On July 2, 2019, the direct flight from Dubai to Porto (DXB-OPO) was inaugurated. It was a very special occasion for the touristic and comercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Northern Portugal region. With four direct connections, the city of Porto will be closer to Dubai and the flight EK197 will be in full operation on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

In order to get to know some of Porto's products and attractions, ATP organized a full day program for the Emirates delegation VIP members. It was attended by the Portuguese Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, Emirates' local director, among companies and other companies.

The program started at 10am at Livraria Lello, followed by a tour of Porto's historic center. They had lunch at Six Senses in the Douro Valley and visited Quinta da Pacheca. On their return to Porto, the group took a 6 Bridges cruise and returned to the Hotel, where the program ended.