Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the prestigious title of Cabin Crew of the Year at the 18th Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2024, held in Dubai. This accolade underscores the airline's commitment to providing exceptional service and enhancing the guest experience.

The Cabin Crew of the Year award recognizes the professionalism and dedication of Saudia's cabin crew, who consistently deliver service that sets new standards in global hospitality. The team, which includes talented Saudi personnel and a diverse international community, exemplifies the warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all guests.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "This recognition for our cabin crew is a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our team. At Saudia, enhancing the guest experience is our mission" .

He emphasized the airline's dedication to representing the Kingdom on a global stage and its ongoing efforts to elevate travel experiences.

In addition to this award, Saudia has recently been honored with the Editorial Award for Best Airline Cabin Crew at the Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024 and has achieved the top ranking globally for on-time performance, as reported by Cirium. The airline is also making significant investments to enhance guest experiences, including the introduction of advanced technologies and a modernization program that will see 130 new aircraft added to its fleet in the coming years.

The Aviation Business Middle East Awards celebrate excellence in the aviation industry across various categories, recognizing outstanding contributions from airlines, airports, and service providers in the region.

Discover the warm Arabic hospitality, rich culinary heritage, and proud traditions that make up Dubai's vibrant culture through its traditional clothing, food, customs, arts, music, celebrations, and national holidays.

Typical Emirati Clothing

In Dubai, the diverse population includes around 200 nationalities, but traditional Emirati dress remains distinctive and symbolic of cultural pride and religious adherence. Emirati men wear a long, loose-fitting white cotton garment called a kandoura or dishdasha, designed for comfort in the desert heat and to protect from sand and sun.

This is paired with a ghutrah (head covering) held by an agal, a black cord. Emirati women typically wear an abaya, a long black flowing coat over other clothing such as a jalabeya (a long traditional dress), paired with a black shayla scarf for the head. Modern variations may include subtle embroideries and designs but maintain modesty and elegance.

Typical Emirati Food

Dubai's rich culinary heritage includes many local dishes that give a glimpse of its traditions. Signature foods include camel meat served in various ways, dates often stuffed with nuts, and fouga deyay—a rice dish with grilled chicken marinated in spices. Traditional beverages like gahwa (Arabic coffee) are served from a dallah pot, symbolizing hospitality.

 Other delights include harees (wheat and meat dish), kabsa (spiced basmati rice with meat), karak chai (spiced tea), luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup), shorbat adas (lentil soup), and slow-cooked shuwaa lamb with nuts and raisins. These dishes celebrate the flavors and communal dining style rooted in Emirati culture.

Hospitality and Etiquette

Hospitality (hasan al-diyafa) remains a core Bedouin and religious tradition in Dubai, expressed through respectful greetings like "Marhaba" (welcome) and "Salaam alaykum" (peace be upon you). Guests are usually welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, served with specific customs such as handing back the coffee cup with the right hand.

 Visitors should dress modestly when invited into homes, remove shoes at the door, and understand cultural norms like men greeting with nose-to-nose or cheek pecks (not expected of visitors) and men shaking hands, while some women may prefer not to. Meals are often communal, served on a large platter, with hand-eating customary .

Arabic Arts and Traditional Handicrafts

Dubai preserves rich Arabic arts and crafts including calligraphy (khatt), an elaborate art form of Arabic script symbolizing design and beauty. Henna body art is popular, especially for brides as a symbol of good fortune, yet remains a common beauty practice.

The city also celebrates perfume-making traditions with oud (agarwood) and rose scents, and pottery that dates back millennia used for decorative and practical purposes. Weaving techniques like al sadu utilize camel or sheep wool to craft essential items from baskets to tents, reflecting deep-rooted nomadic heritage.

Dubai Music, Celebrations, and Festivities

Music and poetry have long been intertwined in Dubai’s cultural fabric, with traditional forms like al shila and al wana combining verse with music. Traditional dances such as ayyala—the stick dance performed by men—and razfa incorporating poetry and symbolic objects, remain vibrant at weddings and national celebrations.

 Dubai's contemporary music scene includes both local artists and global stars. Weddings historically lasted several days with gender-segregated celebrations, featuring feasts and cultural art, now often held in banquet halls but still rich in tradition. Poetry, particularly Nabati, holds pride with verses rendered in striking calligraphy.

National Holidays in the UAE

Key holidays reflecting Dubai’s Islamic and national identity include:

• Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha: Major religious holidays marked by family gatherings, prayers, charity, and festive greetings.
• Ramadan: The holy month featuring fasting from dawn to dusk for spiritual reflection and community bonding, ending with iftar meals after sunset.
• Union Day (formerly UAE National Day): Celebrated on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates, featuring festivities that celebrate national pride and heritage .

