Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, Riyadh Air, is gearing up for a bold entry into the vibrant and fast-growing Indian aviation market, with plans to launch flights to five key Indian cities in the summer of 2026.

The airline is targeting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai as its initial points of entry, signaling a strategic move into one of the world’s most dynamic air travel sectors.

While Delhi and Mumbai are natural choices as India’s political and commercial epicenters, Riyadh Air’s decision to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai reflects a deeper understanding of India’s evolving economic landscape.

Bengaluru, known as the country’s IT powerhouse, boasts strong business links with the Middle East, while Hyderabad has rapidly emerged as another major technology hub. Chennai, the gateway to Tamil Nadu’s industrial heartland, rounds out this mix of traditional and emerging metropolitan regions.

However, the path to launching international flights in India is complex. Riyadh Air will need to secure traffic rights amidst a competitive bilateral framework, negotiate airport slots at packed Indian airports, and coordinate extensively with local aviation authorities.

Establishing ground handling, catering, and passenger services across five cities also demands substantial investment and partnerships on the ground.

The routes hold significant promise. The travel corridor between India and Saudi Arabia is buoyed by a spectrum of passengers – from the millions of Indians journeying for religious pilgrimages like Umrah and Hajj, to business travelers engaged in sectors such as IT services, construction, and oil and gas. 

The large Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia further guarantees steady demand for direct flights, often preferred over connecting flights through regional hubs like Dubai or Doha.

Yet Riyadh Air faces hurdles. Launching five routes simultaneously is an ambitious endeavor more commonly approached through a phased strategy.

The summer 2026 launch date aligns with the delivery of new Airbus A321-200 aircraft, ideal for these routes due to their range, passenger capacity, and efficiency for flights spanning 3.5 to 5 hours. Crafting flight schedules that cater specifically to Indian business travelers’ preferences will be critical for success.

A key challenge lies in navigating the limited bilateral air services agreements (BASA) between India and Saudi Arabia, which may restrict flight frequencies and capacity.

Furthermore, lasting success depends on Riyadh Air’s ability to offer competitive pricing while maintaining the high service standards expected of Gulf carriers.Indian travelers are notoriously price-conscious and quick to choose carriers delivering superior value and reliability.

If Riyadh Air can master these complexities, the airline’s bold five-city launch could serve as a robust foundation for broader expansion across South Asia, potentially encompassing other Indian cities and neighboring regional markets such as Thailand and Bangladesh.

With ample time for meticulous planning, Riyadh Air is poised to thoughtfully enter a challenging but opportunity-rich market, facing stiff competition from established carriers but bringing fresh capacity and options to one of the world’s fastest growing aviation corridors.

Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, Riyadh Air, is gearing up for a bold entry into the vibrant and fast-growing Indian aviation market, with plans to launch flights to five key Indian cities in the summer of 2026.

The airline is targeting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai as its initial points of entry, signaling a strategic move into one of the world’s most dynamic air travel sectors.

While Delhi and Mumbai are natural choices as India’s political and commercial epicenters, Riyadh Air’s decision to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai reflects a deeper understanding of India’s evolving economic landscape.

Bengaluru, known as the country’s IT powerhouse, boasts strong business links with the Middle East, while Hyderabad has rapidly emerged as another major technology hub. Chennai, the gateway to Tamil Nadu’s industrial heartland, rounds out this mix of traditional and emerging metropolitan regions.

However, the path to launching international flights in India is complex. Riyadh Air will need to secure traffic rights amidst a competitive bilateral framework, negotiate airport slots at packed Indian airports, and coordinate extensively with local aviation authorities.

Establishing ground handling, catering, and passenger services across five cities also demands substantial investment and partnerships on the ground.

The routes hold significant promise. The travel corridor between India and Saudi Arabia is buoyed by a spectrum of passengers – from the millions of Indians journeying for religious pilgrimages like Umrah and Hajj, to business travelers engaged in sectors such as IT services, construction, and oil and gas. 

The large Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia further guarantees steady demand for direct flights, often preferred over connecting flights through regional hubs like Dubai or Doha.

Yet Riyadh Air faces hurdles. Launching five routes simultaneously is an ambitious endeavor more commonly approached through a phased strategy.

The summer 2026 launch date aligns with the delivery of new Airbus A321-200 aircraft, ideal for these routes due to their range, passenger capacity, and efficiency for flights spanning 3.5 to 5 hours. Crafting flight schedules that cater specifically to Indian business travelers’ preferences will be critical for success.

