On May 8, 2026, Dubai-based Emirates announced that a special livery has been applied to one of its Airbus A380s (A6-EVG). The livery is part of the airline’s ‘This Flag Will Always Fly’ campaign, launched by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The campaign called on residents and citizens of the UAE to raise the national flag as a unifying symbol across society and to show pride in the nation’s strength and cohesion during recent troubled times. The livery will pay tribute to the spirit, ambition and unity of the United Arab Emirates.
A design encapsulating an already striking livery
In March 2023, Emirates launched its new signature livery across all its fleet, starting with an A380 (A6-EOE). The new livery featured an updated winglet design, 32.5% larger “Emirates” gold lettering and a dynamic and flowing 3D tailfin effect.
The latest unity livery renders the UAE flag colours in bold across an eye-catching 3D design that elegantly wraps both sides of the aircraft. The aircraft has already flown to New York and Brisbane and is scheduled to serve additional A380 destinations in the airline’s network.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates, said: “We’re proud to respond to HH Sheikh Mohammad’s call to raise the flag as a tribute to the UAE’s unity and strength. Since our inception, every Emirates aircraft has proudly carried the UAE flag wherever it flies. This new livery is our way of honouring a home that has given so much, and a nation that stands as proof of what is possible when we collectively choose, every day, to reach higher. There is no greater stage for our flag than in the skies, and no greater privilege for Emirates than to fly it with pride.”
Emirates has a history of striking special liveries
Over the last five years, Emirates has had one of the most active livery programmes in the world with around 100 special aircraft paint jobs. Themes range from national and major events to, sports, conservation and innovation.
Most are produced at the world’s largest aircraft painting facility, the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre. Current special liveries include:
This Flag Will Always Fly (A6-EVG, A380, May 2026): The UAE flag and unity livery, marking HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s call for citizens to raise the nation’s flag as a symbol of national pride.
Grand Slam Tennis (A6-EUH, A380, January 2026): Celebrates Emirates’ sponsorship of all four Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Skywards 25th Anniversary (A6-EUE, A380, October 2025): A Silver Jubilee design marking 25 years of Emirates Skywards loyalty programme, which has grown to 37 million members since 2000.
Emirates Courier Express (A6-EET, A380, May 2025): A full repaint promotes Emirates’ door-to-door delivery service.
NBA Livery (A6-EOD, A380, October 2024): A blue gradient fuselage with an NBA logo, symbolising Emirates’ partnership as the official airline of the National Basketball Association
Destination Dubai (A6-EES, EEU, EEW, EOT, A380, September 2022): A bright blue and multicoloured livery applied to four aircraft celebrating Emirates’ home, Dubai. The fuselage carries ‘Destination Dubai on one side and ‘Be Part of the Magic’ on the other.
Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons and Emirates
Emirates is a Seven Star safety rated airline
AirlineRatings.com rates Emirates as a Seven Star safety rated airline as part of its global ratings. Since its inception in 1985, the airline has never had a fatal crash involving passengers and has only lost one aircraft.
The airline is registered with IOSA, can fly within and over the EU, and has no pilot-related or operational safety concerns.
Find out more about Emirates’ safety score here.
More than a special livery
Emirates' new flag livery stands apart from the airline's commercial and sporting designs. It is a national statement, designed to fly the UAE flag globally as a symbol of unity and strength during a turbulent regional period.
The UAE flag has flown on every Emirates aircraft since the airline began in 1985. For the first time, the flag is now the centrepiece.
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