DUBAI: Following the US’ ban on allowing passengers from a handful of Middle Eastern and North African countries to pack large electronic devices in their carry-on luggage, Dubai’s Emirates Airline took to its Instagram page with a slick new advert.
Within hours of the ban being enforced by the airline, it attempted to turn the measure — which states that anything larger than a smartphone must be packed into checked luggage — into a selling point.
“Who needs laptops and tablets anyway?” the advert reads, before cutting to a shot of Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston playing video games on the in-flight entertainment system.
The advert with Aniston is not new, having been released in October 2016, but the repackaged clip is.
“This thing has so many games and so many movies,” Aniston says about the on-board entertainment. “It’s crazy.”
The advert ends with an image of an Emirates Airline plane flying high, with the caption “let us entertain you.”
The video was well-received online, with a slew of commenters praising the airline on the advert.
“Creative in such short notice! Kudos,” one user commented.
“Smooth reaction on the recent electronic ban! Well done @emirates,” said another.
The UK is set to follow up the American ban with a move of its own.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said that there would be curbs on electronic items in the main cabin on flights from six countries in the Middle East. The foreign office said the measures would be implemented by March 25.
Aniston, Emirates have the best response to US ban
Aniston, Emirates have the best response to US ban
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
