Emirates’ Role in Elevating Vietnam’s Tourism

Insights from Country Manager Majid Al Falasi

For over a decade, Emirates—the world’s largest international airline—has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s aviation and tourism sectors, driving growth through luxury travel, global connectivity, and sustainable practices. In an exclusive interview with The Business Executive Network, Mr. Majid Al Falasi, Emirates’ Country Manager in Vietnam, shares insights on how the airline is supporting Vietnam’s tourism ambitions, fostering economic growth, and aligning with the country’s sustainable development goals.

Delivering Unparalleled Luxury and Seamless Connectivity

Emirates stays competitive by offering an unparalleled blend of comfort, luxury, and innovative services. The airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s features private First Class suites, ergonomic Business and Economy Class seating, and the award-winning ice inflight entertainment system with over 6,500 channels, including Vietnamese content. Multilingual cabin crew, representing over 170 nationalities, ensure personalized service, while gourmet dining, including Halal-certified meals, caters to diverse needs.

Emirates’ global network—backed by over 160 codeshare, interline, and rail partners—connects Vietnam to more than 1,650 cities via its Dubai hub. Services such as Dubai Stopover and Dubai Connect provide flexible accommodations and city tours, while biometric technology and premium airport lounges at Dubai International Airport enhance the transit experience. These offerings appeal to high- spending tourists and business travelers, boosting Vietnam’s tourism revenues.

Driving Tourism and Economic Growth in Vietnam

Since entering the Vietnamese market, Emirates has significantly contributed to the country’s tourism and trade landscape. In 2023 alone, Emirates SkyCargo facilitated the export of 14,200 tonnes of goods and the import of 7,750 tonnes, enabling Vietnamese businesses to access global markets with products like pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.

To meet increasing demand, Emirates launched a second daily flight between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City in January 2025, timed to coincide with the Lunar New Year festival. Beginning June 2, 2025, the airline will also introduce four weekly flights to Danang via Bangkok.

“In the past year, the airline operated nearly 1,500 flights, carrying almost half a million passengers to and from Vietnam—futher reinforcing its role in expanding Vietnam’s global accessibility.”

(From Majid Al Falasi)

In addition, Emirates also supports Vietnam’s goal of diversifying its tourist demographics, particularly by tapping into the growing Muslim travel market. With Halal-certified meals and tailored services, Emirates facilitates the flow of Muslim tourists to Vietnam, enhancing its potential as a Halal tourism destination.

The airline has also forged a strategic partnership with Sun Group during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to jointly promote Vietnam in its expansive global network.

Championing Sustainability

Emirates is closely aligned with Vietnam’s tourism development strategy, which emphasizes green tourism through 2030. The airline is reducing its environmental impact through fuel-efficient aircrafts, optimized flight paths, and a $200 million investment in sustainable aviation research.

Emirates’ environmental efforts are focused on three areas:

• Reducing Emissions: By operating a young, fuel-efficient fleet, Emirates reduced its carbon footprint by 151,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2023–2024 through Green Operating Procedures.
• Consuming Responsibly: The airline minimizes waste and conserves resources through initiatives such as its “Closed Loop” recycling program, digital boarding passes and menus, and a vertical farming facility that uses 95% less water than traditional methods.
• Preserving Wildlife and Habitats: Emirates actively supports global wildlife preservation efforts, combats illegal wildlife trafficking through training and partnerships, and maintains a conservation reserve that protects desert ecosystems and endangered species.

Lessons from Dubai’s Success and a Vision for Vietnam’s Future

Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites—such as Halong Bay and Trang An—offer a strong foundation for sustainable tourism. Dubai’s rise as a global tourism hub, built on diverse attractions and a multicultural appeal, offers valuable insights for Vietnam. By diversifying its tourism models and capitalizing on its strategic location, Vietnam has the potential to become a regional tourism hub, attracting visitors through innovation, heritage, and luxury.

Emirates’ decade-long presence in Vietnam underscores its commitment to fostering tourism growth, economic development, and sustainability. Through premium services, global connectivity, and its environmental strategy, the airline is helping Vietnam realize its potential as a leading travel destination. With its continued expansions and forward-thinking strategy, Emirates is well positioned to help elevate Vietnam’s presence on the global tourism stage.