Emirates has opened the doors to its first-ever Emirates World store in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a major step in enhancing the customer experience for African travelers. Located at the modern Cube on Riverside Drive, the store brings a new and exciting way for Kenyan customers to engage with the airline’s services, combining the latest in travel technology with the exceptional hospitality Emirates is known for. The launch is particularly significant as it introduces a new retail concept for the airline in Africa, with plans to expand the Emirates World stores to other African countries in the future.
The grand opening of the Emirates World store was a high-profile event, attended by important figures including Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa, and His Excellency Dr. Salim Alnaqbi, the UAE Ambassador to Kenya. The store is designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors, offering much more than just ticketing services. It blends hands-on showcases of Emirates’ luxurious offerings with modern technology, creating an inviting atmosphere where travelers can interact with the airline’s world-class services and get expert advice about their travel plans.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, expressed excitement about the launch, noting that the Emirates World store reflects the airline’s “Fly Better” philosophy by offering travelers a chance to explore the brand’s unique experiences in a comfortable and engaging space. The store features a spacious, open-plan layout covering over 330 square meters. The design incorporates light colors and a lounge-like setting that encourages visitors to linger and learn more about what Emirates has to offer. Among the highlights of the store is a full-size replica of the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, providing travelers a taste of the luxury and comfort available on Emirates’ flagship aircraft. The store also offers visitors the chance to interact with cutting-edge technology, such as the “selfie mirror,” which allows travelers to take fun photos against virtual scenic backdrops from across the globe.
In addition to the interactive exhibits, the store features six service counters staffed by knowledgeable consultants who can assist with everything from travel itineraries to ticketing and information about Emirates Holidays packages. The store also boasts self-service kiosks, which allow customers to quickly manage their bookings and check-in, further enhancing the convenience of the travel experience.
As Emirates approaches its 30th anniversary of operations in Kenya, the airline is also reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the country. Since its first flight from Nairobi to Dubai in 1995, Emirates has become a key player in connecting Kenya to the world, with twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai. In 2023, the airline strengthened its connections across Africa through an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, providing seamless access to 28 additional African destinations, including popular cities such as Mombasa, Kilimanjaro, and Kigali. This expansion has not only made it easier for Kenyan travelers to access more destinations but has also opened up opportunities for more visitors to explore Kenya.
Beyond aviation, Emirates has been an active participant in supporting local communities in Kenya through its charitable arm, the Emirates Airline Foundation. The foundation has funded several initiatives focused on improving the lives of children, including providing meals for the Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, supporting art therapy for at-risk youth at Alfajiri Street Kids, and offering academic scholarships to underprivileged students at the Starehe Boys’ Centre. These initiatives reflect Emirates’ ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
The opening of the Emirates World store is also a part of Emirates’ broader strategy to expand its presence and enhance customer service across Africa. With the success of the Nairobi store, Emirates plans to open more Emirates World stores in key locations across the continent. These stores will bring the airline’s exceptional services closer to African travelers, offering both personalized assistance and access to innovative travel technology that makes managing travel easier and more convenient.
The Emirates World store in Nairobi serves as a testament to the airline’s dedication to providing a premium customer experience in Kenya and beyond. By combining state-of-the-art technology with expert advice and a welcoming environment, the store is set to redefine the way travelers interact with the airline. As Emirates continues to grow its network in Africa and improve its services, the opening of the Emirates World store is a clear indication of the airline’s long-term investment in the region and its desire to be at the forefront of innovation in the travel industry.
