Emirates Trade Fam: Behind the Scenes of Aviation Excellence and Old-to-New Dubai
Hosted by Emirates Ireland's Country Manager Anita Thomas and Sales Manager Filippo Rocchi, a whirlwind fam trip day took Irish travel trade partners from the cutting-edge of global aviation to the historic courtyards of Old Dubai, culminating in a ‘pinch me - is this my life’ evening beneath the world's tallest tower.
Morning: Inside the Emirates Training Facility
The itinerary kicked off with an eye-opening morning at the Emirates Aviation College and crew training facility in Dubai. Guided by Anita Thomas, Filippo Rocchi, and airline executives, the behind-the-scenes tour underscored the uncompromising commitment to safety, precision, and onboard hospitality that defines the carrier. Observing the rigorous cabin crew drills and state-of-the-art simulators provided invaluable product knowledge for agents advising clients on the airline's renowned service standards.
Midday: Heritage Flavours and Cultural Immersion
Stepping from modern aviation into Old Dubai, the group paused in the tranquil, shaded gardens of the Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi. Here, a generous mezze feast of traditional Emirati dishes and fresh breads was laid out beneath the trees. The group left absolutely stuffed to the hilt after plate after delicious plate was served. My personal favourite was the hummus dish and lamb rice main course, although many others raved about the spicy fish dish.
Adele Lemon of Selective Travel led the group on a quick detour to Dubai's famous traditional-style Starbucks in Al Seef, having been inspired to check out the viral hotspot after spotting it in a TikTok video. From there, it was on to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where agents enjoyed a genuine once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion, including a guided visit to a local mosque that offered open dialogue and deeper insight into Emirati traditions.
Evening: Sky-High Views and Waterfront Magic
Following a brief afternoon refresh at the luxury Grand Hyatt Hotel, Anita and Filippo led the group into the heart of Downtown Dubai for an evening packed with headline attractions:
Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa Fast Track. After exploring the sprawling Dubai Mall, the group bypassed the queues using Fast Track passes for At The Top, Burj Khalifa. For agents packaging this must-do experience for clients, standard Silver tickets for Levels 124 and 125 start from around AED 189 for adults, while Silver Fast Track passes typically range from around AED 297 to AED 336 depending on the time slot. Those seeking the Gold experience on Level 148 with priority access and Sky Lounge refreshments can expect prices starting from around AED 399.
Private Boat on Burj Lake. Descending back to ground level, the group boarded a private traditional wooden abra on Burj Khalifa Lake. Watching the Dubai Fountain and laser spectacle erupt from the water delivered a true pinch-me moment far removed from the shoreline crowds. (Standard shared lake ride tickets typically cost around AED 75 per person). In my opinion it’s worth every cent.
Birthday Celebrations at Time Out Market. The evening wrapped up next door at Time Out Market Dubai in Souk Al Bahar. Surrounded by 17 homegrown culinary concepts serving cuisines from around the globe, the group raised a glass to celebrate the birthday of Sharon Menzies from Club Travel, indulging in a celebratory feast before heading back to the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
Follow along for more updates as the group continues on their journey!
Comments