Dubai-based carrier Emirates said on Tuesday it would introduce special Eid Ul Azha-themed meals, desserts, and entertainment across selected routes from May 26 to 29, as the airline marks one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Emirates said passengers travelling during the Eid Al Adha period would be served regionally inspired festive menus across cabin classes, alongside enhanced onboard entertainment and themed offerings at selected airport lounges.

The airline said First Class passengers on selected flights would be served dishes including lamb machbous, prawn morbian, lamb madfoon, and beef foga prepared with Emirati spices, accompanied by desserts such as pistachio and chocolate nammoura cake, rahash mousse cake, and walnut baklawa cake.

Passengers travelling in Business Class and Premium Economy will also receive special Eid meals featuring dishes such as lamb chermoula and grilled chicken, while Economy Class customers will be offered traditional meals including chicken kabsa, lamb ouzi, daoud basha, and beef sajiyeh.

As part of the celebrations, Emirates said it would distribute festive edible gifts onboard, including cakes and desserts inspired by regional flavours such as dates, pistachios, and rose.

Customers travelling aboard the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft will also have access to additional desserts in the onboard lounge, including assorted baklava, pistachio maamoul, pomegranate cheesecake, and sesame brownies. The carrier will serve traditional Emirati coffee and dates as part of its hospitality offering.

Beyond onboard services, Emirates said its lounges in Jeddah and Cairo would offer regional Eid dishes and desserts between May 27 and 29, including Egyptian pastries and Saudi specialties.

The airline also announced an expanded entertainment selection through its inflight system, "ICE," featuring up to 6,500 channels of on-demand content during the holiday period. Offerings include Arabic films, television channels, music, podcasts, and access to religious content, including recitations of the Holy Qur’an.

Although Emirates did not disclose the number of routes participating in the Eid programme, the seasonal offering reflects broader efforts by Gulf carriers to tailor services around major cultural and religious holidays, particularly during peak travel periods when passenger demand rises across the Middle East, South Asia, and other Muslim-majority regions.

For travellers, the additions are expected to enhance the onboard experience during the Eid travel season, especially for families and holiday passengers flying between regional destinations and international markets.

Industry analysts say such themed services are increasingly used by airlines to strengthen brand identity and customer loyalty while responding to growing competition in premium and long-haul travel markets.

Source: Emirates PR