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More vertiports will be set up strategically across Abu Dhabi, including prominent business hubs and tourism destinations. 

The UAE's first-ever vertiport for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft was launched and operated on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island. A vertiport is a focused area supporting the vertical takeoff and landing of aircraft without a runway. A temporary vertiport facility started at the DRIFTx mobility event successfully conducted the takeoff and landing of flying taxis at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

At the Abu Dhabi Investment office, in association with the UAE's General Civil Authority and Abu Dhabi Mobility, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi launched the first operational vertical port in the UAE. after the announcement of the GCAA of granting the operational approval for the UAEs first vertiport on Thursday morning the launch was initiated. Later in the panel discussion at DRIFTx, a top official from the GCAA said that Yas Island will feature the country's first vertiport.

"We issued our first approval for vertiport operation here on Yas Island. So, witnessing things moving into a reality is an outstanding achievement. Something futuristic is now becoming reality. I think we are very much ready for day one," Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of the aviation safety sector at the GCAA, said.

Between 4:30 pm and 5 pm, two 600 kg eVTOL passenger aircraft took off and landed after being airborne for about 20-25 minutes. Later, another eVOTOL aircraft was operating successfully. Also, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, general of the GCAA, said: "Events like DRIFTx play a crucial role in accelerating the development of advanced air mobility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE." The short-term vertiport facility has been constructed in line with the new industry standards and regulations set by the GCAA. This new and non-permanent location on Yas Island Marina Circuit has three platforms marked for takeoff and landing.

More of the Vertiports

More vertiports would be set up in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including some of the central business hubs and tourism destinations, as confirmed by Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of AD Mobility. "Once complete, the vertiports network would be a key enabler of Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster, centered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and value-added services within an enabling regulatory environment and for companies developing advanced technologies across arit, land, and sea mobility applications. This is an exciting time for mobility in Abu Dhabi."

Badr Al Olama, the Director General of ADIO, noted that the "Abu Dhabi vertiport network will mark a significant milestone in transport innovation and the future of mobility. Our partnership with AD mobility is pivotal for creating robust infrastructure to make smart and autonomous vehicles a reality and part of everyday life, propelling us towards more connected and efficient transport infrastructure companies, creating economic development alongside technological advancements." the approval for the vertiport and successful demonstration during the event is a remarkable achievement in the UAE's acceleration towards the urban mobility revolution.

#vertiports #technology #futuristic #engineering #uaenews #uaeattractions 

They were possibly used by some other airlines' official autism-friendly in-flight certification in the works.

All those families who are traveling through the Dubai airport with people of determination may soon experience smoother journeys. They may have the opportunity to participate in a pre-travel rehearsal program designed to support customers with autism and sensory disorders. The main initiative by Emirates is to assist people of determination and their families in preparing for travel by providing guided tours of the airport and aircraft cabin environments.

Recently, the airline extended Dubai's dedication to inclusive travel and autism awareness by welcoming 30 UAE families with neurodiverse children to experience an actual check-in process and a trial flight on 24 April at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.

This experience would help gain insights and notes on the in-flight experience for neurodiverse customers. Emirates and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards are working as a team to develop an official autism-friendly in-flight certification that other airlines could eventually use.

The Drill

Hessa BuHumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority of Dubai, was welcomed by the emirates along with 30 children between the ages of 8 and 12 from various neurodiverse centers, including the Dubai Autism Centre, safe Centre for Autism, Rashid Centre for People of Determination and the New England Centre Children Clinic with their caregivers. In addition to this, the Dubai-based airline extended an invitation to a neurodivergent child with Angelman Syndrome to take part in the event.

Angelman Syndrome is a condition characterized by delayed development of speech and balance difficulties, intellectual disability, and seizures. They used the autism-friendly route through Dubai International Airport, which includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding. Specially trained Emirates check-in staff and cabin crew were also available to assist throughout the journey. EK2605 took off from DXB at 11.20 am and touched down again at 12:20 pm, offering children genuine flight experiences complete with in-flight service announcements from the cabin crew and Captain and the authentic sights and sounds of take-off and landing.

