DUBAI. U.A.E., 2nd March 2006 - This year marked the 50th anniversary of the world-famous Vienna Opera Ball which took place in the beautiful surroundings of the Vienna Opera house.

This year's event was extremely special for 10 Dubai residents who were flown by Emirates to participate in the opening ceremony as Dubai Debutantes - this is the first time ever that debutantes from Dubai have taken part in this spectacular event.

However, this is just the start of the ball season for the Dubai dancers as these 10 debutantes will also take part in the Dubai Opera Ball at the Madinat Jumeirah on March 16. 

For this great event Emirates will fly 40 Austrian debutantes to Dubai who will open the ball together with the 60 local debutante couples. The glamorous event will take place in the elegant ball room of the Madinat Jumeirah which will be lavishly decorated in the Viennese style for the occasion.

Stars of the Vienna State Opera Ballet will perform together with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the event which promises to be a truly spectacular evening which will bring old world European charm to Dubai.

Keith Longstaff, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, said: "Emirates is delighted to have linked Dubai and Vienna more closely with our daily flight between the two cities. The Dubai Opera Ball is a classic example of the benefits of combining business and culture and we are proud to be associated with this magnificent event."

Emirates started its operations to Vienna in June 2004 and the service has proved extremely popular with both business and leisure travellers in both directions.

Emirates is involved in a number of initiatives to promote trade, tourism and cultural understanding between Austria and the UAE, and its involvement in the Vienna and Dubai Opera Balls is a perfect example of how this works extremely well for both countries.

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Contact:
Daniel Ford, Emirates Corporate Communications.
Tel: (+9714) 203 2165
Mob: (+97150) 652 1373
Daniel.ford@emirates.com
visit: www.emirates.com   

© Press Release 2006