Establishing an airline company in Dubai was a dream more than 4 decades ago, according to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Despite people betting against the dream of having an airline in the emirate, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that determination and willpower can help achieve anything one imagines. He recalled the early days when he met with leaders from the Emirates Airlines Group. A few years after the airport was established, Sheikh Mohammed was tasked with leading its development by his father, former ruler Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
In 1984, Sheikh Mohammed invited the director of the airline services company in the emirate, Maurice Flanagan, to his office, which set the ball in motion for Emirates. They had just 6 months to lease aircraft, re-equip them, and launch the airline. Despite the exhaustion and stress of bringing the new airline into operation on schedule, Sheikh Mohammed and his brother were excited. The progress from the early days to the thriving company Emirates is now showcases that dreams can come true with dedication and hard work.
Emirates now includes 112 thousand employees, connects with 277 cities, transports over 50 million passengers annually, and generates revenues exceeding Dh137 billion annually. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the dream of expanding the business, opening a larger international airport, and reaching every city on the five continents is still ongoing. Dubai has now become known as the world’s airport, a meeting place for humanity. The success story of Emirates serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and commitment in achieving one’s dreams.
