Abu dhabi: The UAE Embassy in Helsinki, in collaboration with Emirates, hosted a promotional event titled 'Bridging Dubai and Helsinki with Emirates' at Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 in Helsinki, celebrating the impending launch of Emirates' new Dubai-Helsinki route. This new service offers the only year-round, non-stop, direct connection between Finland and the UAE, opening up expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travelers while reinforcing bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the new route strengthens ties between the UAE and Finland, bolstering areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced technology, education, space, and sustainable development. The UAE, being Finland's largest export market in the Gulf region, had a non-oil bilateral trade volume of nearly US$579 million in 2025. This daily non-stop service to Helsinki is anticipated to provide further opportunities for Finnish businesses to connect with the UAE and global markets.
The event commenced with a speech by Amna Fikri, Ambassador of the UAE to Finland and Estonia, who highlighted the recent progress in bilateral relations. She emphasized that the new route is a testament to the strength and continuity of the UAE-Finland partnership. The event featured speeches from Guests of Honour Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, and Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland. Sharaf highlighted the route's role in enhancing connectivity, boosting trade, and strengthening tourism and people-to-people ties. Puisto noted the route's impact on strengthening commercial ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President of Emirates' Commercial Operations in North and West Europe, presented the new flight route, followed by a presentation on UAE investment opportunities by Kawthar Alkharoossi, Head of Investments Supports and Inducement at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event concluded with an open discussion and networking session among participants, including representatives from government institutions, local authorities, businesses, the hospitality and travel industries, and the diplomatic community.