This overview highlights how Dubai’s culture is lovingly preserved and expressed through traditional dress, signature cuisine, warm hospitality, flourishing arts, vibrant music and dance, and meaningful celebrations that together create the dynamic and welcoming spirit of the city.

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made it much harder for Nepali citizens to get visit visas to Dubai and other emirates. Starting September 15, 2025, the UAE temporarily suspended issuing visit visas for Nepalis amid concerns about misuse of visas, political unrest in Nepal, and security issues. Although the Nepali Embassy in the UAE has not received any official notice, UAE authorities have confirmed this decision informally.

The move was motivated by investigations into the vandalism, arson, and looting during the September 9 protests in Nepal, as well as a prison break from Jhumka Prison. Another key concern is the long-standing issue of human trafficking, where some brokers use visit visas to illegally send Nepali women to Gulf countries like Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain for domestic work.

Before this suspension, Dubai had already stopped accepting most visit visa applications from Nepali nationals, forcing many travelers to apply through Sharjah. However, Sharjah's visa approvals for Nepalis have also been suspended, effectively blocking most tourist visit visas. The requirement of stricter documentation and tighter immigration rules in 2025 has further complicated the visa process.

Travel agencies in Nepal report that many applicants face sudden visa rejections without clear reasons, causing frustration and financial losses.

The UAE hosts about 800,000 Nepali workers, many of whom initially traveled on visit visas before securing work permits. These new visa restrictions disrupt a common migration route for many Nepalis seeking employment in the UAE or other Gulf countries. In addition, travel plans are complicated by recent flight cancellations and disruptions caused by political unrest and airport closures in Kathmandu.

Officials and travel agents in Nepal advise travelers to exercise caution and keep updated with official information. For those still eligible, a UAE visit visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, and processing generally takes about 20 business days. Valid visa applications require complete documents such as flight bookings, passport, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or proof of business activity.

In summary, the UAE’s new visa restrictions have made it very difficult for Nepali nationals to obtain visit visas, affecting tourism and short-term visits severely. These measures are driven by security and immigration concerns, political factors, and efforts to crack down on illegal activities such as human trafficking. Nepali travelers now face uncertainty and delays, and many are forced to reconsider their travel and work plans related to the UAE.

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was forced into a dramatic turnaround on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after encountering dangerous windshear during two aborted landing attempts. Flight NZ676, operated by an Airbus A320, struggled to safely touch down at Dunedin Airport amid gusts reaching 78 km/h, before the pilot made the difficult decision to return to Auckland.

Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren confirmed that all passengers were re-accommodated on subsequent flights and issued an apology for the disruption caused by the volatile weather. “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” Marren said. “Given the severe and sudden wind changes during the approach, the decision to divert was necessary.”

The aircraft, an 8.9-year-old A320 registered ZK-OXM, approached Dunedin twice but was forced to abort landings due to the windshear—a phenomenon involving a rapid shift in wind speed and direction that presents serious hazards for pilots, especially during critical phases like landing. Winds over the Otago region gusted fiercely throughout the day, with a 78 km/h peak recorded near the runway.

Broadcaster Matty McLean, among the passengers aboard, shared gripping footage on social media showing the aircraft swaying as it neared touchdown. Passengers initially cheered as the plane appeared to land, only for the pilot to suddenly pull up again in a go-around maneuver. McLean described the experience as “pretty scary,” noting that the first landing attempt ended abruptly, and the second almost reached the runway before the safety procedure was enacted.

Despite the tension, McLean praised the crew for their professionalism and calm demeanor during the ordeal. “The pilots and cabin crew handled it exceptionally well. Their priority was keeping us safe, which was very reassuring,” he told Stuff.co.nz. McLean, who was travelling with his husband Ryan Teece, also voiced disappointment over missing the Dunedin Marathon, an event he had been eagerly preparing for. “We were both really excited about the race and the weekend in Dunedin. It was frustrating, but in the end, the weather dictates what happens in aviation.”

Meteorologists had forecast gusty conditions for Otago on Saturday, caused by a strong low-pressure system interacting with the region’s terrain. Aviation experts note that Dunedin Airport’s coastal location often subjects it to challenging wind patterns. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand highlights that “windshear incidents, while rare, are treated with utmost caution due to the significant risk they pose during takeoff and landing.”

Sunday’s weather was expected to bring more settled conditions, allowing flights to proceed without major disruptions. Air New Zealand reportedly adjusted its schedules to manage delays caused by the earlier cancellations.

McLean, undeterred by the setback, joked that after circling in the air for hours, he and Teece returned to Auckland to pick up their dog from friends. He also expressed his determination to return next year for the marathon, saying, “I’ll definitely give Dunedin another shot in 2026—hopefully with clearer skies.”

