The state-owned carrier that started in 1985 with two leased aircraft and a small government loan, and grew into one of the biggest international airlines on earth, built around the giant hub at Dubai International (DXB). Its long-haul, hub-and-spoke model helped put Dubai at the centre of the map between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

As much a part of the city's identity as anything with a foundation — the airline and the city's growth are the same story.