Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomed more than 6.5 million visitors in 2024
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Gulf Business
11 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE aviation sector soars in H1 2025 with 75.4 million passengers
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes The UAE' civil aviation sector recorded notable growth across key indicators in H1 2025, with passenger traffic, air cargo, and air traffic movements showing solid results, according to a report by the state news agency (WAM). Airports across the UAE handled 75.4 million passengers in H1 2025, up from 71.7 million in the same period last year, representing a 5 per cent increase. January recorded the highest monthly passenger volume, exceeding 13.7 million travellers. UAE national carriers expanded their global network, launching flights to 15 new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The new cities include locations in Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Croatia, and Ethiopia, further reinforcing the UAE's status as a major international aviation hub. Country's competitiveness in the aviation sector is 'rising' Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority ( Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, DG of GCAA, added, 'We are proud to continue achieving stable growth rates in both passenger and cargo traffic, supported by ambitious development projects to keep pace with this expansion. The total passenger handling capacity of the country's airports now exceeds 160 million, and we are confident that the aviation sector will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy, boosting tourism and trade, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading air transport hub regionally and globally.' In detail, air traffic in the UAE recorded 531,000 movements in H1 2025, a 6.2 per cent rise compared with nearly 500,000 movements during the same period last year. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, and Bahrain were the top five busiest destinations in terms of weekly flights. Air cargo volumes surpassed 2.2 million tonnes, up 4.74 per cent year-on-year, with national carriers accounting for 67 per cent of total cargo traffic. Read:
Web Release
13 hours ago
- Web Release
Explore Your Story, Rediscover Your City
In a city built on ambition and awe, it is easy to forget how stillness feels. We rush through weeks, commute along the same roads, pass the same buildings, without noticing how much wonder is quietly waiting for us to look up, to look closer. But sometimes, wonder does not come from distance. It comes from rediscovery. Dubai Deira and the Gold District, long known for trade, tradition, and the daily rhythm of the city, may not be the first places that come to mind for a break. But that is exactly what makes them perfect for a staycation. They do not promise escape; they offer something gentler: a pause, a shift in perspective, a chance to see the city not as a resident rushing through it, but as a curious explorer. Today, the Accor properties across the Dubai Gold District stand ready to welcome guests looking to reconnect with the city in a new way. With rooms starting from AED 130, curated dining experiences from AED 100, and themed nights at Novotel Dubai Gold District from just AED 79, it's the perfect invitation to slow down, settle in, and explore a different side of Dubai. It begins simply. With a check-in, not a departure. A bag packed light, or not at all. A decision to pause without leaving. To see the familiar through unfamiliar eyes. Step inside any one of Accor's thoughtfully placed hotels at Dubai Gold District, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and the shift is almost immediate. The noise of the city fades into the background. The room greets you like a deep breath. Spacious. Quiet. A world away from everything, yet right where you are. Each hotel brings its own character. At Novotel Dubai Gold District, the skyline stretches beyond the windows. There is a stillness on the rooftop, where the Aqua Pool Bar becomes a place to float, both above the city and away from its urgency. Mercure Dubai Gold District offers an experience steeped in quiet elegance. From its curated interiors to the inviting calm of Metro Café, it is a place where even a mid-morning coffee feels like a ritual. And come evening, the view from Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge is worth lingering over, a spread of Mediterranean dishes paired with golden-hour conversations. ibis Styles adds a pop of playfulness. Perfect for travellers who want function without fuss yet still appreciate colour and character. At Table 3, you will find a menu that travels across borders; Asian fusion, Indian classics, Arabic comfort food, all without leaving your seat. There is no itinerary here. No pressure to do or see everything. The day unfolds on your terms. It starts with artisan coffee and a quiet journal session at Wynd Café. Or breakfast in bed, curtains still drawn, as the sun seeps softly into the room. Eventually, the city begins to call. The Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, Abra rides that glide across the Creek like echoes from another time. Boats hum against water that has witnessed centuries. The scent of spices wafts through the breeze, pulling you forward. The past and present meet in quiet corners and narrow alleys. And yet, no matter how far you wander, it is comforting to know what is waiting when you return. Dinner unfolds slowly. No rush. At The Spicery, nestled inside Novotel, the view competes with the flavour. Grilled spices, slow-cooked mains, international favourites with bold accents, the kind of dishes that feel comforting, even when they are new. A perfectly lit table, conversation flowing as softly as the music. This is not just a meal. It is a memory being made. The next day unfolds gently, inviting you to slow down and embrace some much-needed wellness. Begin with Novotel Dubai Gold District's newly launched Rooftop Yoga Activity at the rooftop Aqua Pool Bar, held every Sunday, where the sunrise bathes the skyline in soft hues. Or simply start your morning by soaking in the scenic city view and the sunlight warms your soul, brightening your day. Afterwards, head to Farmstead at Mercure Dubai Deira for an organic, garden-fresh breakfast, prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the property's own garden. Begin your day's exploration of the city with a cup of rich, locally roasted, aroma-filled coffee from the souk market, right at the property, then hop on a ride to Deira City Centre or take a spontaneous detour through the vibrant streets of Karama. Each stop offers a new perspective, and every return to the hotel feels like stepping back into serenity. By late afternoon, you find yourself back at the pool, watching the skyline change colour. The city moves beneath you. You do not have to. From this rooftop perch, everything seems to breathe a little slower. You included. And if the weekend lingers, there is more to discover, the heritage waterfront of Al Seef, the architectural poetry of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the artistic quiet of Jaddaf Waterfront. Places that feel far yet sit just minutes away. What makes a staycation like this special is not what you check off a list. It is what you allow yourself to feel- the calm, the curiosity, the reconnection. Not just with the city, but with yourself. Rooms start from AED 130. But the value? That is felt in moments, not receipts. In the way you exhale without thinking. In how the city begins to look different. In how you begin to feel a little more like yourself. Because sometimes, the most meaningful journeys do not take you far. They bring you home to your city, your rhythm, your story. This is the magic of a staycation.
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Etihad Airways exceeds 20 million passengers in 12 months for first time
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for July 2025, reporting continued growth in passenger volumes and network expansion. In July, Etihad carried 2.0 million passengers, a 19 percent increase compared to July 2024, when the airline flew 1.7 million guests. The passenger load factor rose to 90 percent, up from 89 percent in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and efficient capacity management. Etihad's operating fleet now stands at 111 aircraft, supporting a growing network of 81 passenger destinations, up from 76 a year earlier. These figures underscore the airline's ongoing investment in fleet and route development. Etihad welcomed 12.2 million passengers year-to-date, a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2024. The average passenger load factor for 2025 so far is 88 percent, compared to 86 percent in the previous year. The airline's rolling 12-month total has reached 20.3 million passengers, further solidifying its position among the region's fastest-growing carriers. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, 'We continue to see strong momentum in our performance, with passenger numbers in July growing by 19 percent year-on-year. Our rolling 12-month total has surpassed 20 million for the first time in our history reflecting the trust our customers place in our service and the strength of our network." 'Our fleet expansion continues with the notable arrival of our first A321LR. July was a record month, with five new aircraft joining Etihad, including two Boeing 787s, an Airbus A350-1000, an A320, alongside the inaugural A321LR. These additions reflect our commitment to growth and boosting capacity across our global network.," he added. WAM
