Latest news with #CanvaPro
Time Out Dubai
6 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
18 visa-on-arrival and visa-free countries that UAE residents can travel to
Firming up your travel plans? There is never a bad time to look into a holiday and, with the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) long weekend coming up, it's as good a time as any to look into a quick getaway. And if you're in possession of a UAE residency permit, then you've got a big selection of countries to choose from for a quick getaway without any hassle. We've also picked out countries where the majority of UAE residents are able to travel to without the need for a pre-arranged visa, but you'll need to keep in mind that there could be some restrictions depending on your passport. So, without further ado, these are the countries you can jet off to either visa-free, visa-on-arrival or a visa-on-arrival (with some conditions). Visa-free destinations for UAE residents Armenia (Credit: Aleksandra Dementeva/Unsplash) Tucked in the South Caucasus, Armenia is like a hidden gem with ancient vibes and jaw-dropping scenery. Yerevan, the capital, is a mix of culture and cool, and you've got to check out the monastic complex of Geghard – it's like a time machine. Dive into the lively markets, grab a bite of traditional Armenian grub, and soak in those unique flavours. Note: Armenia is visa-free for everyone with a valid UAE visa or residence card. Kenya (Credit: CanvaPro) Kenya recently announced a no-visa policy and started welcoming travellers minus visas. Please note that you do need to get Electronic Travel Authorisation approved at least 72 hours before you arrive. It's where you go for – we know, you know – views of the wildlife, the great Serengeti migration and of course luxury retreats. Note: No visa is needed at all for UAE residents, but you do need to get an ETA before you travel. Kyrgyzstan (Credit: Canva) Wild, rugged, and seriously underrated – Kyrgyzstan is an outdoor lover's paradise. Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and endless open spaces set the scene for an adventure where it's often just you, a few nomadic shepherds, and miles of untouched nature. Whether you're kayaking on Issyk-Köl, spotting snow leopards in the wild, or wandering ancient Silk Road ruins, this is the kind of place that gets under your skin. First-time visitors always leave with one thought—when can I come back? Note: Visa-free, visa-on-arrival and simplified travel arrangements are dependent on nationality. You can check your eligibility here. Seychelles (Credit: Supplied) One of the most beautiful spots on earth hands down. Mahe's beautiful jungles, while Praslin's Vallée de Mai is like nature's secret garden. La Digue's beaches are straight out of a movie. And Seychellois cuisine? A feast with African, French, and Indian flavours that'll make your taste buds dance. Note: Seychelles is a visa-free country (apart from Kosovo) and you're allowed to get a visitor's permit on arrival provided you have a return ticket, prepaid accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. Uzbekistan (Credit: CanvaPro) If you are a fan of ancient architecture, you'll enjoy going to Samarkand, a city that once stood on the Silk Route. When here, head to the Registan plaza which is home to three ornate buildings (which also make for great backdrops for photographs). It's also very, very welcoming of tourists so book yourself a homestay, cooking classes or even go yurt camping for an excellent experience. Note: If you have a UAE residency visa you can stay for up to 30 days in Uzbekistan provided your residency visa is valid for at least 90 days after you enter the country. Visa-on-arrival destinations for all UAE residents Azerbaijan Candy Cane Mountains Azerbaijan (Credit: Canva) Azerbaijan, straddling Europe and Asia, is like a crazy combo of modern and ancient vibes. Baku, the capital, is all about futuristic buildings next to ancient spots like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Sheki's got some mind-blowing palaces, and the mud volcanoes in Gobustan? Pretty incredible. Plus, the food – plov and kebabs that'll make your taste buds party. Note: You can get a month-long tourist visa-on-arrival at the airport with a UAE residency visa. Georgia You can visit Tbilisi for up to 90 days with a visa-on-arrival for UAE residents (Credit: Canva) Georgia is where the old meets the new, and it's like a mix of beautiful landscapes and warm welcomes. Tbilisi's got those cobblestone streets and an arts scene that's off the charts. Check out Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe for a taste of ancient vibes. Oh, and Georgian grape– it's a must-try. Note: You can get a 90-day visa-on-arrival visa if you're a UAE resident, but there are exceptions, including Pakistani nationals. Kuwait Kuwait offers tourists a wide range of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage, with the likes of Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque of Kuwait being must-visit attractions, before heading to the traditional souks. Note: Kuwait now offers visa-on-arrival travel to all GCC residents for up to 30 days. Visa-on-arrival destinations for UAE residents with some conditions Cambodia (Credit: CanvaPro) There's something almost otherworldly about Cambodia—it's where ancient temples meet modern-day adventure. The star of the show? Angkor Wat, of course. This legendary temple complex is just one of over 1,000 scattered across the landscape, making it a dream for history buffs and explorers alike. But if you want to skip the crowds, head to the intricate Banteay Srei or lose yourself in the lush jungle beyond the ruins. And if temples aren't your thing? Cambodia's got dreamy white-sand beaches that'll do the trick. Note: Visa-on-arrival is available to UAE residents for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. You'll be asked to fill in an immigration card on the plane and will need to take a passport-sized picture with you. The Cambodian visa-on-arrival is available at Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. All travellers are required to fill in the Cambodia e-Arrival even if they have been granted a visa. While this can be done at the immigration counter, it's recommended that you submit the e-Arrival online within a week before your arrival to ensure smooth entry. Indonesia Pura Beratan Temple, Bali Island (Credit: Canva Pro) With over 17,000 islands to explore, Indonesia is an adventure-lover's dream. Sure, Bali steals the spotlight, but there's so much more to this sprawling archipelago. One day, you're wandering through Jakarta's towering skyline, the next, you're trekking up a smoking volcano or spotting wild orangutans in the jungle. From serene rice terraces to hidden hilltop villages serving up steaming plates of gado gado (trust us, you'll want seconds), Indonesia is all about contrasts—and that's what makes it unforgettable. Note: Visa-on-arrival with a validity of 30 days is available for the majority of nationalities, but you'll need to check here before you book. Jordan The historic city of Petra in Jordan is just one of the visa-on-arrival you can get to from the UAE (Credit: Canva) From ancient wonders to underwater adventures, Jordan is a land of contrasts that never fails to impress. Petra's legendary ruins? Absolutely breathtaking. The starry skies over Wadi Rum? Pure magic. And let's not forget the Red Sea—Aqaba's coral reefs are a dream for divers. Oh, and if you've ever wanted to float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, this is your chance. Whether you're chasing history, adventure, or just a killer sunset, Jordan's got it all. Note: Some UAE residents can get a visa-on-arrival for up to 30 days, but it depends on nationality – you can check here. Maldives (Credit: Supplied) The Maldives is a haven for white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts and turquoise waters. Made up of about 200 inhabited islands and many beautiful resorts, The Maldives is a bucket-list destination for many. Note: A 30-day tourist visa is available on arrival for all nationalities except Israeli passport holders. You will need to provide a complete travel itinerary, submit a free traveller declaration form and provide a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if applicable. Mauritius (Credit: CanvaPro) Turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and sugarcane fields as far as the eye can see —Mauritius is the definition of paradise. But beyond the picture-perfect beaches, this island is a cultural melting pot, blending French, African, Indian, Chinese, and British influences into its food, festivals, and everyday life. Trilingual locals switch effortlessly between French, English, and Creole, while you soak up the island's rich history and stunning landscapes. Whether you're here to relax or explore, Mauritius is pure magic. Note: Most UAE residents can get a visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days – excluding 15 nationalities, which you can check here. Nepal (Credit: CanvaPro) Nepal, the Himalayan wonderland, is where majestic peaks meet fantastic art and culture. Kathmandu's temples and markets are a trip and the trekking trails of Annapurna and Everest? Views that'll humble you. Pokhara's lakeside chill is the perfect escape and the momo and dal bhat? Comfort food, Nepali style. Note: You can get either 15, 30 or 90-day visa-on-arrival in Nepal if you're a UAE resident, unless your passport is from these countries. Oman Oman Neighbouring Oman is one of the most stunning places you can visit with abundant natural beauty throughout the land. You can see the stunning Musandam Peninsula and the calm of the Wahiba Sands. Note: UAE residents can get a 30-day visa-on-arrival as long as their UAE residency is valid for the next three months or longer. The GCC Resident visa is dependent on approval of your profession from the Royal Oman Police. Singapore Marina Bay Sands in Singapore (Credit: Canva) Small but mighty, Singapore is the Lion City that roars with glitzy skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and a food scene that'll have you coming back for more. This island nation packs a punch with futuristic gardens, buzzing hawker centres, and vibrant neighbourhoods—from the heritage-rich streets of Chinatown to the trendy cafés of Tiong Bahru. Yes, it's pricey, but the year-round tropical weather and seamless transport system make exploring a breeze. Note: UAE residents can visit visa-free for up to 30 days but certain nationalities need a visa. Sri Lanka The 'Jewel of the Indian Ocean' isn't just a name—it's a promise. Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise bursting with swoon-worthy beaches, epic wildlife encounters, and a culture that's as rich as its famed Ceylon tea. From the rolling hills of Ella to the ancient ruins of Sigiriya and the surf-friendly shores of Arugam Bay, this island has something for every kind of traveller. Bonus? It's budget-friendly, so you can go all out or keep it low-key. Note: Travel to Sri Lanka is dependent on your nationality, but the majority of nationalities are able to get a visa-on-arrival. While you don't need prior visa arrangements, you will need to get an ETA before travel. Thailand (Credit: Pexels/Canva) From the buzzing streets of Bangkok to the sun-kissed beaches of Phuket, Thailand is a feast for the senses. Known as the 'Land of Smiles,' it's a place where ancient temples sit next to modern skyscrapers, and street food is just as legendary as its luxury resorts. Whether you're island-hopping in Krabi, exploring the jungles of Chiang Mai, or partying till dawn at the iconic Full Moon Party, Thailand never disappoints. Note: According to the Thai embassy in Dubai, nationals of 93 countries are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism. A further 31 nationalities can get a visa-on-arrival for the purposes of tourism. In either case, travellers to Thailand now require a Digital Travel Arrival Card before arrival. Not travelling? Here's what to do in Dubai The best pool day deals in Dubai Where to get beach and pool access in Dubai New brunches in Dubai: top spots to try From parties to buffets, here's where to check out this weekend Brilliant things to do in Dubai at night What to do once the sun has set in the city
Time Out Dubai
11-08-2025
- Science
- Time Out Dubai
How to see the Perseids meteor shower in Dubai this week
One of the most popular annual stargazing events is returning later this week, and we're looking out the binoculars to make the most of it. An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet. Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies. But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13. This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers. (Credit: CanvaPro) And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye. You may like: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025 For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12. The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, sky mapping workshops educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it. Also including telescope observation, you can book your ticket for as little as Dhs150. If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below. The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat Island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from the city of Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. In other Dubai news Dubai announces 4-day work week and reduced hours Check if you're eligible Mark your calendar: Dubai's summer start date is almost here It falls on a later date this year Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
Time Out Dubai
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Dubai
18 recently completed Dubai traffic projects and how they're saving you time
Dubai is a city that's constantly changing and expanding, with cool new projects and things to do launching all the time. With so much going on, it's no wonder that the population continues to grow. The emirate is growing so quickly that Dubai traffic can sometimes struggle to keep up with all the growth. But the Roads and Transport Authority has been hard at work on road projects that make getting around the city easier. You may like: 36 major traffic improvement projects coming soon to Dubai Since the start of 2025, the RTA has completed a whole raft of projects that cut travel times, expand road capacity and cut down on congestion. We've pulled out some of the most important recently completed projects below. Al Wasl Street junction (Credit: Supplied) Located at the intersection connecting Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 with Al Manara and Al Safa 2, the works have increased capacity by 50 percent. Adding a new lane heading from Al Manara Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road, a new U-turn lane has also been introduced in the same direction. Increasing the number of lanes to three, the works have already improved traffic flow and reduced waiting times by up to 30 percent. Lanes expanded on Sheikh Zayed Road Credit: Canva Pro In a bid to boost road capacity and efficiency, the RTA introduced three key improvements on Sheikh Zayed Road back in January. These upgrades ease congestion and speed up traffic flow, especially around some of the busiest entry and exit points. The RTA extended the merging distances between Umm Al Sheif Street and Al Manara Street in the direction of Abu Dhabi and added an extra lane towards Al Manara. This meant a 30 percent increase in vehicle capacity in that direction. Near the Shangri-La Hotel, the merging distance between the service road entry