Al Shafi'i Mosque

A Pillar of Historic Jeddah's Legacy

Location: Al Shafi'i Street, Al Balad, Jeddah

Al Shafi'i Mosque, originally named Alateeq Mosque, boasts a rich history spanning nearly 1,400 years. Renamed after the esteemed Islamic scholar Imam Shafi'i, it ranks among the oldest mosques in Historic Jeddah. Historical records dating back to 1045 mention its significance. The mosque's mehrab is particularly celebrated for its intricate carvings, adorned with striking crimson, emerald green, and indigo hues.

Visitors to Al Shafi'i Mosque can immerse themselves in the profound historical and architectural beauty of this cherished site, which continues to serve as a vital place of worship and reflection, linking the city's past with its present.

Beit Al Matbouli

A Glimpse into Historic Jeddah's Elegant Past

Location: Al-Mahdiyah Street, Al Balad, Jeddah

Constructed in 1613, Beit Al Matbouli stands as one of the most renowned historical houses in Historic Jeddah. Its stunning facade, characterized by classic brown rawasheen, radiates timeless elegance. Currently functioning as a museum, Beit Al Matbouli invites visitors to step into a bygone era and experience traditional Jeddah life.

With two entrances and beautifully preserved interiors, this house exemplifies the district's rich architectural heritage and cultural history, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the past.

Beit Baeshen

A Heritage Haven in the Heart of Historic Jeddah

Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah

Beit Baeshen is an impressive residence in Historic Jeddah, comprising two interconnected homes that showcase the area's unique architectural style. The house features splendid rawasheen and embodies cultural values of gender separation, with the men’s parlor accessible from the main entrance, while the inner quarters are designated for women.

A serene courtyard adorned with calligraphic verses from the Quran adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing experience at Al Roshan Café on the ground floor, reminiscent of traditional living spaces from the past.

Beit Nassif

A Gem of Historic Jeddah

Location: Al-Mu'nisah Street, Al Balad, Jeddah

Dating back 155 years, Beit Nassif is a magnificent mansion that reflects Jeddah’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Once the residence of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, this historic house is steeped in significance. Guests can explore its grand rooms filled with historical artifacts, including a sentinel neem tree over 130 years old that stands guard at the entrance.

Beit Nassif provides an insightful glimpse into the past, highlighting the grandeur of Al Balad and its importance in Saudi history, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.

Hayy Jameel

A Standout Spot with a Unique Creative Ambiance

Location: Al-Mohammadiyah, Jeddah

Hayy Jameel is a vibrant center of innovation, showcasing a diverse array of seasonal art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. Families can spend a delightful day exploring the lively art scene and creative community that thrives in Jeddah, making it a perfect destination for art lovers and those seeking inspiration.

Historic Jeddah - Al Balad

The Heart of Cultural Heritage

Location: Al Balad, Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, known as Al Balad, was transformed into the royal seaport for Makkah in 657 AD. This area has long been a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from various backgrounds. The site features a rich human heritage, with eight historical gates, each telling its own story. Additionally, it is home to more than ten ancient houses, celebrated for their unique designs and the legacy of their founding families.

Visitors can capture stunning photographs and experience the essence of Jeddah's history.

Tariq Abdulhakim Center

A Melodic Journey Through Saudi Heritage

Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah

Nestled in Historic Jeddah, the Tariq Abdulhakim Center pays homage to one of Saudi Arabia's beloved musicians and composers. The museum houses an extensive collection of Abdulhakim's personal artifacts, musical works, and multimedia presentations. Visitors can engage deeply with Saudi musical heritage through interactive exhibits, workshops, and research initiatives that promote cultural awareness.

This center offers a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant history of Saudi music.

Tayebat Museum

Explore Saudi Arabia’s Rich Heritage

Location: Al Faisaliyah, Jeddah

Jeddah's history extends far beyond the modern era, serving as one of the Gulf's oldest seaports and a gateway to Makkah. The Tayebat Museum provides a captivating look into the city’s 2,500-year history. Situated in the Al Faisaliyah district, the museum's architecture reflects traditional Hijazi styles, featuring ornate coral masonry and intricately designed bay windows.

With multiple floors of enlightening exhibits, visitors can learn about Jeddah’s foundational role in Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Peninsula, including a dedicated section on its Islamic heritage.

Zawiya 97

The Cultural Hub of Historic Jeddah

Location: Al Balad, Jeddah

Zawiya 97 is a dynamic cultural hub located within the enchanting lanes of Historic Jeddah. This unique space celebrates both traditional crafts and contemporary creativity. Positioned at a symbolic 97-degree angle from Jeddah to Makkah, it offers visitors the chance to explore the bustling Artisans Souq, savor culinary delights at Al Murakab Community Kitchen, and engage with curated exhibitions that highlight the living heritage of the district.

