Emirates to Deploy Retrofitted Boeing 777 on Beirut and Beijing Routes in 2026 । Flightnews24

Flight timings and connectivity

On the Beirut service, EK953 departs Dubai at 15:40 and arrives in Beirut at 17:00, while EK954 leaves Beirut at 19:45 and lands in Dubai at 00:50. Emirates says the schedule is designed to support onward connections, including to major diaspora markets such as Australia and North America, where travellers can continue their journey on aircraft offering a similar Premium Economy experience.

For Beijing, EK306 departs Dubai at 03:20 and arrives at 14:45, with EK307 departing Beijing at 00:40 and arriving back in Dubai at 05:30. The timings also offer connections onward across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Gulf, and the Indian Ocean via Dubai.

What’s new onboard the four-class 777

The upgraded Boeing 777 features a refreshed interior with updated design elements and a four-class layout comprising:

8 First Class suites

40 Business Class seats

24 Premium Economy seats

260 Economy seats

Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin includes wider leather seats with deeper recline, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, and a 13.3-inch screen, along with enhanced soft products such as upgraded bedding and select route amenities. The refurbished Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access and more privacy.

By adding the retrofitted 777 to Beirut and Beijing, Emirates is widening access to its newest cabin standards on medium- and long-haul routes—an increasingly important factor for travellers looking for a step-up experience between Economy and Business Class.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced key deadlines for the current Umrah season, specifying that the issuance of Umrah visas will end on the first day of Shawwal. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until Shawwal 15, while all Umrah pilgrims must depart by the first day of Dhul Qada.

The announcement was made during the ministry’s 17th periodic virtual meeting with licensed Umrah companies, held on Saturday. Officials used the session to reiterate compliance requirements ahead of the Hajj season, emphasizing that Hajj rituals must only be performed with a valid Hajj visa and not under an Umrah permit.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah praised service providers for their coordination during Ramadan, highlighting their role in assisting pilgrims, resolving cases involving stranded visitors, and ensuring their safe return home.

He also called for continued adherence to operational guidelines, including managing staggered arrival schedules at airports and regularly updating departure information through the Nusk Masar platform.

In addition, the minister encouraged companies to take part in the third Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled for 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration and sharing expertise across the sector.

The meeting featured a review of performance indicators from the current Umrah season, along with discussions on preparations for the upcoming forum. Participants examined opportunities to enhance partnerships and improve service delivery for pilgrims.

These regular meetings form part of the ministry’s broader effort to maintain coordination with industry stakeholders and to advance service standards, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to improve the overall experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.