and the exit leading to Al Safa Street and Dubai Mall was expanded. Merging distance was also extended between Al Marabi Street and Al Manara Street in the direction of Abu Dhabi. New lane at Financial Centre Metro Station The RTA's traffic enhancement project has improved flow on Sheikh Zayed Road near Financial Centre Metro Station (Credit: RTA) The RTA added a new lane at the service road near the Financial Centre Metro Station towards Abu Dhabi in March, with the number of lanes increased from three to four. It means that road capacity has been boosted by 25 percent and is now capable of accommodating 3,200 vehicles per hour, up from 2,400 vehicles. The addition of the lane will mean reduced congestion, less queuing, improved traffic flow and journey times cut from five minutes to just two minutes. This road is considered a key arterial roadway in Dubai, which is used every day for business and daily commutes. New bridge at Jumeirah Street The RTA has opened a new bridge as part of Al Shindagha Corridor Project (Credit: RTA) Jumeirah Street Bridge opened in April as part of the fourth phase of the Dhs3 billion Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. The bridge extends 4.8 kilometres from the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Intersection on Al Mina Street. It features two lanes and can accommodate up to 3,200 vehicles per hour across a distance of 985 metres in the direction of the Infinity Bridge. Journey times have been significantly reduced on the road by a whopping 67 percent – from 12 minutes down to four minutes. 1km service road added near Hatta (Credit: RTA) The 1km service road, opened in March, runs parallel to the main Dubai-Hatta Road, linking the Hatta Souq Roundabout with the primary route. It improves access for visitors and shoppers heading to Hatta Souq and allows for movement between the roundabout and the entrance to the Mafut area in both directions. Road improvements will mean faster journeys in the direction of Hatta and Oman as well as a smoother daily experience for locals and visitors. Journey times cut in Al Barsha Major road improvements have been completed in Al Barsha (Credit: RTA) Journey times have been cut from five minutes down to just one minute in some areas of Al Barsha following the completion of several roadworks in April. The RTA has carried out a series of work that improves the road network, enhances traffic safety across main and internal roads, and improves infrastructure within residential areas. Key improvements include the construction of four exit and entry points on Street 34 in Al Barsha South 1. These points will bring journey times down from five minutes to less than a minute for inbound and outbound traffic, according to the authority. And a new U-turn has also been put in place at Street 34 and Al Hadaeq Street, which has also seen journey times reduced from five minutes to just one minute. Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project completed in Bur Dubai The Roads and Transport Authority inaugurates the fifth and final bridge as part of the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development project. With this milestone, RTA has completed all phases of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project in Bur Dubai, ensuring… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 11, 2025 Stretching from the Al Garhoud Bridge towards Port Rashid all the way to the Infinity Bridge and Waterfront Souk, traffic flow is expected to be much smoother from now on following the completion of the Shindagha Corridor project in Bur Dubai. Five bridges were constructed as part of the project, with the final one completed in May. As a result of these bridges, travel time has been cut from a total of 104 minutes to just 16 minutes in the notoriously busy Shindagha Corridor on the Bur Dubai side. The full project will be completed following the conclusion of work in Deira. Flyover at Dubai Investment Park to make way for Etihad Rail افتتحت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بالتعاون مع قطارات الاتحاد، المطور والمشغل لشبكة السكك الحديدية الوطنية في دولة الإمارات، تقاطعاً مجسراً محكوماً بإشارة ضوئية بطول 1.8كم وبسعة ثلاث مسارات، لخدمة الحركة المرورية من وإلى مجمع دبي للاستثمار على شارع اليلايس. كما يوفر الجسر حركة… — RTA (@rta_dubai) April 26, 2025 Located in Dubai Investment Park, the RTA completed construction of a new flyover in April to allow both vehicles and rail to operate at the same time. The 1.8km stretch connects both Dubai Investment Park and Al Yalayis Road, with traffic passing overhead and trains underneath. The three-signal flyover also has a right-hand turn for those exiting towards Emirates Road, which should ease traffic in the area. New Ras Al Khor exit (Credit: Dubai Media Office) A new exit that will cut travel time by over 50 percent towards Ras Al Khor Road opened early in August. Open to vehicles travelling from Financial Centre Street near the Bu Kadra Interchange, the improvements are some of a series happening in the Ras Al Khor area. Bordering several major developments and industrial areas, peak hour travel time on the road should be reduced by an impressive 54 percent. 