Air Arabia has launched a major summer mega sale, offering one-way fares starting from just Dh149 for select destinations across its network. The promotion is available for bookings made between June 30 and July 6, 2025, with travel permitted from July 14 to September 30, 2025—a period that covers the busy summer holiday season and is ideal for families and travelers looking for affordable getaways.

The discounted fares apply to a wide variety of routes from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Travelers departing from Sharjah can fly to Bahrain and Muscat for as low as Dh149, while fares to Dammam, Riyadh, Salalah, and Kuwait start at Dh199. Routes to Abha, Tabuk, and Yanbu are available from Dh298, Doha from Dh399, Jeddah and Medinah from Dh449, and Taif from Dh574.

For those heading to South Asia, Abu Dhabi to Chennai fares start at Dh275, Kochi at Dh315, Dhaka at Dh499, and Chattogram at Dh549. From Sharjah, travelers can book flights to Ahmedabad from Dh299, Delhi from Dh317, Mumbai from Dh323, Thiruvananthapuram from Dh325, and Kathmandu from Dh449. These special rates are especially appealing for the large South Asian expatriate community in the UAE.

Air Arabia’s summer sale comes as the airline reports strong financial growth, with a net profit of Dh355 million in the first quarter of 2025—a 34 percent increase year-on-year. The airline also saw a 14 percent rise in turnover to Dh1.75 billion and carried more than 4.9 million passengers in the first three months of the year, achieving an average seat load factor of 84 percent.

The airline is also expanding its network, with the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus starting July 10, 2025, operating twice daily. All fares in the promotion are one-way and include surcharges, but airport taxes may not be included and are subject to change. Seats are limited and are expected to sell out quickly, so travelers are encouraged to book early to secure the best deals.

For passengers needing flexibility, Air Arabia allows modifications or cancellations of bookings online, via its call center, or at sales offices, though fare differences and terms may apply

The United Arab Emirates’ Golden Visa program offers a long-term residence permit designed to attract and retain exceptional global talent. This visa allows investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes to live, work, or study in the UAE with exclusive benefits and greater security.

The Golden Visa is issued for either five or ten years, depending on the applicant’s category, and is renewable upon meeting the required conditions.

Key benefits include no requirement for a local sponsor, unlike standard UAE residence visas, giving holders greater independence. They can also stay outside the UAE for more than six moths without losing residency status, which is not allowed under regular visas. Additionally, Golden Visa holders can sponsor their family members and children regardless of age, as well as an unlimited number of domestic helpers. In the unfortunate event of the visa holder’s death, family members can remain in the UAE until the visa’s validity expires.

Applicants must submit nominations through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services portal. The process involves selecting the visa category, providing detailed personal and professional information, uploading required documents, and paying applicable fees.

Certain categories require official recommendations: artists and cultural figures need approval from cultural authorities; innovators and inventors from the Ministry of Economy; athletes from sports authorities; digital talents from the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions; and other exceptional talents from relevant federal or local bodies.

The fees include an e-services fee of AED 28, an ICP fee of AED 22, and a smart services fee of AED 100. Applications are rejected if incomplete data is not provided within 30 days or if the application is returned three times due to missing information.

In a significant development, the UAE has introduced a nomination-based Golden Visa program that makes it easier for Indian nationals to obtain lifetime residency without the previously mandatory property or business investments. Indians can now apply by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23.3 lakh), provided they meet eligibility criteria based on professional achievements, societal contributions, or potential value to the UAE’s cultural, scientific, or economic sectors.

This new pathway expands eligibility beyond investors and entrepreneurs to include nurses, educators, content creators, scientists, executives, and other professionals, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to welcoming diverse talents. The program is currently being piloted with Indian applicants, with over 5,000 expected to apply in the initial months.

Overall, the UAE Golden Visa represents a strategic initiative to foster innovation, investment, and cultural exchange by offering long-term residency with unparalleled benefits. The recent easing of access for Indians reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent and opportunity.

A Vietnam Airlines flight traveling from London Heathrow Airport to Hanoi was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after a Danish passenger experienced a serious medical emergency approximately nine hours into the flight. The flight, designated VN56, departed London on Sunday night local time and was en route to Hanoi when the passenger’s health suddenly deteriorated.

The cabin crew promptly administered first aid onboard, but the passenger’s condition did not improve, prompting the captain to make the critical decision to divert the flight. Prior to landing, the flight crew coordinated with Kolkata airport authorities to ensure medical teams were ready to provide immediate assistance upon arrival.