Why do some families with special requirements need people to travel less?

As per the research conducted by the IBCCES, only 13 percent of the families suffering from neurodiverse children surveyed opt for family vacations, citing the airport and flight experience as too stressful and triggering for their children's sensory sensitivities. However, 93 percent of surveyed families expressed willingness to start on more trips with additional autism-certified options and support available. Apart from helping families with people's determination in preparing for travel with their guided tours, the airline will also give comprehensive training on neurodiversity to all Emirates team members. Additionally, the airline's initiatives are in the pipeline to enhance support for neurodiverse individuals and adhere to Dubai's dedication to People of Determination.

Facilities for Passengers

At the same time, the existing families will receive two hours of complimentary parking at all terminals at Dubai International Airport. All passengers can collect the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. This is a globally realized symbol of hidden disabilities. Dubai International Airport staff with pins are identifiable and trained to assist travelers with hidden disabilities.

Apart from this, the autism-friendly Route through Dubai International Airport ensures that the People of Determination journey through the airport is done on a dedicated route. It consists of priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding access and can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. As part of the in-flight experience, passengers with an aural sensory need in First and Business Class will also have access to noise-canceling headphones to block out ambient cabin sounds.


#uae #abudhabi #dubai #specialneeds #uaetravel #travelupdate2024

As per streamlined visa regulations, standardized penalties in 2023 charged a fine of Dh50 per day on overstayers.

None of the residents and visitors were charged a fine for overstaying whose exit flights were canceled because of the record rains last week. Kurt Cervales, a Dubai resident, was supposed to fly out last Tuesday, April 16, the last day of his 30-day grace period after his canceled visa.

He had left his job and could not find a new one before the grace period ended. On the day of his flight, he woke up to a thunderous rainstorm that stopped air travel. His Flydubai flight was moved to the next day, April 17, but with Dubai International Airport severely affected by the record rains, it was canceled again.

"I was already counting the days, worried about the overstay fines that got bigger by the day," said Cervales, who used to work at a significant UAE retailer. Overstayers were prepared to pay the fine on Monday for his six days in the country beyond his grace period. When he reached the immigration counter, however, he was told he didn't have to pay any fine.

Dubai-based travel agency MRG Pinas Travel said that passengers had the same experience. Some visit visa holders were supposed to travel on April 17 but could fly out only today.

A call center executive for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai confirmed that the overstay fines were waived for travelers whose flights got canceled from April 16 to 18. "Beyond those dates, however, we are yet to get a new advisory on fine waivers," she said.

#visa #dubaivisa #flights #weatherupdate2024 #uaetravel #uaetourism #uaenews

The UAE flag carrier, Etihad Airways, has announced the resumption of its Airbus A380 double-decker service to New York in time for the busy summer travel season and corporate travel market. One of Etihad's two daily flights to New York will be serviced by the A380, while the other will be operated by a Boeing 787-9.

The A380 features Etihad's iconic Residence—a three-room suite in the sky, Business class, and Economy seats.

After a celebratory send-off in Abu Dhabi, Etihad pilots waved the US and UAE flags from the cockpit as the super-jumbo arrived on its stand in New York.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, stated, "Introducing the A380 to the popular New York route aligns with our strategy to meet increasing customer demand and expand our network."

Neves added, "It comes just three weeks after we launched our new route to Boston, our fourth US gateway, underlining our commitment to serving and growing the North American market. He continued, “This commitment is crucial for all our travellers, not least our corporate clients who rely on us for business travel. We have timed our A380 services so customers arrive in New York or Abu Dhabi in time to make good use of the business day or for their onward connections.”

The addition of the A380 boosts Etihad's capacity in the US market, providing connections to the broader Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, the airline said. The increase in capacity will also make it easier to attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi.

