The President of Austria, Dr. Thomas Klestil, met here today with HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, in the presidential office at the Vienna Imperial Palace. Sheikh Ahmed conveyed to the Austrian President the greetings of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. 
Dr. Klestil expressed his satisfaction with the start of Emirates’ non-stop services between the Austrian capital and Dubai two weeks ago, and wished Sheikh Ahmed every success in the new route. The new Emirates direct air link presently operates four times a week and will become daily from 15th June. 
Sheikh Ahmed and other Emirates senior executives yesterday hosted an Emirates gala reception and dinner at the historical Hofburg Palace in Vienna, to celebrate the launch of the new services. 
The event was attended by more than 500 guests, including Dr. Herbert Haupt, Minister for Social Affairs, Dr. Reinhard Wanek, Secretary of State for Health, Dr. Helmut Kukacka, Secretary of State for Transport, Karl Seitlinger, Director of Vienna Tourism, and other representatives from the Austrian government and political organizations, as well as trade and industry leaders.
Sheikh Ahmed said: “We are delighted to offer Austrian travellers and others from neighbouring countries the opportunity to fly non-stop to Dubai and enjoy our city’s many attractions, or use the Emirates hub there to continue to other destinations.
“This new route also will enable passengers from our region and countries south and east of Dubai to reach Vienna and points in Central Europe more conveniently. We are happy to facilitate a greater exchange of leisure and business travellers in both directions.”
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