Emirates is setting a new standard for air travel in the Middle East, with Riyadh becoming the first city in the region to have all its flights served by the airline’s fully refurbished Boeing 777s. Starting March 30 and continuing through August, the Dubai-based carrier is rolling out its upgraded fleet on all three of its daily services to Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Riyadh Takes the Lead in Luxury Travel
Riyadh isn’t just getting an upgrade — it’s getting a head start on the rest of the region. By August, every Emirates flight touching down at King Khalid International Airport will feature the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777s. That puts Riyadh ahead of other Gulf cities, marking it as the first destination in the Middle East and GCC to have exclusive service from the modernized aircraft.
The move is more than a technical swap. It’s a statement. Emirates is investing heavily in one of its most important regional routes, betting on growing demand for premium travel experiences in Saudi Arabia’s booming capital. For travelers, that means more opportunities to fly in style — whether they’re heading to Dubai or connecting to one of Emirates’ 140+ global destinations.
What’s New on the Upgraded Boeing 777s?
Emirates’ revamped Boeing 777s aren’t just about a fresh coat of paint. They’re decked out with some of the airline’s best-in-class cabin features:
- Business Class: The latest generation seats, offering more privacy, space, and comfort.
- Premium Economy: A dedicated cabin with wider seats, more legroom, and enhanced dining options.
- Economy Class: Refreshed interiors with mood lighting and upgraded entertainment systems.
For passengers, that translates to a better flying experience at every level — from takeoff to touchdown.
The Rollout Timeline
Emirates isn’t wasting time. The airline is phasing in the upgraded Boeing 777s over the next few months:
- March 30, 2025: Flights EK815 and EK816 will switch to refurbished aircraft.
- May 7, 2025: A third service, EK817 and EK818, will start running six times a week.
- August 11, 2025: The third daily flight becomes a permanent, seven-day service.
This gradual rollout allows Emirates to meet rising demand while ensuring a smooth transition across its Riyadh routes.
Why Riyadh — and Why Now?
Emirates first introduced the updated Boeing 777 to Riyadh in October 2024 on flights EK819 and EK820. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the upgraded cabins and inflight comfort. Encouraged by that feedback, the airline is now doubling — even tripling — down on Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s air travel market is surging. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan aims to make Riyadh a global business hub, driving higher demand for premium travel. Emirates is positioning itself to capture that growth early, cementing its status as the go-to carrier for both business and leisure travelers in and out of the Saudi capital.
The timing also aligns with the post-pandemic travel rebound. With international tourism picking up speed, particularly to Dubai, Emirates is giving Riyadh passengers more reason to choose its service over competitors.
A Bigger Play for the Region
Riyadh might be first, but it won’t be the last. Emirates has signaled plans to expand its upgraded Boeing 777 fleet to more cities across its global network in the coming months. This includes key Middle Eastern and Asian markets, where demand for high-end travel experiences is on the rise.
For now, though, Riyadh holds the crown — and for Emirates passengers flying to and from the Saudi capital, the skies are looking a whole lot more comfortable.
