Landing in the UAE comes with more than just a warm welcome and sunny skies. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a family on vacation, or a business traveler extending your trip, your journey begins with instant perks. Tourists flying into Dubai or Abu Dhabi can access a wide array of exclusive benefits—free SIM cards, discount cards, transport upgrades, and hundreds of offers at top attractions—all for simply arriving in the Emirates.

Welcome to Dubai: Start with a Free SIM Card

One of the first surprises awaiting tourists at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a complimentary Tourism SIM card courtesy of du, one of the UAE’s major telecom providers. This SIM, available upon clearing immigration, offers 1GB of data valid for 24 hours, helping new arrivals navigate maps, make bookings, or connect with loved ones back home immediately.

Eligibility includes those arriving on visit visas, transit visas, or with visa-on-arrival, as well as GCC nationals. Tourists can upgrade their plan at du kiosks located at the airport or through Dubai Duty Free counters. Alternatives are also available from other major telecom providers, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile, which offer prepaid SIMs with competitive packages designed specifically for tourists, often bundled with international minutes and longer data validity.

This small but essential service ensures that visitors stay connected, which is especially useful for ride-hailing apps, translation tools, and ticketing platforms widely used across the UAE.

ALSAADA Card: Dubai’s Digital Welcome Kit for Tourists

With the SIM card in hand, visitors gain access to another benefit—a digital ALSAADA Tourist Card, Dubai’s official tourist discount programme run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD).

To activate this card, tourists simply scan the QR code printed on the SIM card envelope, which directs them to download the ALSAADA mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. After a quick registration process, users can start exploring discounts and promotions available across restaurants, retail stores, wellness centers, leisure attractions, and shopping malls.

Unlike traditional paper coupons, the ALSAADA card is digital and updates in real-time, making it a handy tool for tourists wanting to make the most of their budget without carrying around brochures or discount books.

Chauffeur On Demand: Hire a Driver by the Hour

Exploring Dubai in comfort and style is easier than ever with the Hourly Rental limousine service offered by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC). This service allows tourists to book a professional chauffeur to drive them around the city in a private vehicle—ideal for sightseeing, business meetings, or shopping tours.

Surprisingly cost-effective, this service starts at AED 400 for two hours and goes up to AED 1,100 for ten hours, with packages tailored to fit a variety of travel needs. Unlike regular taxis, the limousine option does not include waiting time charges, and you only pay extra if you exceed the allotted hours or distance.

Booking is simple via the “DTC” app, which offers real-time scheduling and payment options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Two hours: AED 400

• Four hours: AED 650

• Six hours: AED 800

• Eight hours: AED 900

• Ten hours: AED 1,100

• After package expiry: AED 3/km and AED 1/minute

This service is perfect for tourists planning to visit multiple locations in a single day, offering flexibility, comfort, and the prestige of private transport.

Show Your Boarding Pass, Get a World of Discounts

Perhaps the most surprising benefit of visiting the UAE is how your boarding pass becomes a ticket to savings. Two of the UAE’s flagship airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, offer special promotions for passengers who retain their boarding passes.

Emirates: “My Emirates Pass”

Emirates passengers can benefit from the My Emirates Pass, a seasonal discount programme that turns your boarding pass into an access card for offers at over 500 locations. Deals span across:

• Attractions like At The Top – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Museum of the Future

• Amusement parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure at Atlantis

• Retail outlets and luxury brands at malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

• Fine dining restaurants, cafés, and spas

Offers are available to those who present a valid physical or digital boarding pass, along with ID, and are usually valid for up to a month from the date of arrival (subject to seasonal dates—check Emirates’ official site for the latest validity periods).

Etihad Airways: “Abu Dhabi Pass”

Etihad passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi can access the Abu Dhabi Pass, offering similar benefits across the capital’s top destinations. Exclusive discounts are available at:

• Yas Island attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld

• Luxury hotels and spas, especially in Saadiyat Island and Corniche areas

• Dining establishments, from gourmet to family-friendly

These perks not only save tourists money but also encourage them to explore both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enriching their travel experience.

The Bigger Picture: UAE’s Tourism-First Strategy

These offers are part of the UAE’s larger initiative to position itself as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations globally. With streamlined airport experiences, high-speed public transit, visa-on-arrival for over 80 nationalities, and now, digital discount programmes, the UAE is creating an ecosystem that values accessibility, affordability, and convenience for its international visitors.

For tourists, the message is clear: don’t throw away your boarding pass, and be sure to scan everything you receive at the airport. From that moment, the UAE starts paying you back for visiting.

Tip: Before arriving, check the official websites of Visit Dubai, Etihad, or Emirates, as offers and promotions may be seasonal or time-limited.

