Latest news with #AbuDhabiAirport
LBCI
21 hours ago
- LBCI
Flight 'chaos' in the Middle East: Israel's strikes on Iran grounds thousands amid growing uncertainty
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Young Iraqi tourists never imagined their two-week vacation in Lebanon would end with indefinite hours of waiting at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Airspace over Iraq and Jordan has been closed. Some Turkish Airlines flights were canceled, leaving travelers stranded in Beirut. Israel's strikes on Iran have plunged the region into uncertainty — along with the summer holiday plans of young Lebanese women that had been weeks in the making. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airport anticipated flight disruptions, and Emirates canceled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran. Dubai Airports also announced the cancellation or delay of some flights at both Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. It may be a war between two countries, but its fallout has rippled across the Middle East — fragmenting the region and grounding planes across once-busy skies.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Growth Outlook Brightens on Non‑Oil and Oil Resurgence
UAE's economy is set to expand by 4.6% in 2025, bolstered by a strong non‑oil core and a gradual return in oil output, according to projections from the World Bank's June 'Global Economic Prospects' edition. This represents a 0.6‑point upward revision from January. The outlook for 2026 has also been upgraded to 4.9%, with growth anticipated to hold at that level in 2027. At the heart of the upgrade is a projected 4.9% expansion of non‑oil sectors in 2025, fuelled by robust performances in tourism, construction, transportation and financial services. Dubai's aviation boom—revealed by a 10% rise in passenger volume, reaching 147.8 million in 2024—underpins much of this resilience, reinforcing the emirate's role as a global travel hub. Abu Dhabi Airport similarly saw passenger numbers surge to 29.4 million, marking growth of over 28% year‑on‑year. Support from non‑oil diversification has been a long‑term objective of UAE policy. The nation now boasts one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf, with less reliance on hydrocarbons than its neighbours. Strategic infrastructure projects and reforms—such as streamlining business regulation and expanding economic partnership agreements—have reinforced this shift. ADVERTISEMENT The World Bank highlights a phased easing of OPEC+ oil‑production cuts between May 2025 and September 2026 as another key driver. The resumption of oil output is expected to boost oil‑GDP, even amid pressure from softer global oil prices. While the group plans to increase production by 411,000 barrels per day through mid‑2026, this will likely offer a measured uplift to gross domestic product. UAE's fiscal strength is also supported by oil revenues, though the government foresees a narrowing of its fiscal surplus to approximately 4.2% of GDP in 2025, according to World Bank estimates. Strong international reserves—estimated at US$223 billion as of November 2024—and comprehensive tax reforms, including the introduction of a minimum domestic top‑up tax in January 2025, provide further fiscal buffers. This macroeconomic outlook aligns with official growth readings for 2024. The UAE recorded real GDP growth of 3.9%, underpinned by a 4.6% climb in the non‑oil sector. These historic gains paved the way for the stronger forecasts now issued for 2025 onwards. Globally, the World Bank warned of slumping growth—forecast at just 2.3% in 2025, the slowest outside recessions since 2008—due to trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Nearly 70% of national forecasts worldwide were downgraded as rising tariffs and sluggish demand took their toll. By contrast, growth in Gulf Cooperation Council economies, including the UAE, remains resilient, with peer forecasts of 3.2% in 2025, and 4.5% and 4.8% in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Employment performance is expected to stay strong, with projected job growth at around 3.3% year‑on‑year in 2025 and unemployment holding at low levels, though youth and female unemployment may remain elevated. The central bank reported that hotel occupancy averaged 78% in 2024—a level sustained through 2023—highlighting the consistent strength of tourism. Logistics and trade remain potential areas of vulnerability. The World Bank cautioned that this sector could see 'ongoing trade uncertainties and disruptions' which may constrain expansion. The global policy outlook, hinging on resolution of trade disputes and geopolitical stability, will shape the UAE's growth trajectory into the medium term.
Emirates 24/7
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Emirates 24/7
UAE National Metrology Centre Releases Climate Summary for Ramadan (March)
The UAE National Metrology Centre has released its climate summary for March, coinciding with the month of Ramadan. March marks the transition from winter to spring, with increasing temperatures, particularly in the second half of the month. The spring equinox on March 21 signifies the geographical shift into the new season, as the sun moves northward toward the Tropic of Cancer. According to the report, the weather in most areas of the country will be mild throughout Ramadan, with a noticeable rise in temperatures during the second half of the month. Night and early morning hours will remain pleasant. The UAE will continue to experience low-pressure systems accompanied by upper-air troughs, which may occasionally deepen, leading to cumulonimbus cloud formation, rainfall, and strong winds, causing dust storms and reduced visibility. Temperature and Weather Patterns Mean air temperatures will range between 22°C and 25°C, with maximum temperatures reaching between 27°C and 32°C. The lowest recorded temperature in March was 1.0°C at Jabal Jais in 2019, while the highest was 43.1°C in Saih Al Salem and Sweihan in 2018. The dominant wind pattern will shift from southeasterly and southwesterly at night and early morning to northwesterly and northeasterly in the afternoon and evening due to the influence of land and sea breezes. Humidity and Fog Humidity levels are expected to decrease slightly compared to February, averaging 51%. The mean maximum relative humidity will range between 70% and 84%, while the minimum will range between 19% and 33%. Fog and mist formation remain possible, especially in scattered areas. Historically, March 2010 recorded the highest number of fog occurrences, with 15 foggy days and four misty days. Rainfall and Wind Records March may witness sporadic rainfall due to low-pressure systems. The highest recorded rainfall for the month was 300 mm in Al Shiweb in 2016. Wind speeds are expected to average 13 km/h, but strong gusts may occur. The highest recorded wind speed was 123 km/h in Dalma in 2020, while a gust of 183 km/h was recorded at Abu Dhabi Airport in 2002. Ramadan Fasting Hours Fasting durations will gradually increase throughout Ramadan. In Abu Dhabi, the time between Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) will start at approximately 13 hours at the beginning of the month, extending to 13 hours and 41 minutes by the end. Slight variations in duration may occur depending on location. As the UAE transitions into spring, residents can expect generally mild weather with occasional fluctuations due to atmospheric systems. The UAE National Metrology Centre advises the public to stay updated with official weather forecasts, especially regarding potential rain, fog, and dust storms. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
