The Emirates Airline has started a daily non-stop flight service between Dar es Salaam and Dubai to accommodate local traders.
The flights will make available 1,700 seats per week between the two cities, according to the airline's local representative, Halide al-Serial who attributed the inauguration of the Dar es Salaam-Dubai flights to growing trade and commerce in East Africa.
"Growing trade and commerce links between East Africa and Dubai have contributed to enhanced air travel along this route," said the airline representative on Saturday.
As a trading hub, Dubai has been attracting East African traders with its electronic goods as well as household items at tax-free prices.
Dubai is preparing for a shopping festival which runs from Dec. 20 this year till Feb. 2 next year.
(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2006)