Turkish Airlines is close to securing a significant investment in the financially troubled Spanish carrier Air Europa, positioning itself as the leading bidder amid recent withdrawals by other major aviation groups. According to reports by Spanish newspaper El Español and aviation news sources, Turkish Airlines is advancing rapidly in negotiations with Air Europa’s parent company, Globalia, with a deal possibly imminent. The stake discussed is believed to be around 25%, which would infuse approximately EUR 240 million (USD 275 million) of fresh capital into Air Europa.

Air Europa, owned 80% by Globalia and 20% by International Airlines Group (IAG), has attracted interest from various European giants, including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. However, Air France-KLM has formally withdrawn from the bidding process, citing an inability to reach agreement with Globalia, although it continues its operational partnership with Air Europa as a fellow SkyTeam member.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed ongoing but challenging talks, describing the acquisition as “very difficult to get... to succeed.” Lufthansa has also ended its bid recently, leaving Turkish Airlines as the sole known contender.

The Turkish investment bid is strategic, enabling access to Madrid’s hub—Air Europa’s base—which offers valuable routes across Europe, Latin America, and transatlantic connections. This move aligns with Turkish Airlines’ ambition to bolster its European footprint and extend reach to Latin American destinations such as Miami, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo.

Analysts view the investment as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity given Air Europa’s precarious financials, including a looming repayment of EUR 475 million (USD 550 million) in pandemic-era government loans, alongside regulatory and operational uncertainties.

In parallel to seeking outside investment, Air Europa is negotiating a new loan worth about EUR 140 million (USD 160 million) with major Spanish banks to support its capital needs and manage its debt burden. The fresh capital from the potential Turkish Airlines stake combined with credit lines is seen as critical for stabilizing the airline’s finances.

While Turkish Airlines and Globalia have declined to comment publicly, these developments signal a potential significant shift in European aviation cross-border consolidation. If successful, Turkish Airlines would become a strategic partner in reorganizing Air Europa’s future, leveraging Madrid’s key geographic position to enhance connectivity across multiple continents.

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, is set to strengthen its connectivity between the UAE and Thailand with the launch of a third daily flight to Bangkok. Starting October 26, 2025, travelers will enjoy more flexible and convenient options as the airline adds an additional daily service between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

This expansion to three daily flights highlights Air Arabia’s commitment to meeting growing passenger demand and enhancing travel experiences on this popular route. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized that the move not only caters to customers’ travel needs but also supports the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand.

The new schedule offers a mix of morning, afternoon, and late-night departures to provide travelers with greater choice and convenience. On the ground, Air Arabia’s modern fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft ensures efficient and comfortable flights. Passengers benefit from spacious seating, in-flight entertainment via the complimentary 'SkyTime' streaming service, and the ‘SkyCafe’ menu of onboard meals. Additionally, the airline’s ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program offers some of the most generous benefits in the region.

Bangkok, a vibrant destination renowned for its rich culture and bustling urban life, remains a favorite among UAE residents for both leisure and business. The added flight capacity is expected to boost tourism and economic engagement between the two regions further.

Customers can now book the newly expanded flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, making it easier than ever to explore this dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia.

Flight schedule effective October 26, 2025 (all times local):

• G9 816: Sharjah 07:40 → Bangkok 16:55 (daily)
• G9 817: Bangkok 17:55 → Sharjah 21:55 (daily)
• G9 821: Sharjah 21:55 → Bangkok 07:10 (daily)
• G9 822: Bangkok 08:00 → Sharjah 12:00 (daily)
• G9 823: Sharjah 01:15 → Bangkok 10:30 (daily)
• G9 824: Bangkok 11:30 → Sharjah 15:30 (daily) 

This strategic increase in flight frequency solidifies Air Arabia's role as a key player in enhancing UAE-Thailand connectivity, offering affordable, reliable, and customer-focused air travel in the region.

Etihad Airways has taken a dramatic leap in redefining short and medium-haul air travel, launching the first commercial flight of its all-new Airbus A321LR. Departing from Zayed International Airport to Phuket, this debut flight marks a milestone: widebody luxury is now available on a single-aisle aircraft, and the inaugural journey sold out across First, Business, and Economy classes.

The new A321LR brings Etihad’s famed premium experience previously reserved for its largest aircraft to a next-generation single-aisle jet. This sets a new benchmark for travelers seeking exclusivity typically found only on long-haul routes.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, described the A321LR as “our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.”

The cabin features include:

First Suites: Two fully enclosed, private suites with sliding doors, 20-inch 4K screens, flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth pairing, and space for companion dining that reflect the airline’s award-winning service and attention to detail.

Business Class: Fourteen lie-flat seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, each equipped with a 17.3-inch 4K display, wireless charging, direct aisle access, and window views.

