People walk outside the King Abdulaziz Airport upon their arrival to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. AFP
People walk outside the King Abdulaziz Airport upon their arrival to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. AFP
People walk outside the King Abdulaziz Airport upon their arrival to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. AFP
People walk outside the King Abdulaziz Airport upon their arrival to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. AFP

Saudi Arabia to begin gradual resumption of domestic flights from May 31


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Saudi Arabia's civil aviation body is allowing the resumption of some domestic flights from Sunday May 31 as the kingdom relaxes containment measures put in place amid the spread of the coronavirus.

The resumption of domestic flights will be in stages to include all local destinations within two weeks, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said. The kingdom suspended domestic flights on March 21 in the wake of the spread of the pandemic around the world.

"Based on what was submitted by the competent health authorities ... regarding the return of some vital activities in accordance with the health controls and precautionary measures taken in combat of the novel coronavirus, the GACA announces the issuance of the approval for the resumption of domestic flights ... by the national air carriers," the state run Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will resume 60 flights each day in the first phase, according to SPA. All domestic flights to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah will be operated through the new Terminal 1. The carrier said it continues to operate its international flights to repatriate citizens.

The first stage includes the operation of the following airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, Abha International Airport, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, Hail International Airport, King Saud Airport in Al-Bahah, and Najran Airport.

The kingdom is also lifting bans on domestic travel, holding prayers in mosques, and workplace attendance in both the government and private sector.

The kingdom has recorded 76,726 cases of Covid-19 as of Tuesday, with 411 deaths and 48,450 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak globally.

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”

 

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Bombshell

Director: Jay Roach

Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie 

Four out of five stars 

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The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5

Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km