Emirates has once again been recognised for its excellence in global aviation, winning the prestigious Best Airline Worldwide title at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards. The airline also secured two additional honours—Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for its renowned First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport.
The Business Traveller Middle East Awards are among the region's most respected travel industry recognitions, celebrating excellence across the business travel sector. Winners are selected through nominations and votes cast by readers of Business Traveller Middle East. Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.
The latest accolades reflect Emirates' continued investment in delivering an exceptional customer experience both in the air and on the ground. The airline's extensive fleet refurbishment programme continues to gain momentum, with 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft undergoing complete cabin upgrades. At the same time, new Airbus A350 aircraft are being introduced, featuring the airline's latest cabin products and technologies.
Refurbished aircraft and newly delivered Airbus A350s now operate on more than 70 destinations across Emirates' global network of nearly 140 destinations, providing passengers with a more modern and consistent travel experience to, from, and through Dubai.
Emirates' award-winning First Class continues to set the standard for luxury air travel, offering enclosed private suites, dine-on-demand gourmet cuisine, unlimited caviar served with Dom Pérignon champagne, premium Bulgari amenity kits, Byredo skincare products, luxurious loungewear, the iconic A380 Shower Spa, and the Onboard Lounge. Premium travellers also benefit from chauffeur-drive services in nearly 90 destinations, priority airport services, and access to Emirates lounges in more than 30 cities worldwide.
The airline has also accelerated its technology investments by introducing Starlink high-speed internet connectivity onboard. So far, 36 aircraft have been equipped with the service, allowing passengers to stream content, browse the internet, make calls, work online, and use social media throughout their flights. Once completed, Emirates is expected to operate the world's largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet.
Further enhancing the customer journey, Emirates recently introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover insurance, providing travellers with added protection and peace of mind. Looking ahead, the airline will launch a new daily service to Helsinki in October, becoming the only carrier to offer a year-round, non-stop connection between Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
The trio of awards at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards further reinforces Emirates' reputation as one of the world's leading airlines, recognised for its commitment to innovation, premium service, and an outstanding travel experience.
Artificial Intelligence and Career Guidance Workshop Empowers Undergraduates for the Future
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Soft Skills Training Programme and Career Guidance Workshop was recently held at the Sainthamaruthu Divisional Secretariat Auditorium to enhance the academic, professional, and career prospects of undergraduate students.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Eastern Friendship Organisation (EFO) Chairman Engineer M.M. Nazeer and chaired by Professor Ramees Aboobacker, Education Director of the Eastern Friendship Organisation and former Vice-Chancellor of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by Sainthamaruthu Divisional Secretary M.M. Aashik, who participated as the Chief Guest.
The workshop featured expert presentations by Professor M.M.M. Mubashshir of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) and A.A. Jabir, Director of Planning, Research and Development at the Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority (SLVTA).
Participants received comprehensive insights into the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, its practical applications across industries, the growing importance of soft skills, current labour market trends, and emerging career opportunities.
The speakers highlighted the need for students to prepare themselves for an increasingly technology-driven world by developing both technical knowledge and essential interpersonal skills. They emphasized that effectively leveraging Artificial Intelligence can help students enhance their academic performance, strengthen their employability, and achieve greater success in their future careers.
The workshop also provided valuable career guidance, encouraging undergraduates to embrace continuous learning, adapt to technological advancements, and develop the competencies required to remain competitive in the modern workforce.
The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, where participants were awarded certificates by the distinguished guests in recognition of successfully completing the training programme.
Emirates Wins Best Airline Worldwide at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards
