Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
UAE. Today’s images come courtesy of Dubai Airports as the summer peak period for travel begins at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Following a traumatic four months for regional aviation since the US/Israel-Iran war began, travel continues to ramp up, with around 3 million guests expected through DXB’s terminals in the first half of July.
Against this backdrop, the airport company has created a memorable interactive installation that gives departing and transiting guests a way to connect with the city before they fly.
Located close to Gate B28 in Terminal 3, Concourse B, I Heart DXB encourages travellers to upload a selfie, with each guest joining a living, shared portrait of Dubai in the colours of the UAE flag.
The mosaic grows with every traveller who moves through DXB. Alongside this, a wall of handwritten notes gathers messages of pride and gratitude, with personal stories “that give the airport and the nation its heartbeat”, said Dubai Airports.
The experience extends beyond the installation, with rewards unlocked at participating shops throughout the airport, including souvenirs and exclusive offers.
The campaign – and the projected traffic numbers of over 200,000 a day in the weeks ahead – underline the resilience of the regional travel market and in particular Dubai’s status as one of the world’s great (and best connected) hubs. ✈
