Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, with Ho Chi Minh City, home to over seven million people, recognized as its commercial capital.

Emirates will use an Airbus A330-200 in a two class configuration on the route to Ho Chi Minh City, which is set to become the airline's 124th destination.

From October 28, this service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER in a two-class configuration.

Operating as EK 390 the daily non-stop flight, with 27 Business Class seats and 251 Economy Class seats, will depart Dubai International Airport at 0925hrs arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 1920hrs.

The return flight EK 391 will depart at 2050hrs arriving in Dubai at 0045hrs the following day.

"Following the signing of the air services memorandum of understanding between Vietnam and the UAE in April 2011, we have been busy planning this route and it comes at a very exciting time for the airline, as our global network continues to expand," said Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline.

"Emirates will offer tourists and business travelers, particularly from the Middle East, Africa and Europe, a convenient option to access Vietnam," Clark added.

“Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant places in South East Asia and we are convinced that this will prove to be a highly popular route. We look forward to growing our partnership with Vietnam and would like to thank the Government and Airport Authorities for their support in the planning of our launch,” said Clarke.

Ho Chi Minh City will be the Emirates' eighth route launch in 2012, following on from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro on Jan. 3; Dublin Jan. 9; Lusaka and Harare on Feb. 1; Dallas on Feb. 2 and Seattle on March 1.