Following the pandemic in 2020, the airline stopped its A380 services, grounding all ten super-jumbo aircraft in its fleet. A total of four of Etihad's A380s are now back in service.

On-Boarding Experience - The Provided Luxury of A380

Every guest on Etihad's A380 has a unique and elevated experience. For those in the Economy, a dedicated welcome area sets the tone. The cabin boasts 68 extra legroom seats with an additional 4 inches of space and 337 Economy Smart seats featuring Etihad's signature fixed-wing headrests and oversized pillows for maximum comfort.

The Business Studios provide an exclusive haven with 70 private spaces on the upper deck, ensuring a stress-free journey. The upper deck also houses The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar between the First and Business cabins. Collaborating with Armani/Casa, Etihad brings sophistication to the Business experience by offering premium ceramics, glassware, cutlery, and fabrics.

Comprehensive Wi-Fi connection and extra comfort and convenience make it easy for business travellers to remain productive and in touch.

First Apartments take luxury to new heights with nine private spaces, each equipped with designer tableware, a spacious leather lounge chair, and a separate ottoman that transforms into an 80" lie-flat bed. First-class guests can enjoy personal vanity units and access the exclusive First-class shower room.

The Residence - The world's first suit in the sky 

At the top of luxury, with the world's only three-room suite in the sky - Residence. The Residence can accommodate at least two people, taking advantage of a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.

Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.

#dubaitravel #etihad #uaetravel #airports #dubaiflights #abudhabi

Thousands of employees from across the aviation sector worked together to restore operations and support guests at DXB and DWC.

After dealing with the aftermath of the heaviest rainfall the UAE has seen in 75 years, Dubai Airports is operating at its total capacity and returning to its regular flight schedules. The Dubai International Airport has been running in its regular flight schedules since yesterday, clocking around 1400 flight movements daily, as per Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. Rodas in and around the airport are also 100 percent clear of any water collection. "Our manpower, logistics, and facilities are fully operational as usual again," said Griffiths.

As per Griffiths, 2155 flights were cancelled, and 115 were divided due to the storm and its aftermath. A day after this storm, in the last week, as the extent of the damage and aftermath unfolded, Dubai Airports issued a statement saying, "Recovery will take some time."

Thousands of employees across the aviation sector worked so that they could restore operations and support guests at DXB and Dubai World Central. "To have the airport back up and running is no small feat," as per Griffiths. "We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost the manpower, and look at all those who have been disrupted."

Thirty-one flights were diverted to DWC, and by April 19, all airport guests could have completed their travel plans. The stranded passengers were also cared for, with 75,000 food packs distributed across the DXB and DWC. However, as Griffiths noted, specific challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog. "We are continuously working with our service partners but know there is still more work to be done, and once again, thank guests for their cooperation and patience while we work through this," he said.

"It has been the most challenging and problematic weather event we have had to navigate, and our people and partners worked hard to keep the operation running and assist our guests." As normal operations resume, guests should arrive at their terminal only three hours before their flight departure to avoid unnecessary congestion and facilitate smoother operations.

#dubaiairport #travelnews #airport #uaetravel2024 #airportterminal 

A new church, the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, is set to open next to the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Mureikha. The Church of South India (CSI) Parish's new facility will be inaugurated with a soft opening ceremony on Sunday.

The church, built on a 4.37-acre land gifted by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will be led by Rt. Rev. Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, the Bishop of Madhya Kerala Diocese of the CSI, during the ceremony. Following this inauguration, there will be a Thanksgiving meeting.

In a statement, the church also appreciated saying that, since its first service on April 19, 1979, they have received continuous support from the UAE leadership. CSI, with a membership of about 4 million, is India's second-largest Christian church.

Previously, CSI services in Abu Dhabi were held at St Andrew's Church. With the new church, CSI followers in the capital will have their building for gatherings and prayers.

The new church features a unique design with an earthy-toned, octagon-shaped building. The front elevation resembles the angels' wings, symbolising the "protection of humanity and God's creation," per the church authority.

