), is a free-trade zone established by the Dubai government in 2003, spanning an area of 7.2 square kilometers. It is located in the Nadd Hessa community in Dubai .
91-667: In 2003, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, officially announced the Dubai Silicon Oasis to operate under the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority. DSO formally opened in 2004 with the main aim of being a hub of innovation and technology, which is why it's called Silicon Oasis. It includes a thousand companies and it
182-511: A chocolate brown suit, featuring pinstripes, with a cream shirt and caramel, honey, and red tie. Both male and female pursers wear this chocolate brown color, but with no red featured. Since its formation in 1985, Emirates aircraft have carried a section of the United Arab Emirates flag on the tail fins, a calligraphy version of the logo in Arabic on the engines, and the "Emirates" logo on
273-542: A decree banning the imprisonment of journalists following an incident in which local journalists were accused of libel and sentenced to jail terms. The Palm Islands were developed by Nakheel Properties , which Mohammed founded. The Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives is a charitable foundation which consolidates the work of some 33 charitable foundations, entities and initiatives which, together, implement more than 1,400 development programs, including
364-546: A free-trade zone. In the same year, the construction of the first phase of the DSOA's Headquarters, the 560 Semmer Villas Project, road works, electricity, utilities, and telecommunications network were completed. In 2010, UPS Airlines Flight 6 nearly crashed into DSO. In 2015, DSOA established the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), spanning a total area of approximately 60,000 square feet, then expanded
455-675: A major split with leading trainer Henry Cecil after a disagreement over racing a horse Mohammed insisted was injured. Cecil took the argument public and Mohammed removed all his horses from Cecil's stable. Godolphin 's first win, Balanchine taking the Oaks at Epsom Downs , England, in 1994, was to mark the beginning of a winning streak with horses such as Lammtarra , Daylami , Fantastic Light , Street Cry , Sulamani , Dubawi , and Ramonti among them. Dubai Millennium , said to be Mohammed's favourite, won nine of his ten starts before succumbing to injury followed by grass sickness in 2001. In 1996,
546-601: A number of assets including logistics company, DP World , property developer Nakheel Properties , and investment company Istithmar World . With more than 50,000 employees in over 100 cities around the globe, the Group has real estate, logistics and other business investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The company is owned by the government of Dubai . Sheikh Mohammed's personal corporate portfolio
637-674: A pilot. On Mohammed's return from military training to Dubai, his father appointed him as the head of the Dubai Police Force and the Dubai Defence Force (which later became a part of the Union Defence Force ) when he was only 20 years old. In January 1968, Mohammed was present when his father and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan first met in the desert between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at Argoub El Sedira to agree to
728-572: A profit every year, except its second year, and the growth has never fallen below 20% a year. In its first 11 years, it doubled in size every 3.5 years, and has every four years since. In 2015, Emirates paid dividends worth AED 2.6 billion (US$ 708 million), compared to AED1 billion (US$ 272 million) in 2014. The government has received AED14.6 billion from Emirates since dividends started being paid in 1999 for having provided an initial start-up capital of US$ 10 million and an additional investment of about US$ 80 million at
819-477: A public vote, as the name would "send a message of optimism to millions of young Arabs," since "Arab civilisation once played a great role in contributing to human knowledge, and [would] play that role again." Mohammed announced that the Hope mission had succeeded at orbit insertion on 9 February 2021, and shared the first picture the probe had captured days later. Hope became the first Arab mission to space, as well as
910-462: A spirit of tolerance across the community, building a cohesive society, strengthening the UAE's standing and position as a model of tolerance, as well as renouncing extremism and all forms of discrimination among people on the basis of religion, sex, race, color or language, in addition to honoring all entities and institutions contributing to the promotion of tolerance and open, interfaith dialogue. Mohammed
1001-502: A technology hub and free trade zone. Offering companies long leases, full ownership, and fast access to government services, DIC grew from its first tenants in October 2000, to a current zone employing about 15,000 people. In November 2000, it was joined by Dubai Media City , a content and media production-free zone, which is co-located with DIC. The launch of DIC came with assurances from Mohammed regarding media freedoms. In 2007, he issued
