Passengers travelling to Dubai via Emirates are entitled to enjoy up to 50 percent discount when they shop or dine at select outlets across the UAE for a three-month period starting January 1.

The UAE-based carrier has confirmed that it is reinstating its privilege programme called 'My Emirates Pass' to offer Dubai-bound flyers a chance to save money on their lifestyle and entertainment bills. All the passengers need to do is present their boarding pass at more than 500 locations.

The special discount will be granted to passengers who fly with Emirates between January 1 and March 31, 2020, the airline said in a statement.

The privileges extended to flyers range from 30 percent discount on spa treatments to 50 percent off on outdoor activities such as water sports and access to night golf courses. Those who opt to dine at restaurants can also avail themselves of 50 percent discount, while shoppers can expect to get 30 percent off on their receipts.

The seasonal pass is being reintroduced at a time when the travel and hospitality industry in the UAE is seeing a huge influx of visitors who want to enjoy cooler temperatures in the country and take advantage of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) promotions.

The first few months of the year is one of the busiest times to visit the UAE. From January to March 2019, a total of 641,250 passengers travelled to Dubai, up by 4.1 percent from the same period in 2018, according to Dubai Airports.

Mohammad Al Hashimi, Emirates' vice president for commercial products in Dubai, said the seasonal pass is a great way to encourage visitors to explore the different parts of the country.

"Travellers coming into Dubai, whether for a short visit or a longer stay, can now experience what this city has to offer for less, by taking advantage of special privileges across some of the best hotspots," said Al Hashimi.

Passengers who want to avail themselves of a discount using their boarding pass are advised that they still need to present a photographic identification at select outlets.

The discount will be given only to the passenger holding the boarding pass, hence it is not transferable. However, discounts can be redeemed many times in different or the same outlets within the three-month promotion period.

For those who want to shop, the boarding pass can be used at a number of retail outlets at shopping malls, including those that carry popular brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Herschel Supply Co., Birkenstock, Calvin Klein, Cath Kidston, Aeropostale, Aldo, Naturalizer, Charles & Keith and Juicy Couture, among many others.

For diners, the participating outlets are spread across various hotels, dining venues and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Anoop Menon)

Cleofe.Maceda@refinitiv.com

© ZAWYA 2020