Zawiya 97 invites everyone to experience Jeddah’s cultural richness, blending heritage with innovative artistic expression.

teamLab Borderless Jeddah (Albalad)

Immerse Yourself in a Borderless World

Location: Al Balad, Jeddah

teamLab Borderless, now open in Jeddah, presents a unique collection of artworks that form an interconnected, continuous environment. These creations move freely through the space, engaging with visitors and other artworks in a dynamic interaction. The experience reflects the concept of time as it relates to human presence, allowing individuals to explore and create new connections within this immersive setting.

As visitors navigate this borderless world, they engage in a shared exploration of community and relationship, offering a refreshing perspective on the interconnectedness between people and their surroundings.

Pakistan has officially reopened its airspace to all commercial, cargo, and military flights after a period of heightened conflict with India, marking a significant move toward regional stability. The closure, which lasted several days, was implemented in response to a sharp escalation in hostilities that saw both nations exchange missile strikes and conduct military operations along their shared border.

The airspace shutdown caused widespread disruption, with hundreds of flights canceled or rerouted, affecting not only travelers between Pakistan and India but also international airlines whose routes traverse South Asian airspace.

The breakthrough came after a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, 2025, following intense diplomatic mediation involving the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations. The ceasefire called for an immediate halt to all military activities and the reactivation of communication hotlines between the two countries’ militaries.

Officials in Islamabad stated that the decision to reopen the airspace was made in coordination with civil aviation authorities and after ensuring that security risks had subsided.

Airlines have welcomed the announcement, as the closure had forced many to take costly and time-consuming detours, leading to increased fuel consumption and operational expenses. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other regional carriers have begun restoring their regular flight schedules, though authorities caution that it may take several days for operations to return to normal as aircraft and crews are repositioned.

The airspace reopening is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both countries, restoring vital trade and travel links and allowing for the resumption of business and tourism activities. Analysts note that while the ceasefire and reopening are encouraging developments, the underlying issues-particularly the dispute over Kashmir-remain unresolved.

Nevertheless, the move is being seen as a hopeful sign that both nations are willing to take steps toward de-escalation and dialogue, with the international community urging continued engagement to build on this progress and prevent future crises.

Emirates has reached a new milestone in global aviation by recording its busiest year ever for baggage handling between April 2024 and March 2025, processing over 2.8 million bags each month-an average of 100,000 bags daily-across flights to 140 destinations worldwide. This surge represents a 3.7% year-on-year increase, reflecting the continued rebound and growth in international travel demand.

Despite the increased volume and complexity of international operations, Emirates maintained an industry-leading 99.9% baggage handling accuracy rate at its Dubai hub, one of the world’s busiest airports. The airline’s mishandling rate-covering delayed, lost, or misplaced baggage-remained exceptionally low at just 1.4 per 1,000 bags, which is nearly 30 times lower than some other major international carriers.

When baggage delays did occur, Emirates reunited 91% of affected bags with their owners within 72 hours, a notable achievement given the long and complex journeys typical of international and transfer baggage. In addition, Emirates’ Lost and Found team at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 returned 94% of valuable lost items, such as passports and wallets, within 60 minutes, highlighting the airline’s commitment to customer service.

Emirates attributes its operational excellence to several factors:

• Advanced Technology and Innovation: The airline has invested millions in bespoke software and surveillance systems that provide real-time visibility over each bag’s journey, from check-in to final destination. In 2024, Emirates launched the Emirates Bag Connect digital tool, allowing passengers to track their luggage in real time via the Emirates app and website. This feature is now available at 80 international stations, enhancing transparency and customer confidence.
• Integrated Baggage Management Systems: Emirates leverages a combination of Dubai Airport’s Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and its own tracking platforms to monitor and manage baggage at every stage. These systems automatically assign delayed baggage to the next available flight, ensuring swift resolution.
• Highly Trained Workforce: Emirates’ ground handlers and operational staff undergo regular, rigorous training in both virtual and hands-on settings to stay updated on the latest systems, protocols, and best practices. This ensures consistent service standards and rapid adaptation to new technologies.
• Proactive Handling of Untagged Bags: At Dubai’s hub, around 2,300 bags per month are found without baggage tags. Emirates and dnata manage to recover and load 80% of these untagged bags onto their respective flights before departure, minimizing passenger disruption.
• Collaboration and Process Optimization: Seamless cooperation between Emirates, dnata, and Dubai Airports is essential for maintaining smooth baggage flow and high service levels, particularly given the scale and international nature of Emirates’ network.

The airline’s end-to-end baggage management workflow, robust digital infrastructure, and continuous innovation have set a new global benchmark for operational excellence and customer satisfaction in baggage handling. Emirates’ performance not only underscores its leadership in the aviation industry but also demonstrates how strategic investment in technology and people can deliver tangible benefits to millions of travelers each year.

On Sunday, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport experienced significant operational disruptions with at least 97 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed, as the fallout from the closure of 32 airports in northern and western India continued. These closures, implemented due to heightened security concerns amid tensions with Pakistan, remain in effect from May 9 to May 14, 2025, despite a ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday to halt all military action.

