Why New Emirates, Uber Deal Should Matter To Kenyan Travellers
The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber.
Marvin Chege 
Emirates and Uber on June 20, 2025 announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore ways to make journeys more seamless, effortless, and rewarding for travellers.
This includes enhancing the on-ground mobility experience for Emirates customers while offering Skywards members loyalty benefits when using the Uber platform across select markets within the Emirates network.*
The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber.
Through this partnership, Emirates and Uber will work towards introducing several initiatives to offer travellers more seamless and effortless journeys. These include developing an integrated booking experience that combines Uber Rides Vouchers with flight bookings for easier airport transfers or in-city rides.
Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President, Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber, and Adnan Kazim, Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, during the signing of an MoU agreement on June 20, 2025. /PHOTO
Additionally, Emirates and Uber will explore offering Uber rides to and from the airport for select Emirates customers, supporting a complete door-to-destination experience.
The partnership will explore strategic opportunities to closely collaborate on offering Skywards members in the UAE the opportunity to earn on rides or redeem their miles for Uber app credits or vouchers. Emirates Skywards will also explore ways for members in the UAE to benefit from earning Miles on Uber rides across select markets in the Emirates network.
Another area of collaboration will include exploring opportunities around Last Mile delivery initiatives for Emirates Courier Express, leveraging Uber’s advanced technology platform and vast network of global Delivery partners to enhance customer reach, speed, and efficiency.
Adnan Kazim said, “Emirates is excited to join forces with Uber as part of our commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences. In the months ahead, we’ll closely work together to leverage our combined capabilities in travel and technology to expand planning options, create more connected end-to-end journeys across our network, and introduce exciting new benefits for our Skywards members. We look forward to a successful partnership and the valuable opportunities it will create for our customers.”
Commenting on the partnership, Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President, Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber said: "We're thrilled to partner with Emirates, a global leader in aviation, to shape the future of travel. With tailored Uber airport rides offering seamless door-to-destination journeys and loyalty benefits for Uber and Emirates customers, this collaboration will redefine the travel experience for millions of passengers.”
To maximise awareness around the rollout of initiatives under the partnership, Emirates and Uber will explore leveraging cross promotional marketing campaigns across the airline’s network.
*Commercial, technical implementation and reward structure integrations will be determined in the coming months.
Why This Matters
The partnership between Emirates and Uber could bring tangible benefits to Kenyans, especially frequent travelers and members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program. While much of the initial rollout will target the UAE and select markets, the long-term vision suggests a broader integration across Emirates’ global network — and Kenya, as a key destination, stands to gain.
For Kenyan travellers, this collaboration could mean a more seamless travel experience from the moment they leave home to when they reach their final destination. If implemented locally, passengers flying Emirates from Nairobi (or connecting through Dubai) may eventually enjoy perks like Uber ride vouchers bundled into flight bookings or discounted rides to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This would simplify airport transfers, removing the hassle of organizing last-mile transport — especially during late-night or early-morning flights.
For Emirates Skywards members in Kenya, the deal could also unlock loyalty benefits on the Uber platform. Once fully integrated, members might be able to earn Skywards Miles every time they use Uber for local or international rides, or redeem those miles for Uber credits. This would be especially appealing for business travellers and digital nomads who frequently use both services. It’s a solid way to extract more value from daily transportation.
Moreover, the partnership hints at potential improvements in delivery services too. If Emirates’ Courier Express and Uber’s delivery platform integrate in Kenya, this could mean faster, more efficient shipping options for e-commerce or personal logistics — which is increasingly relevant in Nairobi’s booming online retail space.
While the finer details and rollout timelines are still pending, this MoU signals a step toward travel that’s less fragmented and more customer-centric. For Kenyans, especially those plugged into the Emirates ecosystem, it is a future where your flight, ride, and rewards are all part of one smooth journey.