A key challenge lies in navigating the limited bilateral air services agreements (BASA) between India and Saudi Arabia, which may restrict flight frequencies and capacity.

Furthermore, lasting success depends on Riyadh Air’s ability to offer competitive pricing while maintaining the high service standards expected of Gulf carriers.Indian travelers are notoriously price-conscious and quick to choose carriers delivering superior value and reliability.

If Riyadh Air can master these complexities, the airline’s bold five-city launch could serve as a robust foundation for broader expansion across South Asia, potentially encompassing other Indian cities and neighboring regional markets such as Thailand and Bangladesh.

With ample time for meticulous planning, Riyadh Air is poised to thoughtfully enter a challenging but opportunity-rich market, facing stiff competition from established carriers but bringing fresh capacity and options to one of the world’s fastest growing aviation corridors.

Emirates has unveiled a new milestone in its growth journey with the opening of a cutting-edge US$135 million crew training facility in Dubai, designed to strengthen its training capabilities and support one of the aviation industry’s most ambitious recruitment drives.

The new training centre, located near Emirates’ operations base and existing academies, will expand the airline’s training capacity by 54 percent. Equipped with full-flight simulators for the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X, as well as advanced cabin service and safety mock-ups, the facility underscores the Dubai-based carrier’s commitment to operational excellence and world-class service standards.

Emirates’ Recruitment Push

Coinciding with the facility’s inauguration, Emirates confirmed a wave of new job openings covering a wide range of roles—from pilots and flight instructors to cabin safety trainers, simulator engineers, and technical staff to support the expanded operations. The airline is also continuing its large-scale cabin crew recruitment campaign, targeting thousands of applicants across global markets.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, said the new centre represents a long-term investment in both people and infrastructure:
“Our new training centre underscores Emirates’ commitment to growth, technology, and safety. With this expanded capacity, we are preparing our workforce to support the arrival of next-generation aircraft while creating job opportunities that will have far-reaching impact across the aviation ecosystem in Dubai and beyond.”

Preparing for a New Fleet Era

The facility comes ahead of Emirates’ much-anticipated fleet renewal program. The airline has 65 Airbus A350s and more than 200 Boeing 777X aircraft scheduled for delivery starting from 2025, which will dramatically enlarge its capacity and global network. Training thousands of new flight and cabin crew members is critical to ensuring smooth operations and maintaining the airline’s industry-leading standards.

Emirates currently employs more than 100,000 people representing over 160 nationalities. With its new training investment, the airline is aiming to scale up staffing levels significantly in line with its operational growth.

Boosting Dubai’s Aviation Hub Status

Industry analysts see the training facility as part of Dubai’s wider strategy to reinforce its role as a leading global aviation hub. By attracting highly skilled aviation professionals, the centre will not only strengthen Emirates’ capabilities but also support Dubai’s economy through increased demand in hospitality, tourism, and support services.

How to Apply

Emirates has announced that job openings related to the new training facility will be posted on the airline’s official careers website in the coming weeks. Candidates with experience in multi-engine jets, aviation training, safety instruction, and simulator technology are especially encouraged to apply.

Employees will benefit from Emirates’ competitive salary benchmarks, housing allowances, medical coverage, and continuous learning opportunities designed to foster long-term career growth within the airline.

Looking Ahead

With investments in groundbreaking training infrastructure and the upcoming delivery of the next generation of aircraft, Emirates is signaling its commitment to shaping the future of long-haul aviation. The new centre is set to play a pivotal role in developing aviation talent and preparing the airline to meet the surging demand for global air travel over the next decade.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is a five-star luxury hotel that offers the perfect mix of traditional Qatari culture and modern comfort. Located in the charming seaside town of Al Wakra, just 20 minutes from Doha, the hotel is built using two restored heritage houses that reflect Qatar’s rich history as a pearling and fishing village.

Its design features traditional thatched roofs, sea and desert-inspired colors, and peaceful courtyards, providing guests with an authentic and relaxing atmosphere by the Arabian Gulf.

Accommodation

The hotel has 101 rooms and suites, each decorated with local motifs but equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, blackout curtains, soundproof windows, and coffee machines. Suites have extra living space, making them ideal for families or longer stays.

The rooms are designed to offer comfort and privacy in a setting that’s peaceful and culturally rich.

