Latest news with #JadAzar
Khaleej Times
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 45% residents want to learn defensive driving, 80% prioritise safety, finds survey
There is a growing demand for automotive safety education in the UAE, with 45 per cent of residents interested in learning defensive driving, according to a new survey, which also says that the trend is seen especially among GenZ. The survey further reveals that 80 per cent of car buyers in the Middle East region prioritise vehicle safety and accessibility while purchasing a vehicle, with half of the respondents wishing to see more accessibility features added to new vehicles. The research, conducted in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in collaboration with SEDRA Foundation and YouGov, sheds light on shifting trends in vehicle ownership, consumer priorities, and expectations. The YouGov survey also reveals a strong interest in automotive safety education, with nearly half of respondents having already participated in safety training, and 61 per cent being GenZ. 'Want the skills to anticipate danger' A further 45 per cent expressed interest in learning defensive driving techniques, hazard avoidance, and other safety measures. Jad Azar, a 36-year-old Lebanese expat who has been driving in the UAE for 12 years now, said, 'I want to learn defensive driving not just to protect myself, but to safeguard my family and others on the road. Every day, I see reckless drivers, sudden lane changes, and unexpected road hazards that could lead to accidents in the blink of an eye. I don't want to rely on luck to stay safe — I want the skills to anticipate dangers, react calmly, and make split-second decisions that could save lives. Driving isn't just about getting from point A to point B. It's about ensuring that everyone in my car and around me gets there safely, every single time.' Defensive driving is a set of skills and techniques that help drivers anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road, reducing the risk of accidents. It involves staying alert, maintaining a safe following distance, following traffic rules, and being prepared for unexpected actions by other drivers, pedestrians, or road conditions. Similarly, Indian expat in Dubai Sameer Siddiqui explained how he feels that the traffic has worsened over the years with people increasingly becoming impatient. While many parts of the world experienced up to a 4 per cent rise in registered vehicles over the past two years, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority reported a 10 per cent increase in the city's vehicle count. Siddiqui said, 'In my opinion, reckless driving has been on the rise. I often witness drivers abruptly switching from the extreme left to the right, and many are so impatient while changing lanes that there's barely a few inches of space between vehicles before they merge. Additionally, in some areas, pedestrians suddenly cross the road without using zebra crossing. If I'm driving at 80 or 100 km/h, it becomes challenging to apply brakes suddenly in such situations. Therefore, knowing or learning techniques that help drivers anticipate and respond effectively to potential road hazards is becoming important.' Safety, accessibility features important for vehicle buyers The survey showed while safety is the top priority, with 89 per cent of respondents considering it the most important factor when choosing a vehicle, affordability comes next at 86 per cent, followed by aesthetics at 83 per cent. Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director at General Motors, said, 'We are proud to lead the charge in making vehicles more accessible for everyone as we further transform the customer's experience from research to purchase. Our collaboration with SEDRA Foundation is just one example of how we are working to build a more inclusive future, ensuring our vehicles are suited for all, including those with differential abilities, as well as the elderly and people of determination.' Additionally, accessibility features such as power-adjustable seats, swivel seats, and blind-spot monitoring are also gaining significant attention while choosing vehicles. Reem Al Fahim, CEO of SEDRA Foundation, said, 'We provide comprehensive guidance to ensure inclusivity across all areas, be it in the built and digital environment is accessible or facilitating equitable spaces to enable research and development in this domain.' Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at the Traffic and Roads Agency, recently said, 'RTA continues to implement development projects aimed at enhancing Dubai's Road network and ensuring the highest levels of safety and smooth traffic flow for road users. All these efforts support RTA's vision of being 'The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility.'
