In the heart of Emirates’ busiest lounge in Dubai – the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, sits a one-of-kind experience – the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge.

Continuing Emirates and Moët Hennessy’s longstanding partnership of 32 years, the latest collaboration features a newly designed champagne and canapés pairing menu, curated over several months by Emirates master chefs and champagne experts from the house of Moët & Chandon.

Created and constructed exclusively for Emirates, the elegant Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge features an eye-catching golden wave design adorned with 2,400 intricate gold leaves applied individually by hand.

Within the lounge, four of the finest Moët & Chandon champagnes are available, with latest collection launched last month featuring Moët & Chandon Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial and Grand Vintage 2013.

Before boarding a flight, Emirates customers are invited to relax in the lounge, and transform their waiting time into a learning experience and exploration of the pairing of iconic champagne and meticulously crafted cuisine. Customers will be able to sample and explore the pairings, which were crafted based on three principles;

Minimalist ingredients with maximum impact – Emirates chefs prioritized using high-quality, seasonal ingredients to create a symphony of flavours without overwhelming the palate.

This approach allows the natural notes of the champagne to shine through and creates a more balanced dining experience, like the signature foie gras offering which features only three components: brioche, foie gras, and fig. This allows each ingredient to play its part, highlighting the richness of the foie gras with the sweetness of the fig and the buttery base of the brioche.

Flavour harmony – Emirates and Moët & Chandon have carefully considered the flavour profiles of both the champagne and the canapés, ensuring they complement each other seamlessly, like incorporating berries or citrus that echo the fruit notes in the champagne, or balancing creamy textures with a touch of acidity.

Visual appeal – The pairing experts from Emirates and Moët & Chandon believe food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds and took pride in crafting visually stunning canapés that are meticulously arranged and plated, adding to the immersive experience.

The first Champagne guests are invited to sample is Moët Impérial Brut. With a striking nose of green apple and citrus, followed by mineral freshness and white flowers – this champagne is cellared for 24 months. It offers the blonde nuances of brioche, grains and fresh nuts, and its fine bubbles and subtle palate lends itself perfectly to seafood and pronounced acidity tempered by fat.

Emirates has paired Moët Impérial Brut with four individual dishes, which are served throughout the month; Salmon tiradito on calamansi leche de tigre, Grilled Obsiblue shrimps, watermelon and feta salad, Tuna tartare with fresh orange segment, or Scallop tataki.

The second Champagne featured is Moët Rosé Impérial, cellared for 21 months and offering an intense bouquet of red fruits, rose petals and florals, underscored by a hint of pepper. This cuvée pairs perfectly with colourful summer vegetables and fresh green herbs.

Emirates recommends trying Moët Impérial Rosé with four paired dishes, served throughout the month; Beetroot moutabel with akawi cheese and pine seeds, Fennel infused spinach and asparagus dip with grilled asparagus and yuzu pearls, Beetroot tartare with sesame seeds and dill or Bocconcini cheese with basil infused green melon and pine seeds.

The third recommended Champagne is the memorable Moët Grand Vintage 2013. Grand Vintage 2013 is a unique cuvée, benefitting from 7 years in the cellar and presenting soft autumnal notes, followed by a palate of ripe pear, grapefruit and toasted nuts. To enhance the delicacy of the Champagne, Emirates master chefs have paired Moët Grand Vintage 2013 with four bespoke dishes, served throughout the month; Foie gras on toasted brioche with fresh fig and Maldon salt, Duck rillette with chive mayonnaise, Foie gras on toasted brioche with quince and Maldon salt and Foie gras on toasted brioche with passionfruit, mango and Maldon salt.

The final Champagne featured in the pairing menu is the unique Moët Nectar Impérial, cellared for 18 months and featuring flavours of pineapple, mango, plum and apricot with a dash of vanilla. Ideally served with a sweet and fruity dessert, Emirates is serving Nectar Impérial with four dessert canapés, served throughout the month; Tropical crème, Mango trifle, Lemon cream pannacotta, and Blueberry cheesecake.

Access to the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge and new pairing menu is complimentary for all guests of the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A deal has been sealed between the Enugu State government and the Landmark Group for the transformation of the Nike Lake Resort Hotel.

The company, owned by serial investor, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, will revamp the facility and operate for 35 years on lease.

The Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, expressed optimism that Landmark Group would use the hotel to boost tourism sector of the state.

He explained that his administration decided to work with Mr Onwuanibe’s organisation as part of his commitment to transforming Enugu into a global destination for investment and tourism, noting that Nike Lake Resort remains a key government asset that need efficient management to flourish.

“Nike Lake Resort is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of Enugu’s hospitality and tourism potential.

“This partnership reflects our vision to create an environment that fosters investment, job creation, and economic growth,” Mr Mbah remarked.

The Governor said Nike Lake Resort Hotel could position Enugu as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors while boosting the state’s economic development.

On his part, Mr Onwuanibe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage the iconic hotel and assured the government of delivering world-class services.

He also emphasized the potential of the hotel to serve as a major tourism hub, creating employment opportunities for the youth and revitalizing Enugu’s tourism sector.

While signing the deal with the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Adaora Chukwu, the Landmark Group boss said the initiative should boost the local economy and attract approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Recall that in 2024, the popular beach resort operated by Landmark Group in Lagos was demolished by the federal government to make way for the controversial Lagos to Calabar Coastal Road.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To strengthen African trade and diaspora connections, one of the leading airlines in Nigeria, Air Peace, partnered with the Africa Diaspora Investment Network Alliance (ADINA) for its summit held in Ghana on December 27, 2024.

The airline operator said it backed the event to solidify its commitment to fostering stronger ties between Africa and its global diaspora.

The programme facilitated conversations around trade, investment, and economic empowerment, positioning the diaspora as a significant force for Africa’s economic transformation.

At the summit held at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra, the Head of Sales and Business Development at Air Peace, Mr Davids Odeyemi, emphasized the airline’s mission to connect Africa and its diaspora.

He highlighted Air Peace’s extensive network, which offers seamless travel solutions for diasporans seeking to reconnect with their roots, explore their heritage, and invest in Africa’s burgeoning markets.

Mr Odeyemi also reaffirmed the airline’s role as a driver of intra-African trade, enhancing connectivity to enable the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Air Peace’s partnership with the ADINA Summit also aligns with its broader commitment to promoting tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The airline’s continuous investment in a modern fleet underscores its determination to provide a world-class travel experience, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for African development.

The programme underscored the critical role of diaspora remittances in bolstering local economies, with discussions focusing on the potential of the diaspora to surpass traditional foreign direct investments.

Air Peace, through this partnership, gained access to a high-level network of African and diaspora leaders, creating opportunities to connect with talent, clients, and collaborators while amplifying its branding and marketing initiatives.

By actively participating in the ADINA Summit 2024, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the continent’s future. This partnership exemplifies the airline’s leadership in African aviation and its unwavering commitment to driving progress across the continent. Together with ADINA, Air Peace is helping to unlock Africa’s economic potential and strengthen its global connections.