GCC's Unified Civil Aviation Authority: A Strategic Leap Forward for Regional Aviation

By Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East A Bold Vision for Regional Integration The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken a landmark step: the creation of a Unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority. This initiative isn't just bureaucratic housekeeping—it's an effort that we all hope will build a stronger, safer, and more efficient air transport system for the GCC. By harmonizing legislation and operations across six Member States—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—the GCC is laying the foundation for seamless connectivity and world-class standards in safety, security, and efficiency. Why This Matters: The Power of Harmonization Expectations are high. Imagine a region where: Credentials of a pilot ......read full article

Emirates serves up a winning partnership with world no. 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka

Dubai, UAE, 15 January 2026 - Emirates has today announced a landmark partnership with the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, who becomes the airline’s first tennis ambassador. The milestone builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams worldwide. To mark the occasion, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft adorned with a special tennis-inspired livery celebrating its sponsorship of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open. Sabalenka and Emirates both share a passion for excellence, innovation and a winning spirit. Dubai serving as a hub for Sabalenka's training and preparation over the years, positions her as a natural fit for Emirates. The ......read full article

Plaid With Purpose: Jeep® Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Brings Heritage Style to Legendary Capability

Third exclusive model in the Jeep® Wrangler Twelve 4 Twelve celebration honors 85 years of off-road leadership, authenticity and purpose-built design Third of 12 special-edition Jeep Wrangler models debuts as part of the brand’s yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series Delivers a modern take on Jeep Americana, inside and out, with heritage-inspired design details paired with trail-ready durability Additional 85th Anniversary editions to be revealed throughout the year across additional Jeep brand vehicle nameplates January 15, 2026, Dubai, UAE. - The Jeep® brand continues its yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve celebration of 85 years of off-road leadership with the introduction of its third exclusive model, the Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary. This special edition pays ......read full article

Azizi Developments records AED 16 billion in unit sales in 2025; plans AED 30 billion in sales and 22 project ...

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2026: Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has concluded 2025 with a strong sales and construction performance, underpinned by sustained demand throughout its mixed-use developments. During the year, the developer achieved total unit sales valued at AED 16 billion, reinforcing its position as one of Dubai’s most active private developers. Building on this momentum, Azizi has set a sales target of AED 30 billion for 2026. Last year, Azizi recorded extensive construction progress across its portfolio. Over those 12 months, the developer constructed 12,569,578 square feet of built-up area over 741 floors, with over 869,416 cubic metres of concrete poured and in excess of 52,687,278 construction site manhours ......read full article

Emirates to launch flights to Helsinki, Finland

Service introduces the sole year-round direct link between Finland and the UAE, deepening the airline’s presence in the Nordics  Dubai, UAE, 13 January 2026 – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will launch a daily flight between Helsinki and Dubai from 1 October 2026, expanding its footprint in the Nordics. The new service introduces the only year-round, direct link between Finland and the UAE, and unlocking expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travellers. The service will operate with Emirates’ newest aircraft type, the A350, bringing its latest products and highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Finland, from the inaugural flight.   Emirates flight EK167 will depart Dubai at 08:45hrs*, ......read full article

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ and Dubai Marathon Unite to Create Record-Breaking Opportunities for Runners

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 January 2026 – Under the global banner “Be Part Of It”, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (GWR) and the Dubai Marathon, which this year celebrates its landmark 25th Anniversary, have announced a collaboration offering participants a rare opportunity to attempt official world records during the race on February 1. The partnership brings together the global authority on record-breaking achievements and one of the region’s most established distance-running events, creating a platform where athletic achievement, creativity, and community participation converge on an international stage. Through this initiative, Dubai Marathon participants are invited to select and attempt eligible GWR titles across approved distance categories. The ......read full article

Nissan expands Thierry Sabbagh's regional leadership to include Nissan India, alongside Middle East, KSA and CIS

Thierry Sabbagh’s remit expands with the addition of Nissan India, while he continues to lead Middle East, KSA and CIS for Nissan and INFINITI Marketing & Sales function reorganized to bring decision-making closer to customers and drive agility Product Planning and Marketing functions combined at regional level to streamline concept-to-launch processes Dubai, UAE (12 January 2026): Nissan has announced a series of senior management changes in its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region, designed to strengthen delivery of the Re:Nissan transformation plan and enhance operational efficiency, speed and customer focus. Effective 1 January 2026, Thierry Sabbagh’s responsibilities have been expanded to include Nissan India, as he becomes ......read full article