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#17328584955081092-449: Is a major figure in international thoroughbred horse racing and breeding . He owns Darley Stud , the biggest horse breeding operation in the world with farms in the United States, Ireland, England, and Australia. In 1985 he bought the Irish thoroughbred Park Appeal for an undisclosed sum at the end of her second season. She went on to produce at least nine winners from twelve foals and
1183-795: Is also the title sponsor of the FA Cup , Emirates Cup , and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium . It was the primary shirt sponsor of Chelsea from August 2001 until May 2005 , Paris Saint-Germain (until May 2019 ), and Hamburger SV until June 2020 . In August 2009 the Scottish Junior Football Association announced that Emirates would sponsor its Scottish Cup competition. Emirates is the sponsor of Asian Football Confederation travel and play, in AFC Champions League and AFF Suzuki Cup . In October 2024, human rights groups, including London For Sudan and Action For Sudan, protested
1274-821: Is located in Nadd Hessa, near the center of Dubai at the intersection of Dubai–Al-Ain Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road . In 2008, DSOA established the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai in DSO, a non-profit global campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York , as part of an agreement between DSOA and RIT-New York. DSO is also home to 3 schools: GEMS Wellington Academy, The Indian International School - DSO and Vernus International School. DSOA has been
1365-566: Is prohibited. Scholars characterize the UAE as authoritarian. According to human rights organizations, there are systematic human rights violations , including the torture and forced disappearance of government critics. There is a blurred line between the assets of the state of Dubai and those of the Al Maktoum ruling family. Mohammed issued a law in 2006 to form the Dubai Establishment for Women Development, renamed by law in 2009 as
1456-529: Is the Dubai Holding Group, which is involved in a variety of investments. Dubai Holding benefits from its association with the ruling family of Dubai , and is given free land by the Dubai government. Mohammed was responsible for the launch of Emirates Airline . Through the 1970s, as well as his role as head of Dubai Defence Force and UAE Minister of Defence, Mohammed oversaw Dubai's energy resources and
1547-872: Is the ancestor of many successful horses. Mohammed had raced horses as a child (he would share his breakfast with his horse on the way to school) but he attended his first formal race at Newmarket in 1967 with his brother Hamdan, watching Royal Palace win the 2,000 guineas . Becoming an owner in his own right, ten years later he won his first race with Hatta at Brighton. And five years after that, Mohammed and Hamdan had three studs and 100 horses under training. In late 1981, Mohammed purchased Gainsborough Stud at Woolton Hill , near Newbury , Berkshire, United Kingdom. He owns Ballysheehan Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland; as well as Gainsborough Farm Inc. in Versailles, Kentucky , United States. His racing operations include
1638-401: Is the only free zone where you can live and work. In 2005, Dubai Silicon Oasis was appointed as an independent authority according to Decree No. 16, and that Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has received its land spanning an area of 7.2 million square meters, to continue the establishment process of the DSO. In 2006, the infrastructure of the DSO establishment was completed and recognized as
1729-664: Is the world's largest Airbus A380 operator with 123 aircraft in service. Since its introduction, the Airbus A380 has become an integral part of the Emirates fleet , especially on long-haul, high-density routes. Emirates is also the world's largest Boeing 777 operator with 133 aircraft in service. Emirates was founded in March 1985 with backing from Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum . On 25 October 1985, Emirates operated its first flight from Dubai to Karachi and Mumbai , using
1820-508: Is to use profit sharing and merit pay as part of its competency-based approach to performance management. In 2023 and 2024, the group awarded its employees hefty bonuses as their share of the company's profits earned in those years. In 2023 employees got 24 weeks of pay as they bonus and in 2024 they received 20 weeks of pay. The airline claims to have lower emissions than other airlines because its fleet has an average fuel burn of fewer than 4 litres for every 100 passenger–kilometers. In 2023,
1911-553: The 2006 Preakness Stakes with Bernardini in the US. In 2008, he bought the Woodlands Stud empire for more than $ 460 million. The same year, he nearly bought out Charlton Athletic but he later turned down. At the age of 63, Mohammed won the 2012 World Endurance Championship over a 160 km course. Both his thoroughbreds and endurance horses have failed drug tests – although his trainers (including Mahmood Al Zarooni ) have accepted
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#17328584955082002-538: The 2018 Melbourne Cup . An early 2000s British police investigation of allegations, made by a former riding instructor about the attempted escape of Mohammed's daughter Latifa (born 1985) from her family estate in England and the subsequent kidnapping on a street in Cambridge of Latifa's sister Shamsa in 2001, was inconclusive. On 11 March 2018, a video was released of Sheikha Latifa after her failed attempt to flee
2093-472: The 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar . Since the 2006–07 season, it has been the primary shirt sponsor of Arsenal (2006 to 2028), AC Milan since the 2010–11 season, Real Madrid since the 2013–14 season, Benfica since the 2015–16 season, Olympique Lyonnais since the 2020–21 season, and Étoile du Sahel since the 2023–24 season. It is also the primary shirt sponsor of the New York Cosmos . Emirates
2184-690: The Dubai Women's Establishment . He also formed the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015. On 19 October 2020, Mohammed led the UAE Council of Ministers meeting that ratified a peace agreement with Israel , normalizing diplomatic relationships between the countries. The Council, again headed by Mohammed, approved the decision to found an Emirati embassy in Tel Aviv in January, and Mohammed swore in
2275-760: The Dubai World Cup was inaugurated as the world's richest horserace, drawing the legendary American dirt track horse Cigar to race in Dubai. Today, held at the Meydan Racecourse , the race meeting carries a prize of $ 27 million. In the UK, Mohammed's horses have won Group One races including several of the British Classic Races . His horses have also won the Irish Derby Stakes , the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and,
2366-706: The Emirates Air Line cable car over the River Thames in East London . Since 2015, Emirates has sponsored the England-based Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on the south coast. The airline had £3.5 million worth of plans to paint the landmark red, but after discussion with the residents of Portsmouth and Southsea , Emirates agreed the tower was to be coloured blue and gold, with red lettering of
2457-833: The Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground , and is the shirt sponsor of Lancashire County Cricket Club . Emirates was also the major sponsor of the Kings XI Punjab (seasons two-four) and Deccan Chargers (season five) the teams of the Indian Premier League , the largest domestic cricket tournament in the world. Emirates was a sponsor of FIFA and the FIFA World Cup , but stopped its sponsorship in early 2015 because of allegations of corruption and bribery within FIFA, as well as FIFA's controversial decision to award
2548-897: The Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam , the Netherlands. In June 2017, two new initiatives were added to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives , within the "Empowering Communities" sector, namely the International Institute for Tolerance and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance. In this respect, Sheikh Mohammed issued Law No. (9) of 2017 on the Establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance and Decree No. (23) of 2017 on
2639-673: The House of Al-Falasi , of which Mohammed is the tribal leader. His mother was Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, daughter of former ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan . He grew up in a house without electricity. A hundred people or more lived there, including guards and maids. From the age of four, Mohammed was privately tutored in Arabic and Islamic Studies . In 1955, he began formal education at Al Ahmedia School. At
2730-586: The International Cricket Council . The deal gives Emirates association with all major ICC tournaments, including the 2011, 2015, and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups, ICC Champions Trophy, and ICC World Twenty20. Emirates is the Twenty20 shirt sponsor of Durham County Cricket Club and holds the naming rights to the Riverside Ground, now known as Emirates Riverside , as well as the naming rights to
2821-664: The Jumeirah Beach Hotel , the first property managed by Jumeirah , the hotel management company launched by Mohammed in 1997 and headed by ex-Trust House Forte executive Gerald Lawless. While work began on both hotels at the same time, the island to house the Burj Al Arab required three years to build before construction began above ground. Jumeirah 's international expansion, driven after it became part of Dubai Holding in 2004, encompasses 22 hotels in ten countries. On 29 October 1999, Mohammed announced Dubai Internet City ,
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2912-598: The Maktoum family -owned Godolphin stable and the owner of Darley , a thoroughbred breeding operation, operational in six countries. In 2012, he rode the horse Madji Du Pont 160 km to take the FEI World Endurance Championship. Sheikh Mohammed is the third of four sons of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum , ruler of Dubai . The Al Maktoum family is Dubai 's ruling family and descendants of
3003-459: The Middle East , operating more than 3,600 flights per week from its hub at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport . It operates to more than 150 cities in 80 countries across six continents on its fleet of nearly 250 aircraft. Cargo activities are undertaken by Emirates SkyCargo . Emirates is the world's fourth-largest airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometers flown. It is also
