Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, has officially opened its first Emirates World store in Nairobi, Kenya, making it the first in Africa. This innovative store, situated in Nairobi’s upscale Cube at Riverside Drive, is part of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to enhance customer experiences with its elevated product offerings and unmatched hospitality standards. With an ambitious plan to open additional stores across Africa, the Emirates World store in Nairobi sets a new standard for luxury air travel services on the continent.
The launch of Emirates’ World store in Nairobi signifies a transformation in how the airline interacts with its customers in Africa. The modern 330 square meter open-plan space, infused with Emirates’ signature light and airy color palette, brings the airline’s exceptional in-flight experiences closer to customers on the ground. Guests are greeted by an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, designed to replicate the comfort and luxury that the airline is known for globally.
The store was inaugurated by Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Central Region, along with Dr. Salim Alnaqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya. Distinguished guests from the travel industry, media partners, and prominent local figures also graced the event, making it a memorable milestone in Emirates’ African expansion.
The Emirates World store in Nairobi offers an array of immersive and interactive features designed to bring the airline’s renowned experiences closer to its Kenyan clientele. Visitors can experience a replica of the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, a staple of the airline’s premium services, allowing them to get a real feel of the luxury onboard. Additionally, innovative tech-enabled features like the ‘selfie mirror’ offer travelers the chance to take snapshots against scenic backdrops of Emirates’ popular destinations, adding a fun, interactive element to the visit.
For travelers who prefer a self-guided experience, the Emirates World store incorporates several self-service kiosks that allow guests to explore destinations, book tickets, or learn more about Emirates’ products and services. Six customer service counters staffed by trained consultants provide personalized travel advice, ticketing assistance, and general inquiries, ensuring that every customer feels supported and well-guided throughout their journey.
Emirates World stores emphasize more than just flight bookings—they also showcase Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm that designs tailored travel packages. This includes hotel bookings, transport arrangements, and curated experiences that bring customers closer to the sights and cultures of their chosen destinations. Through Emirates Holidays, travelers can receive bespoke advice to create itineraries that suit their unique preferences, helping them enjoy seamless travel experiences from the very start of their journey in Nairobi.
Emirates has been a significant player in the Kenyan market for nearly three decades, since its first flight to Nairobi in October 1995. Over this period, the airline has transported over five million passengers on its double daily flights from Dubai to Kenya. Its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity was further strengthened in 2023 through an interline partnership with Kenya Airways. This collaboration enables Emirates customers to access an additional 28 African destinations, including Mombasa, Kigali, and Kilimanjaro, from Nairobi.
This strategic partnership has already benefited over 12,000 passengers, providing seamless connectivity that allows for hassle-free travel across Africa. Emirates has also introduced exclusive offers to encourage tourism in Kenya by showcasing it as a gateway to Africa, opening up access to a wide array of experiences and destinations.
Emirates’ impact in Kenya extends beyond the skies, reaching into the heart of communities through the Emirates Airline Foundation. The airline actively supports three key organizations that focus on child welfare, education, and empowerment.
- The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School: Emirates has supported the school’s meal program since 2014, ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals, which is critical to their health, education, and overall well-being.
- Alfajiri Street Kids: This initiative provides a safe environment for over 200 street children, focusing on art therapy, which has proven to be an effective tool for mental and emotional healing. Emirates’ support aids in offering these children a chance to rebuild their lives in a positive and constructive manner.
- Starehe Boys’ Centre: Emirates funds scholarships for ten boys at this prestigious institution. Through a four-year program, students receive academic support that enables them to unlock better opportunities and, hopefully, contribute positively to Kenyan society.
The decision to open the first Emirates World store in Nairobi is a testament to Kenya’s strategic significance in Emirates’ network. Nairobi’s position as a major travel hub, connecting East Africa to the world, makes it an ideal location for Emirates to launch its flagship African store. Additionally, Kenya’s middle-class growth and rising interest in international travel have driven Emirates to invest further in creating specialized experiences for local customers.
Following the launch of its Nairobi store, Emirates has announced plans to expand its Emirates World stores to more destinations in Africa, indicating an exciting period of growth for the airline on the continent. The forthcoming stores will incorporate similar interactive elements and personalized services, designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of African travelers.
As travel trends shift towards experiential, customer-centered engagements, Emirates’ approach aligns perfectly with this evolution, establishing a model that other international airlines may follow. By providing accessible and immersive travel services on the ground, Emirates positions itself not only as an airline but also as a full-fledged travel partner for African customers.
The opening of the Emirates World store in Nairobi reaffirms the airline’s dedication to investing in Kenya’s potential as a key travel hub and enhancing the experiences it offers to Kenyan travelers. The initiative brings Emirates’ “Fly Better” promise closer to reality for Kenyans, allowing them to explore travel possibilities with ease and confidence. As Emirates continues to bridge Kenya with the world, Kenyan travelers can anticipate greater convenience, innovative travel solutions, and a holistic experience every time they choose to fly with Emirates.
In conclusion, the Emirates World store in Nairobi represents more than just a retail outlet—it is a symbol of Emirates’ enduring commitment to Africa. By merging technology, comfort, and personalized service, Emirates not only reinforces its position as a leading global airline but also as a partner dedicated to enriching African travel experiences. Through ongoing expansions, strategic partnerships, and humanitarian efforts, Emirates continues to make a lasting impact in Kenya, one store—and one flight—at a time.
