The Emirates Group
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Dubai government-owned aviation group comprising Emirates airline, dnata and related aviation, travel, catering, cargo and technology businesses.
Last updated August 26, 2026
Overview
The Emirates Group is a state-owned aviation holding group headquartered in Garhoud, Dubai, close to Dubai International Airport. Its principal businesses are Emirates, the long-haul passenger and cargo airline, and dnata, an aviation-services company whose activities include airport ground handling, cargo handling, catering, travel services and related operations. The group is owned by the Government of Dubai through Investment Corporation of Dubai and forms part of Dubai’s broader state-linked business ecosystem. The group’s origins lie in Dubai’s effort to develop an open-skies, open-trade economy and reduce long-term dependence on oil revenues. Dnata was established in 1959 to provide airport and travel services. Emirates airline was created in 1985 after Gulf Air reduced its services to Dubai. The new carrier began with limited equipment and capital but was expected to operate commercially and independently of continuing government subsidies. Its first service, from Dubai to Karachi, operated on 25 October 1985. Early expansion added destinations in South Asia and the Middle East, while the carrier built a business model around Dubai’s geographic position between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. During the 1990s, Emirates expanded its fleet, route network and cargo operations. Emirates SkyCargo became an important part of the business, while the group added passenger services such as Marhaba, airport distribution and reservation technology through Mercator and Galileo Emirates, and training capabilities. The group also pursued international aviation-services investments, including a stake in SriLankan Airlines and airport-services operations in Asia and the Middle East. These activities broadened the organization beyond a single airline and helped establish the group as an integrated aviation platform. In the 2000s, Emirates pursued large-scale fleet and infrastructure investments. It became the launch customer for the Airbus A380, ordered substantial numbers of Boeing 777 aircraft, expanded engineering and cargo facilities, and supported the development of new airport infrastructure in Dubai. Dnata broadened its international airport-services footprint, while Emirates Flight Catering developed major food-production and laundry facilities. The group also expanded into travel distribution, hospitality, airport meet-and-greet services, information technology and commercial partnerships. The Emirates Group’s commercial identity is built around Dubai as a global connecting hub. Emirates emphasizes a wide long-haul network, a modern wide-body fleet, premium cabins, onboard service, airport connectivity and the Skywards loyalty program. Dnata supplies the operational infrastructure behind airlines, airports, cargo customers and travelers in multiple markets. Other group businesses have included flight catering, engineering, training, cargo technology, travel agencies and hospitality-related ventures. The group remains active and internationally significant. Its operating businesses employ people across aviation, engineering, airport operations, catering, travel and corporate functions. Because the group is privately held by the Government of Dubai, detailed consolidated financial and ownership information is generally reported through government or group annual-report channels rather than public-equity filings.
History
The Emirates Group developed from Dubai’s policy of using open skies, trade and aviation connectivity to diversify the emirate’s economy. Dnata was founded in 1959 and initially provided airport operations, cargo and airline-agency services at Dubai International Airport. By the mid-1980s it had become a substantial local aviation-services business and represented multiple airlines. Emirates airline was conceived in 1985 after Gulf Air reduced its Dubai presence. Dubai’s royal family provided initial assistance, including aircraft from the Dubai Royal Air Wing, while the new airline was structured to operate commercially. Maurice Flanagan became its founding managing director, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum became chairman, and Tim Clark joined the management team. Emirates’ first flight ran from Dubai to Karachi on 25 October 1985. The carrier soon added destinations in South Asia and the Middle East and became profitable during its first year, although it recorded a loss in its second year amid regional disruption and the effects of the Gulf War. Expansion accelerated in the late 1980s and 1990s. Emirates acquired Airbus aircraft, ordered Boeing 777s, developed dedicated cargo activity and extended its passenger network into the Far East and Europe. It introduced Marhaba in 1991 as a premium airport meet-and-greet service and opened training facilities. Mercator was launched in 1995 as an aviation information-technology business. Emirates also developed partnerships and international investments, including a 40-percent stake in SriLankan Airlines in 1998 and a management contract for that carrier. The stake was ultimately sold back to the Sri Lankan government in 2010. The group’s infrastructure and service businesses grew alongside the airline. Terminal expansion at Dubai International Airport supported rising passenger and cargo volumes. Emirates SkyCargo developed dedicated systems and facilities, while Emirates Flight Catering became a major supplier of meals and related services. Dnata expanded beyond Dubai into Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Southeast Asia and other markets, including through acquisitions and joint ventures. The group also entered or developed travel distribution, engineering, hospitality, training and airport-support activities. The 2000s marked a period of especially ambitious fleet and infrastructure investment. Emirates ordered Airbus A380 aircraft as launch customer and placed major Boeing 777 orders, seeking to use scarce airport slots efficiently on high-volume long-haul routes. New engineering facilities, cargo centers, training infrastructure and catering facilities were opened or planned. The group’s commercial partnerships also increased, including a long-term naming-rights and shirt-sponsorship agreement with Arsenal Football Club. Today, The Emirates Group remains a Dubai government-owned aviation holding company. Emirates is its internationally visible passenger and cargo brand, while dnata and associated businesses provide operational services to airlines, airports, cargo customers and travelers. The group’s strategy continues to rely on Dubai’s geographic position, large-scale wide-body operations, network connectivity and vertical integration across aviation services.