3094-713: The NBA Cup , becoming the Emirates NBA Cup starting in the 2024 season. This deal also will see a Emirates patch come onto NBA referee jerseys In horse racing, Emirates sponsors the Dubai International Racing Carnival. It sponsored the Australian Turf Club 's Autumn and Spring Carnival until 2011, and the Melbourne Cup Carnival from 2003 until 2017. Emirates is also a regular sponsor of
3185-631: The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (previously the Dubai School of Government) is an academic and research institution in the area of public policy and administration. Mohammed made a grant of 600 houses to Gaza following the 2008–2009 Gaza war . In 2000, Mohammed donated €4 million for the construction of
3276-643: The ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2006, upon the death of his brother Maktoum. The following day, the Federal National Council selected him as the new vice president of the UAE . On 11 February, the Council approved President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan 's nomination of Sheikh Mohammed for prime minister. Mohammed is the absolute monarch of Dubai. The government is described as autocratic , as there are no democratic institutions, and internal dissent
3367-547: The second-largest in terms of freight tonne-kilometers flown. During the mid-1980s, Gulf Air began to cut back its services to Dubai. As a result, Emirates was founded on 15 March 1985, with backing from Dubai's royal family and its first two aircraft provided by Pakistan International Airlines . With $ 10 million in start-up capital, it was required to operate independently of government subsidies. Pakistan International Airlines also provided free training facilities to Emirates' cabin crew at Karachi Airport . The airline
3458-403: The vice president and prime minister of the UAE . Mohammed succeeded his brother Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum as UAE vice president, UAE prime minister, and ruler of Dubai following the latter's death in 2006. A billionaire, Mohammed generates most of his income from real estate and is described as "one of the world's most prominent real estate developers". There is a blurred line between
3549-736: The 2012 season, Emirates has sponsored the US Open Series , a six-week summer tennis season leading up to the US Open . Its sponsorship was to run until 2019. Emirates also sponsors Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League , and FC Dallas in Major League Soccer . Since the 2016 season, Emirates is the official airline of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball . Since 2017, Emirates has been
3640-401: The Airbus A300 B4 and the Boeing 737 both wet-leased from Pakistan International Airlines . In 1986, Emirates added Colombo , Dhaka , Amman and Cairo to its route network. On 3 July 1987, A6-EKA flew from Toulouse to Dubai as Emirates took delivery of its first owned aircraft, an Airbus A310-304 . Flights to Frankfurt commenced via Istanbul , London Gatwick and Malé . This
3731-423: The BBC shows Latifa saying she has been "a hostage" for over a year "with no access to medical help" in " solitary confinement " without access to medical or legal help in a "villa jail" with windows and doors barred shut, and guarded by police. The governments of Dubai and the UAE have not responded to requests for comment from the BBC. Despite her family's insistence that she has been enjoying time with them at home
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3822-428: The Desert to the Stars" was launched from the International Space Station (ISS) through Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi . Mohammed has overseen the creation and growth of a number of businesses and economic assets of Dubai, with a number held by two companies under his ownership, Dubai World and Dubai Holding . According to the laws of Dubai, the ruling family owns all undeveloped land in Dubai, which has allowed
3913-417: The Dubai Airshow. Emirates ordered 90 aircraft, including both versions of the new long-haul jet. In April 2024, Emirates announced its plan to relocate its hub to Al Maktoum Airport when the new airport is fully completed. The airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group , which is a subsidiary of the Dubai government's investment company, Investment Corporation of Dubai . The airline has recorded
4004-446: The Emirates Airlines’ sponsorship contract with Arsenal F.C. The rights groups called for the club to discontinue their deal with the airlines, citing the UAE’s role in the Sudan ’s intensifying humanitarian crisis . Emirates has sponsored the Super League Rugby League team, the Warrington Wolves between 2013 and 2017. The multi-year sponsorship cost has been touted as around £300,000 annually. Since 2015, Emirates has been also
4095-406: The Emirates sponsor, for the reason that Portsmouth F.C. (the local football team) is coloured blue and rival football team Southampton F.C. is coloured red. It is now named "Emirates Spinnaker Tower". Emirates sponsors Cricket Australia , Lord's Taverners, and Pro Arch Tournament. Its branding also features on international cricket umpires shirts. Emirates was also an official partner of
