Now may be a good time to start planning a trip from the UAE. Etihad Airways revealed its seasonal sale, which runs until Friday, with reduced airfares to several destinations. And from Dubai, there's a new set of cruise itineraries to choose from.
In other aviation news, Pan Am will take to the skies again next year in a bid to revive the golden age of air travel and Qantas is now flying non-stop to Paris, just in time for the Summer Olympic Games.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Etihad launches autumn sale to Maldives, India, UK and more
With summer already in full swing, it might be time to turn your focus to next season. Etihad is doing exactly that with the launch of a five-day autumn flight sale.
Running until Friday, the promotion from the UAE’s national airline offers cut-price airfares on tickets to several destinations including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Greece, India and the UK.
Valid for travel between September and November, the sale applies only to flights booked online directly with Etihad.
Travellers in the mood for a tropical escape can find bargain airfares to Male in the Maldives. Fares for the four-hour flights start at Dh850, return.
Autumn is the perfect season to visit Jordan’s treasures and return flights to Amman in the sale start at Dh750. The recent buzz around the Ambani wedding in Mumbai is likely to encourage more travellers to visit the colourful city and return fares from Abu Dhabi start at Dh1,130.
To Ireland, cut-price fares to Dublin are available from Dh3,370 and travellers hoping to explore the UK can opt to skip London and fly instead to Manchester where Etihad economy airfare tickets start at Dh3,350.
The US is also included in the flash sale with return fares to Boston, Etihad’s newest North American destination, starting at Dh4,720. Flights to Washington DC and New York are also part of the promotion.
Resorts World Cruises to dock in Dubai this October
Travellers hoping to take to the Arabian Gulf this year will now be able to do so with Resort Worlds Cruises. The Asian luxury cruise brand is bringing its 13-deck Resorts World One cruise ship to the region for the first time.
Starting on October 18 and running until April next year, the 268-metre-long ship will make Dubai its home port for round-trip cruising adventures to Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Khasab and Muscat.
Operating in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia, Resorts World Cruises introduces its 1,854 capacity ship to Dubai. With several restaurants, a Roman-themed pool deck and water park, a children’s club, VR Park and Zodiac theatre hosting live performances, the ship can accommodate about 150,000 passengers in its first sailing season in the Gulf.
Travellers can book a suite at The Palace – the largest ship-within-a-ship at sea that comes with VIP boarding, 24-hour butler service, an exclusive restaurant and a private sundeck and swimming pool.
From Dubai, seafarers can head off on a two-night weekend cruise to Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where tourists can see a host of wildlife and enjoy untouched beaches. Discovering the sultanate is also on the agenda on the ship’s three-night Oman cruise that takes in the cultural gems of Khasab and Muscat. Neighbouring Qatar can be visited on a two-day itinerary to Doha where excursions include visits to some of the city’s most renowned attractions. Passengers can also combine two or all three itineraries for a four, five or seven-night cruise.
“As Resorts World Cruises embarks on this special journey, we envision a fusion of cultures, where discerning luxury travellers from the Middle East connect with the vibrant charm of some of the most prominent landmarks within the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman,” said Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises.
On board, there is a host of entertainment including live music, Bollywood DJs and foam parties. Travellers will have access to halal dining offerings and no pork is served. Bookings can be made in advance for travellers who wish to have spa services with crew members of the same gender. There will also be a choice of vegetarian and Jain cuisine on board.
Pan Am to revive the golden age of jet travel next year
One of the greatest symbols of the golden age of commercial aviation is set to take to the skies again. Next year, after more than three decades, Pan American World Airways will set off on a special journey, flying to destinations around the globe to commemorate the airline's first transatlantic voyage.
Commonly known as Pan Am, the airline was an early adopter of first-class travel, offering multi-course meals and open bars. Operational from 1927 to 1991, the carrier was known for its immaculate stewardesses in sky-blue uniforms and dapper captains. Offering passengers a taste of the literal high-life, in its heyday, Pan Am was the airline of choice for celebrities and wealthy travellers.
The Tracing the Transatlantic Voyage aims to recreate that era.