800-metre tunnel at Umm Suqeim (Credit: RTA) Part of the ongoing Umm Suqeim Street development, the new RTA tunnel boosts the street's road capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. The 800-metre-long underpass has been built at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street with Al Barsha South Street, near Kings' School. A signalised surface-level intersection has also been constructed. The new tunnel reduces travel time between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road by 61 percent from 9.7 minutes to 3.8 minutes. It serves several residential and development communities in Dubai, which have a combined population exceeding one million people. These areas include Al Barsha South 1, 2 and 3, Dubai Hills, Arjan and Dubai Science Park. Five improvements at Mall of the Emirates Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates) In March, the RTA revealed five improvements has improved getting in and out of Mall of the Emirates. Al Sabt Street has now been upgraded from a one-way street to a two-way street with two lanes travelling in each direction. An extra lane has been added to Al Barsha 2 Street leading to Mall of the Emirates Bus Station which now means that there are two lanes in each direction. Recent expansion works have also meant that three traffic signals have had to be adjusted to allow traffic to move more smoothly. Street lighting has also been enhanced to improve the visibility on both lanes in the roads surrounding Mall of the Emirates. This was done by redistributing lampposts and upgrading lighting units. New pedestrian pathways and a dedicated bicycle lane have also been put in place to allow more accessibility to the mall. Three improvements in Business Bay (Credit: Supplied) Three major traffic improvements were rolled out in Business Bay back in June. As part of the upgrades, the street parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road was converted from a two-lane, two-way road into a one-way dual roadway, with updated signage and road markings. Designed to increase traffic flow, the works have now increased capacity by 100 percent along the road. A 100-metre-long storage lane was added at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street with Al Khaleej Al Tejari 1 Street to increase right-turn capacity towards First Al Khail Street by up to 50 percent. Finally, the RTA confirmed it has also expanded the entrance to the bridge on Al Mustaqbal Street over the canal in the direction of First Al Khail Street from one lane to two, doubling its capacity. More news in Dubai Dubai's 4-day work week is ending soon — here's what's changing There are only a few weeks left The next UAE public holiday is in one month Here's what you need to know Dubai is going cashless: This is what it means for you Say goodbye to coins and notes
Time Out Dubai
05-08-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
17 new Emirates flights 2025: New routes to Ireland, China, Australia, Vietnam and more
Getting ready to plan for a holiday? Us too. With a few more UAE public holidays coming up this year and a bunch of new Emirates flights flying direct from Dubai, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to our next break. The options from Dubai International Airport are seemingly endless, with it being the world's busiest international airport. You may like: How Emirates went from just two planes to world's biggest airline This year, Emirates has added more flights to Africa, Europe, East Asia and Australia. We can't wait to see where else Emirates will take us next. Here are the new Emirates flights for 2025. Keep checking back for updates. New Emirates flights in 2025 Emirates adds fourth daily flight to London Gatwick Direct flights from Dubai Credit: CanvaPro Emirates will add a fourth daily flight between DXB and London Gatwick. Emirates flight EK069 will depart Dubai at 5.05pm GST starting from Sunday February 8 2026 and arrive in London Gatwick at 8.50pm local time. The return flight EK069 departs London Gatwick at 11.55pm local time and lands in Dubai at 11am GST. The new service becomes the final flight of the day offered by Emirates between Dubai and London in both directions. Third daily Mauritius route takes off in December (Credit: CanvaPro) The world's largest international airline will soon fly three times per day from Dubai to Mauritius. Starting on Monday December 1, Dubai travellers will get three options throughout the day to get to the popular island destination. The additional daily service will take off from Dubai International Airport at 6.55am GST and arrive in Mauritius at 1.40pm local time. Return flights will depart Mauritius at 6.30pm local time and arrive at DXB at 1.10am the following day. New daily route to Dublin launched Temple Bar in Dublin (Credit: Canva) Starting from Sunday October 26, Emirates will operate a third daily flight to Dublin from Dubai. The third daily route, EK165, will serve as an early morning flight from Dubai International Airport – departing at 2.10am GST and arriving in Ireland at 6.25am local time. And the return flight EK166 will depart Dublin at 8.25am local time and arrive in DXB at 8pm GST. The additional flight provides Irish travellers with an early morning departure option and complements the existing afternoon and