The Emirates’ new route service introduces the only year-round, non-stop, direct link between Finland and the UAE, unlocking expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travellers. Furthermore, it reinforces the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Finland, underpinned by mutual interests in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, advanced technology, education, space and sustainable development. As the UAE is already Finland's largest export market in the Gulf region with non-oil bilateral trade standing at almost USD 579 million in 2025, this daily non-stop service to Helsinki will provide further opportunities for Finnish businesses to connect with the UAE and global markets.
The promotional event was opened with an introductory speech by H.E. Amna Fikri, Ambassador of the UAE to Finland and Estonia, highlighting recent progress in bilateral relations, notably through this new route which is a further testament to the strength and continuity of the UAE-Finland partnership. This was followed by speeches from the Guests of Honors of the event: H.E. Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, and H.E. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland. In his speech, H.E. Sharaf underscored the significant role of this new route in improving connectivity between the two countries, further boosting bilateral trade flows, strengthening tourism and other people-to-people ties. For his part, H.E. Puisto emphasized that this new route will further strengthen the already strong commercial ties between the UAE and Finland, reflecting the genuine mutual interest in expanding cooperation across key strategic sectors.
The opening speeches were followed by a detailed presentation of the new flight route by Mr. Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President of Emirates’ Commercial Operations in North and West Europe. Mrs. Kawthar Alkharoossi, Head of Investments Supports & Inducement at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then gave a thorough presentation on the investment opportunities in the UAE. The event culminated in an open discussion and networking session among the participants of the event, which included a wide range of representatives from government institutions, local authorities, businesses, the hospitality and travel industries, and the diplomatic community.
Related News
UAE and Finnish Presidents discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call today from His Excellency Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation and opportunities to further strengthen ties, particularly in the economic and development fields, in support of mutual interests and the growth and prosperity of both countries.
View Details
Dubai’s position as an international aviation hub could also give Finnish passengers easier access to destinations beyond the UAE, including across Asia and Africa
Around 28,000 Finnish tourists travelled to the UAE last year, while only 854 Emirati travellers visited Finland — a gap the country's ambassador to Finland and Estonia believes could start to close with the launch of a new year-round direct flight between the two countries.
View Details
UAE, Finland promote government development partnership at Helsinki Experience Exchange Forum
The Governments of the UAE and the Republic of Finland organized the Government Experience Exchange Forum in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, as part of the partnership between the two countries in government development and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. The forum brought together a group of senior government officials, policymakers, experts and specialists from both countries.
View Details
28,000 Finnish tourists visited the UAE in 2025
The UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, Amna Fikri, told Emarat Al Youm that the launch of Emirates’ direct air route between the UAE and Finland would enhance opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The new route comes amid ongoing negotiations between the UAE and the European Union on a free trade agreement. Fikri noted that approximately 28,000 Finnish tourists visited the UAE in 2025, compared with around 854 Emirati tourists who visited Finland.
View Details