logo
flydubai receives 2025 APEX Four-Star Major Airline rating

flydubai receives 2025 APEX Four-Star Major Airline rating

Emirates 24/718-02-2025

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, received the prestigious Four-Star Major Airlines rating for the second time by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).
Based on passenger feedback, the rating reflects the carrier's dedication to investing in enhancing customer experience as well as its commitment to innovation and growing its diverse network.
Diana Sinclair, Vice President of Inflight Experience at flydubai, said: 'we are honoured to have received this recognition once again which recognises our commitment to constant innovation and providing an enhanced customer experience both in the air and on the ground. Over the last 15 years, we have carried over 100 million passengers and have remained dedicated to offering a reliable and enjoyable travel journey by expanding our fleet and network and delivering exceptional passenger comfort, whether they travel in Business Class or Economy Class.'
'Surpassing the traditional boundaries of airline categories, our retrofit programme and the unveiling of our new dedicated Business Class check-in area and Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2 in Dubai have enabled us to continue providing an elevated travel experience for our passengers. Retaining our APEX rating reflects our dedication to removing travel barriers and creating free flows of trade and tourism, reaffirming Dubai's position as an international aviation hub,' added Sinclair.
'Excellence defines flydubai, which has earned the prestigious 2025 APEX Four Star Major Airline rating based on verified passenger feedback from TripIt, the number one travel management app in the world,' APEX GCEO Dr. Joe Leader stated. 'Experiencing their latest Boeing 737 MAX Business Class firsthand, I was truly impressed — especially by their seamlessly integrated Bluetooth headset pairing, setting a new benchmark for inflight connectivity and passenger comfort. From their cutting-edge cabin design to their unwavering commitment to innovation, flydubai exemplifies the future of air travel, and on behalf of APEX, we congratulate them on this well-earned recognition.'
The APEX Four Star Airline Awards are based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX's partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world's highest-rated travel-organising app.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME return with the second edition of sector-shaping forums
UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME return with the second edition of sector-shaping forums

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME return with the second edition of sector-shaping forums

