Emirates and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen efforts to promote the Maldives as a leading international travel destination. The agreement was formalized on April 30, 2025, during the Maldives’ participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.
The MoU was signed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations – West Asia and Indian Ocean, and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, who reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to nurturing global partnerships that support sustainable tourism growth.
Through this renewed partnership, Emirates and MMPRC will continue to collaborate on destination marketing efforts that position the Maldives as a top choice for leisure travellers worldwide. The strategy includes joint promotional campaigns, customised travel packages, and familiarisation trips for media and trade professionals to experience and promote the Maldives’ unique tourism offerings.
The partnership also highlights the airline’s strong and consistent contribution to Maldivian tourism. Since launching operations to the Maldives in 1987, Emirates has remained a key transportation partner for the island nation, currently operating 28 weekly flights using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates plans to introduce its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 with Premium Economy cabins to the Maldivian route starting June 2025, offering enhanced comfort for premium travellers.
In 2024 alone, Emirates carried around 360,000 passengers to the Maldives, playing a substantial role in the nation’s international arrivals. The airline connects the Maldives with a wide range of global markets, including the UAE, UK, US, Russia, and Germany, continuing to serve as the country’s leading international airline.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the Maldives, a destination that has become one of our most popular in the Indian Ocean region,” said Essa Sulaiman Ahmad. “Our collaboration with MMPRC enhances our ability to connect global travellers to the Maldives while supporting trade and tourism through our passenger and cargo services.”
MMPRC CEO Ibrahim Shiuree echoed these sentiments, noting the complementary strengths of both partners. “The Maldives continues to capture global attention with its unmatched luxury resorts, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine ecosystems. With Emirates’ expansive network and our targeted marketing, we’re confident this renewed partnership will increase the Maldives’ visibility in key tourism markets.”
In addition to passenger services, Emirates will also explore cargo and trade opportunities with MMPRC, supporting Maldivian exports and contributing to broader economic activity. The airline’s extensive cargo-handling capabilities add value to the partnership by facilitating more seamless trade logistics between the Maldives and international markets.
In recognition of its longstanding contributions to the country’s tourism sector, Emirates was awarded the President’s Tourism Gold Award in 2022 for “Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Tourism in the Maldives.”
This continued collaboration with Emirates reflects the Maldives’ strategy to work with globally trusted partners to sustain tourism momentum, reach new audiences, and enhance visitor experiences in a competitive international market.
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