Photo: Nanfang Plus

Emirates has launched a daily direct passenger flight between Dubai and Shenzhen on July 1st, marking a strategic expansion in the Chinese mainland and further strengthening links between the Middle East and one of China’s most dynamic tech powerhouses.

The move makes Shenzhen the airline’s fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. With this new addition, Emirates now operates 42 weekly flights between China and the UAE.

The new route is served by Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777-300ER, with daily flight EK328 departing Dubai at 10:05 am and arriving in Shenzhen at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, takes off from Shenzhen at 11:55 pm and lands in Dubai at 3:40 am the following day.

Beyond passengers, the route also serves as a vital cargo corridor. Each aircraft can carry up to 16 tonnes of bellyhold cargo, enabling efficient transport of high-value and temperature-sensitive goods, from electronics to pharmaceuticals. The route is expected to support Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains, particularly in advanced manufacturing and e-commerce.