Emirates was named the world's best airline at this year's Business Traveler Middle East Awards.
The Dubai airline won awards in four other categories, including Best Premium Economy Classy and best first class. It has also been recognized for having the best loyalty program with its Skywards initiative and the best airport lounge in the Middle East at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.
In the meantime, Etihad Airways won the Best Cabin Crew category for the fourth year in a row. The UAE national airline was also recognized for Best Economy Class at the awards ceremony, which took place during the Arab travel market to Dubai.
Qatar Airways won the Best Business Class award.
The winners were chosen by online votes from travelers and readers of Business traveler in the Middle East review. The awards ceremony was attended by airline representatives, including Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia at Emirates.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, paid tribute to the airline's staff. “We are honored to receive these awards, which are a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of our employees,” he said.
Flydubai was also honored at the ceremony, winning the Best Connectivity in the Middle East award.
Singapore Airlines won the title of Best Asian Airline Serving the Middle East and Singapore Changi Airport was named Best in the World. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines received the award for Best European Airline Serving the Middle East.
World Travel Awards recognize Etihad crew and Emirates first class
The World Travel Awards Middle East winners for 2024 were also revealed this week, with UAE airlines receiving further accolades.
Etihad took home the titles of Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East and Best Airline in the Middle East in Economy Class.
Emirates was named the Middle East's Leading Airline – First Class and Leading Airline Brand in the Middle East, while also being recognized for establishing the Best Airline in the Middle East awards program.
Other winners included Qatar Airways, with the Doha airline taking the title of No. 1 airline in the Middle East.
Aviation was not the only thing to be in the spotlight during this event. The World Travel Awards also named Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi as the Middle East's leading beach destination, while Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai took the title of the Middle East's leading hotel. THE Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort has been named the Middle East’s “Leading New Resort”.
Dubai was chosen as the top destination in the Middle East, Doha was selected as the best city destination in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia won the award for best heritage destination in the Middle East.
The winners of the Middle East categories will advance to the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Portugal at the end of the year, when the winners of the global categories will be announced.
Updated: May 10, 2024, 9:23 a.m.
