Emirates Returns as Official Airline of the Australian Open 2026
Emirates has confirmed its return as the Official Airline of the Australian Open in 2026, continuing a long-standing partnership with the tournament. The announcement follows the 2025 edition, which recorded attendance of 1.2 million spectators at Melbourne Park.
As part of its 2026 presence, Emirates will unveil a Dubai-themed Emirates Marquee, alongside a range of on-ground and digital fan engagement initiatives designed for audiences of all ages.
Dubai-inspired Emirates Marquee
The Emirates Marquee 2026 will adopt a Dubai-inspired “Desert Dreamscape” concept, reflecting the airline’s home city and its role as a global hub. Designed as a hospitality space for guests, the Marquee will feature architectural elements such as arched structures, Arabic lanterns, lattice-style detailing, and a colour palette inspired by desert landscapes. Regional materials and florals associated with Dubai will complete the setting.
Culinary offerings will include a Dubai-style brunch menu, followed by an à la carte dining experience during the finals. The menus will draw from a mix of culinary influences commonly found in Dubai, blending Middle Eastern flavours with elements from Japanese, European, and Indian cuisines.
For the first time at the Australian Open, Emirates will offer its First Class caviar service within the Marquee, extending a feature previously seen at other major tennis tournaments. Ossetra caviar will be served with traditional accompaniments to guests in the hospitality area.
Across the tournament, Emirates expects to host more than 1,300 guests in the Marquee, including Skywards members, business leaders, and figures from sport and entertainment. Since 2015, the airline has welcomed close to 15,000 guests through this hospitality programme.
Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President, Australasia, at Emirates, said the airline is pleased to continue its association with the Australian Open in 2026 and to connect fans with the tournament in Australia and globally. He noted that the Dubai-themed Marquee is designed to showcase elements of the airline’s home city for audiences in Melbourne.
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia and Tournament Director of the Australian Open, said the ongoing partnership reflects a strong working relationship and contributes to the overall experience for fans attending the event.
Fan engagement on-site and online
Emirates will again support fan-focused initiatives across Melbourne Park. The AO Ballpark Presented by Emirates will open ahead of the main draw on Monday, 12 January, with activities for families and younger audiences. A Dubai-inspired Emirates Adventure Club will also be introduced within the precinct.
Kids Tennis Day, presented by Emirates, will take place on Saturday, 17 January, with a full day of activities across the venue. In 2025, the event attracted nearly 20,000 children and families.
The airline’s digital engagement continues through the AO Adventure on Roblox, where more than 1.6 million users have interacted with the Emirates Passport experience since its launch.
Emirates Day is scheduled for Tuesday, 20 January, and will feature fan interactions, including meet-and-greets with cabin crew and photo opportunities tied to the partnership.
Connecting fans in the air
Emirates will also bring the tournament onboard its flights, with live match coverage available through its in-flight entertainment system, along with Australian Open-themed menus and amenities. Through its combined on-ground, digital, and in-flight initiatives, the airline aims to support fan engagement throughout the Australian Open 2026.
Leave a comment