"We are here to share the unconditional and sacrificial love of God, and we assure that this place of worship will offer our services to the community at all times," said Rev. Lalji M. Philip, Vicar of the Parish.

Attendance at the Sunday ceremony will be by invitation, and the church will issue entry passes. An online live broadcast will allow well-wishers and followers to join the dedication ceremony. Regular services, open to all followers, will commence on May 5.

#abudhabi #attractions #religiousattraction #uaetourism #travelnews 

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy entices multinationals with the promise of thriving digital business opportunities. The impressive figure depicts the growing appeal as a suitable location for investment and innovation technology companies.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has announced that the combined market value of the nine MNCs successfully attracted to Dubai last year exceeds AED304bn, which is $82.84bn. The figure is quite impressive; it shows the emirate's growing appeal as a preferred investment hub for innovation technology companies and underlines the Chamber's commitment and dedication to strengthening Dubai's digital economy in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goals. The Chamber has attracted various specialized multinational digital businesses to the Emirates in 2023.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

The company activities span various fields, including-

• Cybersecurity
• Mobility technology
• Health and fitness technologies
• New energy-based vehicles
• Robotics
• Autonomous systems
• The automotive industry
• Legal services
• Cryptocurrencies

Underlining the favourable global opportunities available within Dubai's digital economy, the Chamber attracted three digital companies from Asia; three were from Europe, two from the USA, and the other from Latin America. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, who is the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, informed that attracting these types of multinational companies is a success that is added to the city's accomplishments as the emirate continues to develop a comprehensive business ecosystem and improve growth, innovation, and creativity.

He also informed that these efforts consist of a vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the emirate's leadership as a global capital of the digital economy and that Dubai's digital economy is continuing to grow in terms of investment attractiveness and the regional and international expansion of companies specializing in all technological fields.

Al Olama included that the Chamber of Digital Economy is working to enhance efforts and cooperation to achieve the targets of the city Economic Agenda D33 and amalgamate the digital business environment in the emirate through various strategic initiatives. It continues to enhance the advanced competitive advantages Dubai's digital economy enjoys, attracting more companies, investors, and entrepreneurs to the emirate and strengthening Dubai's leadership among the most attractive cities for digital investments and talents in digital sectors.

The Chamber has expanded its drive for accelerating the emirate's change into one of the world's leading digital economies aligned with the objectives of the DXB Economic Agenda. These consist of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative, which was launched last year by Sheikh Hamadan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to equip 1000 Emirates with the expertise and skills required for building a successful career in mobile application development.

Led by the Chamber of Digital Economy, "Create Apps in Dubai" focuses on tripling the number of app developers by 2025 and supporting 100 new national projects to develop innovative applications available in digital app stores. As part of the initiative, the Chamber has launched the Emirati Training Academy and the "App Olympics" competition.

The Chamber of Digital Economy also hosted Expand North Star in October, the world's largest gathering of startups and investors. The four-day mega event attracted 33,060 participants from all over the globe. In October, the "Business in Dubai" platform was launched to provide practical support to businesses looking to launch or expand their activities in the Emirates. The Chamber signed 14 MOUs with the service partners, and the platform attracted 365 applications from companies wishing to benefit from the services available.

It provides a comprehensive package of institutional services and a business matchmaking service curated to connect companies with potential partners, investors, and their customers. The Chamber of Digital Economy also organized ten workshops in 2023 to discuss various topics and challenges that impact the digital industries, and two additional workshops were held to bring together key government entities to explore practical solutions. The Chamber also held 24 roadshows and business trips across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe to help attract international digital companies of various types and sizes to the city.

#dubai #dubaieconomy #uaenews #latestupdate2024 #digitaleconomy

Passengers must visit the airport only if they have confirmed reservations.