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on regional air travel in New Zealand, emphasizing how airlines and crews prioritize safety even as passengers grapple with disappointment.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is set to begin phased operations of its expanded Terminal 2 next Tuesday, with the new coach waiting lounge being the first facility to open, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance airport capacity, streamline operations, and boost the city's tourism sector.

The new coach waiting lounge, a key feature of the Terminal 2 expansion, will accommodate 41 parking bays for various transport services, including tour coaches, cross-boundary buses, limousines, and resident shuttle buses. Steven Yiu Siu-chung, the Airport Operations Executive Director, highlighted this as a significant upgrade to ground transportation facilities, improving efficiency for both travelers and operators.

In approximately six months, the departure level of Terminal 2 is expected to become operational. At that point, certain airlines will relocate their check-in counters from the existing Terminal 1 to the new Terminal 2, further distributing passenger flow and optimizing space. This strategic move aims to alleviate congestion in Terminal 1 and provide a more seamless travel experience as HKIA continues to recover and expand its services.

Further infrastructural changes include the repurposing of the existing Terminal 1 car park by the end of this year. It will be transformed into dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for pre-booked taxis, ride-hailing services, and traditional taxi fleets. This re-organization is designed to improve traffic flow and convenience for passengers accessing ground transportation.

In an effort to stimulate tourism and retail, Yiu also announced an expansion of the airport departure tax exemption scope. While the departure tax will increase from HK$120 to HK$200 starting next month, travelers entering Hong Kong by land or sea and departing via HKIA within two days will be eligible for a refund. This initiative aims to attract more transit passengers to make short stopovers in the city, providing a boost to local businesses.

Passengers seeking a refund can apply through a new electronic platform within 28 days after their departure. The application process will be largely paperless, requiring the submission of three key documents: proof of tax payment, the travel document used for entry into Hong Kong, and their boarding pass. Refunds will be disbursed via credit card, e-wallet, or cash at designated money changers within the airport, offering flexibility to travelers.

This phased expansion and the strategic tax exemption program underscore HKIA's commitment to reinforcing its status as a premier international aviation hub. The enhancements are part of the larger Three-runway System project, which aims to significantly increase HKIA's capacity to handle projected passenger and cargo growth in the coming decades. Industry analysts note that such upgrades are crucial for Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge against other major Asian airports, particularly as regional travel continues to rebound.

Starting October 12, 2025, non-European visitors to the European Union will no longer receive traditional passport stamps, as the EU introduces the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) across 29 countries. This new digital system, affecting around 700 million annual border crossings, aims to modernize border controls by replacing manual stamping with biometric data collection such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

The EES will be gradually deployed over six months at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, with full implementation targeted by April 10, 2026, across all external Schengen borders. First-time visitors will undergo biometric enrollment, where facial photographs and four fingerprints are taken to create secure digital profiles. Children under 12 will provide facial images only. Repeat visitors who submitted fingerprints when applying for visas will only need to have their facial image captured at the border.

Designed to replace the time-consuming and unreliable manual passport stamping, the EES will enable automatic tracking of visitor stays and more efficient identification of overstayers, addressing long-standing enforcement issues within the Schengen Area. The system applies to all non-EU nationals on short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of visa-free access or visa possession.

Travelers with biometric passports will benefit from self-service kiosks at participating border crossings to speed up processing after their initial enrollment, although some delays are expected during the early rollout. Major European airports such as Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle will lead the deployment, while smaller and remote crossings will follow at a slower pace, with some continuing traditional stamping temporarily until system readiness.

Stored biometric and travel records will be retained for three years, extending to five years in cases of overstayers or non-registered exits. The system complies with stringent EU privacy regulations by limiting database access to authorized law enforcement and border control agencies only.

Several member states, including Malta, face challenges in upgrading infrastructure and training personnel in time for the October deadline. Industry groups welcome the phased implementation to allow airlines and ferry operators to adapt but caution about potential initial disruptions.

The EES rollout also lays the groundwork for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), slated for launch in late 2026. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for pre-travel authorization at a cost of €20, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, further tightening Europe’s border security.

This move places Europe among the first regions to deploy a comprehensive digital border management system, following precedents like Australia, which ended passport stamping in 2012, and Argentina and several Asian countries more recently. European officials emphasize that the system incorporates lessons learned from these earlier adopters while addressing the continent’s specific security and travel volume challenges.

Despite initial delays and criticism over the extended development timeline—ETIAS itself has been postponed five times since its originally planned 2021 launch officials expect both EES and ETIAS to improve security and streamline traveler processing for the millions entering Europe annually.