- 2010
SriLankan Airlines stake is sold
[1]Emirates completes the sale of its stake in SriLankan Airlines to the Government of Sri Lanka.
- 2007
Major fleet and engineering expansion
[1]Emirates announces extensive Airbus and Boeing orders and opens new engineering and engine-testing infrastructure.
- 2004
Emirates signs Arsenal partnership
[1]The group agrees a major commercial partnership with Arsenal, including stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship.
- 2000
Emirates becomes A380 launch customer
[1]The airline announces an initial order for Airbus A380 aircraft, later expanding the order substantially.
- 1998
Emirates acquires a stake in SriLankan Airlines
[1]Emirates acquires a 40-percent stake and receives a contract to manage the Sri Lankan carrier.
- 1995
Mercator is launched
[1]The group establishes an aviation information-technology business serving airline and travel-industry needs.
- 1991
Marhaba is launched
[1]The group introduces a premium meet-and-greet service for travelers using Dubai International Airport.
- 1985
Emirates airline begins operations
[1]Emirates launches its first service between Dubai and Karachi on 25 October.
- 1959
Dnata is established
[1]Dubai National Air Travel Agency, later known as dnata, is formed to provide airport, cargo and travel-related services.
Products and positioning
International aviation group centered on Dubai as a global passenger and cargo hub, combining a premium long-haul airline with airport, cargo, catering, travel and aviation-support businesses.
Passenger airline · 1985
Emirates
The group’s flagship international airline, operating a predominantly wide-body fleet from Dubai. Emirates connects the Middle East with destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas, with a service proposition built around long-haul connectivity, premium cabins, onboard amenities and transfer traffic through Dubai.
Air cargo
Emirates SkyCargo
The cargo division of Emirates, transporting freight using both dedicated freighter aircraft and the belly capacity of passenger aircraft. It supports international cargo flows through Dubai and has developed dedicated facilities and digital cargo-management systems.
Aviation services · 1959
dnata
An aviation-services business providing ground handling, cargo handling, catering, travel services and related airport operations. Dnata serves airlines and airports in the United Arab Emirates and international markets, making it the group’s principal business outside the Emirates airline operation.
Loyalty program · 2000
Emirates Skywards
The loyalty program associated with Emirates and its travel ecosystem. It was introduced to support customer retention and reward eligible travel and partner activity.
Airport passenger services · 1991
Marhaba
A premium airport meet-and-greet and passenger-assistance service launched at Dubai International Airport. It provides reception and assistance for travelers using Dubai and other supported airports.
Flight catering · 2003
Emirates Flight Catering
The group’s airline-catering business, producing meals and related services for Emirates flights and other customers. Its Dubai facilities were expanded substantially to support the growth of the airline and airport hub.
Marketing campaigns
- 2004Arsenal partnership
United Kingdom · Global
The group entered a long-term commercial partnership with Arsenal Football Club, combining stadium naming rights with shirt sponsorship and global brand exposure.
Outcome. The partnership became one of Emirates’ most prominent international sports-marketing associations.
Brand decisions
2008
Return management of SriLankan AirlinesStrategyBackground
Emirates’ management contract for SriLankan Airlines was approaching its scheduled end.
Action taken
Emirates announced that management would return to the Sri Lankan government from April 2008.
Aftermath
Emirates later sold its equity stake in SriLankan Airlines in 2010.
2000
Order the Airbus A380 as launch customerProduct launchBackground
Growing demand and limited airport slots encouraged the airline to use very large aircraft on high-volume long-haul routes.
Action taken
Emirates announced an initial A380 order and later confirmed additional aircraft, alongside further Boeing orders.
Aftermath
The A380 became a defining part of Emirates’ fleet and brand identity.
1985
Create a commercially independent Dubai airlineStrategyBackground
Reduced Gulf Air service to Dubai created a strategic gap while Dubai was pursuing aviation-led economic diversification.
Action taken
Dubai supported the creation of Emirates with limited start-up capital and initial aircraft assistance, while requiring the airline to operate independently of continuing government subsidies.
Aftermath
Emirates developed into the group’s flagship international airline and a central pillar of Dubai’s aviation strategy.
Recent events
- 2008
Emirates ends management of SriLankan Airlines[1]
Other
Emirates returned management of SriLankan Airlines to the Sri Lankan government after its management contract ended.
- 2007
Emirates announces major wide-body aircraft orders at Dubai Airshow[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The airline announced contracts covering Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft and Boeing 777 aircraft as part of its long-term fleet expansion.
- 2000
Emirates becomes Airbus A380 launch customer[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The airline announced the first major order for the aircraft later designated the Airbus A380, beginning a long association with the type.
- 2000
The Emirates Group expands international airport-services operations[1]
M&A
Dnata continued developing airport-services businesses outside the United Arab Emirates, adding operations and partnerships in several international markets.
- 1985
Emirates is established and begins operations from Dubai[1]
Other · Product launch
Emirates began operating after Gulf Air reduced services to Dubai, with its first route linking Dubai and Karachi.
Sources3 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/the-emirates-group · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled