Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has unveiled its first Emirates World store in Africa, bringing its premium retail concept to Nairobi, Kenya.
The newly inaugurated store, located in the modern Cube building on Riverside Drive, aims to elevate customer experience with an innovative approach to travel services and showcases the airline’s signature hospitality. This marks a significant milestone for Emirates, with additional store openings planned across the African continent in the coming months.
The Emirates World store features a spacious, open-plan design covering over 330 square meters, with a light and airy color palette that creates an inviting lounge-like environment. Guests are welcomed by a warm atmosphere and a variety of service options, including six dedicated service counters staffed by expert consultants. Customers can receive personalized travel advice, make reservations, and handle ticketing or general inquiries, ensuring a seamless experience throughout their journey.
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Emirates, led the inauguration ceremony alongside Dr. Salim Alnaqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya. Al Ghaith emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing customer service in Africa, stating, “We are excited to bring our reimagined retail concept to Kenya, setting a new standard for customer experience.
The Emirates World store offers a taste of the exceptional service we provide, from insightful staff guidance to immersive showcases that embody our ‘Fly Better’ promise. We look forward to inspiring our customers as they explore new travel possibilities with Emirates.”
The store offers a range of interactive experiences designed to bring the Emirates brand to life. Customers can explore a full-scale replica of the iconic Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, offering a taste of the luxury that awaits in the skies. The store also features smart technology experiences, including a ‘selfie mirror’ that captures photos of visitors against scenic backdrops of popular travel destinations.
For customers seeking convenience, self-service kiosks are available, reducing wait times and providing a faster, streamlined service. Additionally, the store offers insights into Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, which provides bespoke travel packages for customers looking to explore the world.
The launch of the Emirates World store comes as the airline approaches its 30th anniversary of operations in Nairobi. Since its inaugural flight in October 1995, Emirates has flown over five million passengers to and from Kenya, maintaining double daily flights connecting Nairobi and Dubai.
In 2023, Emirates strengthened its presence in the region by establishing an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, enhancing connectivity across the continent. The partnership has enabled more seamless travel for over 12,000 passengers in the past year, providing access to 28 additional destinations in Africa through Nairobi, including cities like Mombasa, Kigali, and Kilimanjaro.
Beyond its commercial operations, Emirates continues to support local communities through the Emirates Airline Foundation, which partners with three Kenyan humanitarian organizations focused on child welfare. The Foundation has provided long-term support to The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, Alfajiri Street Kids, and the Starehe Boys’ Centre, offering educational scholarships, art therapy programs, and holistic child rehabilitation.
The opening of the Emirates World store in Nairobi underscores Emirates’ dedication to delivering an enhanced travel experience while reinforcing its strong ties to Kenya. With further expansion plans in the pipeline, the airline is set to bring its signature retail experience to more destinations across Africa.