As such, Emirates and Etihad are launching special services to accommodate their many customers observing Ramadan this month. Traveling during Ramadan can be challenging due to fasting requirements which may lead to hunger, thirst, and tiredness. With Ramadan emphasizing global community spirit, airlines are keen to ensure passengers' needs are fully met.
Emirates said in a statement: "Reflecting the spirit of togetherness and generosity during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Emirates will be serving thousands of meal boxes for fasting customers both onboard and at boarding gates, screening an array of religious content and popular TV shows on ice [their IFE system], and offering traditional Ramadan dishes in the lounges. "
The carrier's lounges at Dubai International Airport (DXB) will offer a new range of food items including Arabic sweets, dates with coffee; hot/cold Arabic mezze; mixed grill with tahina; lamb mandi with dakous & coriander mint raita; chicken machboos with cucumber yogurt sauce among others. Lounges in Cairo and Jeddah will also provide an extensive range of classic Ramadan dishes along- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - more- over- desserts like Pistachio kunafa; Halawet al jibn; Esh bulbul with lotus; Basboussa ashta; Cheese kunafa etc., accompanied by traditional drinks such as jallab & laban alongside Ramadan Ruby & Tropical Bliss.
Emirates will offer special iftar (meal eaten at sundown) boxes across all cabin classes featuring intricate Islamic art patterns symbolizing unity. These boxes will contain fast-breaking favorites like hummus or moutabel with Arabic bread almond chocolate walnut baklawa apricot ball traditional dates chicken zaatar mozzarella cheese wrap/lamb shawarma halloumi cheese wrap etc., besides distributing iftar boxes at select boarding gates containing water bananas laban etc.. The Captain will inform passengers about exact sundown time based on aircraft location ensuring accurate observance.
Additionally many people perform Umrah pilgrimage Mecca during this time so carrier serve groups performing Umrah flights Jeddah Medina allowing check-in up-to-5 liters Zamzam Well water gathered Mecca . Moreover ice IFE system feature around-450 Arabic movie TV channels music podcast options extensive training provided staff ensuring awareness practices needs Holy Month multinational crew ground teams alike .
"This," said Turky Al Hammadi Director Product Hospitality Etihad Airways "Ramadan aligned UAE Year Community reflect importance connection togetherness values resonate deeply blessed understands significance sacred carefully curated menus designed provide comfort tradition elevate Food Beverage experience ."
Etihad passengers can look forward array special food drink snacks both lounges onboard flights menu featuring Emirati flavors premium-paying particularly benefiting exciting additions Passengers flying 'The Residence' first class choose dishes Lentil Soup Rice-stuffed Lamb Shank Mont Blanc Aseeda white chocolate choose platter salad instead Business travelers major upgrades including Chicken Foga dessert options Warm date olive oil cake Vimto ice cream Saffron cardamom milk Pistachio kunaffe Batheeth black lime cheesecake Economy served Arabic braised lamb vermicelli rice selection delicacies dessert .
Lounge offerings include classic buffet-style Business First Abu Dhabi International Airport London Heathrow Lemon black lime marinated lobster Chargrilled prawns Beef okra saloona Kunafa rose Arabic coffee tiramisu Warm Umm Ali among others available .
Etihad hand out iftar suhoor pre-dawn meals eligible timings E-BOX enhanced selection religious content specially-made shows cooking focusing favorites insights cultures worldwide celebrate backing charitable projects part 'Year Community' initiative making donations allowing contributions Guest Miles supported building refugee support centers Chad helping Meals Future program Amahoro Coalition displaced African schoolchildren .