Landing in the UAE comes with more than just a warm welcome and sunny skies. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a family on vacation, or a business traveler extending your trip, your journey begins with instant perks. Tourists flying into Dubai or Abu Dhabi can access a wide array of exclusive benefits—free SIM cards, discount cards, transport upgrades, and hundreds of offers at top attractions—all for simply arriving in the Emirates.

Welcome to Dubai: Start with a Free SIM Card

One of the first surprises awaiting tourists at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a complimentary Tourism SIM card courtesy of du, one of the UAE’s major telecom providers. This SIM, available upon clearing immigration, offers 1GB of data valid for 24 hours, helping new arrivals navigate maps, make bookings, or connect with loved ones back home immediately.

Eligibility includes those arriving on visit visas, transit visas, or with visa-on-arrival, as well as GCC nationals. Tourists can upgrade their plan at du kiosks located at the airport or through Dubai Duty Free counters. Alternatives are also available from other major telecom providers, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile, which offer prepaid SIMs with competitive packages designed specifically for tourists, often bundled with international minutes and longer data validity.

This small but essential service ensures that visitors stay connected, which is especially useful for ride-hailing apps, translation tools, and ticketing platforms widely used across the UAE.

ALSAADA Card: Dubai’s Digital Welcome Kit for Tourists

With the SIM card in hand, visitors gain access to another benefit—a digital ALSAADA Tourist Card, Dubai’s official tourist discount programme run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD).

To activate this card, tourists simply scan the QR code printed on the SIM card envelope, which directs them to download the ALSAADA mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. After a quick registration process, users can start exploring discounts and promotions available across restaurants, retail stores, wellness centers, leisure attractions, and shopping malls.

Unlike traditional paper coupons, the ALSAADA card is digital and updates in real-time, making it a handy tool for tourists wanting to make the most of their budget without carrying around brochures or discount books.

Chauffeur On Demand: Hire a Driver by the Hour

Exploring Dubai in comfort and style is easier than ever with the Hourly Rental limousine service offered by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC). This service allows tourists to book a professional chauffeur to drive them around the city in a private vehicle—ideal for sightseeing, business meetings, or shopping tours.

Surprisingly cost-effective, this service starts at AED 400 for two hours and goes up to AED 1,100 for ten hours, with packages tailored to fit a variety of travel needs. Unlike regular taxis, the limousine option does not include waiting time charges, and you only pay extra if you exceed the allotted hours or distance.

Booking is simple via the “DTC” app, which offers real-time scheduling and payment options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Two hours: AED 400

• Four hours: AED 650

• Six hours: AED 800

• Eight hours: AED 900

• Ten hours: AED 1,100

• After package expiry: AED 3/km and AED 1/minute

This service is perfect for tourists planning to visit multiple locations in a single day, offering flexibility, comfort, and the prestige of private transport.

Show Your Boarding Pass, Get a World of Discounts

Perhaps the most surprising benefit of visiting the UAE is how your boarding pass becomes a ticket to savings. Two of the UAE’s flagship airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, offer special promotions for passengers who retain their boarding passes.

Emirates: “My Emirates Pass”

Emirates passengers can benefit from the My Emirates Pass, a seasonal discount programme that turns your boarding pass into an access card for offers at over 500 locations. Deals span across:

• Attractions like At The Top – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Museum of the Future

• Amusement parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure at Atlantis

• Retail outlets and luxury brands at malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

• Fine dining restaurants, cafés, and spas

Offers are available to those who present a valid physical or digital boarding pass, along with ID, and are usually valid for up to a month from the date of arrival (subject to seasonal dates—check Emirates’ official site for the latest validity periods).

Etihad Airways: “Abu Dhabi Pass”

Etihad passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi can access the Abu Dhabi Pass, offering similar benefits across the capital’s top destinations. Exclusive discounts are available at:

• Yas Island attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld

• Luxury hotels and spas, especially in Saadiyat Island and Corniche areas

• Dining establishments, from gourmet to family-friendly

These perks not only save tourists money but also encourage them to explore both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enriching their travel experience.

The Bigger Picture: UAE’s Tourism-First Strategy

These offers are part of the UAE’s larger initiative to position itself as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations globally. With streamlined airport experiences, high-speed public transit, visa-on-arrival for over 80 nationalities, and now, digital discount programmes, the UAE is creating an ecosystem that values accessibility, affordability, and convenience for its international visitors.

For tourists, the message is clear: don’t throw away your boarding pass, and be sure to scan everything you receive at the airport. From that moment, the UAE starts paying you back for visiting.

Tip: Before arriving, check the official websites of Visit Dubai, Etihad, or Emirates, as offers and promotions may be seasonal or time-limited.

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.