After rains hit the UAE, which broke all the records, airport services were disrupted. The airline got delayed, canceled, and even diverted many flights. Nevertheless, airports are rigorously working to resume their operations. As per Wam, Sharjah Airport informed regarding the continuity of flight operations. The airport called on the travelers to check their flight data from the relevant airlines. The passengers should only go to the airport with an established reservation. Majid Al Joker, CEO of Dubai Airports, said that the DXB is expected to return to regular scheduled operations within 24 hours.

Insecure weather hits UAE.

Non-stop thunder and lighting woke UAE residents as heavy rainfall battered the country late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Unbalanced weather conditions continued to impact the UAE from Monday through Wednesday. This is because of an extension of a low surface pressure and two waves of unstable weather to move across the country on Tuesday, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced.

#uaeweather #travelnews #traveladvisory2024 #airlines #dubaitravel #sharjah

The passengers who once had to undergo cancelled bookings would receive a full credit voucher for the amount paid.

In a statement on its official account, the airline updated its passengers that all flights were cancelled on April 16 and 17 because of drastic and severe conditions in the UAE and the region. Air Arabia informed its passengers with cancelled bookings that they would receive a full credit voucher for the amount paid. The credit voucher would be used for future flight bookings. On the other hand, passengers would have the option of receiving a full cash refund.

Air Arabia started operating from Sharjah International Airport at 4 a.m. on April 18. The airline informed passengers who originally booked their flights through travel agents to contact them for rebooking options or refund requests.

#sharjah #airlines #uaeweathernews #weatherupdate #rainsinuae #uaetraveladvisory

The UAE is set to witness a surge in electric vehicles (EVs) and futuristic flying cars from China, according to the newly-appointed Chinese consul general, Ou Boqian. 

Boqian highlighted the growing bilateral relations between the UAE and China by saying, "The UAE and China relations are growing in all aspects. And as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our bilateral relationship, we see further growth in the field of innovation and technology – in particular, new and renewable energy and futuristic transport," noted Boqian, adding the influx of Chinese-made EVs and flying cars will boost UAE's diversification and economic sustainability.

Strengthening Bonds through Innovation and Technology

Boqian emphasised the UAE's and China's shared vision of the future, citing a parallel development trajectory over the past four decades. She noted that both countries have experienced rapid economic growth, with the UAE's diversification efforts aligning with China's economic reforms and establishing special economic zones. 

Boqian highlighted the UAE's role as an attractive market for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) or flying vehicles, especially in Dubai, which is actively pursuing new technologies for its innovative city initiatives.

Cultivating Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Beyond economic partnerships, Boqian emphasised the importance of cultural and people-to-people relations between China and the UAE. 

"China and UAE's strong relations are not only based on a strong economic foundation but also people-to-people relations. That is why we are also developing our cultural exchanges," she added, noting a solid demand among Emiratis and expatriates to learn the Chinese language.

"China has also opened its first public-funded school in Dubai, and there are more than 500 Chinese studying at various UAE universities taking up finance, education, communication, and energy science courses," she continued.

Boqian also mentioned plans to encourage more Chinese students to study in the UAE, hoping to establish a Chinese college in Dubai soon. Additionally, she discussed initiatives to strengthen tourism ties, aiming to reach pre-pandemic levels of 1.12 Chinese tourists visiting the UAE.

She also added that she plans to hold more concerts and arts and cultural shows to strengthen the diplomatic relationship with the UAE.

A Glimpse into Boqian's Diplomatic Journey

Boqian was born in June 1966 in Tianjin, a prominent port city in northeastern China. Her extensive diplomatic career spans various postings and assignments across China, Australia, Grenada, Japan, and South Korea, and her most recent role as secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (China, Japan, South Korea). 

Her career path saw her serving as Attaché at the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1990 to 1993 and later as Attaché and Third Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda from 1993 to 1996.

Her appointment as the Chinese consul general in Dubai underscores the growing importance of UAE-China relations. It highlights the commitment to strengthen further ties through innovation, technology, culture, and education.


#technology #uaetravel #uaenews2024 #latestupdate #flyingcars #innovation