logo
UAE-India flights: Tickets start from Dh53 as airline announces 'freedom sale'

UAE-India flights: Tickets start from Dh53 as airline announces 'freedom sale'

Khaleej Times5 hours ago
Air India Express has announced discounted airfares on the eve of 79 years of independence with domestic and international fares starting from Rs1,279 (Dh53.50) and Rs4,279 (Dh179), respectively.
As part of its grand 'Freedom Sale', the Indian budget carrier is offering five million seats across both domestic and international flights, including UAE destinations.
More than 3.7 million Indian nationals living and working in the UAE, as well as millions of tourists visiting the UAE and other countries, can benefit from the sale. It connects Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to cities across India.
With a fleet of 116 aircraft, it operates over 500 daily flights, connecting 38 domestic and 17 international destinations.
The sale opened exclusively on the airline's website and app on Sunday, August 10, and will be available across all major booking channels until August 15, 2025. Travel under this offer is valid from August 19, 2025, to March 31, 2026, including Onam, Durga Puja, Deepawali, Christmas, and other holidays.
The airline said its Xpress Value fares, which include a standard check-in baggage allowance, start from Rs1,379 for domestic and Rs4,479 for international flights. The airline added that it is also offering special fares and advantages for students, senior citizens, armed forces personnel, and their dependents.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE electric vehicle premiums surge but experts remain bullish as market grows
UAE electric vehicle premiums surge but experts remain bullish as market grows

The National

time26 minutes ago

  • The National

UAE electric vehicle premiums surge but experts remain bullish as market grows

Insuring an electric car in the UAE has become much more costly, after last year's record floods, but industry experts believe the future remains bright for the vehicle segment as sales increase. one of the country's leading providers, said insuring an electric vehicle on average costs 72 per cent more on average than a petrol or diesel-powered alternative. Figures compiled by the company show the average comprehensive EV policy currently stands at about Dh4,992 per year, compared to Dh2,895 for regular internal combustion engine vehicles, when comparing vehicles of similar body type. 'Repair costs for EVs are higher due to specialised parts and battery systems,' said Hitesh Motwani, deputy chief executive of the insurance group. 'There are fewer authorised repair centres, and parts often have to be shipped internationally.' The repair problems were brought into sharp focus by the unprecedented floods that hit the UAE in April 2004, when mass EV battery failures drove insurance claims up. Still, Mr Motwani believes that the market is entering a 'transition phase' that will see more nuanced pricing, factoring in battery age, charging behaviour and self-driving features. 'More insurers are also partnering with authorised EV dealers to streamline the repairs and claim services,' he said. 'We're watching the space evolve from novelty to norm – and as that happens, customers can expect more competitive, data-driven pricing, but also a need to be more informed buyers.' EVs are expected market share of more than 15 per cent of all sales in the UAE by 2030, and could reach about 110,500 vehicles five years later, PwC's recently released Mobility Outlook report found. The UAE has set an ambitious target of having EVs make up half of the cars on the roads by 2050, in support of the nation's net zero drive. Staying the course When Toshita Chuahan took delivery of her Tesla three years ago, the choice was less about a moral stand on emissions than a hard-headed calculation. 'I wanted an SUV I could drive for the next decade,' said Ms Chauhan, chief business officer at 'At the time, fuel savings, free charging for Teslas, and monthly instalments comparable to a petrol model made the decisions obvious.' Today, with insurance premiums for electric vehicles (EVs) on the rise, her budget is different. 'Back then, the cost difference wasn't much,' said Ms Chuahan. 'But even factoring in that increase, I'm still saving on running costs. For two years, charging was free – I was paying nothing beyond road tolls and the odd car wash.' EV boom reshaping the roads While the UAE's EV market has faced challenges, it has enjoyed healthy growth in recent years. EVs made up 13 per cent of new car sales in 2023, up from 0.7 per cent in 2021, according to government data cited by e-mobility specialist, Heiko Sietz. To put this into perspective, this is equal to between 28,000 and 33,000 new EVs, including plug-in hybrids, sold in 2023, compared to only a few thousand in 2021. 'This marks one of the fastest adoption curves in the region,' said Mr Sietz. Regionally, Mr Sietz told The National, this means that the UAE now leads the Middle East in EV penetration, well ahead of neighbouring countries where electric models still account for about one per cent or less of new car sales. 'Nearly two-thirds of UAE residents now say they intend to make an EV their primary vehicle by 2025, showing how quickly public sentiment is shifting in favour of more sustainable mobility,' said Sietz, the global eMobility leader at PwC. 'A growing variety of EV models at accessible price points is helping to accelerate this adoption.' Overcoming road blocks The UAE is quickly overcoming traditional barriers to EV adoption, particularly charging access, range concerns, and upfront costs. As such, Mr Seitz believes that the conditions are 'highly favourable' for ownership. 'Running costs are a fraction of petrol, range anxiety is easing, and the variety of models at accessible price points is growing fast.' In Abu Dhabi alone for example, a joint venture between Adnoc and Taqa aims to install 70,000 EV chargers by 2030. Drivers can now also travel further with a charged battery, as many new EVs are able to cover distances of more than 400km on a full charge, with premium models exceeding 600km. A maturing market will bring new realities For drivers such as Ms Chuahan, the honeymoon period may be over – Tesla's once-free charging network now comes at a cost. A minor incident left her waiting for three months for a replacement bumper shipped from China. 'If it had been major damage, that would have been a serious inconvenience,' she told The National. Policybazaar's own data reflects a shift in buying behaviour. There are more enquiries for brands from China, such as BYD, and for premium EVs from brands such as Mercedes and Volvo, as well a growing second-hand Tesla market. 'We're also seeing that EVs aren't always the primary car in a household,' she notes. 'People still keep a petrol car for longer trips or as a back-up.' Manufacturers push confidence Concerns over insurance are temporary growing pains, as EV adoption grows and more data becomes available, said Roberto Lopes Da Silva, UAE general manager of electric car brand Nio. 'We expect pricing to normalise. Moreover, continued dialogue between insurers, regulators, and EV manufacturers will be key in bridging this gap and making EV ownership more accessible,' he told The National. Nio's customers he adds are often 'forward-thinking individuals who are enthusiastic about technology and sustainability, especially in the premium to luxury segment.' For Mr Lopes Da Silva, this dynamic environment in the UAE, means products must truly differentiate themselves, be it in range, technology, design, or customer experience. He adds that the driving range of an electric vehicle depends on several variables, including the model type, battery capacity, and real-world driving conditions such as speed, terrain, and climate. For example, the Nio ET5 Long Range variant has a certified range of up to 615 kilometres. For daily use, under mixed driving conditions, customers can realistically expect between 500 to 550 kilometres per full charge. Evolving sector As the UAE's EV market matures, infrastructure is expanding and resale values are expected to stabilise. Ms Chauhan said she is committed. 'Driving my Tesla has become second nature,' she said, describing the experience of driving a petrol car like stepping back in time. With the UAE government's goal of half of the cars on the road to be electric by 2050 – she is expected to have a lot more company on the roads.