4186-426: The Formation of a Board of Trustees and Decree No. (28) of 2017 on the Appointment of a Managing Director for the International Institute for Tolerance. In this respect, Law No. (9) of 2017 includes the launch of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance, administered in accordance with the provisions and statute of said Law. Hence, the establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance aims at instilling
4277-412: The Jordanian princess Haya bint Hussein . Allegedly, Shamsa and Latifa were forcibly medicated while held in Dubai under Mohammed's orders since 2000 and 2018, respectively. On 16 February 2021, BBC 's Panorama broadcast a documentary featuring Latifa's video messages that she made secretly under enforced detention in Dubai on her father's orders. Mohammed is an equestrian and is the founder of
4368-414: The Pineapple Building, was inaugurated by Narendra Modi . It serves as a hub for many corporate offices. The Walk-in Smart Police Station opened in October 2020 to provide 24-hour security services to residents and workers in the oasis. The station provides 46 services divided into 4 packages: security services, community services, traffic services, and certificates and permits services. Dubai Silicon Oasis
4459-491: The UAE and subsequent disappearance, in which she claimed she was fleeing from her family, made allegations of abuse, and said her father was responsible for a number of murders, including the murder of his deceased older brother's wife. The escape attempt was the focus of a documentary by Australian broadcaster Nine News as well as BBC Newsnight investigation. In December 2018, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson , after meeting Latifa in
4550-452: The action, leading to the accession of his brother Sultan as ruler of Sharjah. Mohammed delivered Saqr to UAE president Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who put Saqr under house arrest in Al Ain . In 1973, Mohammed was involved in protracted negotiations with the hijackers of JAL 404 , led by Japanese Red Army member Osamu Maruouka, which landed in Dubai after being hijacked as it departed Schiphol Airport . Although unsuccessful in obtaining
4641-436: The age of 10, he moved to Al Shaab School, and two years later, attended Dubai Secondary School. In 1966, with his cousin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum , he attended the Bell Educational Trust 's English Language School in the United Kingdom. He subsequently studied at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot , passing out with the sword of honour as the top Commonwealth student. He also travelled to Italy to train as
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#17328584955084732-402: The airline announced it would invest $ 200 million over three years to find research and development regarding the reduction of fossil fuels in commercial aviation, including investing in the development of fuel and energy alternatives and solutions. The key trends for Emirates are (as of the financial year ending 31 March): In the 1990s, Emirates launched its first set of commercials all with
4823-415: The airline has unfair advantages and have called for an end to open-skies policies with the UAE as a result. In 2017, Emirates "renewed its aircraft buying spree" and agreed to buy a number of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners for $ 15.1 billion. The Wall Street Journal described the deal as a "painful loss" for Airbus. In 2023, Emirates ordered $ 50 billion of Boeing jets with their sister airline, flyDubai at
4914-406: The assets of the government of Dubai and those of the ruling Al Maktoum family . Land which is owned by him is managed as an asset of the state. He oversaw the growth of Dubai into a global city , as well as the launch of a number of government-owned enterprises including Emirates Airline , DP World , and the Jumeirah Group . Some of these are held by Dubai Holding . Mohammed has overseen
5005-412: The blame. His endurance racing stable has also been involved in other scandals, including both fatal injuries, and ringers. In 2015, the FEI suspended the United Arab Emirates following a series of scandals. In the 15th Asian Games in 2006 , the sheikh's eldest son, Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum , took the individual gold in endurance riding . Mohammed's sons Rashid, Ahmed, Majid, and Hamdan took
5096-408: The contract in 2016 . Emirates is the major sponsor of the Emirates Team New Zealand, winners of the 35th America's Cup in sailing. Emirates was a sponsor of the British Formula One (F1) team McLaren in the 2006 season . It was also the official airline sponsor of Formula One from the 2013 season until the 2022 season . It was outbid by rival Qatar Airways for the 2023 season . Since
5187-523: The development of certain projects in Dubai , such as the Palm Islands and the Burj Al Arab hotel, as well as Burj Khalifa , the tallest building in the world as of 2024. Mohammed is the absolute ruler of Dubai and the prime minister of the UAE, a position appointed by the president . The government is autocratic . On 5 March 2020, a British court ruled that on the balance of probabilities , Mohammed had abducted two of his daughters, Shamsa and Latifa , and had threatened his former wife,
