Just in time for the summer travel rush, Dubai carrier flydubai is adding daily flights to Islamabad and Lahore. The airline already serves many Pakistani cities including Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta and Sialkot.
Meanwhile, Oman's low-cost airline SalamAir is ramping up its service to India, launching twice-weekly flights to Chennai in South India, in addition to its existing routes to Jaipur, Trivandrum and Calicut.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Flydubai launches daily services to Lahore and Islamabad
Dubai carrier flydubai will fly daily to Pakistani cities Islamabad and Lahore from July 1.
Departing from Terminal 2 in Dubai, flight FZ353 will take off at 9.05am local time and arrive at Islamabad International Airport at 1.20pm local time. The corresponding flight, FZ354, will then leave Islamabad at 2.20pm local time, arriving in Dubai at 4.50pm local time.
Flights to Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport, FZ359, will take off at 12.30am local time in Dubai and arrive at 4.45am local time in Pakistan. The return flight FZ360 will take off from Lahore at 5.45am local time, arriving at Dubai's Terminal 2 at 8.15am local time.
Flydubai said the two routes will be served by its Boeing 737 Max fleet, offering both economy and business class seats.
Return economy fares to Islamabad start at Dh1,300, with business class starting at Dh5,500. For Lahore, return economy class fares start at Dh1,200, while business class seats start at Dh5,500.
Flydubai first started serving Pakistan in 2010 with flights to Karachi. The airline already flies to Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta and Sialkot.
SalamAir to fly twice weekly between Muscat and Chennai
Starting on July 11, Omani low-cast carrier SalamAir will operate two weekly flights between Muscat and Chennai in South India, on Thursdays and Saturdays.
SalamAir flight will depart Muscat at 11pm local time and arrive in Chennai at 4.15am local time. The corresponding flight will depart from Chennai at 5am local time and arrive in Muscat at 7.25am local time.
“We are thrilled to introduce our new service to Chennai, a significant milestone that enhances the connectivity of the South Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf region,” said Harish Kutty, director of revenue and network planning for SalamAir. “With its rich cultural heritage and economic vitality, Chennai presents immense opportunities for residents, business and leisure travellers.”
SalamAir already operates regular flights to many India cities including Jaipur, Trivandrum and Calicut. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of six A320 Neos, six A321 Neos and one A321 freighter.
Why Barcelona is banning short-term rentals
Spain's most visited city by tourists is planning to enact a citywide ban on all short-term rentals in a move to curb soaring rents.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni announced on Friday that the city will stop giving new licences and won't renew existing ones. This means that by 2029, no homes will be allowed to be rented out to tourists. This will deal a massive blow to operators such as Airbnb.
“More supply of housing is needed, and the measures we’re presenting are to provide more supply so that the working middle class does not have to leave the city because they can’t afford housing,” Collboni said.
A total of 10,101 apartments currently have licences to operate, but will become void by 2028. Those apartments will be used by the city’s residents or will go on the market for rent or sale, Collboni said.
Barcelona already bans the rental of rooms to tourists, but that's done little to reduce rents that have risen by 68 per cent over the past 10 years, the mayor said. The cost of buying a house also rose by 38 per cent during the same period.
Tourist hot spots such as New York, Tokyo, London, Amsterdam and Paris also have limitations on short-term rentals, but with varying degrees. Barcelona's move is, however, one of the most aggressive restrictions to be put in place.
World's most physically demanding attractions revealed
For travellers up for a challenge, UK gym chain PureGym has revealed its list of global landmarks that are most exhausting to experience. Scored on three main factors – the number of steps needed to experience it to its fullest, the total elevation change and the average daytime temperature – the attractions were then given an overall “exertion score” out of 100.
The Florli Stairs in Norway was ranked No 1, with a 76 exertion score. Also popularly known as Florli 4444, after the number of wooden steps required to climb it, this popular tourist attraction was built as a maintenance stairway for two water pipelines and a rail, which used to transport people and materials to the top of a mountain where a now-decommissioned hydro power plant sits. The 740-metre climb takes thee to four hours to complete.
In second place, with an exertion score of 63, is the Manitou Incline, a hiking trail in Colorado Springs in the US. The remains of a former railway track, the attraction has approximately 2,744 steps from the bottom to the summit, and is popular with fitness enthusiasts.
The Poenari Castle in Romania is in third place, with an exertion score of 58. Built on top of a mountain, it used to be the home of Vlad the Impaler, a national hero in Romania. Now in ruins, the castle is still a popular tourist site, and is accessed by climbing 1,480 concrete stairs.
At No 4 is the Konpira Shrine in Kagawa, Japan (exertion score 50), located at 521 metres halfway to the top of Mount Zozu. While Scotland's Arthur’s Seat, the remains of an ancient extinct volcano which rises 250 metres, rounds up the top five, with an exertion score of 48.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 1
Mata 11'
Chelsea 1
Alonso 43'
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
Scoreline:
Everton 4
Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', Digne 56', Walcott 64'
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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SPECS
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PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
RESULTS
Women:
55kg brown-black belt: Amal Amjahid (BEL) bt Amanda Monteiro (BRA) via choke
62kg brown-black belt: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Ffion Davies (GBR) via referee’s decision (0-0, 2-2 adv)
70kg brown-black belt: Ana Carolina Vieira (BRA) bt Jessica Swanson (USA), 9-0
90kg brown-black belt: Angelica Galvao (USA) bt Marta Szarecka (POL) 8-2
Men:
62kg black belt: Joao Miyao (BRA) bt Wan Ki-chae (KOR), 7-2
69kg black belt: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Gianni Grippo (USA), 2-2 (1-0 adv)
77kg black belt: Espen Mathiesen (NOR) bt Jake Mackenzie (CAN)
85kg black belt: Isaque Braz (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE), 2-0
94kg black belt: Felipe Pena (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL), 4-0
110kg black belt final: Erberth Santos (BRA) bt Lucio Rodrigues (GBR) via rear naked choke
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
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Andor
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Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: Dh898,000
On sale: now
Jumanji: The Next Level
Director: Jake Kasdan
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Nick Jonas
Two out of five stars
Ten10 Cricket League
Venue and schedule Sharjah Cricket Stadium, December 14 to 17
Teams
Maratha Arabians Leading player: Virender Sehwag; Top picks: Mohammed Amir, Imad Wasim; UAE players: Shaiman Anwar, Zahoor Khan
Bengal Lions Leading player: Sarfraz Ahmed; Top picks: Sunil Narine, Mustafizur Rahman; UAE players: Mohammed Naveed, Rameez Shahzad
Kerala Kings Leading player: Eoin Morgan; Top picks: Kieron Pollard, Sohail Tanvir; UAE players: Rohan Mustafa, Imran Haider
Pakhtoons Leading player: Shahid Afridi; Top picks: Fakhar Zaman, Tamim Iqbal; UAE players: Amjad Javed, Saqlain Haider
Punjabi Legends Leading player: Shoaib Malik; Top picks: Hasan Ali, Chris Jordan; UAE players: Ghulam Shabber, Shareef Asadullah
Team Sri Lanka Cricket Will be made up of Colombo players who won island’s domestic limited-overs competition