5 new travel routes from Abu Dhabi
Your next travel adventure awaits…
Globetrotters, take note. With travel season approaching (not that it ever left), you'll soon be able to explore a host of new destinations, and you can fly to them from right here, Abu Dhabi. Which ones, you ask? Here are 5 new travel routes you can visit from Abu Dhabi. Wizz Air
Beirut
While this is a popular destination among fliers in the capital, Abu Dhabi-based ultra low-cost carrier, Wizz Air will offer you direct flights to Beirut three times a week beginning June 4. So whether it's rich history, a nightlife scene that's known of the world over, or a trip to the home of cuisine that dominates the culinary scene in the region, this is where you need to head to. Qabala
Wizz Air is launching flights to the city of Qabala in Azerbaijan (GBB) beginning on June 19, and with fares from as low as Dhs169, you'll be able to explore Northern Azerbaijan as you're surrounded by lush greenery and Nohur Lake, one of the country's leading natural attractions. Qabala offers a great blend of recreation and adventure, with everything from placid ourdoor locales to adventure activities. Etihad Airways
Addis Ababa
From October 1, Etihad will fly you daily to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. With new codeshare flights in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, you can now easily explore this beautiful destination. Flights depart Abu Dhabi at 9am, landing in Addis Ababa at 12.35pm, with return flights touching down in the UAE capital at 7.15pm. Medan
Beginning October 2, Etihad will also fly thrice a week to Medan, Indonesia. Whether it's business or leisure you're travelling for, these flights offer a quick and comfortable way to experience Indonesian charm. Air Arabia
Yerevan
Starting June 1, Air Arabia will operate six weekly flights to Yerevan in Armenia. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient landmarks, the city is already a massive hit with travellers from the UAE, and has quickly ascended the charts to become a must-see destination.
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Learning, adaptability ‘key to success in hotel industry'
Many times over have we heard about humility and being a man-for-others as ingredients for success – even as success could be taken mundanely since mankind is human and definitely not naturally divine. These, again, resonated from the third anniversary celebration of the Indonesian UAE Hotelier Community (IUHC), formally established in Dubai in 2022 that operates under the auspices of the Indonesian diplomatic and consular missions. Meet Jamil Bachruddin, 24 years in the industry that started in his hometown of Surabaya in Java and Dwi Utari, 23 years and also counting for more memorable experiences since joining the hectic-yet-fun-and-thrilling profession from her birthplace of Jakarta. 'One key lesson is that adaptability is non-negotiable. The industry evolves consistently – guest expectations, technology, and even global challenges change the way we operate. Being open to learning and adapting is what sets great hoteliers apart,' Bachruddin told Gulf Today. Utari said: 'Keep learning. Never lose the essence of hospitality. It is a gift we give every day.' They are among the founding members of the IUHC, the membership of which had increased to 1,616: 1,257 in Dubai; 253, Abu Dhabi including the Al Ain Eastern Municipal Region; 46, Ras Al Khaimah, 46; 37, Fujeirah; 13, Sharjah; and three, Umm Al Quwain. From chief guest, Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Denny Lesmana, a panelist at the 'Inspirational Talk: Challenges and Opportunities in Hospitality Employment in the UAE' alongside Bachruddin and Utari: 'Consistently demonstrate your best abilities. With a strong work ethic and adequate skills, it is expected that more companies in the UAE will entrust strategic positions to Indonesian workers.' Lesmana described the existence of the IUHC – a project of his predecessor, Candra Negara – as 'significant;' for, it serves as a forum for shared experiences towards more sharpened competencies 'within a multicultural and competitive work environment.' He added: 'IUHC represents the face of Indonesian professionals, able to occupy various positions in the UAE hospitality sector; demonstrating that Indonesian workers possess high quality competitiveness.' Interviewed, Bachruddin, Fourth-Middle East Regional Operations director, into the digital transformation and streamlining of the operations of the hospitality sector, said: 'How you treat your team reflects on how they treat your guests. Empower your people; lead by example. Never stop listening, whether it is to guests, colleagues, or the subtle signals of change in the market.' JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai-Front Office manager Utari said: 'Leadership is about empowerment, consistency and compassion. Be visible; lead by example; stay humble; be attentive to details, strategies, and pre-planning. Celebrate your team's efforts often. When people feel seen, heard and valued, they bring their best selves to the job.' 