Emirates Opens First ‘Emirates World’ Store in Africa
Emirates has launched its first Emirates World store in Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. This unique store concept brings a blend of cutting-edge technology, personalized travel services, and immersive experiences to Kenya’s capital, offering travelers a taste of Emirates’ renowned hospitality up close.
The store’s opening is a part of Emirates’ plan to roll out 40 such stores globally, bringing this futuristic concept to key locations worldwide. Prior to Nairobi, Emirates recently opened similar stores in Hong Kong and London, with the London store marking the airline’s first Emirates World store in Europe.
Emirates World in Nairobi combines smart technology with interactive experiences to deliver a truly modern travel hub. The store allows visitors to experience Emirates’ signature onboard services, with immersive setups that bring elements of the airline’s luxury flight experience to the ground. Travelers can explore the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge through a full-size immersive showcase and take memorable photos using a ‘selfie mirror,’ which allows them to pose against scenic backdrops from popular Emirates destinations.
Additionally, six customer service counters are staffed by experienced travel consultants ready to assist with bookings, travel planning, ticketing, and general inquiries. Customers can also learn about exclusive travel packages offered through Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operator that provides tailored travel experiences. For those who prefer self-service, kiosks are available to reduce wait times and enhance convenience, offering travelers a seamless experience at every touchpoint.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed excitement about bringing the Emirates World store concept to Africa for the first time. He commented, “We are pleased to bring our reimagined retail store concept to Africa for the first time, elevating our customer experience in Kenya, and then in more destinations across the continent in the coming months. The Emirates World store provides a flavor of the signature experience we offer, from friendly and insightful staff to hands-on showcases that bring our ‘Fly Better’ promise to life. We can’t wait to inspire our customers to discover more with Emirates when they visit the store.”
Celebrating Almost 30 Years in Kenya
Emirates is fast approaching a huge milestone in Kenya, as the airline nears its 30th anniversary of operations in the country. Since its first flight to Nairobi in October 1995, Emirates has flown over five million passengers on double daily flights between Dubai and Nairobi, playing an important role in connecting Kenya to the world.
Also read: Kabunde Airstrip Runway Extension Project Begins
In 2023, Emirates further strengthened its commitment to Africa by establishing an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, providing seamless connections to an additional 28 destinations in Africa through Nairobi. Popular destinations now more accessible through this partnership include Mombasa, Kigali, Bangui, Nampula, and Kilimanjaro. Over 12,000 passengers have already benefited from the partnership in the past year, enjoying smoother and faster travel across the region.
With the opening of Emirates World in Nairobi, Emirates is reinforcing its dedication to enhancing travel options and experiences for African customers. As this retail concept expands, the Emirates World store is set to inspire travelers by showcasing the world-class experiences that make Emirates unique. For visitors in Nairobi, it’s a chance to experience Emirates’ “Fly Better” philosophy firsthand, without ever leaving the ground.