Emirates has introduced Dubai+ as its first dedicated Emirati entertainment channel on ice, its inflight entertainment system. The addition brings UAE-produced stories to passengers travelling across the airline’s global network.
The channel joins a wider entertainment refresh announced on September 28, 2026. Emirates is adding an opera and ballet collection, new films, complete television box sets and educational programmes. Its ice library offers up to 6,500 on-demand channels in more than 40 languages.
For travellers, the update expands the choices available during long flights and connections through Dubai. It also gives international passengers a way to encounter Emirati storytelling before arriving in the UAE or while travelling elsewhere.
Emirates says Dubai+ will launch onboard with 10 programmes, 35 episodes and more than 20 hours of content. The selection includes drama, comedy, documentaries, family viewing and podcasts, with further titles planned.
Dubai+ Introduces Emirati Stories
The first Dubai+ collection includes Dara, Wadima w Halema and Dannoun. It combines Dubai+ original productions with programmes from Dubai TV and Sama Dubai.
The onboard channel draws from a platform that features local, Arab and international entertainment. Emirates plans to add more episodes and titles, giving repeat passengers fresh ways to explore regional stories.
For Dubai’s visitor economy, the cultural dimension is significant. A documentary or family programme can introduce travellers to local traditions before they explore the destination. It may also encourage transit passengers to learn more about the city behind the airline’s hub.
Dubai+ complements an existing Dubai and UAE category on ice. That collection includes programmes about Emirati heritage, art, food and traditional agriculture, alongside travel guides.
The programmes broaden the picture travellers see of the UAE. They present community life and cultural practices alongside the modern city experiences that many visitors already associate with Dubai.
Opera and Ballet Join the Library
Emirates is also introducing ice Opera House, a collection of full-length opera, ballet and symphony performances. The programme adds a different kind of viewing choice for passengers seeking cultural entertainment during longer journeys.
Its announced selection includes Carmen, Don Giovanni, Madama Butterfly, Swan Lake and Cinderella. Musical works include Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Bach’s Mass in B Minor.
Performances feature organisations including The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet. Emirates plans to refresh the collection regularly, while selected operas will include subtitles in several languages.
The addition may appeal to travellers planning cultural trips as well as passengers discovering these performances for the first time. A full-length production also suits a long-haul flight, where viewers have time to watch without interruption.
Films and Box Sets Expand Choice
Emirates says its broader ice catalogue includes more than 3,000 movies and over 4,500 television episodes. From October, passengers will see further film additions and a selection of remastered cinema classics.
The classics collection includes The Godfather trilogy, Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, The Lord of the Rings, The Sound of Music and Kill Bill. Emirates says selected titles will appear in 4K or high-definition formats.
The airline is adding 43 box sets to an existing collection of 356. Familiar programmes include Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Bluey and Planet Earth.
Families can also choose from children’s programming and up to 100 video games on most flights. Emirates provides headphones designed for younger passengers, helping families use the entertainment system throughout their journey.
Learning and Connectivity Add Options
The entertainment update reaches beyond films and television. Language lessons through uTalk cover 15 languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish and French. Travellers can use flight time to prepare for conversations at their destination.
Live sport is available on much of the Emirates fleet. Coverage can include major football, tennis, motorsport and golf events, although passengers should check what their specific flight offers.
Emirates is also expanding newer ice technology, including 4K displays, short-form previews and an eye comfort mode. Separately, it is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet.
These features serve different needs. Passengers can watch a film, follow a live event, learn a language or stay connected when their aircraft supports the service.
Dubai+ gives the refresh its clearest tourism link. By placing Emirati programmes beside global entertainment, Emirates turns part of the flight into an introduction to the culture of its home destination.
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