'From Vision to Recognition' was the theme of the IUHC anniversary. The Awards Committee, members and allied industry players, unanimously decided that Accor Dubai Deira Cluster-Rooms Division manager Savitri Rahmadani and Emirates Culinary Guild-Public Relations vice president/Taaza Healthy Food Industries LLC-Culinary head Atim Suyatim merit the Lifetime Awards. Voted as well were the best, across the rank-and-file and management levels, in 11 award categories divided into five divisions: Rooms, Food & Beverage Service, Culinary, Administration & General/Sales & Marketing/Engineering, Spa & Recreation. Rahmadani began her career as a hotel receptionist in Surabaya. Nineteen years thereafter, she has become 'known for her dedication to operational excellence, mentoring emerging talents, and driving guest satisfaction through service leadership.' From being a hotel pastry chef in 1997 in South Sumatra, Suyatim, with a 28-year work experience has 'become a respected leader in institutional catering and professional development; recognised for his mentorship, industry advocacy, and commitment to promoting Indonesian talent on international platforms.' Bucharaddin to all aspiring hoteliers: 'Do not rush. Each role, each shift, and each challenge is a chance to grow. The best leaders in this industry are those who understand it from the ground up.' Utari said: 'Be patient. Be curious. Keep attention to details. Stay humble. Every guest interaction is a moment to make an impact. The most meaningful growth often comes though challenges; embrace them.'
Tourism Breaking News
4 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Etihad expands its European network with flights to Prague and Warsaw
Post Views: 59 Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of flights to two new destinations in Central Europe – Prague and Warsaw. The UAE's national airline operated its inaugural flight to the enchanting Czech capital Prague, one of 16 new destinations the airline will add this year. Next the airline touched down in Warsaw for the first time, adding the vibrant Polish capital to its expanding European network. 'Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. 'These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.' Often called the 'City of a Hundred Spires', Prague captivates visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture, centuries-old squares, and lively cultural scene. The Czech capital's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases architectural treasures spanning eight centuries, while its modern districts pulse with innovative cuisine, art, and design. Beyond the city, the surrounding region offers picturesque landscapes, from historic castles to renowned spa towns. In Poland, the modern city of Warsaw captivates with its distinctive contrasts – elegant architecture and contemporary skylines, traditional markets and inspired dining scenes, historic parks and cutting-edge cultural venues. This diversity is complemented by Poland's enticing array of experiences, from medieval cities to pristine forests and mountain ranges. Visitors to the UAE from Czechia and Poland, can enjoy Abu Dhabi's distinctive blend of tradition and modern luxury. The UAE capital offers everything from the serenity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the artistic masterpieces of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The city serves as an ideal gateway to desert adventures, championship golf courses, and the entertainment district of Yas Island with its world-class theme parks and Yas Marina Circuit. Prague and Warsaw join Etihad's expanding European network at an exciting time. The airline is set to welcome 16 new destinations throughout 2025, including Atlanta (July), Taipei (September), and key Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi in the fourth quarter. Operating on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the services feature 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats. Each Business Studio transforms into a fully-flat bed and offers direct aisle access, while Economy Smart seats provide enhanced comfort for all guests. The aircraft offers the latest in-flight entertainment technology and thoughtfully crafted comfort in both cabins. To celebrate Etihad's expanding network, the airline has launched a competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, daring guests to compete in a race to visit 15 of the airline's new destinations, including Prague and Warsaw, to win five million Etihad Guest miles. Any new or existing Etihad Guest member can register to compete and has 12 months to complete the challenge, the first three members to visit all 15 destinations will be awarded. First place will win five million Etihad Guest miles, Second place will win three million miles, and Third place will win one million miles.