Of the cancelled flights, 96 were domestic-comprising 44 arrivals and 52 departures-while the sole international cancellation was Air India flight AI-139 to Tel Aviv. Flight delays averaged 15 minutes, affecting more than 150 flights on Sunday, following a day when 60 flights were cancelled and over 200 delayed.

The 32 airports closed are primarily located near the India-Pakistan border in the north, northwest, and western regions, severely restricting air traffic and reducing operations at Delhi Airport to about 60 percent of normal levels. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cited operational reasons for the closures, which are part of ongoing security measures following the launch of Operation Sindoor earlier in the week.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued travel advisories urging passengers to anticipate schedule changes and longer security wait times due to enhanced screening protocols mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Passengers have been advised to arrive at least three hours before departure and to stay updated via airline and airport websites for real-time flight information.

Despite the ceasefire, the security situation has kept airports on high alert, with continued disruptions expected until the closures lift on May 14. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and others have offered flexible rescheduling and refunds to affected passengers. The ongoing situation underscores the complex challenges in maintaining civil aviation operations amid geopolitical tensions and security imperatives.

 Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier, has dramatically cut its international flights from regional airports by 45% betweeinternational n 2019 and 2024, igniting controversy and concern across the country’s regional hubs. The airline operated 6,199 international flights from regional airports in 2024, down sharply from 11,408 in 2019, excluding Seoul’s Gimpo and Incheon airports.

At Busan’s Gimhae Airport, a critical economic and tourism center, international flights plunged 42%, from 9,675 in 2019 to 5,567 in 2024. The decline continued into early 2025, with a 36% year-on-year drop in the first quarter. Korean Air attributes these reductions primarily to delays in aircraft deliveries from manufacturers, which have constrained its capacity and forced temporary route suspensions.

Critics, however, argue that Korean Air is disproportionately favoring Seoul’s Incheon Airport, where flight reductions were minimal at just 5.7%. This Seoul-centric approach has sparked backlash from civic groups and local politicians, who warn that the cuts could undermine regional economies by reducing connectivity, tourism, and trade opportunities.

Aviation experts explain that Korean Air is strategically reallocating resources toward long-haul, more profitable international routes amid uneven demand recovery, especially as regional routes like Busan to China have yet to fully rebound post-pandemic. By consolidating operations at major hubs like Incheon, the airline aims to optimize fleet utilization and reduce costs amid global supply chain disruptions and shifting travel patterns.

The regional flight cuts have raised alarms about South Korea’s aviation future. While Korean Air’s long-haul focus positions it to compete globally, regional airports such as Gimhae face challenges without diversified services. The recovery of regional routes depends on resolving aircraft delivery delays and stabilizing demand, but for now, Korean Air’s cautious strategy reflects the uncertain landscape of the aviation sector.

Local stakeholders urge government intervention to ensure more equitable flight service distribution, emphasizing the importance of balanced regional development in South Korea’s evolving air travel market.

This significant restructuring highlights the broader challenges facing the aviation industry as it adapts to post-pandemic realities and supply chain hurdles, with Korean Air at the forefront of navigating these turbulent skies.

The White House is in active talks with Qatar’s royal family about acquiring a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, potentially to serve as Air Force One during President Donald Trump’s second term. While Qatar denies the plane is a gift, it confirms discussions are underway for the “temporary use” of the aircraft by the U.S. government.

The plane, described by some as a "flying palace," would be retrofitted by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet presidential security and communication requirements before entering service. Sources indicate it will not be ready immediately and will require thorough security clearance.

President Trump is expected to announce the arrangement during his upcoming Middle East trip, which includes a visit to Qatar. After his presidency, the jet is reportedly planned to be donated to Trump’s yet-to-be-built presidential library, a move that could sidestep constitutional restrictions on foreign gifts to government officials.

Qatar’s media attaché to the U.S., Ali Al-Ansari, emphasized that no final decision has been made and that the proposal remains under legal review by both countries’ defense departments. He also refuted reports that the jet would be gifted during Trump’s visit as inaccurate.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that any gift from a foreign government would comply fully with U.S. laws and that the administration is committed to transparency. Trump himself defended the deal on his Truth Social platform, calling the plane a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” and criticizing opponents who question the arrangement.

Currently, the presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747-200B aircraft, in service since the early 1990s. The proposed 747-8 model from Qatar is a newer, more luxurious plane, which Trump had previously sought from Boeing but found delayed until 2027 or 2028.

This unprecedented potential gift raises significant legal and ethical questions, as the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause restricts officials from accepting gifts from foreign states. However, the plan to transfer ownership to Trump’s presidential library after his term may provide a legal workaround.

The negotiations underscore the continuing close diplomatic ties between Trump and Qatar, which in 2019 committed to large purchases of American aircraft. Qatar has a history of gifting luxury jets to other countries, including Turkey in 2018.

As Trump prepares for his first major foreign trip of his second term, the world watches closely how this high-profile aircraft deal unfolds, blending diplomacy, politics, and presidential legacy in the skies.