‘Can my salary be deducted if I take sick leave during probation?'
‘Can my salary be deducted if I take sick leave during probation?'

The National

timean hour ago

  • The National

‘Can my salary be deducted if I take sick leave during probation?'

Question: I work for an events company and come into contact with a lot of people. Following a recent event, I caught a bad cold and was too ill to go to work. I took two days off and mostly recovered then and over the weekend. My employer is now telling me that I will not be paid for the two days as I am still on probation. This is not fair, as I got ill while working. Is it legal for them to pay me for two days less this month? AR, Abu Dhabi Answer: The entitlement to sick pay is set out in the UAE Labour Law. Article 31, clause 2 states: 'The worker shall not be entitled to a paid sick leave during the probationary period. However, the employer may grant him a sick leave without pay, based on a medical report issued by the medical entity that stipulates the necessity of granting the leave.' This is the minimum requirement, but an employer can still choose to pay an employee. In theory, if someone is unwell due to an illness or injury that arose at work, they should be paid, but this can be impossible to prove in the case of illness. AR could have picked up a viral infection from anyone. While it may seem likely that it was caught at work in a busy environment, it cannot be proven either way. This means that, despite it seeming harsh, the employer can legally deduct two days of pay in their situation. Q: I lived in Dubai for a few years and moved back to the UK in January 2024. I own an apartment there and have decided to rent it out as I won't have time to use it much in the next couple of years. My questions are whether I have to declare this UAE income now that I am in the UK and if I can avoid being taxed on it? I bought the apartment using my UAE income nearly two years ago. BH, UK A: BH is a UK citizen and is permanently resident in the UK. Taxation is a complex area, so I can only answer here in brief. As he is UK resident for tax purposes, he is obliged to disclose all foreign income and gains to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This applies to any income from renting out a property in another country as well as any gain from selling an asset such as a property. It does not matter where the income is paid or if the money never enters the UK. Any income or capital gain will be added to all UK earnings and taxed at the individual's marginal rate. If someone fails to disclose UK tax liabilities in relation to overseas or offshore income and gains, they will be liable to penalties. In addition, if someone is late in paying tax or a penalty, HMRC will charge interest on the outstanding amount. For deliberately failing to notify overseas income or a gain, the penalty can vary, being up to 200 per cent of the amount due, in addition to the tax payable. Ignorance of the law is not considered a reasonable excuse. Anyone who is leaving the UAE, or another Gulf country to return to the UK, or any other country where there are income and capital gain taxes, should seek advice as there may be ways to minimise future taxation. At least, they can be made aware of their position and plan accordingly as there are multiple tax-related issues that should be considered. Watch: Why expat packages are not what they used to be Q: I am leaving the country for a few weeks, and my cousin is going to stay in my apartment while I am away. I will be back at the end of September. My cousin would like to use my car when I am away, but is this allowed by law? If he incurs any traffic fines, who is responsible for paying them? SV, Dubai A: In theory, SV's cousin can drive the car, provided he is a UAE resident with a UAE driving licence, but some policies are restricted to named drivers only. Not all vehicle insurance policies permit any driver. SV should check with his insurance company to clarify and, if necessary, have the cousin added as an authorised driver. Someone on a tourist visa cannot drive a personally owned vehicle unless they are a first-degree relative of the owner. In this situation, confirmation should also be sought from the insurance company. If any traffic fines are incurred, the legal responsibility for paying them lies with the owner of the vehicle. The owner is also responsible for any parking fines, Salik or other toll fees, vehicle registration and insurance.