Departing from New York City, a privately chartered Boeing 757 will set off on a 12-day trip that closely follows the original route of Pan Am's flying boats with stops in Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London and Ireland. Up to 50 passengers can be part of the voyage and bookings are open.
Running from June 27 until July 9, the trip will give passengers a taste of the glamorous days of jet travel. Tickets for the experience start at just under Dh60,000 and include flights, accommodation, meals, beverages and branded Pan Am merchandise. For that sum, air passengers will enjoy lie-flat beds, Pan Am-inspired service on board and expedited customs and immigration services at each destination.
When on the ground, travellers will stay in some of the world's finest hotels including the Waldorf Astoria New York and London's The Savoy. Excursions include a day's sailing in Bermuda, a private visit to Kensington Palace in London and a private dinner at Foynes Museum in Ireland, home to the only B314 flying boat replica in existence.
Passengers will be accompanied on the trip by Craig Carter, chief executive of Pan American World Airways. The voyage is “the first of many exclusive themed flights back into the luxury travel space”, said Carter.
Qantas launches non-stop flights between Australia and France
Qantas has launched non-stop flights from Australia to France. Departing from Perth and landing in Paris 17 hours and 20 minutes later, the new route is the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere in the world and is about three hours faster than the current fastest Perth-to-Paris service.
Launching just in time for the Olympics, Qantas' flight travels 14,264km and will operate four times per week over the summer season. From mid-August, the schedule will change to three times per week.
“In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long-haul routes and avoiding stopovers wherever possible,” said Vanessa Hudson, chief executive of Qantas Group. “Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network.
“With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy brunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”
Operated via the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the flights offer passengers large windows, high cabin humidity and relaxed mood lighting that has been designed to help beat jet lag symptoms.
There are three classes of travel including premium economy, and travellers can get into the mood for Paris with a selection of French cinema movies on the in-flight entertainment systems. Premium travellers will also be offered French-inspired dining with dishes such as bouillabaisse of snapper and Skull Island prawns.
Qantas' new route adds an extra 75,000 seats annually between Australia and Europe.
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
TOURNAMENT INFO
Fixtures
Sunday January 5 - Oman v UAE
Monday January 6 - UAE v Namibia
Wednesday January 8 - Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid, Darius D’Silva, Karthik Meiyappan, Jonathan Figy, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Chirag Suri
SCHEDULE
December 8: UAE v USA (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 9: USA v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 11: UAE v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 12: UAE v USA (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 14: USA v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 15: UAE v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
All matches start at 10am
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
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The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
Your rights as an employee
The government has taken an increasingly tough line against companies that fail to pay employees on time. Three years ago, the Cabinet passed a decree allowing the government to halt the granting of work permits to companies with wage backlogs.
The new measures passed by the Cabinet in 2016 were an update to the Wage Protection System, which is in place to track whether a company pays its employees on time or not.
If wages are 10 days late, the new measures kick in and the company is alerted it is in breach of labour rules. If wages remain unpaid for a total of 16 days, the authorities can cancel work permits, effectively shutting off operations. Fines of up to Dh5,000 per unpaid employee follow after 60 days.
Despite those measures, late payments remain an issue, particularly in the construction sector. Smaller contractors, such as electrical, plumbing and fit-out businesses, often blame the bigger companies that hire them for wages being late.
The authorities have urged employees to report their companies at the labour ministry or Tawafuq service centres — there are 15 in Abu Dhabi.
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Rating: 2.5/5
Army of the Dead
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera
Three stars
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Downton Abbey: A New Era'
Director: Simon Curtis
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
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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
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
WHAT ARE NFTs?
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are tokens that represent ownership of unique items. They allow the tokenisation of things such as art, collectibles and even real estate.
An NFT can have only one official owner at one time. And since they're minted and secured on the Ethereum blockchain, no one can modify the record of ownership, not even copy-paste it into a new one.
This means NFTs are not interchangeable and cannot be exchanged with other items. In contrast, fungible items, such as fiat currencies, can be exchanged because their value defines them rather than their unique properties.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