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island plans give us another peek at the city's extraordinary future
Developer Aldar Properties this week announced its plans for Fahid Island, the sliver of land that sits between Abu Dhabi's Yas and Jubail islands and connects via the road-and-bridge network with Saadiyat. By doing so, we now have a more complete picture of the plan for this quartet of isles that cluster from the mainland near Zayed International Airport to the top of Abu Dhabi city and the Mina Zayed district – and a better sense of the city's present and its prospective future. The developer said at the launch of its Fahid master plan that it will deliver a range of luxury apartments, townhouses and villas to the island, as well as a range of other amenities. Aldar described the project as being designed to draw people from around the city to use its leisure facilities and it was expecting international interest in the scheme. Next door, development of Jubail Island carries on at pace as regular users of the Saadiyat highway will testify. JIIC, the investment company at the heart of the island's development, has previously said the project will combine six residential village estates. Jubail will also be home to a branch of Gordonstoun school, via a licensing agreement that will use the storied Scottish institution's expertise and curriculum. The plan also allows for the majority of the island to remain as a salt marsh and mangrove sanctuary. The natural beauty of Jubail's Mangrove Walking Park is already a fixture of the city's ever-expanding visitor experience. With each passing year, both Saadiyat and Yas, which bookend Jubail and Fahid, become more impressive environments. On Saadiyat, the multi-sensory experience that is TeamLab Phenomena opened in the cultural district earlier this spring. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are rapidly moving from architectural dream to built reality. So too the Natural History Museum, which promises to be a time capsule that takes visitors back to millions of years ago. Louvre Abu Dhabi has been a much-loved fixture of Saadiyat since it opened in late 2017. Banks of housing stock are fast emerging from the ground, which also hosts prominent education establishments, restaurants, hotels and a long ribbon of luxury housing at its far boundary, known as Hidd. With each passing year, both Saadiyat and Yas, which bookend Jubail and Fahid, become more impressive environments Yas, the buffer before the mainland, rightly stakes its claim as a world-class entertainment destination with its concert arena, F1 track, multiple theme parks - Warner Bros, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World and Seaworld - as well as hotels, offices, several hues of residential stock and a full suite of leisure pursuits. The latest announcement, delivered last month, is arguably the biggest headliner of them all: the arrival of Disneyland within a decade. Experts say the Disney effect is already in motion, with the announcement instantly creating more interest in the residential property market in the city. That may provide mixed news for those seeking to move to the island, with prices likely to increase, but the overall impact of Disney's arrival is largely positive. Certainly, its presence will also accelerate growth in some sectors of the job market, too. If the Disney effect is at work at one end of that chain of islands, the Bilbao or Guggenheim effect has also been long talked about at the other end, in the context of the cultural district. The introduction of the Guggenheim to the Spanish port city, now almost 30 years ago, helped kickstart economic development and urban regeneration. Its impact will be felt differently in Abu Dhabi, however, sitting as it will do within Saadiyat's constellation of cultural stars, but there is also little doubt the Guggenheim will have an effect in Abu Dhabi, too. It is easy to forget now that Saadiyat and Yas were only connected to the city in 2009, with the opening of the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and associated motorway that linked these islands with the mainland and the city and the complete offering we see now. The opening of that infrastructure was the moment that the exquisitely detailed scale models of what the future might look like began their journey towards the present. Around the same late aughts period, famed architect and urbanist Rem Koolhaas remarked 'the Gulf is not just reconfiguring itself, it's reconfiguring the world', in reference not just to the plans that were emerging across in the region. Perhaps people also took it to mean that the spectacular was possible in a way that had once been impossible, such as the world's tallest building opening in Dubai in 2009. It also used to be traditional to frame pieces about Abu Dhabi internationally with the idea of something extraordinary happening in the desert environment. With hindsight, those portrayals only told a fragment of the whole story, being overly focused on the possibility of structures emerging from barren ground rather than what was supporting that development in the first place. What they missed were the intangible assets of the city and the country, such as the safety of society – UAE cities are consistently ranked the safest in the world – and the certainty and confidence that means those visions were always destined to become reality. As much as the renderings and sketches are there to entice – in Fahid today, just as they were for yesteryear Saadiyat – it is that certainty about today that makes the possibility of tomorrow so exciting.
