Indian travellers have broadened their horizons as they take the long way back to Dubai while a ban on direct passenger flights to the UAE remains in place.
Anxious to get back to their jobs and reunite with loved ones, thousands of Indians spent 14-day layovers in destinations they may never have considered for a holiday, such as Ethiopia and Uzbekistan.
Passenger entry to the UAE from India was suspended in April due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in the South Asian country. Emirates Airline said on Monday that passenger flights would be suspended until at least July 21.
The ruling also applies to anyone who has been in India or transited through the country in the 14 days before arrival in UAE.
It led UAE residents stuck in India to search for suitable countries to spend the intervening two-week period before flying to the UAE.
They ask for help from fellow travellers and travel agents on WhatsApp and Facebook to locate cities open for travel, since flight bans and new quarantine rules are sometimes announced overnight.
Some UAE residents were in India for the last rites of a parent, others to assist elderly relatives ill with Covid-19.
Many had no choice but to travel home to be with family during a time of crisis.
Daily calls for support
Jyoti Malal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, receives calls daily, not only from UAE residents, but also Indians who wish to travel to Canada and Australia, where similar restrictions exist.
“Countries are opening slowly but these bans will continue until countries co-ordinate and have unilateral policies to open borders,” she said.
“Otherwise people will keep looking for avenues and try different permutations to reach their destination, because they are worried about jobs.”
The UAE announced flight restrictions from India on April 25 to curb the spread of the Delta variant.
UAE citizens, residents with golden visas, those on diplomatic missions and business groups who charter flights are among those permitted on flights to the Emirates.
The National spoke to families who have recently returned to the UAE. For many, the enforced quarantine turned into a much-needed break.
Delhi to Dubai via Addis Ababa
Gagan Seth, a general manager with a facilities management company, and his wife flew to Mirzapur, north India before flight restrictions were announced to look after his parents, who had tested positive for Covid-19.
His parents, in their 70s, recovered and tested negative a day after the India flight ban was enforced.
“My parents live alone in a small town and I needed to take care of them,” Mr Seth said.
“You get jobs multiple times in life but your parents are once [irreplaceable]. It is our responsibility to look after them.
“When I left the UAE, I had not known flights would stop. But even had I known, I still would have gone to India.”
A suggestion from a friend who worked in the Africa region influenced Mr Seth’s decision to return via Ethiopia.
He flew to Addis Ababa with his wife Vaishali on June 6 via Doha.
The couple spent 14 hours in Qatar before boarding the flight to Ethiopia and returned to Dubai on June 21.
The tickets, including airfare within India, cost Dh6,160 per person and the hotel stay was about Dh5,300.
“My thought process was, 'if I stay in India I’m not productive'. My goal was to reach Dubai and it does not help if I’m stuck in a room in India,” Mr Seth, 47, said.
“In the end it was a wonderful experience. My wife and I explored the country, met new people. We wanted a break because we had gone through a rough time. I did spend more money but once we got back it’s all worth it.”
Kochi to Dubai via Tashkent
Ranjeet Nair was in Kochi, in southern Kerala state, since March to support his wife during a medical emergency.
He was anxious to get back to the Emirates to resume work and begin the renewal process for his UAE visa that expires soon.
“Financially, it was important to get back to work because I support my family in India,” said the 31-year-old, who works with a maintenance company.
“I was under a lot of tension, although my company said it was OK and I could wait for flights to restart.”
He flew from Kerala to Delhi, on to Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent on May 31 and reached Dubai on June 16 after a two-week layover.
The cost was Dh5,915 per person for a package that included flights, PCR tests and a hotel stay with meals.
There were about 60 others from India on a similar package.
Mr Nair and his wife hopped on a high-speed train to Samarkand, an ancient Silk Road city, and took guided tours around Tashkent.
It was the couple’s first holiday outside India, where they travel annually to visit family.
“I was a bit afraid because it was a new country,” he said.
