DUBAI: South African nationals residing in the UAE can now visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, Dubai, to renew their passports. Effective July 2025, VFS Global is the sole outsourced partner for the South Africa Department of Home Affairs in the UAE. Applicants no longer need to visit the Consulate General in Dubai to submit their …

DUBAI: An Indian student and Emirati National have been announced as the new dollar millionaires at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held today at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport. Mr. Wayne Nash D’Souza, an 18-year-old Indian national based in Dubai became a US$1 million winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 510 with ticket number …

News Desk ABU DHABI: Zayed International Airport (AUH) has achieved Level 3 accreditation in the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation programme, a significant milestone that marks the airport’s commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences. Awarded in July 2025, the Level 3 accreditation represents a major upgrade from the previous Levels 1 and 2, both of which have also …

By Rafiq Vayani MUNICH/DUBAI: Emirates has entered a landmark seven-year partnership with FC Bayern Munchen, 34-time Bundesliga champions and six-time UEFA Champions League titleholders.  The agreement positions Emirates as Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munich’s first team from the 2025-26 season through to the 2031-32 season. The football powerhouse is one of the most widely supported and respected clubs worldwide, with …

News Desk FORT WORTH, Texas: This summer, the American Airlines CR Smith Museum is hosting a new exhibition, Bricks now boarding: American Airlines in LEGO® bricks — a LEGO brick-built journey through the experience of flying. The 1,500-square-foot exhibition offers a family-friendly glimpse into the world of flight — brick by brick — through custom LEGO brick displays. Aviation enthusiasts can unleash their …

GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) with comprehensive statistical data for 2024. Updated annually with data from over 240 international airlines, the WATS database provides a complete overview of airline metrics related to demand, supply, and performance. The report includes a detailed breakdown of scheduled passenger and cargo traffic …

By Rafiq Vayani RIYADH: TOURISE, the bold new global tourism platform, has announced the members of its cross-sector Advisory Board, a powerhouse of industry titans guiding TOURISE’s strategic direction and shaping the agenda of the inaugural global summit taking place in Riyadh from 11-13 November, 2025. TOURISE is where cross-sector convergence begins, a platform where leaders and visionaries debate, collaborate …

News Desk DUBAI: Emirates is set to introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick from 8 February 2026. Flight EK069/070 will be operated by the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, offering customers the opportunity to experience its latest generation interiors, including Business Class and Premium Economy. The fourth flight to London Gatwick brings the airline’s total London …

News Desk DUBAI: Silicon Central Mall, part of Line Investments & Property’s portfolio, is launching a month-long indoor walking experience, the Mall Walk Club to promote healthy living and active lifestyles during the summer season. The campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 2nd and runs daily through August 30th, welcoming residents to walk indoors from 7:00am to 9:00am every morning. Held in partnership with the FITZE app, a …

News Desk MUSCAT: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the arrival of its newest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo named “Muttrah”, which was chosen through an Instagram vote by our passengers and followers. This new addition brings SalamAir’s fleet to 14 aircraft and further strengthens the airline’s commitment to efficient operations, enhanced passenger comfort, and environmental responsibility. Powered by advanced CFM …