UAE likely to play key role in global rare earths supply chain
UAE likely to play key role in global rare earths supply chain

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE likely to play key role in global rare earths supply chain

One of the key elements in the global trade wars has been the rare earths sector, which play a critical role in fostering industrial development linked to renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and defence applications. As the UAE progresses towards its ambitious economic diversification agenda, the country is exploring ways to localize elements of the rare earths supply chain. Given local deposits in the UAE are limited, the country is focusing on the midstream processing and logistics, assisted by trade partnerships. This move is part of a larger strategy to establish a strong presence in the midstream supply chain, benefitting from the UAE's geopolitical neutrality and sovereign wealth fund power, which could help reduce global rare earth reliance on China, experts say. In this regard, there is interest in establishing trade and processing hubs in the country, and freezones such as Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) are prime locations for such activities in the emirate. With a business friendly environment, excellent logistics, infrastructure and global connectivity, establishing a rare earths hub in the country would help mitigate some of the geopolitical tensions between China and the West. 'Rare earth refining is mostly concentrated in China today, with parallel supply chains being developed elsewhere (e.g. Australia) as a means to reduce that market concentration. The UAE, could position itself as a natural bridge between miners in Africa and Asia and Western technology and manufacturing firms, supported by sovereign wealth funds that invest in mining assets abroad. Furthermore, establishing industrial activity in Kezad tied to rare earths (e.g. processing) would boost local advanced manufacturing (e.g. electric vehicles) which heavily rely on rare earths such as neodymium for magnets,' Alexios Zachariadis, Partner at Deloitte Middle East, told Khaleej Times. The UAE's 'Make it in the Emirates' and Operation 300bn initiatives promote local manufacturing of elements reliant on rare earths, such as electric vehicle components (e.g. magnets, batteries), renewable energy systems (e.g. wind turbines) and high-tech industries (e.g. drones, defense technologies). 'Investing in rare earths processing alone could enable the country to add value to imported raw materials and export technology products which are in high demand, but also further scale up the UAE's domestic renewable energy projects,' Zachariadis said. COP28 emphasized the role of critical minerals for the energy transition. 'Post-COP28, the UAE is leveraging its Brics membership to secure upstream rare earth supplies, whilst at the same time positioning itself as an alternative trading hub, vying to attract Western and Asian companies seeking to de-risk global supply chains which have been affected by geopolitical tensions and trade barriers. It is however important to balance environmental concerns with industrial growth,' Zachariadis said. Nations across the GCC are pursing aggressive strategies to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, with a growing emphasis on mining as a potential sector to generate new revenue streams. 'The GCC could become a key supplier of critical minerals required for the global energy transition, competing with Latin America, Africa and Australia. New trade alliances are also likely to emerge, focusing on raw material import/export activities,' Zachariadis said. Further down the line, enhanced regional collaboration is possible whereby individual nations focus on their key added value. For instance, a plausible scenario is one where Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue leading in mining investments (e.g. Ma'aden, EGA and international assets through sovereign wealth funds), Oman would develop metal processing hubs given its ports and smelting capacities, and Qatar and Bahrain would continue focusing on downstream industries, Zachariadis said. 'This stronger regional collaboration would in turn incentivise new infrastructure and logistics investments (e.g. railways) and create cross-border value chains in the GCC as a means to establish a regional industrial eco-system in critical minerals and rare earths to manufacture products in demand locally/regionally and by other export markets,' he added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store