April Fools’ Day 2023 saw some of the world’s biggest brands prank customers with fake news and joke stories.
From Emirates entering the cruise industry, to Baskin-Robbins introducing new flavours to its range of ice creams brands in Dubai tried to catch out customers.
The convincing tales tricked some online followers on social media, while others were not so easily fooled.
April Fools’ Day 2023
April Fools’ Day is an annual tradition recognised around the world, in which practical jokes and hoaxes are played on an unsuspecting public.
Traditionally undertaken by friends and family it has become customary in recent years as a chance for creative brands to gain a little extra publicity.
Companies in Dubai and the Middle East were no exception this year. Check out some of the best April Fools’ Day 2023 jokes, hoaxes and pranks.
Emirates Sealine cruises
Emirates delighted holidaymakers with news that it is launching maritime division, Emirates Sealine.
After placing a multi-billion dollar order for cruise ships the airline told customers it had created a new post for Captain Jack Shallow.
According to an Emirates release the cruise ship sailed by Dubai’s Atlantis hotel in Palm Jumeirah before sailing off to Karachi as part of a world tour.
GymNation leg-day slide
Fitness group GymNation announced the introduction of the world’s first leg-day slide.
Following a tough workout, it said gym users could use a high-speed slide to exit the facility, rather than try and tackle the stairs with aching legs.
Tapping a button near the gym exits would see a patented muscle-friendly slide appear to take customers effortlessly down to the car park.
New Baskin-Robbins flavours
Ice cream giant Baskin-Robbins divided opinion with a new series of flavours released on April 1.
Unveiling flavours including Sardine Surprise, Garlic Glaze, Sour Cream and Onion and Wasabi Blast it asked followers to pick a favourite.
A social media post said: “Looking for a way to celebrate the start of April? Look no further we’ve taken our classic flavours and given them an exciting twist to make them even more delicious. Come on down and try our newest creations, they’re sure to become your new favourites!”
Heinz ketchup bottle
Heinz announced a new invention that would actually benefit thousands of customers – if it were true.
A two-sided bottle that can dispense tomato ketchup from either end. It is either an April Fools’ Day hoax or a stroke of squirty genius.
Heinz said: “Can’t get the last drop of Ketchup out of your Heinz? Introducing the new Heinz Ketch-Up&Down bottle! The new bottle features not just 1, but 2 lids that allow for easy squeezing no matter which way the bottle is placed. Place it up, place it down… your Ketchup will come out!”
McDonald’s flurry straw
McDonald’s was another brand to join in the April Fools’ Day tradition.
Taking to Instagram it announced a new invention that pleased and fooled many customers – a McFlurry spoon-straw hybrid.
The fast-food chain’s popular ice cream offering is usually served with a spoon, which has been known to confuse customers thinking it was a straw. Some may be disappointed to learn it actually isn’t one.
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