Join the vibrant festivities of Eid Al Fitr in Dubai, a city known for its spectacular celebrations. From March 30 to April 6, indulge in a luxurious staycation filled with family-friendly activities, amazing discounts at local malls, and an array of unforgettable live performances. Ensure you’re in Dubai to partake in this grand celebration!

Live Shows & Concerts

A Thousand Tales Ballet

Experience "A Thousand Tales," a spellbinding ballet that brings to life the enchanting music of contemporary composer Alexey Shor. This performance features a talented ensemble of dancers from some of Europe’s most prestigious theatres. 

The choreography, crafted by Francesco Ventriglia, is designed to captivate audiences, while stage designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno creates a stunning visual backdrop that transforms the stage into a magical realm populated by beloved fairy tale characters such as Aladdin, Cinderella, and Snow White. This performance is perfect for audiences of all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for families and ballet enthusiasts alike.

• Dates: April 3-4, 2025
• Time: 20:00
• Location: Dubai Opera
• Ticket Prices:
  • Silver: AED 450
  • Gold: AED 590
  • Platinum: AED 690
  • VIP: AED 850

Max Amini Live

Get ready for an evening filled with laughter as acclaimed comedian Max Amini returns to Dubai after his previous successful performance. Amini is known for his sharp humor and engaging storytelling, delivering a mix of never-before-heard jokes and fan favorites. 

With a background that includes performances at the LA Improv and appearances on shows such as NBC's "Heroes" and Netflix’s "Real Rob," Amini has established himself as a top comedic talent. This show promises to be a night of joy and entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

• Date: April 1, 2025
• Time: 17:30
• Location: Dubai Opera
• Doors Open: 5 PM
• Ticket Prices:
  • General Admission: AED 250

Marwan Pablo Live

Experience the electrifying performance of Marwan Pablo, the Egyptian rap sensation often referred to as the 'Godfather of Egyptian Trap.' Known for his innovative fusion of traditional Arabic sounds with contemporary hip-hop, Pablo will perform at Ain Dubai Plaza, Bluewaters Island. 

With chart-topping hits like "Ghaba," "El Gemeza," and "Sindbad," his music captivates audiences with deep lyricism and powerful beats. This concert is a must-see for fans of modern music and culture, showcasing the vibrant energy of the Egyptian music scene

• Date: April 2, 2025
• Time: 21:00
• Location: Ain Dubai Plaza, Bluewaters Island
• Doors Open: 7:30 PM
• Ticket Prices:
  • Silver: AED 125
  • VIP: AED 195

Black Coffee Live

Prepare for an unforgettable night of Afropolitan house music with Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee at FIVE LUXE, JBR. Known for his incredible performances at major music festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland, Black Coffee will deliver a set filled with entrancing rhythms and melodic tracks from his acclaimed albums such as Home Brewed and Subconsciously.

He will be joined by Dutch sibling duo Parallelle and DJ Fabrice, creating a dynamic atmosphere that will keep the crowd dancing all night long.

• Date: April 2, 2025
• Time: 20:00
• Location: FIVE LUXE, JBR
• Doors Open: 8 PM
• Ticket Prices:
  • General Admission: AED 300

Aria Live

Rock music fans will be thrilled as the legendary heavy metal band Aria takes the stage at Zabeel Theatre to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Known for their high-octane concerts and a rich discography, Aria will perform iconic tracks such as Coliseum, Battlefield, and Street of Roses.

Their sound is heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. With a history of captivating performances, this concert promises a thrilling experience for rock enthusiasts of all ages.

• Date: April 3, 2025
• Time: 20:00
• Location: Zabeel Theatre
• Ticket Prices:
  • Grey: AED 200
  • Regular: AED 250
  • Bronze: AED 300
  • Silver: AED 350
  • Gold: AED 450
  • Platinum: AED 800
  • Diamond: AED 1,000

AfroLOUD Festival

Join the excitement at the AfroLOUD festival, which promises to be bigger and more energetic than ever. Taking place at Ain Dubai, this festival will feature an all-star lineup of Afrobeats and Amapiano artists, along with top DJs spinning AfroHouse and AfroDesi sounds. 

Dance under the world's highest observation wheel and enjoy a curated day-to-night experience filled with pulsating beats, vibrant performances, and a variety of culinary delights from numerous food vendors. The festival also includes the Loud Brunch Club, where attendees can enjoy delicious brunch options while discovering unique offerings at Fashion Avenue’s pop-up brands.

• Date: April 5, 2025
• Time: 14:00
• Location: Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island
• Ticket Prices:
• • General Admission: AED 150

Don’t miss the chance to be part of these extraordinary events and create cherished memories this Eid in Dubai!

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has released detailed traffic statistics for March 2025, highlighting a period of significant growth and expansion. The airline carried 1.6 million passengers during March, representing a 14% year-on-year increase compared to March 2024, and contributing to a total of 5 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025—a 16% rise from 4.3 million in the same period last year.

This surge in passenger numbers was supported by a 10% increase in fleet size, with Etihad operating 98 aircraft in March, up from 89 a year earlier. The number of destinations served also grew, rising from 69 to 73 over the past year.