5278-510: The end of the fiscal year on 31 March 2020, the company employed a total of 59,519 staff, of which 21,789 were cabin crew, 4,313 were flight deck crew, 3,316 were in engineering, 12,627 were listed as other, 5,376 employees were at overseas stations, and 12,098 were at subsidiary companies. The Emirates Group employed a total of 105,730 employees. Emirates provides its employees with benefits such as comprehensive health plans and paid maternity and sick leave. Another strategy employed by Emirates
5369-408: The equestrian sport showjumping, notably at events in Dubai with the CSI5* Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix, and with the Longines Masters series, which currently runs CSI5* competitions in Hong Kong, Paris, and New York (formerly held in Los Angeles). Emirates is one of the main sponsors of the Australian and the French Opens at the start of the 2021 season after returning from the first signed
5460-401: The event's closure on 31 March 2022. As of August 2024, Emirates operates over 3,000 flights every week across its network of 137 destinations in 77 countries across six continents from its hub in Dubai. On 21 November 2024, Emirates added the 5th weekly flight to its Dubai- Antananarivo route, commencing 13 December 2024 for a period of 4 weeks to cater for the surge in holidaymakers during
5551-419: The exiled former ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah , Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi , led an insurrectionist coup against his successor, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi . Following a spirited firefight between the Union Defence Force and Sheikh Saqr's forces – mostly Egyptian mercenaries who had entered the UAE through Ras Al Khaimah – Mohammed accepted Saqr's surrender. Sheikh Khalid had been killed in
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#17328584955085642-527: The extended-range version in 1997 and in 1999 the Airbus A330-200 . In 2000, the airline placed an order for a large number of aircraft, including the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380 , and also launched its frequent flyer program, Skywards. Since then, the airline has continued to expand its fleet and network, with a focus on operating flights to anywhere in the world via Dubai and competing with other major airlines on international routes. Its growth has attracted criticism from other carriers, who claim that
5733-422: The family to prosper from real estate development. During Mohammed's rule, Dubai has seen enormous population growth, causing a real estate boom in Dubai. The boom was in part facilitated by Sheikh Mohammed's 2002 decree that foreigners would be allowed to purchase property in Dubai. Mohammed established Dubai World by decree, leading to the company's launch on 2 July 2006, as a holding company consolidating
5824-407: The first Emirati ambassador to Israel, Mahmoud Al Khajah, a month later. Mohammed founded the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in 2015, which announced it would be launching a spacecraft to Mars to study the planet’s atmosphere; He stated that the planet was chosen for its "epic challenge," saying it would benefit the Emirati economy . He announced that the mission would be called Hope after
5915-447: The first of three missions in July 2020—the others from the United States and China–to arrive at Mars. In 2020, Mohammed announced a second mission, this one to the moon. The Emirates Lunar Mission used a lunar rover named Rashid , reportedly built entirely in the UAE. It was launched on 11 December 2022 on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. In a historic first, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s book titled "The Journey From
6006-448: The formation of a union of emirates following British notification of intent to withdraw from the Trucial States . When the new country of the United Arab Emirates was founded on 2 December 1971, Mohammed became its first minister of defence at the age of 22. A period of uncertainty and instability followed the Union of the United Arab Emirates, including skirmishes between tribes over property, straddling new borders. On 24 January 1972,
6097-406: The fuselage both in Arabic and English. The colour scheme used since 1985 was changed in November 1999. This change including the modification of logotype, the enlargement and movement of the English logo (the Arabic remaining smaller) towards the front of the aircraft, and a different, flowing flag on the tailfin. In 2022, Emirates launched two commercials featuring a flight attendant standing on
6188-414: The jersey sponsor of Shabab Al Ahli Basketball . There will be Dubai Silicon Oasis metro station on the Blue Line in 2029. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( Arabic : محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم , romanized : Muḥammad bin Rāšid Āl Maktūm ; born 15 July 1949) is an Emirati politician and royal who is the current ruler of Dubai , and serves as
6279-412: The largest aeroplane order in history, with $ 99 billion combined orders with Airbus for its A380 and Boeing for its 777X . The Burj Al Arab was inaugurated in December 1999. The hotel, constructed from a design by WS Atkins in response to a brief from Mohammed to create "a truly iconic" building, styles itself as "the world's most luxurious hotel". It was constructed on an island offshore from
