Forty years ago on 25 October 1985, Emirates took off from Dubai on its first flight to the world. It wasn’t just the beginning of an airline, it was the start of a journey of ambition that never stopped. From two leased aircraft to a fleet of more than 230, from 4 destinations to 152 cities,from 300,000 passengers to over 53 million a year. Today, Emirates is not only the world’s best airline, it’s a bridge that connects people, cultures, and dreams. To Ahmed bin Saeed and the incredible Emirates team, thank you. Your dedication has made Dubai a global hub of connection and possibility, and your ambition continues to carry us to new heights.(Hamdan bin Mohammed)