The airline achieved a passenger load factor of 87% for the first quarter, up from 86% in Q1 2024, indicating strong demand and efficient capacity management. However, the load factor for March specifically was 82%, slightly down from 84% in March 2024, reflecting the impact of rapid capacity expansion.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the airline’s momentum, noting that nearly 20 million passengers were welcomed over the 12 months ending March 2025.

Etihad’s network expansion strategy has been a key driver of this growth. In March alone, the airline announced two new routes and increased flight frequencies, bringing the total number of new destinations scheduled for 2025 to 16. Recent and upcoming additions include routes to Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, and El Dabaa, among others, as part of a broader push to strengthen Etihad’s global footprint.

The airline’s focus on customer experience has also paid off, with March 2025 recording the highest-ever customer satisfaction scores in Etihad’s history, reflecting its commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience.

Industry analysts note that Etihad’s robust growth in both passenger numbers and network reach positions it among the fastest-growing global carriers. The airline’s ongoing investments in fleet modernization, route expansion, and service enhancements are expected to sustain its upward trajectory throughout 2025.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has marked a significant achievement by transporting 5 million passengers during the first three months of 2025. This impressive figure highlights the airline's robust growth trajectory and its position as a leading global carrier. The airline's performance was particularly notable in March, when it welcomed 1.6 million passengers, representing a substantial 14% increase compared to the same period last year.

This growth was accompanied by an average passenger load factor of 87% for the quarter, indicating high demand for Etihad's services across its network.

Etihad's success is attributed to several strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its operating fleet size by 10% and the introduction of new routes. The airline has announced plans to add 16 new destinations throughout 2025, further enhancing its global reach and connectivity. This expansion is part of Etihad's broader strategy to increase flight frequencies and improve passenger convenience.

For instance, the airline will introduce triple-daily services to Milan starting in November 2025 and increase its Bangkok flights to four times daily from February 2026. These developments underscore Etihad's commitment to providing passengers with more options and seamless travel experiences.

In addition to its operational growth, Etihad has also focused on enhancing customer satisfaction. The airline reported record-breaking customer satisfaction scores in March, reflecting its dedication to delivering high-quality services. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized that nearly 20 million passengers were served in the 12 months leading up to March 2025, highlighting the airline's consistent growth and strong market presence.

As Etihad continues to expand its network and improve its offerings, it is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market. The airline's emphasis on innovation, customer experience, and strategic partnerships will likely play a crucial role in its future success.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is on the cusp of a historic financial turnaround, poised to report its first annual profit in over two decades. This remarkable recovery follows an extensive restructuring process initiated in 2023, during which the Pakistani government removed Rs671 billion worth of liabilities from PIA's balance sheet.

These liabilities included Rs268.7 billion in bank debt, Rs170 billion in government debt, Rs188.3 billion in legacy operating liabilities, Rs44 billion in employee liabilities, and Rs26 billion in non-core assets. As a result, PIA's negative equity dramatically decreased from Rs698 billion to just Rs45 billion by April 2024, alleviating the airline from its heavy debt servicing burden that previously consumed one-third of its cash inflow.

The airline's management attributes this turnaround to targeted reforms implemented over the past three years. A key component was a 30% reduction in the workforce, bringing the total number of employees to 7,104 as of February 2025. Additionally, PIA withdrew from loss-making international routes and improved aircraft utilization to enhance operational efficiency.

These operational reforms, combined with the financial restructuring, have positioned PIA for profitability after years of struggling with significant financial losses. The airline's return to profitability is a significant achievement, especially considering it had reported a loss of Rs104.5 billion in 2023.

PIA's financial recovery has also reignited privatization efforts. The government has transferred approximately 75% of PIA's liabilities to state books, making the airline more attractive to potential investors. Several parties that had previously shown interest have reengaged with the process, and the Privatization Commission expects initial bids later this month.

Secretary Usman Bajwa has expressed optimism about receiving binding offers, indicating a positive outlook for the privatization process. However, privatization remains a contentious issue in Pakistan, facing strong opposition from labor unions and nationalist political parties.

The government's divide and sell strategy, which involves isolating PIA's liabilities from its core airline business through the creation of PIA Holding Co., aims to make the airline more appealing to investors while ensuring operational stability.

Despite the positive financial outlook, PIA still faces significant challenges. The airline operates with a limited fleet, as only 19 out of 32 aircraft are currently in service, with six out of 12 Boeing 777s grounded due to financial constraints. Additionally, employee concerns and political sensitivities surrounding privatization continue to pose hurdles.

The ITF and its affiliated unions have called for a halt to the privatization process until meaningful dialogue with trade unions occurs. As PIA moves towards profitability, it has begun expanding its operations, resuming flights to Skardu from key cities and planning to restore key international routes.

The airline's future success will depend on addressing these ongoing challenges, maintaining operational improvements, and navigating the complex political landscape surrounding the national carrier's future.

The government's efforts to privatize PIA are also influenced by external pressures, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has emphasized the need to divest loss-making state-owned enterprises. This pressure underscores the importance of PIA's financial recovery and privatization in the broader context of Pakistan's economic reforms.