Offering a blend of conferences led by key voices, exhibitions, networking sessions, and awards, the forums will explore today's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities across the sector Dubai, UAE: As two of the region's leading forces shaping the future of the food and retail industries, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) and IMAGES RetailME will come together to host another edition of their insightful forums. UAERG, the official representative body of the UAE's food and beverage sector, will present the Food Service Forum with a focus on the HoReCa ecosystem, while IMAGES RetailME, the region's premier retail business intelligence platform, will lead the Food Business Forum, spotlighting the food and grocery retail market. Set to take place on June 19th at JW Marriott Marina, both concurrent events will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, concluding with a UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony. UAERG Food Service Forum In recent years, MENA has experienced a surge of fine-dining restaurants, cafés, bars, international fast-food chains, and homegrown culinary concepts, catering to the region's evolving palate and growing appetite for unique dining experiences. Helping participants tap into the local market's immense potential, the UAERG Food Service Forum will feature a series of impactful roundtables, exhibition areas, and networking sessions, as well as the chance to meet the region's most powerful food service professionals. To set the tone for the forums, Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, and Amitabh Taneja, Editor-in-Chief at IMAGES Retail, will deliver an introductory speech. After, participants can dive into the discussions, starting at 10.20am with an inaugural session exploring the balance between ultra-fast delivery models and food quality, featuring Jaskaran Singh, Vice President of Product at Careem. Later at 2.00pm, a session on experiential dining will examine whether premium restaurant concepts and entertainment hybrids are worth the investment for shopping centres, with key insights from Jitin Joshi, Chef and Culinary Leader at Revolver (Culinary Arts Group), and Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management Company. Other highlights include an expert-led discussion on transforming café brands into lifestyle icons with various industry leaders sharing their experiences, including Duncan Muir, Senior Director of F&B and Retail at Bateel. The food service forum will also explore AI integration in the kitchen, with a panel featuring Sheikha Al Mheiri, Owner of MAD Hospitality, and Tapan Vaidya, Treasurer at UAERG and CEO of PJP Investments Group. Finally, Naved Nasir, Founder of Khadak, will join fellow industry trailblazers to share the ingredients for long-term success. Through meaningful events like the Food Service Forum, UAERG aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. In line with this role, the group is led by four key committees: the Education & Innovation Committee, headed by Board Member Walid Fakih, which keeps members informed on trends and tech, and the Membership Engagement & Events Committee, led by Treasurer Tapan Vaidya, aimed at fostering connection and knowledge-sharing. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Amit Nayak leads both the Sustainability Committee and the Government Relations & Advocacy Committee, which ensures their voices are heard in policy and regulatory matters. Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, shared, 'The second edition of UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum comes at a crucial turning point. Several factors, including lifestyle changes, sustainability, and technology, are completely transforming how diners engage with concepts. Through events like this, we hope to contribute to the greater success of the UAE's food service industry, sharing expert insights and practices that will help businesses of all sizes thrive.' IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum In the realm of Food & Grocery Retail, the MENA market is experiencing a profound shift, driven by the evolving needs of modern consumers, rapid technological advancements, and diversified products. This year's IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum seeks to empower participants to navigate these industry shifts and highlight emerging trends by bringing together key industry players from leading hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retailers. One of the day's standout sessions is the 12.00pm CEO Power Panel, which will explore how both legacy and next-gen brands are reinventing themselves through agile strategies, new formats, and bold market experimentation. Following the expert-led discussions, the forums will conclude with the UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony, honouring outstanding contributions across the food sector. Spanning a range of categories, the event will spotlight companies driving innovation, growth, and positive change within the industry. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to be working with IMAGES RetailME once again, uniting some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry to exchange knowledge, share practical insights, and address the challenges shaping our sector. These forums represent more than just an opportunity to gather - they reflect our collective ambition to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and position the UAE and the greater MENA region as a global gastronomic hub of culinary excellence and business leadership.' After a successful inaugural edition, the second UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum aim to build on that momentum. This year's edition offers a dynamic platform to stay ahead of emerging trends, forge meaningful connections, and uncover new avenues for growth, making it a must-attend for industry professionals and business owners alike. To register, please visit For more information about UAERG, please visit To learn more about IMAGES RetailME, please visit About UAERG: The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) was established in 2020 as the Dubai Restaurants Group and transitioned to its current form in 2022. As a distinguished not-for-profit organisation, the group unites some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry, working collectively to elevate the UAE as a global gastronomic hub. Guided by core values of integrity and innovation, UAERG seeks to promote excellence across the F&B sector while driving job creation and economic growth. The Group is equally dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within the industry. UAERG also serves as a central resource for research and insights, offering valuable reports on industry trends. Through regular member meetings, advisory sessions, and panel discussions, it provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. For inquiries about membership or sponsorship, please contact sherine@

Coming soon to UAE: Firm creates meals that can be consumed for up to 25 years
Coming soon to UAE: Firm creates meals that can be consumed for up to 25 years

