The first concept store in Southeast Asia provides a glimpse of the airline’s onboard hospitality.
Traveling has always been the ultimate escape. It offers a chance to jet off somewhere new and take a breather. We can leave the hustle behind for a while and live life one memorable moment at a time. Unfortunately, traveling isn’t something we can always do on a whim.
With demanding work schedules and personal commitments, it often feels like we’re just marking days on the calendar. We wait for our next getaway. That’s why many of us scour the long weekend schedules for 2025. We plan vacation leaves months in advance and save up for those dream experiences we want to check off our lists.
But let’s face it: waiting for vacation days can get tiring. The wanderlust kicks in, and suddenly you’re daydreaming about your next flight or reliving past adventures through Instagram reels.
What if you could actually reignite those travel vibes without leaving the city? Enter Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, which has just unveiled its first immersive retail concept store in Manila. Yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds, and trust us—you’ll want to check it out.
Emirates’ First Immersive Store is Now Open in BGC
Located at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, the Emirates World Store is a travel lover’s haven. It is designed to bring the airline’s world-class service and luxury to life. This 221-square-meter space is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It offers a sneak peek into the premium experiences Emirates is known for.
Yes, it’s like a mini-getaway right in the heart of the city. What’s even more enticing is the life-sized replica of the A380 onboard lounge, complete with a replica of its business-class bar area. Yes, you can now step into the world of Emirates without ever setting foot on a plane.
And it doesn’t stop there. The store also features a curated selection of Emirates-branded merchandise and travel essentials from the Emirates Official Store. From chic suitcases and travel adaptors to cozy blankets and headphones, you’ll find plenty to inspire your next trip. There’s even an NBA collection for basketball fans who love to combine style with functionality. How cool is that?!
For the tech-savvy traveler, the store features interactive self-service screens. These let you browse flight options, check availability, and plan your next trip. Want to snap a quick photo? There are selfie stations with popular destination backdrops, so you can capture those travel feels even if you’re staying local.
As Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim explains, “The new Emirates World Store in Manila is designed to serve as a one-stop shop where customers can explore Emirates’ best-in-class products and services and provide visitors a glimpse of our onboard hospitality and excellence, ensuring the bar is set high when it comes to retail experiences both in the Philippines and across our global network.”
Building Connections with Filipino Travelers
Emirates has had a strong connection with Filipino travelers since launching its Manila service in 1990. Over the years, it has expanded its routes to include Cebu and Clark and now operates 28 weekly flights offering around 22,700 seats to and from Dubai.
From extensive in-flight entertainment to world-class dining, Emirates has consistently delivered exceptional travel experiences. And this new store is another step in deepening that connection, creating a space where Filipinos can interact with the brand and fuel their travel dreams.
The Manila store is part of Emirates’ larger vision to redefine travel retail experiences worldwide. It’s the third Emirates World Store globally, with plans to open 40 more locations in the next three years, including one in Bangkok, Thailand. The airline is investing $25 million into this project, ensuring each store is equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed to inspire wanderlust.
So, whether you’re itching to plan your next adventure or just looking for a dose of travel inspiration, the Emirates World Store has something for you. It’s a space where you can immerse yourself in the airline’s first-class experience, browse and book flights via digital kiosks, or chat with knowledgeable staff who can help you plan the perfect trip.
Miss traveling? Here’s your chance to indulge in a different kind of adventure—one that will leave you dreaming about your next getaway. Ready to take off (figuratively, for now)? Visit the Emirates World immersive Store at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. It’s time to fasten your seatbelt for a new kind of adventure.
Cover image credit: Emirates