“We feel safe going back to Kerala every year for our vacation. It was exciting to travel on a bullet train. This was the first time for us to visit any other country apart from India and UAE.”
Mr Nair and his wife Minnu Balachandran boarded a full flight to Dubai filled with travellers from Asia, most of whom had completed quarantine requirements in Uzbekistan.
Kerala to Dubai via Belgrade
It has been a challenging time for Fouad Ashraf, who lost his father to cancer.
He travelled with his family to Kochi, Kerala, on March 26.
“My dad’s condition deteriorated quickly and he passed away on April 15. It took a toll on the family,” said Mr Ashraf, 39, head of sales with a Dubai-based company.
“It was too soon to come back when Dubai announced the (flight) changes. My mom would have been alone.”
But when the flight ban was repeatedly extended, he decided to return to the UAE.
He travelled with his wife and nine-year-old daughter via Doha to Belgrade on May 30 and reached the UAE on June 14.
His decision was based on easier entry requirements compared to other countries.
“The main reason I opted for Serbia is it’s visa-free for Indians. You need a visa for Armenia and Uzbekistan,” he said.
“People said, why take the family, that it was risky. But I wanted my family with me in case we got stuck or the requirements changed. After all we had been through, I wanted my family close.”
He spent about Dh 22,000 for three people on air tickets, hotel and food. The prices have since climbed, with more Indians choosing Belgrade.
Mr Ashraf spent about Dh2,600 per ticket in late May but passengers are now paying double that amount.
He assists more than 200 “stranded Indians” in Serbia on Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram groups with feedback on travel. These are mainly travellers from India headed to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe and the US.
“The number of Indians in Serbia has gone up exponentially. Tour guides are now asking people – ‘you must be here for the two week quarantine.’ When we went, people just thought we were tourists,” he said.
The family explored the city and took day trips during their stay.
“There were lockdowns in India and we could not step out of the house. We were badly in need of a holiday,” he said.
Serbia currently has new quarantine and PCR requirements for travellers from “areas of concern” such as India.
Passengers must register at: https://www.e-zdravlje.gov.rs/
Armenia a preferred quarantine destination
Passengers opt for the country due to the ease of travel, price, range of options for stay and travel opportunities within.
After spending three months out of the UAE, Jeevan D’Mello responds with a “Hello from Dubai,” greeting to make it clear that he has returned.
“I was longing to say that for a long time,” said the real estate management consultant.
He travelled to Mangalore, southern India on April 2 to care for his ailing parents, in their 80s.
“I went to look after them. They had not been getting the medical attention they require due to the lockdown,” he said.
“I had planned to stay in India for three weeks but with the ban, all plans changed. There is a silver lining. It gave me more time with my parents and I managed to make sure they got vaccinated.”
After several flight cancellations and researching all options, Mr D’Mello, 54, left India for Yerevan, Armenia on June 19. His wife Cecilia joined him from Dubai for a short break.
He spent Dh15,000 for the flights and hotel stay.
“We made the best of the situation,” said Mr D'Mello, who returned to Dubai on July 5.
“I love art, history and architecture and we found all that there. If I had to go back for another three months I would do it for my parents, so I have zero regrets.”
New Zealand 57-0 South Africa
Tries: Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungfasi, Lima Sopoaga, Codie Taylor. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (7). Penalty: Beauden Barrett
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Barbie
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
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
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Tuesday results:
- Singapore bt Malaysia by 29 runs
- UAE bt Oman by 13 runs
- Hong Kong bt Nepal by 3 wickets
Final:
Thursday, UAE v Hong Kong
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
The%20specs
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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Kanye%20West
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The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Mountain%20Boy
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Envision%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarthik%20Mahadevan%20and%20Karthik%20Kannan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Netherlands%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%2FAssistive%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204impact%2C%20ABN%20Amro%2C%20Impact%20Ventures%20and%20group%20of%20angels%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
