Emirates and the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation for the Republic of the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote tourism to the archipelago nation through the airline’s global network. 

The agreement was signed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim. The pact, which promises to continue promoting the destination to a global audience with the aim to increase inbound tourism, was formalised at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai. 

The strategic partnership underscores Emirates’ commitment to promoting tourism to the exotic destination, which has been part of its West Asian and Indian Ocean network since 1987. In collaboration with the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, Emirates will promote the Maldives in key markets across its global network through joint marketing efforts, customised travel packages to cater to travellers’ preferences in key markets, and drive tourist arrivals by activating its range of tour operators and travel agencies. The Maldives offers luxury hotels set on white sandy beaches sprawled over 26 atolls, and a host of excursions and water activities. 

Emirates and Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation will explore opportunities for familiarisation trips to the destination to showcase its tourist appeal to audiences in feeder markets, while also supporting the development of business and trade opportunities in the Maldives, via its cargo-handling capabilities. 

Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations - West Asia and Indian Ocean, commented: “The Maldives became one of our first five destinations in our West Asian and Indian Ocean network and has grown to become one of our most popular leisure destinations. Since launching services in 1987, we have claimed the position as a top contributor to the growth of the Maldives’ tourism industry. Last year alone, we transported around 360,000 passengers into the nation, a significant portion of the total number of international visitors.” 

Ibrahim Shiuree, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC commented, “The Maldives continues to captivate the world with its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. With Emirates' extensive global network and our destination expertise, we are confident this partnership will elevate the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination for travellers across the globe.” 

Emirates has been serving the Maldives for 38 years, and the airline currently serves the island-nation with 28 weekly flights aboard the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Starting in June, the retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will be introduced on the route and will feature Premium Economy cabins. 

Through its scheduled services, Emirates plays a vital role in supporting the country’s tourism industry and trade. The airline continues to be the top carrier in the Maldives, connecting tourists to the island-nation from top markets including the UAE, UK, US, Russia, and Germany. In 2022, Emirates was awarded the ‘President’s Tourism Gold Award’ for “Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Tourism in the Maldives”.