Emirates Airlines, the world’s largest international carrier, has long been a champion of Arabic language and culture. As part of its ongoing commitment to honoring its Arabic heritage, Emirates is celebrating the richness of the Arabic language ahead of World Arabic Language Day on December 18, 2024. The airline has made Arabic language services a core aspect of its operations, offering passengers an immersive experience that reflects the traditions of the UAE and the Arab world. This article explores how Emirates embraces the Arabic language across its services, content, and operations, making it a key part of the customer experience.
What is World Arabic Language Day?
World Arabic Language Day, celebrated on December 18 each year, was established by UNESCO in 2012. The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of Arabic as one of the six official languages of the United Nations in 1973. Arabic, a language spoken by over 500 million people globally, holds immense cultural and historical significance. For Emirates, Arabic is not just a means of communication but an integral part of its identity and service ethos.
Emirates Celebrates Arabic Heritage A Deep-rooted Commitment
Emirates’ commitment to Arabic culture is reflected in every aspect of its operations. The airline has seamlessly woven Arabic language services into its branding, customer experience, and inflight offerings. This dedication highlights the significance of Arabic heritage to the airline’s global identity and its role as a bridge between the Arab world and the rest of the world.
Emirates Arabic Logo and Symbolism
The Emirates logo itself is a symbol of the airline’s Arabic roots. The Arabic script, stylized in calligraphy, reads الإمارات which translates to Emirates. This iconic logo, introduced in 1985 and redesigned in 1999, serves as a visual representation of the airline’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and Arabic culture. The gold and white hues of the logo emphasize Emirates’ premium service offering, while the Arabic calligraphy remains a symbol of cultural pride.
Arabic Language Services at Emirates Bridging Cultures
Emirates has tailored its services to meet the needs of Arabic-speaking passengers across the globe. The airline’s website and mobile app are available in both Arabic and English, ensuring Arabic-speaking customers can easily navigate and manage bookings in their native language. Emirates’ customer service extends beyond the digital sphere, with dedicated Arabic-language support through phone, email, and social media, providing seamless assistance to its Arabic-speaking clientele.
Arabic Inflight Services Ensuring Comfort and Convenience
Emirates takes pride in offering Arabic language services both on the ground and in the air. Its inflight safety videos, which feature clear and concise instructions, are available in both Arabic and English. Passengers can expect Arabic alongside English for cabin safety instructions, emergency exits, and seatbelt signs, ensuring that Arabic-speaking travelers feel comfortable and informed throughout their journey. Additionally, Emirates offers Arabic-language announcements onboard, including service updates and arrival information.
Arabic speaking Cabin Crew Providing Personalized Service
One of the standout features of Emirates’ commitment to Arabic heritage is its dedicated team of Arabic-speaking cabin crew members. With over 4,000 Arabic-speaking flight attendants from across the Arab world, Emirates ensures that its Arabic-speaking passengers receive personalized and culturally resonant service. This large and diverse team of cabin crew members is integral to creating a welcoming environment for passengers, making Emirates a preferred choice for travelers from Arabic-speaking countries.
Arabic Entertainment on ice A Treasure Trove of Content
Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice, offers an extensive selection of Arabic-language content. Whether it’s the latest Arabic movies, TV shows, or documentaries, Emirates ensures that passengers have access to the best in regional entertainment. With over 50 Arabic movies available this December, passengers can enjoy a wide range of films, from contemporary hits like Arees Lel Bai’a and Beit El Ruby to timeless classics. Emirates’ ice system also features Arabic TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and music, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in Arab culture while traveling.
For those seeking to learn Arabic during their flight, Emirates offers the UTalk language courses, where passengers can learn key phrases in Standard Arabic. This educational feature is part of Emirates’ broader commitment to cultural exchange and language education.
Cultural Content and Podcasts Celebrating Arabic Heritage
Emirates offers a wealth of cultural content, including a series of podcasts and documentaries that highlight the richness of the Arabic-speaking world. Podcasts such as Fazza Qassed Fazza, featuring poetry by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and My Story, based on the book by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, allow passengers to engage with the cultural narratives of the UAE. For those interested in deeper cultural insights, Emirates’ cultural documentaries, such as El Helm El Hindi and Cinema Al Ahouash, provide a glimpse into Arab cinema and society.
Emirates Role in Promoting Arabic Language and Literature
Beyond inflight services, Emirates has been an active promoter of Arabic language and literature. The airline sponsors the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, one of the most prominent cultural events in the region. The festival, held annually in Dubai, celebrates Arabic and international literary works, bringing together renowned authors, poets, and thinkers. It provides a platform for discussions on literature, creativity, and social issues, showcasing the beauty of the Arabic language and supporting emerging Arabic authors.
Arabic Cuisine A Culinary Celebration
Emirates Celebrates Arabic Heritage through its regional cuisine, served on flights and in its lounges. Arabic menus are available on select routes, offering traditional dishes that reflect the diverse flavors of the Arab world. From mezze to grilled meats and Arabic sweets. Air Emirates ensures that passengers can enjoy a taste of the region’s culinary traditions while flying.
Emirates Global Reach Connecting Arabic and Global Cultures
Emirates service to more than 140 destinations globally allows it to connect. The Arab world with cultures from all corners of the globe. Whether it’s business travelers, tourists, or expatriates. The airline provides seamless connectivity to cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Emirates global network plays a pivotal role in promoting the Arabic language and culture internationally. Ensuring that Arabic speakers feel at home no matter where they are.
Conclusion A Continuing Legacy of Arabic Excellence
As Emirates celebrates World Arabic Language Day and honors its Arabic heritage. The airline’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language and culture. Evident in every facet of its operations. From Arabic-speaking cabin crew and inflight entertainment to the iconic Arabic logo and sponsorship of cultural events. Emirates continues to celebrate the richness of the Arabic language. Through these efforts, Emirates plays an important role in fostering greater understanding. Appreciation of Arabic culture on a global scale.