Drive home a Renault Koleos from just AED 1,555/month

Package includes three years of free service and a five-year warranty Dubai, UAE, 12 January 2026: Arabian Automobiles Company, the flagship automotive company of AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Renault in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, is kicking off the new year with a fresh offer on the Renault Koleos, making it easier to step into 2026 with a spacious SUV built for everyday use. Payments start at AED 1,555 per month, and the deal includes three years of free service and a five-year warranty, providing additional coverage with a clear, structured payment plan, as part of AAC’s mission to deliver premium and integrated ownership opportunities and options to customers across the UAE. The Renault Koleos combines a roomy cabin with a controlled, ......read full article

Etihad Airways Delivers Record Passenger Numbers and Growth in 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 21% year-on-year and the highest annual total in the airline’s history, underpinned by sustained demand and disciplined capacity growth across its expanding global network. Passenger load factor for the full year reached 88.3%, up two percentage points compared with 2024, reflecting strong commercial performance throughout the year. The airline closed the year on a high note, carrying 2.2 million passengers in December, up 28% compared with the same month in 2024. Passenger load factor for the month reached 87.6%, maintaining consistently high utilisation during the peak end-of-year travel period. At year-end, Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft, following the ......read full article

Dubai Shopping Festival Reimagines the City as a Living Canvas Through Art, Light and Design

Dubai, UAE – 9 January 2026: As Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) enters its final days, the 31st edition stands out for how it reimagined the city itself as a living canvas — using art, light, technology and design to transform public spaces across Dubai. Over 38 days, DSF 2025/26 unfolded as a multi-sensory creative journey, reshaping skylines, landscapes and urban environments through visual storytelling at scale. From aerial performances animating the night sky to immersive light installations embedded in mountain terrain and architecturally driven festival environments that evolved from day to night, DSF’s visual programme became one of the most ambitious creative undertakings in the festival’s history. As the season draws to a close, the final weekend offers a ......read full article

Spectacular, distinctly successful : rolls-royce presents bespoke trends, innovations and achievements in 2025

Friday 9 January 2026, Goodwood, West Sussex Rolls-Royce clients’ passions and interests reflected in Bespoke trends of 2025 Themes extend from personal legacy and cultural symbolism to contemporary collectables Reflects the success of Rolls-Royce Private Offices around the world: commissions from these creative hubs more than doubled year-on-year in 2025 New materials and innovations in 2025: Three-dimensional ink layering, marquetry and embroidery, 24-carat gold leafing, polished concrete and hand-painted Starlight Headliner Most complex Bespoke Rolls-Royce Private Collection ever: Phantom Centenary Rolls-Royce Cullinan most requested model in 2025, followed by Rolls-Royce Spectre Significant year-on-year uplift in luxury lifestyle accessory ......read full article

Etihad Airways to make history as first Middle East airline to fly to Luxembourg

First and only nonstop service announced between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi Flights launch 29 October 2026 with three weekly services Etihad’s game-changing A321LR brings a premium three-class travel experience including First Suites and lie-flat Business Abu Dhabi, UAE - Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres. The new route reflects growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the Benelux region, France and ......read full article

flydubai selects ZestIoT to digitise turnaround operations across the network

The Dubai-based airline selects ZestIoT’s Digital Turnaround Platform to enhance their operations with real-time turnaround visibility, enabling collaboration and faster decisions to drive turnaround efficiency, on-time departures and improve passenger experience Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 09 January 2026: flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has selected ZestIoT to deploy its state-of-the-art Turnaround Management Platform at Dubai International (DXB) and across the airline’s expanding network. The platform will digitise turnaround operations and provide the airline with real-time visibility as well as AI-driven and prediction-based collaboration, enabling smarter, more efficient decision-making. By improving operational execution and predictability, the solution ......read full article

Ahead of the launch of the first phase of passenger train services in 2026 etihad rail reveals details of the uae's ...

The UAE’s first fully integrated national passenger railway system, connecting 11 cities and regions across the country Stations across the network will be rolled out in phases throughout 2026, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid Abu Dhabi, UAE – 08 January 2026: Etihad Rail today announced details of the UAE’s full passenger railway network, marking a major milestone that reflects its strong commitment to advancing the nation’s transport and infrastructure ecosystem. The passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions through strategically located stations, forming the UAE’s first fully integrated national passenger railway system. The ......read full article

Emirates extends Premium Economy reach with expanded city rollout

Premium Economy to launch in 10 new cities and expand to additional flights in two existing destinations Additional daily frequencies with next-gen A350 to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town layer on more capacity and enhanced onboard experience ahead of peak travel demand Dubai, UAE, 8 January 2026: Emirates will continue rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 and new A350 aircraft to key destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, bringing Premium Economy and its latest onboard products to more cities across its network. The airline will deploy its A350 on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town, adding an extra frequency and offering customers greater connectivity alongside an elevated onboard experience. Additional ......read full article