Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is home to the international airport that serves as the hub for Emirates Airlines' global operations. Emirates Airlines flies to six continents daily, connecting them with its world-class service. Emirates carried 59 million customers to over 159 different locations in 2018. The government of Emirates owns the airline through its holding company, the Emirates Group. Established in 1985, it receives no funding from the government. Emirates operates independently of major airline groups around the world.