Dining

Souq Al Wakra offers five diverse dining options including buffet and à la carte menus, all featuring fresh ingredients and expert chefs. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean seafood, Arabic fusion dishes, Azerbaijani specialties, or international cuisine.

Dining options include indoor restaurants, outdoor poolside lounges, traditional Bedouin-style "majlis" tents, and a ladies-only café.

Facilities and Services

• Spa & Wellness: A full spa with Vichy showers, hydrotherapy, hammams, jacuzzis, separate men’s and women’s sections, and a variety of massage treatments.
• Fitness: Two fully equipped fitness centers.
• Pools and Beach: Two outdoor swimming pools with sun loungers and direct access to Al Wakra Beach.
• Business & Events: Two meeting rooms with the latest audiovisual equipment, business center facilities, and personalized event planning for weddings and corporate events.
• Additional Services: Free parking, airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning, laundry, currency exchange, luggage storage, and concierge services.

Location

The hotel is positioned next to Al Wakra Souq, a traditional market, and Al Wakra Beach, offering guests cultural experiences and beautiful coastal views. It’s only a short drive to Doha city and the international airport, combining serenity with convenience. Nearby attractions include Al Wakra Park and Sealine Beach, perfect for outdoor and family activities.

Guest Experience

Guests consistently praise the hotel for its friendly and attentive staff, cleanliness, peaceful ambiance, and excellent food. It’s regarded as a perfect escape from the busy city life with easy access to Qatar’s cultural heritage. The hotel is ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and business visitors who seek a blend of tradition, luxury, and tranquility.

In summary, Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is a culturally rich and luxurious getaway by the sea, offering comfortable rooms, excellent dining, wellness facilities, and modern business conveniences, all surrounded by the charm of Qatar’s heritage.

Asia’s street food scene is an unparalleled celebration of culture, flavor, and culinary ingenuity. The continent’s best street food cities offer not only delicious dishes but stories of history, community, and identity told through food. From the bustling night markets of Thailand to the hidden alleys of Vietnam and Japan’s vibrant street stalls, these cities invite food lovers on an unforgettable edible journey.

1. Penang, Malaysia

Georgetown, Penang is often crowned the ultimate street food destination in Asia. A remarkable cultural blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines fuels its food scene. Famous dishes include the iconic char kuey teow—wok-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausage tossed in a secret savory sauce—and assam laksa, a tangy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind and pineapples.

For a truly local experience, visit Goggles Man Char Kuey Teow or Left-handed Char Koay Teow, where locals passionately argue over the best versions of these staples. Penang’s vibrant street food isn’t just about taste—it's a portal into Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi’s street food scene reveals the essence of Vietnamese culinary artistry. Narrow streets, vibrant alleys, and crowded corners are hotspots for traditional dishes like the fragrant northern phở, crispy bánh mì sandwiches filled with barbecue pork, and delicate bánh cuốn, steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. One can find gems inside hidden stairways and modest homes, such as Phở Hàng Trống or Bánh Cuốn Bà Lộc. The city combines history and flavor, with every bite telling a story of a rich gastronomic legacy.

3. Singapore

Singapore’s hawker culture, inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, boasts more than 200 hawker centers brimming with an array of food stalls. Signature dishes include laksa, a spicy coconut milk noodle soup; fried carrot cake, a savory dish of stir-fried radish cake; bak kut teh, a peppery pork rib soup; and Hainanese chicken rice, Singapore’s national dish. To avoid tourist crowds at Maxwell Food Centre, venture to Golden Mile Food Centre or Amoy Street Food Centre for exceptional eats and local ambiance.

4. Mumbai, India

Mumbai’s street food is a kaleidoscope of flavors reflecting Indian diversity and colonial influences. Spicy, tangy, and hearty dishes like pav bhaji (a spiced vegetable mash served with buttered bread), bhelpuri (a crunchy, tangy puffed rice snack), and fresh dosas (fermented rice crepes) captivate the senses. Mumbai’s street food is lively, often chaotic yet incredibly rewarding, best explored with local guides or through food tours like Chef's Tour to navigate the best hidden street vendors.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai’s street food scene is a northern Thai feast centered on bold, chili-forward flavors. The city’s night markets, including Phaploen and Chang Puak Gate, offer delicacies such as larb (a spicy minced meat salad) and smoky northern Thai sausage. The legendary "cowboy hat lady," famous for her succulent pork knuckles, is a must-visit food icon. SP Chicken’s charcoal-grilled rotisserie chicken is another cherished spot, distinguished by its smoky aroma and tender meat.

6. Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan, Taiwan’s ancient capital, is revered as the island's food capital. It offers perfected recipes like beef soup passed down through generations. Visitors should explore its narrow, lantern-lit alleys for queues at popular spots such as Small Park Danzai Noodles, noted for egg noodles in both pork broth and sauce, and Six Thousand Beef Soup, known for its tender beef servings. Adventurous eaters can try eel noodles at Fu Sheng Small Good, which combines sweetness and savoriness in a unique dish.

7. Osaka, Japan

Osaka, nicknamed “Japan’s kitchen,” delivers street food with a flair for creativity and precision. Famous street snacks include takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), both found in abundance in the bustling Dotonbori district. Kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables, are perfect with a refreshing highball drink at places like Kushikatsu Daruma. Beyond tourist spots, Osaka offers small, authentic hole-in-the-wall vendors for explorers seeking culinary authenticity.

8. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is undoubtedly one of Asia’s most iconic street food capitals, known for its endless variety from crab omelette at Jay Fai to mango sticky rice in Chinatown. Banthat Thong Road offers numerous Thai classics like tom yum and larb, while Chinatown’s alleyways hide jewel-like stalls with satay skewers, green curry, and delectable desserts. The street food melds local tradition with accessibility, suiting both fiery taste seekers and casual diners.

9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh presents an authentic and robust street food culture with dishes shaped by local ingredients like prahok (fermented fish paste) and fiery chilies. Signature flavors include fish amok, a delicate coconut curry steamed in banana leaves, and num pang, Cambodia’s take on the bánh mì sandwich. Markets such as the Central Market and Russian Market are excellent places to sample fresh, vibrant street food offerings at affordable prices. For adventurous eaters, the Khmer variant of balut (pong tia koun) is a local delicacy.

10. Chengdu, China

Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan cuisine, is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy famed for its spicy, mouth-tingling dishes. The city’s night markets offer mapo tofu, tofu served in a fiery chili and bean paste sauce, and dan dan noodles, egg noodles drenched in chili oil and minced meats. The vibrant food streets such as Sanse Road Night Market and Jianshe Road Food Street provide authentic experiences to savor Sichuan’s bold tastes and traditions.

These 10 cities represent the pinnacle of Asia’s street food culture, offering not only exceptional dishes but also immersive cultural experiences that bring travelers closer to everyday Asian life through food. From affordable local favorites to iconic dishes renowned worldwide, the street food journey in these cities is a gateway to understanding Asia’s gastronomic heritage.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has joined forces with AGEOP Ricerca to bring comfort and joy to children battling cancer in Bologna. As part of this heartfelt initiative, Emirates donated 200 backpacks and activity books to young patients receiving treatment at the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department of IRCCS Policlinico di Sant’Orsola.

AGEOP Ricerca, an independent association active since 1982, supports children with cancer and their families, many of whom travel from across Italy and abroad to access specialized therapies unavailable in their hometowns. This collaboration underscores Emirates’ commitment to “connecting communities” by forging meaningful relationships and making a positive difference in the places it serves.

The backpacks, a signature item given to young passengers onboard Emirates flights, have been repurposed to offer encouragement, familiarity, and a sense of normalcy to children facing difficult medical challenges.

Flavio Ghiringhelli, Emirates’ Country Manager in Italy, expressed the airline’s pride in supporting the local community: “We’ve long sought a project that would allow us to support the local community in a truly meaningful way. We’re especially proud this initiative is taking place in Bologna, where we are celebrating ten years since our first flight to the city. It reflects our deep roots here, and it’s a tangible way of showing the children and their families that they are not alone — that a global community stands with them, even from thousands of kilometres away.”

Francesca Testoni, General Director of AGEOP Ricerca, highlighted the significance of the donation, especially during summer: “Each and every backpack that Emirates donates represents more than the object itself: it is a thought, a kind touch, a sign of attention from those beyond the walls of the pediatric oncology hospital. Receiving these during the summer, a time when most people think of vacations but paediatric cancer patients cannot, means so much. It helps ease loneliness and reminds us they are supported. We are very thankful to Emirates for enabling us to maintain crucial care programs — programs that must never stop.”

The donation aims to brighten the hospital experience with moments of fun and distraction, particularly at a time when social opportunities can be scarce. This thoughtful act complements Emirates’ broader mission to connect communities not just through its global flight network, but through solidarity and care for those in need.