6370-424: The new company. A further $ 75 million in facilities and materials was provided, but Emirates has always maintained that it has received no further subsidies throughout the company's meteoric growth to become one of the world's leading airlines. In 1989, Mohammed inaugurated the first Dubai Airshow . In 2013, the exhibition had grown to over 1,000 exhibiting companies, and was the venue for Emirates ' placement of
6461-438: The official premier partners of the Expo 2020 event hosted by Dubai. To commemorate the event, Emirates unveiled a special livery in three colours (orange, green, and blue) to represent the three themes of the event, namely, Opportunity, Sustainability, and Mobility, respectively. One of its A380s was painted in a blue, nose-to-tail livery that said, "Join The Making of a New World". The sponsorship lasted from 1 October 2021, till
6552-558: The other appointed their brother Hamdan as the deputy ruler of Dubai. Mohammed created the Dubai Shopping Festival in late 1995, an annual event that has become a significant contributor to the economy of the UAE . In 2001, Mohammed ordered the arrest of Obaid Saqr bin-Busit, the head of Dubai Customs and the chairman of the World Customs Association. After roughly a decade of de facto rule, Mohammed became
6643-478: The ownership of Darley Stables and he is the leading partner in his family's Godolphin Stables . Mohammed hosts the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse . By 1992, Mohammed had started 'wintering' his horses in Dubai, frequently against the advice of trainers and pundits in the UK. The results were a string of high-profile wins, and by 1994 he founded Godolphin . In 1995, his hands-on approach to racing resulted in
6734-439: The past two years, Latifa says in the series of videos released by her advocates that she is "a hostage" and fears for her life. "Every day, I'm worried about my safety in my life. I don't really know if I'm going to survive this situation." "The police threaten me that they would take me outside and shoot me if I didn't cooperate with them," she said. "They also threatened me that I would be in prison my whole life and I'll never see
6825-453: The presence of other family members, said that Latifa was now in the care of her family. Her statement was criticised by human rights groups, who said that Robinson would not have been able to tell in the meeting whether Latifa truly had psychological issues. A spokeswoman for "The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice" confirmed that Robinson was approached by Latifa's stepmother Princess Haya bint Hussein , an old friend of Robinson's, and
6916-591: The release of the hostages (they were finally freed, and the 747 blown up, in Libya), he was more successful in a later negotiation with the three hijackers of KLM 861 , who released the balance of their hostages and handed over the plane in return for safe passage. In 1977, Mohammed oversaw the integration of Dubai's military forces with those of the other emirates . On 3 January 1995, Mohammed's brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum , ruler of Dubai , signed two decrees. One decree appointed Mohammed as crown prince and
7007-549: The slogan "Fly Better". Emirates introduced a new uniform design in August 2008 for its 16,000 staff, designed by Simon Jersey. The offboard uniform includes the Emirates hat, red kick-pleats in the skirts, more fitted blouses, and the return of red leather shoes and handbags. For the onboard uniform, male and female cabin crew wear service waistcoats in place of the previously worn service jackets and tabards. The male flight attendants wear
7098-578: The slogan "So be good to yourself, Fly Emirates". In 1999, it launched a very rare A330-200 commercial with different pictures showing the aircraft painted in the original livery and the livery used from 1999 until 2023, which was launched a few months prior. Commercials reappeared beginning in 2002 and the airline adopted the slogan "Fly Emirates. Keep Discovering" in 2004. In the 2010s, Emirates utilised multiple slogans in its advertising including "Fly Emirates. Keep Discovering", "Fly Emirates To over Six Continents", and "Hello Tomorrow". Emirates currently uses
7189-615: The space to 108,000 square feet, thus allowing Dtec to host additional 800 startups. By the end of 2020, the DSOA became the home of more than 900 startups from 72 countries. In 2018, DSOA established Dubai's first integrated smart city project, the Dubai Digital Park (DDP). Spanning an area of 150,000 square meters and comprises 47,000 square meters of office space, 17,000 square meters of retail units, 235 smart residential apartments and more than 5,000 square meters of ready-made and plug and play offices. The DSO Headquarters, also known as
7280-575: The spire of the Burj Khalifa . The first commercial was about the UAE moving to the UK's Amber list in the wake of the COVID-19 travel restrictions. The second commercial was to promote the Expo 2020 event with an Airbus A380, painted in a special livery, circling the woman. The woman in the videos was actually a qualified stuntwoman dressed as an Emirates flight attendant. From 2011 until 2022, Emirates sponsored
