Emirates is celebrating 54 years of connecting people, cultures, and destinations with a special UAE Eid Al Etihad event on 2 December. This year, the airline is bringing the spirit of the UAE to life in the skies, offering passengers an immersive experience that blends the country’s rich heritage with modern hospitality. From traditional Emirati cuisine and handcrafted desserts to a curated selection of films, music, and podcasts, the celebrations are designed to honour the nation’s culture and foster a sense of connection and pride.
A taste of emirati tradition in the air
On 2 and 3 December, passengers flying with Emirates from Dubai will enjoy a unique culinary journey onboard, with every class receiving specially crafted treats inspired by Emirati traditions.
- First and business class: Passengers will indulge in a duo of fig frangipane and gahwa tart.
- Premium economy: Customers will enjoy pistachio rahash tart alongside gahwa tart.
- Economy class: The menu includes batheeth with white chocolate and pistachios.
The aircraft cabin will reflect the national celebration with interior lighting in the colors of the UAE flag, creating an immersive festive atmosphere. At the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, travelers can savor aromatic Arabic coffee complemented by regional desserts such as aseeda cake, date and cardamom cheesecake, pistachio rahash tart, saffron bundt cake with caramel cream frosting and hazelnut croquant, or chocolate and cardamom bundt cake.
Cultural entertainment through ice
Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offers passengers a wide range of Arabic content to connect with the national spirit of Eid Al Etihad.
- Movies and TV: Over 71 Arabic movies, including Al Forsa Al Akhira and Al Eid Eiden, and 32 Arabic TV shows such as Al Boom, Sawalef Yadouh, #ABTalks, Al Mtwassf, and Al Sanaa’.
- Streaming Content: Access to premium shows via Shahid, including 220 Youm, Hmoud Wa Abouh, Al Sohba Al Holwa, and Hazza.
- Documentaries: Titles like Al Emarat: Masiret Al Ezza’ W Al Enjaz provide culturally rich insights.
- Podcasts: Fifteen Arabic podcasts, including Qassed Fazza, Al San’a, and Kursi Al Ethnain.
- Music: A collection of 151 Khaleeji albums and playlists featuring Emirati artists such as Hussain Al Jassmi, Hazza’ah Al Minhali, and Fayez Al Saeed.
This combination of food, music, and visual storytelling ensures that passengers enjoy a deeply immersive celebration even while flying.
Emirati flavours at Dubai lounges
Passengers departing from Dubai can also enjoy a specially designed menu in Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges.
First class lounges : Traditional Emirati dishes including chicken machbous, lamb ouzi, and harees are served with fried onions, cashew nut raitha, and dakkous. Desserts feature karak profiteroles, Umm Ali spheres, lommie kabeese cheesecake, and bite-sized treats like date mamoul, hazelnut kita, kunafa pistachio, and Emirati Luqaimat.- Business class lounges: Dishes include lamb ouzi made with locally sourced lamb, mint raitha, and dakkous, or chicken majboos with cucumber yoghurt sauce. Desserts include Arabic coffee delice, loomi and rose profiteroles, guerss ugaili cardamom sesame financiers, burnt gahwa chocolate tarts, and Emirati Luqaimat.
- Ice cream selection: Both lounges offer locally inspired flavors of Baklava and Arabic coffee with dates from the Emirates ice cream cart.
These offerings combine authentic flavors with festive presentation, allowing travelers to savor Emirati culinary heritage before boarding their flights.