Khaleej Times

time27 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

Coming soon to UAE: Firm creates meals that can be consumed for up to 25 years

A UAE-based company is set to introduce ready-to-eat meals that can remain consumable for up to 25 years, thanks to advanced freeze-drying technology. Red Planet, the company behind this innovation, uses a process that removes more than 95 per cent of moisture from food while preserving its taste, nutritional value, and safety — without the need for artificial preservatives. "We start by removing moisture from the food in a controlled environment, which helps retain its original taste, texture, and, most importantly, nutritional value," said Jassim Al Nowais, CEO of Red Planet. "From there, we seal it in multi-layered, oxygen-absorbing packaging that protects against light, air, and moisture. This ensures the product stays safe, fresh, and nutritious for up to 25 years — without refrigeration or preservatives." Although Red Planet hasn't launched its products in retail stores yet, Al Nowais said the fully developed menu is ready to serve a range of critical sectors including humanitarian aid organisations, armed forces, space agencies, and government bodies. "We don't just focus on extending shelf life. For us, food security is about more than storing something for emergencies — it's about having access to reliable, nutritious food that people would actually want to eat, whether it's five, ten, or even twenty-five years from now," he added. Al Nowais also confirmed that retail is part of the company's long-term strategy. Red Planet recently participated in the Saudi Food Show 2025, held from May 12 to 14 in Riyadh, where it showcased how its long-life meals can support food sustainability, emergency preparedness, and long-term nourishment across the region. Diverse, halal-certified menu The company offers a wide variety of meals, including local favourites such as chicken biryani, meat machboos, balaleet with eggs, and scrambled eggs, as well as international options like pasta with minced meat and vegetable rice. All meals meet halal standards. 'We're not just offering variety for the sake of it. Every dish is carefully crafted to retain its flavour, texture, and nutritional content — even in the harshest environments,' said Al Nowais. 'To us, food is more than fuel — it's a source of comfort, a reminder of home, and a key element of resilience.' As a UAE-based firm, Red Planet sees its first responsibility as supporting life-saving sectors and contributing to regional stability. 'We are currently in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals in the UAE,' Al Nowais noted. 'This isn't just a formality — it's a core part of our promise to deliver food that's not only safe and high-quality, but also trusted by the communities and institutions we serve. I personally oversee this part of the process because it matters deeply to us.' He expressed confidence that once the final approvals are secured, consumers will soon see Red Planet meals on store shelves.

UAE motor insurance premiums rise by 40%; lawmaker demands reforms
UAE motor insurance premiums rise by 40%; lawmaker demands reforms

Khaleej Times

time42 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE motor insurance premiums rise by 40%; lawmaker demands reforms

Motor insurance premiums in the UAE have surged by more than 40 per cent in some cases, prompting the Federal National Council (FNC) to question insurers' pricing practices and limited coverage options, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). During a council session on Wednesday, FNC member Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi called on the Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohammed Al Hussaini, to clarify what steps are being taken to regulate the sector. He pointed to rising costs, reduced benefits, and mounting concerns from younger drivers and EV owners who are either being charged significantly higher rates or denied comprehensive coverage altogether. 'Insurance has become an additional financial burden,' Al Hammadi said, noting that some companies are charging double for third-party cover and imposing deductibles of up to 15 per cent. The Central Bank of the UAE, which oversees the insurance sector, responded in writing, stating that all companies must operate within a unified pricing framework that includes both minimum and maximum rate thresholds. It confirmed that a standardised policy document is in place across the market to ensure consistency in basic coverage. The regulator added that discounts of up to 25 per cent are permitted for electric or natural gas-powered vehicles, depending on factors such as risk and operational costs. However, it acknowledged that insurers face several technical and logistical challenges when it comes to EVs. Among them, high repair costs, limited availability of spare parts, especially batteries, and a shortage of certified service centres are the major ones. Many EV models sold in the UAE also lack official dealerships or warranty coverage, particularly those bought through independent showrooms. The central bank cited the 2024 flooding as a key example of risk, where water-damaged EVs were often written off entirely. It also pointed to a lack of long-term performance data for electric vehicles, which has led some insurers to adopt more conservative pricing strategies. Al Hammadi questioned whether exceptional weather events should justify sustained price hikes. 'These are rare seasonal incidents that should not affect individual premiums or driver records,' he argued. He also flagged the practice of reducing a vehicle's insured value at renewal, which could leave policyholders at a disadvantage in the event of a total loss. Younger drivers, particularly those under 30, are also facing access issues. Despite the legal driving age being lowered from 18 to 17, some insurers have declined to provide cover for drivers in this age group — raising concerns about inclusivity and alignment with national policies. 'These gaps directly impact EV adoption and exclude a large segment of young drivers,' Al Hammadi said, calling for updates to the unified insurance document to better regulate pricing, improve access, and align with the UAE's clean energy goals.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store