evening departures that the airline already has in place. Daily A350 service to Muscat launched (Credit: Shutterstock) Emirates has officially launched daily Airbus A350 services to Muscat, Oman. Flights have been timed to allow customers to connect to destinations in Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia. The next-generation aircraft offers 312 seats including options in business, premium economy and economy classes. During summer, Emirates has also added two extra weekly flights between the two cities. Emirates will fly to Edinburgh and eight other destinations with its new fleet (Credit: Canva) The first of 65 shiny new A350s joining the fleet, the aircraft features a brand new cabin design and some state-of-the-art features to ensure the time flies by (see what we did there). The Emirates A350's arrival in Edinburgh follows the airline's resumption of services to Scotland's capital in November 2024. Emirates' A350 flight EK23 departs Dubai International Airport at 2.50pm local time, arriving in Edinburgh at 7.05pm local time. The return flight, EK24, departs Edinburgh at 20.40pm local time and lands back in Dubai at 8.05am (local time) the following day. Direct flights from Dubai. Credit: Supplied Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Emirates added a second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The second flight to the Vietnamese city was originally planned for February 1 2025 but was brought forward by a couple of weeks due to a surge in demand around the Lunar New Year Festival. The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest festivals in the East Asian calendar and was held on Wednesday January 29 in 2025. DXB to Colombo Starting from Friday January 2, the airline announced it is running an additional service to Colombo, making it even easier to jet off to Sri Lanka. Operating from Dubai International Airport, the newly-introduced flight will increase the seat capacity on the route by 30 percent. Running six times per week until Monday March 31, 2025, the Emirates flight will depart DXB daily (apart from Wednesday) at 10.05am, arriving in Bandaranaike International Airport at 4pm local time. New flight to Johannesburg Emirates has announced a 4th daily flight to Johannesburg from Dubai (Credit: Adobe Express) Emirates has added a fourth daily flight to one of its most popular destinations as it tries to meet demand. Kicking in on Saturday March 1, the fourth daily flight will be operated on a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and offers an additional 708 seats in and out of South Africa's largest international airport every day. EK767 will depart Dubai at 12.10am, arriving in Johannesburg at 6.20am and the return flight, EK768, will depart Johannesburg at 10.15am and arrive in Dubai at 8.15am. This means that Emirates' schedule now includes a morning departure from Johannesburg. Credit: Emirates Emirates has also increased the frequency of its flights connecting DXB with Addis Ababa as of Wednesday January 1 2025. There are now daily flights to the Ethiopian capital city. Direct flights from Dubai Credit: CanvaPro Taking off on Sunday March 30, the flights are operated with one of the shiny new retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777-300ER planes. At present, Emirates operates two daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne using four-class Airbus A380s, but from March this will become three daily services. This will replace Emirates operations between Singapore and Melbourne, meaning passengers can connect easier with other Emirates flights from Dubai. Beirut (Credit: Canva) In February, the airline added a second daily service to Beirut with the introduction of morning flights between Dubai and Lebanon. This second daily service will take off from Dubai at 7.30am GST and arrive in Beirut at 10.30am EET. The return flight will leave Beirut at 12.05pm EET and arrive in Dubai at 4.55pm GST. Credit: Shutterstock The world's biggest airline is now flying daily to two of India's biggest cities with the new Airbus A350 plane since Sunday January 26. The new daily service flies daily to Mumbai and Ahmedabad and, in doing so, becomes the fourth and fifth routes that the new aircraft will fly to. Flights to Mumbai will depart from Dubai at 1.15pm Gulf Standard Time and arrive in Mumbai at 5.50pm India Standard Time every day. The A350 return flight will then take off at 7.20pm in Mumbai and arrive in Dubai at 9.05pm. Emirates starts daily flights to Shenzhen Emirates new flights fly direct to Shenzhen (Credit: Emirates/Getty) Shenzhen is the Chinese mainland's technology and innovation hub, sometimes nicknamed China's Silicon Valley, and home to plenty of modern architecture and vibrant nightlife as a result. Flights to Shenzhen have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points across Africa and the GCC. These flights launched officially on Tuesday July 1. The EK328 will depart from Dubai at 10.05am GST daily and arrive in Shenzhen at 10pm local time. The return flight EK329 leaves Shenzhen at 11.55pm local time and arrives at DXB at 3.40am the following day. Shenzhen will also become the first destination in China to be served by the retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER which offers business class, premium economy and economy class seats. New route to Vietnam launched Emirates new flights: Da Nang is the third Vietnamese city in the Emirates network (Credit: Emirates) Da Nang is the third Vietnamese city to be served by Emirates after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights started taking off from Monday June 2. Flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays and fly via Bangkok. Timings have been selected with access and connections to major European and US cities in mind. Flights will leave Dubai at 9am local time, reach Bangkok at 6.25pm local time before then travel on from 8.10pm, and arrive in Da Nang at 9.50pm local time. The return flight EK371 leaves Da Nang at 11.30pm and gets in at Thailand's biggest city at 9.50pm. It will then depart Bangkok from 3.40am and arrive at DXB at 6.50am. Three weekly flights to Siem Reap Emirates new flights will travel to Siem Reap (Credit: Emirates/Getty) The airline's three weekly services to Siem Reap will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This service began on Tuesday June 3. Flight EK370 leaves Dubai at 9am and arrives in Bangkok at 6.25pm. The flight then leaves Bangkok at 8.10pm before arriving in Siem Reap at 9.30pm. The return flight leaves Siem Reap at 11.50pm, arrives at Bangkok at 1.10am the following day and takes off from Bangkok at 3.40am. The return flight arrives in Dubai at 6.50am. Both the Da Nang and Siem Reap services will be operated by a two-class Boeing 777-300ER which offers 35 seats in business class and 386 seats in economy class. New daily route to Hangzhou Emirates will fly daily to Hangzhou (Credit: Canva) Flying out of Dubai International Airport, Emirates will now travel to Hangzhou – one of China's biggest cities. Emirates' latest expansion makes it the airline's fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Emirates' newest route will take off with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER from Wednesday July 30. This route will provide 2,478 weekly seats to the largest city in Zhejiang province. Flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 9.40am GST and arrive in Hangzhou at 10pm China Standard Time. And the return flight EK311 will leave Hangzhou at 12.10am CST and arrive in Dubai at 4.55am GST. A350 arrives at Amman The Emirates A350 (Credit: Emirates) The Emirates A350 touched down ahead of schedule at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman as the airline began its second daily flight to the Jordanian city. Originally scheduled to begin on Sunday June 1, the service officially got underway on Monday May 19. The three-class Emirates A350 features 312 seats, including 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Designed for comfort, the aircraft offers higher ceilings, wider aisles, and a quieter cabin environment. Jetting off soon? Everything you need to know about Al Maktoum International Airport A deep dive into the big project When is the next UAE public holiday? Your public holiday questions, answered Dubai flights: When will flydubai start operations in Al Maktoum International Airport? The budget airline will open at Al Maktoum International Airport sooner than you'd think
Time Out Dubai
04-08-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Travelling to Thailand from the UAE? New rule you need to know regardless of visa status
New travel rules are in, here's what to know before heading to Thailand Jetting off to Thailand from the UAE? There's a new must-do before take-off. Thailand has rolled out its new Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC), an online form that all travellers – yes, even if you're visa-exempt – now need to complete before arrival. The free digital card replaces the old physical arrival card, and you'll need to show confirmation to immigration officers when you land. The form needs to be filled out within 72 hours of your arrival and can be submitted either solo or as part of a group if you're travelling with family or colleagues. It's quick to complete and available on the Thai Immigration Bureau's official website. While the travel card is mandatory for all non-Thai visitors, it is not a visa and does not change any existing visa processes you need to go through prior to travelling. The updated travel card was introduced in May 2025 and aims to convert the formality into a paperless system. Phuket (Credit: CanvaPro) So, if Thailand is on your radar this summer, make sure you: Fill out your TDAC online within the required timeframe Download or save the confirmation slip for arrival Double-check your travel route and if any travel warnings are in place Keep an eye on embassy alerts while you're there For most travellers, it's business as usual – but it always pays to be prepared. Keep your documents in order, stay aware of the latest updates and you'll be all set for a smooth touchdown. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 10 one-of-a-kind cafés to escape the summer heat Extra cool spots to spend the day How to enjoy a luxe three-course dinner at Atlantis The Royal for only Dhs295 This is not a drill 7 low-key Dubai activities for when your social battery is running low Zero small talk required
