Fujairah celebrates IndiGo's inaugural flights to Mumbai, Kannur
This collaboration strengthens travel links, boosts tourism, and promotes economic exchange between the UAE and India, reported WAM.
The arrival of the inaugural aircraft was marked by a formal welcome ceremony attended by senior dignitaries, including Satish Sivan, Consul-General of India to Dubai; Mohamed Al Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Department of Civil Aviation; Esmaeil Al Boloushi, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport; Ebraheim Alqallaf, Deputy General Manager; and Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, alongside senior officials from the government and private sector.
In his keynote address, Al Salami highlighted the broader strategic vision behind the launch, saying, 'This event marks not just the launch of a new route, but the opening of strategic avenues of cooperation and collaboration between our two great nations.'
Highlighting Fujairah's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and growing appeal as a destination, he emphasised that the new routes would serve as a gateway for the Indian community, enriching tourism and business interactions.
'IndiGo's commitment to affordable and quality travel resonates deeply with the needs of our community,' he added.
Al Boloushi commented, 'We are pleased to mark the launch of IndiGo's first flights to Mumbai and Kannur — a significant step in enhancing direct connectivity between Fujairah and India.'
He further noted the wider benefits of the new routes, pointing out that travellers from Fujairah now have convenient access to major Asian destinations via IndiGo's expanding network, including the Maldives, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Dhaka, Colombo, Seychelles and Kathmandu.
To further enhance passenger convenience, Fujairah International Airport has introduced a free transportation service connecting all seven Emirates, making access to the airport more seamless for travelers across the UAE.
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Napster Corp's Sam Huber on how immersive tech is impacting the future of education
Image: Supplied Imagine learning from a professor who's available 24/7, speaks your language, and adapts to your learning style. At Imperial College London's IDEA Lab, that vision is already a reality, thanks to a video-based, AI platform that enables natural, intuitive chat with AI agents, now changing how students engage with complex topics. Across the Middle East, similar immersive technologies are being embraced not as novelties but as a new foundation for delivering education. The shift is already underway. When Dubai announced artificial intelligence would become a mandatory school subject in the UAE starting in 2025, it wasn't simply a policy decision – it was a clear signal. The region is preparing students for an AI-driven future, and an immersive learning environment plays a central role in it. We applaud the direction being taken and strengthen it with partnerships like the company's collaboration with These efforts represent a fundamental reimagining of institutional learning. Immersive tech + AI: Rethinking how students learn Immersive technology powered by AI has the potential to reshape learning. In a virtual field trip to Petra, for instance, AI can adapt the narrative based on a student's curiosity, slowing down for questions, offering extra detail where there's interest, and skipping what the student already knows. It becomes a dynamic, responsive experience. In science classes, simulations can pause or zoom in when students seem confused. In language labs, pronunciation tools adjust in real time. A more intuitive and supportive learning environment emerges — one that adjusts naturally to visual, auditory, and hands-on learners alike. The impact on higher education and professional training is even more pronounced. Medical students in Dubai can now perform virtual surgeries that respond to their skill levels, providing increasingly complex scenarios as competency grows. Engineering students build and stress-test structures in virtual environments that simulate real-world physics and material constraints. Architecture students walk clients through proposed buildings before the ground is broken, receiving immediate feedback that improves both design and communication skills. Immersive education: From vision to implementation The Middle East's approach to education technology reveals a crucial insight—they are not deploying technology for its sake. They are deploying technology that will help increase the level of engagement teachers have with their students and the curriculum that will help them succeed. This outcome-first mindset means greater efficiency. One immersive setup might be used for a history simulation in the morning, a biology lab in the afternoon, and a language immersion in the evening. The infrastructure supports multiple subjects without needing to be rebuilt for each one. Teachers are also finding their roles shifting—from content deliverers to experience designers. Their expertise is still central, but now it's increasingly used to create engaging, interactive sessions that bring subjects to life. Building with partners Transformation doesn't exist in isolation. Across the Middle East, governments, universities, and technology companies are building long-term partnerships to co-create new educational tools. These collaborations help institutions stay current without taking on the full development burden. The digital twin work at Imperial College is one example. They've developed AI-powered versions of real professors — digital teachers that adapt over time and provide students with tailored, on-demand guidance. It's not a replacement for educators, but an extension of what's possible in the learning experience. These kinds of partnerships ensure that the benefits — and the risks — are shared. Tech providers gain valuable insights from classroom use. Educators access tools they wouldn't be able to build alone. Governments see measurable progress toward national education goals. We are already seeing meaningful results. At INSEAD, over Why the Middle East's lead matters By investing early and aligning strategies across sectors, the Middle East is shaping a new model for education. The benefits go beyond classrooms. A generation of students comfortable with AI tools and immersive environments will enter the workforce ready for a digital-first economy. This leadership could also influence global approaches. As other regions look to modernise their education systems, many may follow the Middle East's example — not just in the technology used, but in the way outcomes, policy, and collaboration are integrated from the start. Looking ahead The next step is scale. For immersive education to move from innovation to infrastructure, it must be treated as an essential, as basic to the classroom as textbooks and whiteboards. This means continuing collaboration between innovators and educators. True success will be measured by the unique skills students gain—like spatial reasoning, cultural empathy, and scientific intuition—that traditional education can't provide. The Middle East is building something new—and in doing so, setting the pace for what's possible in education worldwide. Read:
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
UAE Property: ‘Should I pay a penalty if I break my lease early?'
