Emirates, dnata repurpose 430 strollers to support UAE communities
Hope Amel, Senses and Al Noor receive vital child transport aid
DUBAI – Emirates and dnata have joined forces in a large-scale community initiative that has seen 430 airport strollers repurposed and donated to support families and children in need across the UAE.
The project brings together Emirates Airport Services, Emirates Engineering, dnata4good and several local non-profit organisations in a coordinated effort centred on reuse and social impact.
Originally used at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, the strollers have now been transformed for extended community benefit after refurbishment and sanitisation. The initiative reflects a structured approach to sustainability and welfare, linking aviation operations with grassroots humanitarian support.
From terminal to community
The process began within Emirates Airport Services, where teams identified surplus airport strollers previously used by travelling families at Dubai International Airport (DXB). These strollers, known for their red Emirates branding and widespread use in Terminal 3, are provided free of charge to assist passengers navigating long airport distances with infants and toddlers.
Following Emirates’ purchase of 1000 new strollers in December 2025, 430 older models were earmarked for repurposing instead of disposal. Emirates Engineering teams transported the units to a dedicated workshop, where they were refurbished and prepared for a second life. The engineering process included careful adjustments to branding and structural refinements to ensure continued usability.
A distinctive feature of the refurbishment was the addition of a signature leather tag created from Business Class seat material, carrying the message “Donated with love by Emirates”. This step reflected Emirates Engineering’s broader practice of upcycling materials from aircraft interiors into community-focused items.
Cleaning process
Before distribution, the strollers were sent through a specialised cleaning and sanitisation process managed by Emirates Airport Services. This ensured that each unit met strict hygiene standards before being transferred outside airport operations. The cleaning stage was positioned as an essential step in preparing the equipment for new users in community settings, particularly children and families requiring reliable mobility support.
Who will receive the strollers?
Once sanitised, the strollers were formally handed over to dnata4good, an employee-led initiative focused on community service, environmental responsibility and wellbeing projects across dnata’s global workforce. The team coordinated with local organisations to identify beneficiaries capable of maximising the practical value of the donation.
dnata4good identified three UAE-based non-profit organisations to receive the refurbished strollers: Hope Amel UAE, Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs, and Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination. Each organisation received allocations based on their operational needs and community programmes.
Hope Amel UAE, founded in 2020, focuses on supporting mothers and families facing financial hardship by distributing essential items such as baby formula, diapers and pre-loved childcare equipment. The organisation stated plans to direct the strollers towards single mothers and families requiring immediate support.
Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs, based in Dubai, provides structured care, education and life-skills programmes for children and young adults. The organisation intends to use the strollers for student mobility during outings, emergency transport needs and day-to-day activities within its care programmes.
Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, which supports more than 200 students, integrates therapy, education and vocational training. The strollers will be used to assist mobility during school trips, outdoor activities and community engagement programmes designed to promote independence and inclusion.
Structured support
The collaboration highlights a multi-stage operational model linking airport services, engineering expertise and employee-led volunteer initiatives. Emirates Airport Services initiated the collection and preparation process, Emirates Engineering managed refurbishment and repurposing, while dnata4good facilitated community distribution.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts within Emirates and dnata to extend the lifecycle of operational assets and redirect usable resources towards social benefit. It also reflects ongoing engagement between aviation infrastructure and non-profit organisations operating within the UAE’s social support ecosystem.