Emirates connects Zimbabweans to Dubai delights

HARARE - Increasing numbers of Zimbabwean globetrotters are discovering the delights of Dubai since Emirates launched its five-time-a-week service to Harare in February.

The airline's Dubai Stopover programme has been entrancing passengers for 17 years; now Zimbabweans are joining the fun, taking advantage of hotel and sightseeing packages starting from US$39 per person per night, including a complimentary 36-hour United Arab Emirates visa.

Zimbabwe is on the list countries where residents are eligible to apply for their visa online through emirates.com/zw, making the process even smoother.

"The tradition of hospitality is as important in Arabic culture as it is in Africa, and this is something in which Emirates takes huge pride. We aim to give our customers an authentic taste of Arabic hospitality, combined with truly world class service standards," said Zimbabwe Country Manager Raed Al Rahmah.

The Dubai Stopover packages, designed to give travellers access to a range of attractive rates on car hire, golf, local tours and safaris, are available to all Emirates passengers and are combinable with all fares, not restricted to any specific class of travel.

Guests on Emirates may take advantage of the packages on both the inbound or outbound leg of their journeys, giving passengers two opportunities to extend their holidays and enjoy Dubai; a top-notch tourist destination with something to offer every type of traveller.

Passengers can choose from a full range of hotels and apartments: in the city, on the beach, self-catered to 5-star luxury. Dubai Stopover packages include personalised meet-and-assist in Dubai, hotel transfers, breakfast, taxes, service charges, and now the 36-hour complimentary visa (terms and conditions apply).

The Emirates Dubai Stopover Programme was launched in 1995, allowing passengers to experience the hospitality and vibrancy of Dubai, the proud home of Emirates Airline.

Dubai is easily the entertainment, shopping, sports and culinary capital of the Middle East. It is home to some of the world's finest hotel chains and dining options. Recreational facilities are available in abundance and the entertainment ranges from traditional celebrations to trendy discotheques. The numerous shopping malls feature some of the world's best brands at competitive prices.

There is the world's largest indoor snow park, boasting the third largest indoor ski slope on the planet, world-class golf and soccer academies, an autodrome, desert safaris, aquarium, dolphinarium, beaches, shopping, boating and spectacular cuisine.

Dubai is a safe city with sunny weather virtually all year round. Add to all this, the pristine beaches and the breath-taking landscapes of the desert makes it easy to see why Dubai is an exciting year-round destination.

Emirate' five-time-a-weekly flights from Harare to Dubai are served by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft that offers 237 seats in a three class configuration: 12 luxurious First Class seats, 42 seats in Business Class and generous space for 183 passengers in Economy Class.

EK 713 departs Dubai at 0925hrs, arriving in Lusaka at 1435hrs. The onward connection to Harare departs Lusaka at 1620hrs, reaching Harare at 1720hrs. The return flight leaves Harare at 1850hrs, arriving Lusaka at 1950hrs. It departs Lusaka at 2125hrs, landing in Dubai at 0640hrs the next day.