Emirates and Etihad win multiple best in class awards

Emirates has been named the “Best Airline Worldwide” for the ninth time in a row at the Business Traveller Middle East awards.

The Dubai airline also won in three other categories — “Best Premium Economy Class”, “Best Economy Class” and “Best Frequent Flyer Programme”.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was recognised as the airline with the "Best Cabin Crew" as well as being awarded the "Best First Class".

Etihad said in a statement that its First Class cabin is "designed as a private universe – a sanctuary in the sky – which provides guests with a highly personalised and bespoke service tailored to the guests’ individual preferences".

The airline recently launched added the A350-1000 to its fleet and is introducing a new dining experience designed with environmental sustainability and an elevated guest experience as a priority.

Tony Douglas and Etihad Airways Cabin Crew. Etihad was recognised as the airline with the "Best Cabin Crew" as well as being awarded the "Best First Class" at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards. Photo: Etihad

Etihad said its First Class cabin is "designed as a private universe". Photo: Etihad

The awards were presented at a gala dinner on Monday evening, after the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Photo: Etihad

The awards are based on votes cast online by travellers and readers of Business Traveller Middle East magazine. Photo: Etihad

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Meanwhile, Emirates' Premium Economy seats were first introduced in January 2021, with six Airbus A380s offering the cabin.

Emirates said this week that it is in the process of retrofitting a further 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s.

The premium economy cabins are decorated with a wood panelling similar to that in business class.

Seats are 49.5 centimetres wide and come with a one-metre pitch and an 20-centimetre reclining position, rounded off by soft leather finishings, six-way adjustable headrests and a footrest.

Emirates will be unveiling the complete premium economy experience on-board and on the ground from August 1, with a dedicated check-in service at Dubai International Airport, complimentary amenity kits, fine glass and chinaware, curated dining and beverage choices.

The airline will be back to full capacity by the end of the year, up from the current 75 per cent to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels at which it is currently operating, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the airline's chairman and chief executive, said at the Arabian Travel Market on Tuesday.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.

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She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS

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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”