A new direct flight between Dubai in the UAE and Vietnam’s Danang, operated by Emirates, is expected to boost luxury visitation from the affluent Middle East region – as well as Europe and the Americas where the airline connects with – to the Asian coastal city.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Danang, there were more than 13,000 visitors from the Middle East as of April 2025. This figure represents 0.73 per cent of Danang’s total international visitors.
With the new Emirates route now in operation, Middle Eastern arrivals are expected to rise sharply, potentially adding trillions of Vietnamese dong in tourism revenue to the local economy.
Tran Chi Cuong, vice chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, said the new Emirates service will reduce the travel gap between Danang and major global markets such as the Middle East, Europe, North America and Africa. It also helps to strengthen tourism development and opens new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Danang is ready to welcome affluent travellers – it has 111 four and five-star hotels, many of which carry international labels that are favoured by Middle Eastern elites. There are also 16 tourist sites to provide visitors with varied entertainment.
Danang also has an advantage in golf tourism, thanks to three international-standard golf courses, and in halal tourism, as the city has nearly 30 restaurants and eateries offering Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly cuisine.
Sun Group believes it can contribute to Danang’s appeal among affluent Middle Eastern visitors. Its tourism portfolio includes top destinations like Sun World Ba Na Hills and its iconic Golden Bridge as well as the renowned Ba Na Hills Golf Club, which was designed by golf legend Luke Donald. Two restaurants at Sun World Ba Na Hills – Halal Indrapura and Bharata Restaurant – are also halal-certified.
Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, deputy CEO of Sun Group and CEO of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment Group, said: “In addition to high-end services, it is the understanding of culture and the ability to offer culturally refined experiences that allow us to fully meet the needs of these highly discerning guests.”
