EMIRATES & LIONEL RICHIE CELEBRATE CHICAGO-DUBAI

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

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Lionel Richie

Emirates celebrated the launch of its daily, nonstop service to Chicago with a gala event at the city's historic Navy Pier on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Adel Al Redha and Chicago Deputy Mayor Steven Koch were joined by more than 500 VIP guests to commemorate the opening of Emirates' ninth U.S. gateway.

Guests were greeted by Emirates cabin crew and treated to cold hand towels, traditional dates, Arabic coffee, cocktails and canapés, and music by Chicago's Jazz Couture.

Chicago TV personality served as emcee and the event program included performances by Chicago-based violin troupe Ken Arlen's Sirens and award-winning singer-songwriter Lionel Richie.

On August 5, Emirates held a ceremony at Chicago O'Hare International Airport to mark the arrival of the first Dubai-Chicago flight. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and gift exchange between Emirates executives and Chicago public officials.

Flight EK235 will depart Dubai International Airport at 9:45 a.m. and arrive at O'Hare at 3:25 p.m. The return flight, EK 236, will depart O'Hare at 8:35 p.m. and arrive in Dubai at 7:10 p.m. the next day.

Photo Courtesy Of: Emirates