Economy Class: 144 ergonomically designed seats with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity, ensuring premium entertainment access for all passengers.
All cabins benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi supporting video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, along with enlarged overhead bins to enhance convenience throughout the journey.

 The A321LR’s introduction marks the first of 30 such aircraft Etihad is set to add to its fleet, each configured to raise standards for regional air travel.

With this launch, Etihad continues to combine design innovation with service excellence, elevating comfort and style across every flight, no matter the distance.

Flying in and out of Cape Town just got even more convenient this summer as international airlines ramp up their schedules to the Mother City. Qatar Airways, recently voted the World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time in 2025 by Skytrax, is adding two extra weekly flights from Doha, upping their total to 12 weekly services. This near double-daily frequency promises greater flexibility and potentially more competitive fares for travellers.

A highlight for tech-savvy flyers: Boeing 777 flights are fitted with Starlink, offering free in-flight internet access to stream Netflix and more while deciding between chicken or beef meals.

But Qatar is not alone in expanding; Norse Atlantic Airways, which launched its inaugural Cape Town flights last year, is back with increased service. Starting October 28, 2025, Norse will resume its seasonal route to London Gatwick with three weekly flights, scaling up to four weekly from December 2025 through April 2026. This route, serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offers budget-conscious travellers direct access to and from the UK with increased frequency and ease.

Meanwhile, French connection lovers have cause to celebrate as Air France returns with seasonal flights between Paris and Cape Town. From mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, it will operate daily services connecting these two iconic cities.

For those dreaming of tropical paradise, South African Airways is launching non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius starting December 9, 2025. This new route offers a direct escape to sandy beaches and turquoise waters without the need to transit through Johannesburg.

With these enhanced offerings from major global airlines, Cape Town is poised to become an even more accessible and attractive destination for international travellers during the summer season and beyond.

For the first time, Air New Zealand’s iconic koru logo will land in Nova Scotia, as the airline’s latest Airbus A321neo forgoes its usual route through the Middle East, opting for a transatlantic trek fueled by shifting global tensions and logistical opportunity.

When Air New Zealand acquires new aircraft from Airbus’s German factories, delivery flights have traditionally threaded through aviation hubs in the Middle East and Asia common pitstops include Oman, Malaysia, and Australia. But ongoing hostilities and rising risk near Iran and Israel have forced the carrier to chart an entirely different path.

This week, the carrier’s shiny new A321neo (registration ZK-NNI) will swap its routine desert stopovers for the unfamiliar runways of Halifax, Canada, marking a historic first for the airline.

The geopolitical tremors shaking the Strait of Hormuz led Air NZ to reroute. While the skies above Dubai and Doha still thrum with flight traffic, the airline’s chief safety and risk officer, Nathan McGraw, says the ongoing unpredictability in the region isn’t worth the gamble.

“We continuously conduct risk and safety assessments for our flights and with the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, and some airspace restrictions, we made the decision to fly the aircraft home via Canada and the United States,” says McGraw.

Choosing North America wasn’t just about safety. Air NZ has daily operations in North America, giving the carrier a reliable support network for its newest jet.

Some delivery flights in recent years have stopped in Gander, Newfoundland—the small Canadian airport immortalized in the musical Come From Away. This time, Halifax gets the nod. McGraw points to Swissport, a trusted ground handler already stationed in Halifax, and the carrier’s existing presence in Vancouver, as logistical reasons for the switch.

Navigating the North Atlantic’s buzzing flight paths, Air NZ relies on advanced planning software to map the most efficient route. “It’s like a highway in the sky, with several lanes of traffic,” McGraw explains. “Our tool, FlightKeys, picks the best track factoring in winds, fuel, and traffic, helping us cross over safely to Halifax.”
The new route stretches 21,078 km—about 1,000 km longer than the familiar Muscat-to-Auckland journey. That solitary stretch means burning an additional 2.7 tonnes of fuel. “We’ll be carrying a full tank for each leg—except the shortest, between Samoa and Auckland,” states McGraw.

Getting the plane home takes nearly a week due to mandatory rest periods. The trip starts with four pilots from Hamburg to Halifax, then three pilots cover the remaining legs, stopping in Vancouver, Honolulu, Apia, and finally landing in Auckland. Alongside the crew, only engineers and a programme manager hitch a ride, as the jet’s empty cabin speeds climbs and eases logistics.

As the A321neo arcs over unfamiliar North American skies and touches down in the maritime chill of Nova Scotia, Air New Zealand reaffirms its deep commitment to safety—even if it means rewriting the flight plan. With its homeland in sight at the end of a longer journey, this latest delivery flight is a high-tech testament to adapting in an unpredictable world.