As PIA continues on its path towards financial stability and potential private sector involvement, it sets the stage for a potential transformation of Pakistan's aviation landscape. The success of this transformation will not only impact PIA but also contribute to the country's economic development and competitiveness in the global aviation industry.

Air India and Air New Zealand have announced a significant codeshare partnership, marking a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 19, 2025, in Mumbai.

The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, and other dignitaries. This collaboration is expected to not only simplify travel for passengers but also boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Under the codeshare arrangement, passengers traveling from key Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will be able to connect seamlessly via major transit hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to popular destinations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

The codeshare will allow travelers to book their entire journey on a single ticket with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined connections. This partnership is particularly significant as it bridges the gap between two regions that currently lack direct air connectivity.

A key highlight of the MoU is the exploration of launching direct flights between India and New Zealand by 2028. While this plan hinges on new aircraft deliveries and regulatory clearances, it represents a transformative opportunity for both countries. At present, travelers face long connecting flights that can take up to 30 hours; a direct route would reduce travel time significantly and enhance convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

The introduction of direct flights could also stimulate economic activity by facilitating smoother trade relations and increasing tourism flows.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to expand Air India’s global footprint. He noted that the codeshare aligns with Air India’s broader strategy of forging alliances with leading global carriers—such as its recent agreements with Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines—to provide customers with greater connectivity options.

Wilson also highlighted his personal connection to New Zealand as a motivating factor in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran underscored India’s growing importance as a key market for tourism and travel demand. He pointed out that Indian visitors to New Zealand have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2023 alone, over 87,000 Indians visited New Zealand—a 23% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Additionally, data shows that over 18 million Indians actively consider visiting New Zealand annually. Foran emphasized that this codeshare partnership is an important first step toward understanding travel patterns and building demand for future direct services.

The partnership also reflects broader geopolitical and economic trends. With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and New Zealand seeking to diversify its international connections post-pandemic, this collaboration is well-timed. It supports both countries’ goals of fostering stronger bilateral relations through enhanced people-to-people ties and increased business opportunities.

Beyond tourism and trade benefits, the partnership could pave the way for greater cultural exchange between the two nations. New Zealand has a vibrant Indian diaspora community that plays an integral role in its multicultural fabric. Improved connectivity is likely to strengthen ties within this community while encouraging more Indians to explore opportunities in education, business, and leisure in New Zealand.

As both airlines are members of the Star Alliance network, this partnership leverages their shared commitment to providing world-class service and seamless travel experiences. With Air India undergoing significant transformation under its new ownership by Tata Group—focusing on fleet modernization and network expansion—and Air New Zealand continuing its efforts to attract international travelers post-COVID-19 recovery, this collaboration represents a win-win for both carriers.

In summary, this codeshare agreement between Air India and Air New Zealand is more than just an operational partnership—it is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking new opportunities for connectivity, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between two vibrant regions of the world.

Emirates has launched Emirates Courier Express, a cutting-edge delivery service that promises to redefine express shipping by treating packages with the same care and efficiency as passengers. Backed by nearly four decades of expertise in global logistics, this end-to-end solution leverages Emirates’ vast network of over 140 destinations and its fleet of more than 250 widebody aircraft to ensure unmatched speed, reliability, and flexibility.

Unlike traditional hub-and-spoke logistics models, the service adopts a direct-to-destination approach, minimizing transit times and reducing handling by transporting packages straight from origin to destination.

The service offers two tiers: next-day urgent delivery for time-sensitive shipments up to 30 kg and a two-day premium option for larger shipments up to 70 kg. Emirates Courier Express operates entirely on a digital platform featuring advanced tracking systems that provide real-time updates and seamless integration into customer software.

Businesses can register online to access the service, which is exclusively tailored for B2B transactions. Individual customers are directed to Emirates Delivers, the airline's existing B2C logistics platform launched in 2019.

During a year-long pilot phase, Emirates successfully transported thousands of packages across seven key markets—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, South Africa, and the UK—with an average delivery time of less than 48 hours. The airline plans rapid expansion to additional markets wherever its flights operate.

Emirates has also partnered with local logistics providers to ensure smooth customs clearance and first- and last-mile delivery, offering businesses a reliable door-to-door solution.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, described the launch as an evolution in global shipping, emphasizing that the service sets a new benchmark for reliability and efficiency. He noted that Emirates Courier Express is designed to handle seasonal volume spikes while maintaining cost stability and providing bespoke solutions for specialized shipments such as temperature-sensitive goods.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, highlighted the innovation behind the service We challenged traditional logistics processes to create faster and more efficient solutions. Emirates Courier Express reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries in express delivery.

Powered by SmartKargo’s cloud-based technology platform—the same partner behind Emirates Delivers—the service integrates cutting-edge digital tools for seamless operations.

At launch, Emirates Courier Express positions itself as a game-changer in express logistics with plans for continuous innovation and expansion. The initiative underscores Emirates’ commitment to leveraging its infrastructure and expertise to meet the growing demands of cross-border shipping while delivering exceptional care and efficiency worldwide.