DUBAI, UAE, 14th April 2006 - Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and Sri Lankan airlines today announced a new partnership with Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, located at the Mall of the Emirates. The new partnership adds to the long list of exclusive benefits extended to Skywards members, this time providing access to Dubai's only destination for winter sports and activities.

Effective May 15th, the new partnership will allow Skywards members to redeem miles with Skywards Gift Vouchers. Vouchers are applicable to all activities in Ski Dubai including Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Park access. As a special launch promotion on May 15th until July 15th, 2006, Ski Dubai is also offering Skywards Members a 10% discount on all their activities- the perfect way to stay cool and active during the hot summer months!

Brian LaBelle, Vice President - Skywards said, "We constantly look for new ways to provide our members with rewards beyond traditional travel benefits. A partnership with Ski Dubai, one of the region's most innovative sports facilities, gives our members the chance to experience a winter-wonderland of activities, even in the hottest of weather!"

"Young or old, there is something for everyone, from beginner to the snow sport enthusiast at Ski Dubai. Working with Skywards represents an ideal opportunity to open our doors to the loyal customers of Emirates and Sri Lankan airways. We look forward to seeing Skywards members on the slopes!" commented Philip Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Ski Dubai. 

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Notes to the Editor:
About Skywards:
Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan, offers three tiers of membership - Blue, Silver and Gold - with each membership tier providing exclusive privileges.

Gold and Silver members are entitled to wait-list priority for all classes of travel, priority check-in and airport lounge access.

Members earn Skywards Miles, one Skywards Mile for every mile they fly on Emirates, Sri Lankan or partner airlines, or when they use the programme's designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners.

Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an amazing range of rewards, including free tickets on Emirates or SriLankan and other Skywards partner airlines, flights upgrades, hotel accommodation, excursions, and exclusive shopping.

Skywards was launched in 2000. In just five years, worldwide membership of the award-winning loyalty programme, which is currently available in over 200 countries, has topped 1.9 million.

Skywards has consistently demonstrated success in award recognition.  Over the last three years, the programme has secured top honours at the annual Freddies Awards, the 'Oscars' of customer loyalty programmes. Skywards was the recipient of awards for Best Member Communications, Best Web Site and the coveted title of Programme of the Year.   The honour was a second-time win for Skywards, which, in 2003 was recognized for top programme and additionally secured awards for Best Customer Service, Best Award Redemption, and Best Web Site.  In 2004 Skywards was recognized for Best Redemption Award for an International Airline.

About Ski Dubai:
Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East found inside the Mall of the Emirates part of MAF Shopping Malls and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.

Ski Dubai offers the ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, with a choice of five runs, as well as a 3000 square metre snow park with tobogganing, a twin track bobsled ride and tubing, among other activities.  For those who have not experienced winter sports, or who want to brush up their skills, Ski Dubai's Snow School offers guests the opportunity to learn skills suitable for all ages and abilities from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

For more information on Ski Dubai, visit www.skidxb.com 

For additional press information, kindly contact:
Patricia Tellis / Joe Harmoush
Promoseven Weber Shandwick Dubai
Tel:  +971 4 321 0077
Fax: +971 4 321 1711
E-mail: patricia.tellis@ promoseven.com / joe.harmoush @promoseven.com

For additional press information on Skywards, kindly contact:
Sarah Shaughnessy,
Corporate Communications,
Tel: (+9714) 203.3975,
Mob: (+97150) 640.4754;
Email: sarah.shaughnessy@emirates.com,
visit: www.emirates.com

© Press Release 2006