Question: For personal reasons, I need to break my lease early. Do I have to pay a penalty? AG, Dubai Answer: Carefully read through your rental contract because in most cases you will have to pay a penalty for breaking the lease early. If your contract includes a break clause, which typically allows early termination with 60 or 90 days' notice, you would still pay a penalty – usually one or two months' rent. If there's no break clause, you are legally liable for the remainder of the lease. However, many landlords are willing to negotiate, especially if you help to find a new tenant. Having a good business relationship with your landlord is very important, especially in situations like this. Mediate and try to get any agreement in writing. If the landlord is unco-operative or tries to retain your full deposit without cause, you can raise a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee. The RDSC can often negotiate between the parties to find common ground and mediate such disputes fairly. Q: My landlord is evicting me for his personal use of the property, but I suspect it's just a tactic, given how market rents have performed in recent months. I don't want to move out. What are the chances I can stay? WT, Dubai A: Landlords can evict tenants for personal use only if they or a first-degree relative will occupy the property. They must give you notarised 12-month notice and are not allowed to re-let the property for two years after you leave. They also have the burden of proof that they do not own another suitable property that they could use instead. If the landlord rents out the property again after eviction, that's a violation of Article 25(2)(a). You can file a case at the RDSC, and if the court determines the landlord acted in bad faith, you could be awarded compensation. This could be equivalent to the rent plus costs, but the amount will be determined by the judge of the day at the RDSC. Keep all written communication and document what happens after the notice period. Evidence is vital to proving misuse of this clause. However similar cases heard at the RDSC might appear, the outcomes may differ. This is because the law in the UAE is not set on precedent. Bear this in mind if you wish to pursue a case. Q: The air conditioning is not working properly in the property I rent, but the landlord won't fix it. Isn't that his responsibility? I've been in this apartment for two years without too much hassle, but the landlord has recently become difficult. Please advise. KT, Dubai Watch: Dubai property investors 'becoming more selective' A: Under Article 16 of Dubai's tenancy law, landlords are responsible for major maintenance and structural repairs, including air conditioning, unless your contract clearly states otherwise. Tenants may be responsible for minor repairs up to a value (usually Dh500 or Dh1,000), but anything beyond that, especially vital systems like cooling, must be handled by the landlord. If they fail to act: Send a written request citing the law and your lease. If there's no response, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department or the RDSC. In some cases, you may fix the issue yourself with written permission and deduct the cost from rent. If the problem is unbearable, especially now in the summer heat, I would get three quotes and pick the most suitable one, not necessarily the cheapest or most expensive, just so you can live in comfort. You can always sort out repayment at a later stage. I would advise this if the landlord is unresponsive. Do not withhold rent as this could weaken your legal standing. Always go through proper channels.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
How UAE's 1,000km desert challenge is solving youth heritage disconnect
With over 40 per cent of Emirati youth feeling disconnected from their cultural heritage, a UAE initiative is using 1,000-kilometer desert expeditions to rebuild these vital bonds. Misrah, meaning 'going in the morning', invites youth aged 18-25 from all segments of society to 'walk the path to your heritage' through an intensive physical and cultural journey that mirrors ancient Emirati traditions. The ambitious two-phase programme begins with training 500 participants in traditional skills including camel riding, folk arts, and heritage crafts at Police Camel Camp in Abu Dhabi. Each participant undergoes 12 hours of training over one week, attending four-hour sessions four days weekly, before 100 are selected for the ultimate challenge: a 1,000-kilometer desert trek across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 'This journey is not just a physical challenge but a path to rediscover the deep connection between our people and the desert,' Khalifa Al Mazrouei, an Emirati social media influencer and adventurer who participated in the program, told Khaleej Times. 'Walking through the desert, experiencing the same terrain our ancestors did, I felt patience and strength growing inside me — qualities that define our heritage.' The initiative addresses a critical gap where less than 30 per cent of Emirati youth regularly engage in desert-based heritage activities, with over 35 per cent of youth aged 15-24 leading sedentary lifestyles that disconnect them from natural environments. Training modules immerse participants in authentic Emirati culture through three core stations: The Coffee House for traditional preparation and storytelling, Folk Arts Workshops covering performances like Al Ayala and Al Harbiya, and Camel Pastures for hands-on animal care and traditional tool mastery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Active Abu Dhabi (@active_abudhabi) Al Mazrouei emphasized the programme's transformative impact: 'I want young Emiratis to see that our culture is alive — it's not just stories, but something you can feel in every step, every moment under the desert sun.' Comprehensive training covers camel anatomy, saddle assembly using traditional tools, campfire gathering techniques, and preservation of oral traditions. The curriculum wants participants to master the essential desert survival skills while also deepening their connection to Emirati values of endurance, patience, and community cooperation. Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, said in a statement: 'Misrah marks an inspiring milestone in our continued efforts to empower youth and reinforce their connection to national identity. We encourage young citizens and residents to take part in this exceptional experience, which will help shape their character and deepen their appreciation for Emirati heritage.' The initiative aims to create cultural ambassadors who can preserve and transmit heritage knowledge to future generations, addressing the UAE's broader challenge of maintaining cultural identity amid rapid modernization. UAE citizens and residents aged 18-25 can register through with training running from August 21 to October 19, 2025. More information is available at Active Abu Dhabi's website.