Once on the ground, the passenger was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital accompanied by two family members for further medical evaluation and treatment. The airline confirmed that the passenger’s condition was stable after transfer. After completing the necessary procedures and ensuring the passenger was in safe hands, flight VN56 resumed its journey to Hanoi at 3:43 p.m. local time on Monday, arriving approximately three hours behind schedule.

This incident is part of a recent pattern of Vietnam Airlines flights being diverted due to passenger health emergencies. Just days earlier, on June 30, flight VN7569 from Hanoi to Nha Trang was diverted to Da Nang due to a medical issue onboard. Earlier in June, on the 16th, flight VN158 from Da Nang to Hanoi made an emergency landing at Phu Bai Airport in Hue for similar reasons. Additionally, on May 5, 2025, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey after a passenger required urgent medical attention.

Vietnam Airlines has reiterated the importance of passenger health awareness, advising travelers to consult with medical professionals before flying if they experience any unusual symptoms or have pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by air travel. The airline also emphasized that flight crews are trained to handle medical emergencies and that safety remains their highest priority.

Medical emergencies in-flight pose significant challenges due to limited resources and the need for quick decision-making. Airlines worldwide have protocols in place to manage such situations, including coordinating with ground medical services and, when necessary, diverting flights to the nearest suitable airport. The recent series of diversions by Vietnam Airlines highlights both the unpredictability of medical emergencies and the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.

Passengers planning to travel long-haul or with known health issues are encouraged to carry relevant medical documentation, medications, and to inform airline staff of any special needs prior to boarding. This ensures timely and appropriate care can be provided if emergencies arise during the flight.

Thai VietJet Air, a leading low-cost airline from Thailand, has announced the launch of a new direct international route between Phuket and Mumbai, expanding its presence in the Indian market to two routes starting this August. The new service comes as demand for leisure travel between India and Thailand continues to rise, and will make Thai VietJet Air the second airline to operate on the Mumbai–Phuket sector.

The airline already operates daily Mumbai–Bangkok flights, and this new Phuket route marks its first direct point-to-point service from India to Phuket. The Phuket–Mumbai flights will operate four times a week using 180-seat all-economy Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Flight VZ762 will depart Phuket International Airport at 10:10 pm (local time) and arrive in Mumbai at 1:05 am IST, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. These flights will run every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The return flight, VZ763, will leave Mumbai at 2:05 am IST and land in Phuket at 8:20 am local time, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with a flight duration of about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The India–Thailand air corridor is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest, with multiple carriers serving direct flights between Indian cities and Thai destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket. IndiGo is currently the largest Indian carrier on these routes, offering multiple flights from major Indian cities to both Bangkok and Phuket. Air India serves Bangkok from Delhi and Mumbai, and Phuket from Delhi, while Thai Airways connects several Indian metros to Bangkok with daily or near-daily flights.

With Thai VietJet Air’s entry, travelers can expect increased competition and potentially lower fares on the Mumbai–Phuket route, which had previously seen high prices due to IndiGo’s monopoly. Thai VietJet Air has indicated it will pursue an aggressive pricing strategy, aiming to attract both Indian tourists heading to Phuket and Thai travelers visiting Mumbai.

Phuket continues to be a popular destination for Indian travelers, especially during peak festive periods like Diwali and New Year. For Thai nationals, Mumbai offers a direct gateway to western India and convenient onward connections. The addition of Thai VietJet Air’s service is expected to further stimulate travel and tourism between the two countries, providing more options and greater affordability for passengers.

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international passengers, is at the forefront of a visionary shift in how airports are designed and operated. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, outlined this bold new direction at Newsweek’s inaugural New Destinations Travel and Tourism Summit, emphasizing the urgent need to “reimagine the airport experience” to better serve the demands of modern travelers.

Griffiths criticized the current airport model as outdated, often frustrating, and primarily focused on logistics rather than passenger comfort. He argued airports should evolve from mere transit points into welcoming gateways that embody hospitality and leave positive first and last impressions on visitors. “People don’t have the vision that an airport should be a place of hospitality… a place of welcome,” he said, underscoring the airport’s role as a country’s front door.

With DXB handling a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers in 2024—surpassing pre-pandemic levels—the emphasis is shifting towards sustainable growth and enhancing passenger journeys. Griffiths proposes moving away from the traditional mega-airport concept toward a decentralized network of about eight smaller, interconnected airports linked by high-speed rail. This would allow seamless transfers from urban centers directly to aircraft, drastically reducing long check-in queues and extensive terminal walks, which he described as “the worst nightmare” of airport travel.

Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is central to this transformation. Dubai Airports is already piloting AI applications to optimize aircraft turnaround times, security screening, and baggage handling. Griffiths expressed confidence that AI can make these processes faster, more accurate, and less intrusive, ultimately creating a frictionless passenger experience.

Looking ahead, while the long-term vision includes decentralized airports, the immediate focus remains on optimizing DXB’s operations and expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Griffiths envisions a more intimate and personalized passenger journey at DWC, departing from the “mega terminal” model to smaller concourses connected by efficient transit, allowing travelers to enjoy amenities without long walks.

Above all, Griffiths stressed that airports must embrace a hospitality mindset, treating each traveler as an individual and ensuring their journey is comfortable and stress-free. “We are fundamentally in the hospitality business, and too many people in this industry think they are managing infrastructure,” he remarked. This philosophy aims to elevate airport experiences to the standards of world-class hospitality, transforming airports into places of welcome rather than mere transit hubs.

As Dubai Airports continues to break passenger records and expand capacity, Griffiths’ vision signals a future where the airport is no longer a bottleneck but a seamless, welcoming gateway that redefines global air travel.

Qatar is experiencing a remarkable surge in domestic tourism, fueled by a growing array of tourism products, immersive cultural experiences, and year-round attractions tailored for families. This vibrant trend is reshaping local travel, offering residents and regional visitors alike fresh ways to explore and enjoy the country’s unique heritage and modern leisure options.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Thani, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Katara Hospitality, shared insights on Qatar’s distinctive approach to tourism during a recent Qatar TV programme. He emphasized that preserving and promoting Qatari culture lies at the heart of their hospitality philosophy.

“Our hotels are designed to reflect Qatari heritage, from the architecture to the room interiors,” Sheikh Abdulrahman explained. A striking example is the Katara Towers, whose design is inspired by traditional Qatari swords, creating a captivating cultural symbol that intrigues guests. Visitors are greeted with warm traditional hospitality, including Arabic coffee served by staff dressed in national attire, while Qatari artwork and photography enrich the hotel ambiance, offering authentic cultural touchpoints.

Ahmed Hussein Abdullah, Chairman of Tourism Group for Tourists and Travel, highlighted family tourism as a key driver behind the domestic tourism boom. Over the last four to five years, Qatar has emerged as a favored destination for families from the GCC and wider Arab region.

Abdullah attributes this rise to the affordability and high quality of local hotels, which often provide better value than similar accommodations in neighboring countries. “Qatar’s domestic tourism scene offers everything from luxury hotels to iconic landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and Lusail City,” he said. The country’s vibrant calendar of festivals, exhibitions, and events in malls and public spaces encourages many residents to explore local attractions rather than travel abroad.

Echoing this optimism, Hassan Mohammed Al-Emadi, CEO of Arabian Adventures Tourism, pointed out the rich diversity of Qatar’s tourism offerings. He noted that the period from mid-October to mid-May provides ideal weather for outdoor activities, encouraging visits to cultural sites like the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Faisal Museum, Msheireb Museums, and the Museum of Modern Arab Art.

Al-Emadi also highlighted popular destinations such as Souq Waqif, the breathtaking Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), camel racing events, and authentic farm-stay experiences in rural areas. New resorts like Salwa Beach Resort and West Bay Lagoon Resort add fresh options for relaxation and adventure, enhancing Qatar’s appeal as a comprehensive tourism hub.

The rise in domestic tourism aligns closely with Qatar’s national strategy to diversify and strengthen its tourism sector under the Qatar National Vision 2030. By encouraging local travel, the country supports small businesses, promotes cultural preservation, and fosters community engagement with its rich heritage and natural landscapes.

Government initiatives to improve accessibility, protect cultural sites, and promote eco-tourism are further fueling this growth. These efforts ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences without leaving Qatar.

With its balanced mix of leisure, heritage, and eco-tourism offerings, Qatar is steadily building a sustainable, year-round tourism ecosystem. As more investors and stakeholders introduce innovative products and immersive experiences, the country is poised to enhance its status as a leading domestic and regional tourism destination.

From thrilling desert adventures to vibrant urban culture, Qatar’s expanding local tourism scene is not only diversifying the economy but also deepening national pride. The era of “staycations” has truly arrived, making it more appealing than ever to explore the wonders right at home.