On today's update, we have the latest coronavirus figures, Emirates and Etihad make changes to staff salaries and the places in Dubai where you can get Covid-19 PCR tests for Dh250.
A UAE university discovers saliva tests are as accurate as PCR nasal swabs, Abu Dhabi police arrest four men for operating an illegal tobacco factory and Saudi Arabia's King Salman has a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Cody Combs joins us for what's trending, including Novak Djokovic, vaccines and Pope Francis.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
