Sydney Kawadza
Globally- acclaimed airline Emirates is offering Zimbabwean travellers going to Dubai a chance to stay at the JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, one of the world’s tallest five-star hotels.
The skyscraper hotel features award-winning dining options, its own shopping galleria and a world-renowned spa; and is conveniently located near attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera.
In a statement, Emirates said travellers from Zimbabwe who book return Economy tickets to Dubai from December 2 to 23 will be eligible for a complimentary one-night stay at the JW Marriot Marquis on their first night in Dubai.
Customers booked in First and Business Class will receive two complimentary nights’ stay from the day of arrival with return fares start from US$500 Economy Class and US$2,215 Business Class.
“Emirates customers can travel with peace of mind with the airline’s flexible booking options and free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs.
“Emirates has also implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees,” the airline said.
Emirates has been rated the safest airline in the world in its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic according to the Safe Travel Barometer and has the highest ‘Safe Travel Score’ among more than 230 airlines evaluated worldwide.
The score is based on an independent audit of 26 health and safety parameters evaluating safety protocols, traveller convenience and service excellence announced by airlines.
“The airline provides generous baggage allowance; passengers returning to Emirates from Zimbabwe can go home with one extra piece of luggage.
“Those travelling to other destinations within the Emirates network can take advantage of an additional 10 kilograms baggage allowance.”
Travellers on Emirates can also enjoy over 4,500 channels of entertainment on ICE – the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, as well as regionally inspired meals and complimentary beverages.
“Dubai is open and ready to welcome tourists with the highest levels of safety protocols in place to keep its residents and visitors safe.
“The vibrant, cosmopolitan city has an eclectic mix of offerings including impressive beaches, world-class shopping, and fine dining restaurants.”
As a safety precaution, all passengers arriving in Dubai must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test up to four days prior to their date of travel (maximum 96 hours).
“You may be required to take another test at Dubai Airports upon arrival. Children under the age of 12 and passengers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test.”
In Dubai, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places at all times including on Emirates flights, however, children below the age of six who struggle with wearing masks are exempted from wearing them.
Hotels in Dubai including the JW Marriot Marquis use contactless check in and rooms are sanitized for safety.
All indoor venues including malls enforce mandatory temperature checks at the entrance and employ digital safety guidelines including contactless menus at restaurants.
Dubai is a haven for thrill seekers and all outdoor and sports activities are operating with safety restrictions and protocols.
This includes helicopter rides, hot air balloons, desert safari, desert camping, dhow cruises, kayaking and more.
All sports activities that can be practiced individually or with 5 people or less have resumed including sky diving and renting of jet skis, boats, and bicycles.
Dubai’s beaches are open and safe with social distancing while the Global Village opened on October 25 this year for its 25th season, with strict precautionary measures in place.
Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.
Customers who buy an Emirates ticket for travel on or before March 31 next year can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans.
Customers also have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for two years.
Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home.
This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until December 31, 2020, and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey.
Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination.
The airline has also implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers.