Hi Dubai
18-02-2025
- Hi Dubai
UAE: Young Travellers Embrace Spontaneity as Travel Trends Shift
A recent survey by Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) has revealed a significant shift in travel behavior, with nearly 70 per cent of young travelers preferring spontaneous trips over meticulously planned itineraries. This trend is particularly noticeable in the Middle East, where a growing number of young residents are embracing the thrill of last-minute getaways. The Rise of Unplanned Adventures Traditionally, travel required months or even years of planning. However, the survey found that 69 per cent of respondents intend to travel at least twice in the coming year, while 22 per cent plan to embark on three or more trips annually. This shift highlights a newfound flexibility, enabled by technology, affordable flights, and a dynamic social culture. Lebanese national Jad Azar reflected on this change, comparing his experiences with those of older generations. 'I often wonder if my father's generation had the same freedom to just pick up and go. My friends and I can plan trips to Oman, Egypt, or Turkey in just a week—it's thrilling every time.' He credited technology and cheaper flights for making such spontaneous travel feasible. Travel Concerns Take a Backseat Despite the excitement, young travelers remain aware of potential travel disruptions. The study found that 71 per cent of respondents cited flight delays or cancellations as their biggest concern, while about 50 per cent worried about lost or damaged luggage. However, these risks have not deterred them from embracing unplanned adventures. Kashish Sachdeva, a 26-year-old Dubai resident, shared her perspective: 'The pandemic changed how we view life—many of us now take three to four short trips a year. We've visited Goa, Sri Lanka, and even India's Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) on impulse. The ease of booking and last-minute deals make travel incredibly accessible.' However, she admitted that travel insurance is often an afterthought. 'We just go with the flow. It's different from how our parents planned trips. Maybe our generation needs to exercise a bit more caution.' Experience Over Possessions Industry experts confirm that Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this shift. Rashida Zahid, VP of operations at noted a 10-12 per cent increase in bookings among younger travelers in the past six months. 'This group typically plans just a few weeks in advance and prioritizes experiences over material possessions,' she explained. Bonnie Tse, CEO of Blue Cross, emphasized that young travelers are fearless and driven by a sense of adventure. However, he pointed out that their lack of awareness about travel protection is concerning. 'Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It mitigates risks such as flight delays, lost luggage, and even medical emergencies.' A New Era of Travel The growing preference for spontaneous travel marks a new era in tourism, driven by technology and a changing mindset. While excitement and freedom are key motivators, experts urge young travelers to balance spontaneity with caution, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why young travellers prefer spontaneous trips over pre-planned itineraries
Nearly 70 per cent of young travellers prefer spontaneous trips over carefully planned itineraries, a trend that extends to the Middle East, a new survey has found. Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific), an online insurance service provider, reports that 69 per cent of respondents plan to travel at least twice in the coming year, with 22 per cent intending to take three or more trips. Traditionally, travel involved meticulous planning, often taking months or even a year to finalise. However, this shift in behaviour shows that one in five young travellers now plans to embark on three or more trips annually. Technology, cheaper flights make sudden trips possible Khaleej Times spoke with UAE residents and travel experts to gain further insights into these findings. Lebanese national Jad Azar said, 'I often wonder if my father's generation had the same freedom to just pick up and go on a whim like we do. While he loved traveling, I don't think trips were as spontaneous as ours. My friends and I plan a whole getaway to places like Oman, Egypt, Turkey in just a week, and it feels like a thrilling adventure every time. It's amazing how much easier it is now -- technology, cheaper flights, and close-knit friendships that make sudden trips possible. Maybe my father's travels were just a different rhythm, but I can't help but appreciate the excitement that comes with these spontaneous trips.' The study also explored travel-related concerns, revealing that 71 per cent of respondents consider flight delays or cancellations their biggest worry, while around 50 per cent are concerned about lost or damaged luggage. 'But despite the known risks, frankly, I rarely think about things like travel insurance. I think our generation carries a different spirit of adventure,' he added. Younger residents pointed out that advancements in technology, the fast-paced nature of modern life, and the lasting impact of global events like the Covid-19 pandemic have reshaped perspectives on travel. The focus has shifted from strict planning to embracing flexibility and the thrill of the unexpected. Kashish Sachdeva, 26, said, 'Life in Dubai is so fast-paced now that we all need a break occasionally, which could range from three to four short holidays in a year. The pandemic also changed our perspective as we now increasingly view life to be more transient, at least for some of us. So, my friends and I often make sudden plans to visit places like Goa or Sri Lanka, and we even once visited Manali in north India. Then we did the golden triangle in India which is Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Before we realise, we are usually on our way out. It's incredible how much easier it is now with technology, and flight deals. At the end of every holiday we start planning for the next one. Honestly, we don't consider travel insurance, we just go with the flow. It's such a different feeling than what my parents must have experienced who are more meticulous planners. Maybe, with our generation, we require a bit more care and caution when it comes to travelling.' Prioritising experiences over material possessions Meanwhile, travel professionals highlighted that this shift is especially evident among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are at the forefront of embracing spontaneous travel. For them, the conventional approach of meticulously planned vacations seems outdated and limiting. Rashida Zahid (VP - Operations at said, 'We've seen a good surge among younger travellers, particularly those aged 20 to 27, with bookings rising by 10-12 per cent over the past six months. This demographic typically plans their trips three to four weeks in advance and embarks on spontaneous holidays with friends and colleagues.' Industry experts highlighted that modern travelers prioritise experiences over material possessions and are more inclined to value the freedom to discover new destinations. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, "Today's young people love to travel, seeking out fresh and exciting experiences. They are fearless, innovative and willing to take on challenges. However, their lack of protection awareness is concerning. In addition to common travel disruptions such as flight delays and lost luggage, comprehensive travel insurance provides crucial protection and mitigates the risks against accidents, injuries, and illness during the journey.