7371-684: The sponsor of the Super Rugby South African team the Lions , as well as having the naming rights of the team and Ellis Park rugby stadium. It is also the main sponsor of USA Rugby . Emirates is the sponsor of the World Rugby panel of international referees. On 23 September 2019, Emirates partnered with Beirut Basketball Club to sponsor their 2019–2020 season, the deal included branding opportunities during televised matches, social media activation rights and game ticket allocations. The season
7462-542: The sponsor of the UAE Team Emirates (former Team Lampre-Mérida), which is a UCI World Tour Cycling Team. Being World Tour, the team obtains automatic entry to the Tour de France , Giro d'Italia , and Vuelta a Espana , as well as all the major one-day races. In 2015, Jennifer Aniston starred in two commercials for the airline. Since 2023, Penélope Cruz has been the brand ambassador for Emirates. Emirates became one of
7553-459: The sun again." Emirates Airline Emirates ( Arabic : طَيَران الإمارات DMG : Ṭayarān Al-Imārāt ) is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (the other being Etihad Airways ). Based in Garhoud , Dubai , the airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group , which is owned by the government of Dubai 's Investment Corporation of Dubai . It is the largest airline in
7644-653: The team gold in endurance riding, his niece Latifa took a bronze in show jumping , and his daughter Maitha led the UAE team in taekwondo . In 2013, when the UAE national football team won the Gulf Cup , Mohammed gave the team 50 million dirhams ($ 13.7 million). His wife awarded the team a further 25 million dirhams ($ 6.8 million), while their grandsons contributed 12 million dirhams ($ 3.3 million). Godolphin's Cross Counter , ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and trained by Charlie Appleby won
7735-409: The time of the airline's inception. The Dubai government is the sole owner of the company, but it does not put any new money into it, nor does it interfere with running the airline. Emirates has diversified into related industries and sectors, including airport services, engineering, catering, and tour operator operations. Emirates has seven subsidiaries and its parent company has more than 50. At
7826-410: The year-end festive season. The move will see an increase in capacity for the number of seats to Seychelles and Madagascar . Emirates has partnerships with other airlines, but is not a member of any of the three global airline alliances – Oneworld , SkyTeam , or Star Alliance . In 2000, the airline briefly considered joining Star Alliance, but opted to remain independent. The reasoning for this
7917-544: Was followed by Singapore , Bangkok and Hong Kong . During its early years, Emirates experienced strong growth, averaging 30% annually. The Gulf War helped boost business for the airline as it was the only airline to continue flying in the last ten days of the war. In June 1991 shortly after the end of the hostilities caused by the Gulf War, Emirates finally manages to acquire slots at London Heathrow . In 1996, Emirates took delivery of its baseline Boeing 777-200 , followed by
8008-501: Was founded by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum , the airline's present chairman. In the years following its founding, the airline rapidly expanded both its fleet and its destinations. In October 2008, Emirates moved all of its operations at Dubai International Airport to Terminal 3. Emirates operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft and is one of the few airlines to operate an all-wide-body aircraft fleet (excluding Emirates Executive). As of August 2024 , Emirates
8099-627: Was in charge of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority . It was in this latter role, in March 1985, that he founded Emirates Airline , tasking then-head of Dnata , Maurice Flanagan , with launching a new airline to be called Emirates after a dispute with Gulf Air over Dubai's ' Open Skies ' policy. The launch budget of the airline was $ 10 million (the amount Flanagan said he needed to launch an airline) and its inaugural flight took place on 25 October 1985. Sheikh Mohammed appointed his uncle Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman of
8190-594: Was later canceled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic . Emirates later signed a multi-year sponsorship with the club in September 2023 becoming its official airline and jersey sponsor for the next three seasons. On 8 February 2024, Emirates signed a multi year partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to become the official airline of the league, this deal also includes getting the naming rights for
8281-747: Was requested to go to Dubai by Princess Haya and that Haya paid the fare, less than two weeks after the BBC ran a documentary detailing Latifa's failed escape attempt in March. Robinson admits she was "horribly tricked" when photographs of the private lunch were made public and that both she and Haya had been told of details of Latifa's bipolar disorder , a condition which she does not have. Latifa's cousin Marcus Essabri reported that Latifa's photos with Mary Robinson seem to show Latifa medicated while held in Dubai under her father's orders. She has not been seen in public since. In February 2021, video footage obtained by
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