On October 27, Emirates made a strategic move on the Dubai-Entebbe route. With a move from five weekly flights to daily service, the airline is adding 718 seats a week on this key route.
Behind this decision lies a clear objective: to strengthen the economic link between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a context where Dubai plays a leading role as a global economic hub.
In 2023, Uganda welcomed around 1.3 million international tourists, up by 56.5 per cent on 2022. This growth generated tourism revenues of $1.025 billion, up by 48.5 per cent on the previous year.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), with more than 87 million annual passengers, has become a hub connecting Uganda to international markets such as Europe, Canada, the UK, the USA and India. In total, the airline provides Uganda with access to over 210 destinations via its Dubai hub.
Emirates also relies on an interline agreement with Uganda Airlines, in force since March 2021. By relying on the state-owned airline, Emirates is expanding its footprint in the local market.
“This partnership gives the Emirates airline indirect access to Uganda’s main domestic tourist destinations, such as the national parks and the Rwenzori mountains, while offering seamless connections to international travelers,” explains an analyst of the African air market, adding that “for Uganda Airlines, the collaboration represents an opportunity to intensify its domestic operations, increase its visibility and attract a growing flow of tourists to its network.”
At the Arabian Travel Market 2024, an agreement was signed between Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board to promote the country as a must-see destination.
“This initiative builds on Emirates’ two-decade commitment to Uganda, a vibrant jewel in the airline’s extensive global network and a growing tourism Part of Dubai city
destination… The increased frequencies will further support this objective, as Uganda continues to invest in developing its tourism offering,” Emirates said.
“The spectacular scenery of the Rwenzori mountains, unparalleled safaris in Queen Elizabeth national park and encounters with mountain gorillas offer Uganda unique assets, which the increased connectivity will help to highlight. Kampala aims to attract an international clientele, largely via Dubai as a gateway to travelers from the Gulf, and Emirates seems ready to play a catalytic role,” explains a Kenyan tourism expert.
However, the UAE is not just a transit point. It, alone, represents a destination of choice for Uganda. According to data from the Bank of Uganda (BoU), the UAE became the main source of export revenue in 2022. Ugandan exports reached $2.03 billion that year, accounting for 25.66 per cent of the African country’s shipments.
Gold, Uganda’s main export, fuels this dynamic, but it is not the only commodity. Coffee, tea and a variety of other agricultural products are also on offer, boosting Uganda’s appeal.
Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo subsidiary of the Emirati flagship, supports the export of agricultural and industrial products. And thanks to its technological hub in Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo connects Africa to more than 130 destinations worldwide.
“With the rise of e-commerce and the growing appetite for Ugandan products internationally, exports are set to soar,” observes an international trade analyst in Kampala.
“Emirates’ plans to expand its fleet and step up operations in the African market are timely. This is a strong signal for Ugandan exporters, who see it as an opportunity to expand their presence in key markets.”
Beyond trade, the Emirates are also among the largest investors in Uganda, with commitments of $3 billion in strategic sectors: energy, infrastructure, health, tourism and agribusiness.
In February 2024, moreover, the two partners signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their cooperation in governance and development, at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
“This reinforcement goes far beyond a simple air link. It shows the growing depth of economic relations between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by flourishing trade, massive investment and a shared vision of regional integration,” explains a Ugandan economist.
The writer is a French consultant in economic intelligence based in Paris and specializes in geopolitical subjects.
If a passenger misses a flight for Emirates csn there be an understanding to take Uganda airlines or vice versa.
This can give more confidence to the both Emirates and Uganda airlines customers
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