Two months after restarting flights to Lebanon, following their suspension amid Israel's war with Hezbollah, Emirates is reinstating its second daily flight between Dubai and Beirut from April 1.
The additional flight, using a Boeing 777-300ER, will boost weekly passenger capacity by more than 5,000 seats both ways, the Dubai airline said.
Emirates flight EK957 will take off from Dubai International at 7.30am local time, arriving at Beirut's Rafic Al Hariri International Airport at 10.35am local time. The return flight, EK958, will depart from Beirut at 12.05pm and will arrive in Dubai at 4.55pm.
The daily flight is in addition to EK953, also served by a Boeing 777-300ER, which leaves Dubai at 11.30am local time, arriving in Beirut at 2pm local time. The return flight, EK954, leaves Beirut at 3.30pm local time, landing in Dubai at 9.20pm local time.
Emirates resumed its Dubai-Beirut flights on February 1 following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire boosted efforts to maintain peace in Lebanon, following the election of President Joseph Aoun.
Emirates unveiled plans to reinstate the second flight last month. Other UAE airlines, including Etihad and Air Arabia, had resumed flights to Beirut in December.
Ultra-low cost airline Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced this month it will launch flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut three times a week starting on June 4.
Johan Eidhagen, the managing director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, told The National that his airline's entry into the market was “a sign of Lebanon normalising”. Tourism to Lebanon will recover “relatively fast” with the Middle East as a tourism destination growing “massively”, he added.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
