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.

A Saudia Airlines flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims was diverted in Indonesian airspace on Tuesday after a bomb threat was received via email. The aircraft, a Boeing 777 operating as Flight SV 5276 from Jeddah to Jakarta, was carrying 207 men and 235 women on their pilgrimage journey when the threat was reported at around 7:30 am local time. The message, sent by an unidentified individual, threatened to "blow up" the plane while it was en route to Jakarta International Airport.

In response to the security alert, the pilot diverted the flight to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, landing safely just after 10:00 am. Upon arrival, all passengers and crew were immediately evacuated without incident. Indonesian authorities, including a joint team from the police bomb disposal unit, military, and airport security, thoroughly searched the aircraft, baggage, and cargo compartments. The sweep concluded at 6:47 pm and found no evidence of explosives or other threats.

During the inspection, the aircraft was moved to an isolated area of the airport to ensure normal operations continued at Kualanamu. Passengers and crew were accommodated in nearby hotels while the investigation proceeded. After the aircraft was cleared and declared safe, it was allowed to continue its journey to Jakarta with its original passengers and crew on Wednesday morning.

Saudia Airlines emphasized that the safety and well-being of its guests and crew remain the highest priority. The airline provided full care and support to all onboard and arranged onward travel. Indonesian authorities praised the swift and coordinated response of the airline, airport security, and local government for maintaining calm and ensuring passenger safety throughout the incident.

The Directorate General of Indonesian Civil Aviation confirmed that the bomb threat was a hoax, and no one was harmed during the incident. The quick action prevented any disruption to other airport activities, and the situation was resolved without further incident.

The recent escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in over 500 flights being cancelled or delayed across key international airports in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey. This turmoil, characterized by missile attacks and extensive airspace disruptions, has forced airlines such as Delta, Air India, United, Emirates, Saudia, and Qatar Airways to alter their operations drastically.

As regional tensions rise, major airports—including Ben Gurion, Dubai International, Hamad International, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen—have become focal points of aviation chaos, impacting countless travelers as they approach the busy summer season.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel: 53 Flights Cancelled

In Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv faced significant disruptions, with 53 flights cancelled on Saturday alone. This surge in cancellations was largely due to safety concerns following Iran's missile retaliation against Israeli airstrikes that targeted prominent Iranian officials and nuclear scientists. While there were no reported delays, multiple airlines opted to suspend operations altogether.

United Airlines cancelled five flights, effectively halting their operations for the day. Similarly, Delta Air Lines and KLM cancelled all their scheduled flights. FlyDubai reported 10 cancellations, affecting over 60% of its daily operations. Other regional carriers, including Israir, El Al, and Cyprus Airways, also faced total cancellations on some routes.

Dubai International and Sharjah Airports, UAE: 362 Disruptions Combined

The UAE's aviation sector was hit particularly hard, with Dubai International Airport reporting a staggering 85 cancellations and 184 delays, summing up to 269 disruptions—the highest for any single airport in the region. Sharjah International Airport added to this chaos with 34 cancellations and 23 delays, bringing the national total to 362 flight disruptions.

FlyDubai, based in Dubai, suffered significantly, cancelling 62 flights and delaying 57 more, which impacted nearly one in five of its operations. Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, experienced 16 cancellations and 86 delays. This ripple effect extended to other carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Royal Jordanian, showcasing the widespread impact on airlines not directly operating in Israel.

Hamad International Airport, Qatar: 105 Disruptions

In Qatar, Hamad International Airport experienced a wave of complications, with 22 cancellations and 83 delays, totaling 105 impacted flights. Qatar Airways, the national carrier, was responsible for the majority of these disruptions, cancelling 22 flights and delaying 74, which accounted for roughly 12% of its daily schedule. Other airlines, such as Finnair, China Southern, and Jazeera Airways, also reported minor delays.

Despite Qatar's neutral position in the Israel-Iran conflict, the escalating regional instability and the risks associated with overflight prompted many airlines to reroute or suspend their operations through Qatari airspace.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Turkey: 68 Flights Affected

Turkey's Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul reported 15 cancellations and 53 delays, primarily driven by regional carriers. Pegasus Airlines was particularly affected, leading the disruption count with 34 delays and 15 cancellations. Turkish Airlines, while reporting 10 delays, managed to avoid cancellations.

Although Turkey is geographically distanced from the immediate conflict zones, the substantial number of connecting flights through its airports resulted in cascading effects on operations. Factors like repositioning of flight crews and regulatory detours contributed to the delays.

Understanding the Flight Disruptions

The extensive wave of flight cancellations and delays across Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey is a direct consequence of the rapidly escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran. The conflict began with Israel launching a significant air offensive aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities, military leaders, and scientists, which reportedly resulted in considerable damage and loss of life.

In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel in successive waves, prompting air raid sirens and emergency shelter protocols in cities such as Tel Aviv. The ensuing chaos not only led to civilian casualties but also created a perilous environment for air traffic, forcing Ben Gurion Airport to suspend or limit its operations.

The conflict's repercussions quickly spread across the region, impacting airlines operating in Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Istanbul. Increased risks of airspace intrusions and the potential for misidentification by military radar created significant pressure for airlines to cancel or reroute flights. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, while not directly involved in the conflict, found themselves vulnerable due to their proximity and status as major aviation hubs.

In addition to physical threats, airspace closures and logistical challenges—including the repositioning of aircraft and crew shortages—compounded the operational impact. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, United, Delta, and Saudia had no choice but to preemptively cancel flights or implement major delays to safeguard passengers and crew members.

Aviation regulators and defense agencies issued warnings and no-fly advisories for certain air corridors, further diminishing safe routing options. Consequently, what began as a localized military conflict evolved into one of the most significant aviation disruptions in the region this year, leaving many passengers stranded and airline operations fractured.

With tensions remaining high and both nations signaling potential further military action, these disruptions are likely to persist or even escalate in the coming days.

Conflict Fallout and Airspace Concerns

The current flight disruptions are unfolding amid one of the most dangerous escalations in the Middle East in recent history. Israel's military actions targeted Iranian nuclear capabilities, while Iran's response involved a concerted missile assault. Air raid sirens rang out across multiple Israeli cities, prompting a temporary grounding of civilian flights.

U.S. military forces have assisted Israel in intercepting some missile threats, yet the situation has compelled precautionary measures from aviation authorities throughout the region. Airlines have rerouted flights away from potential conflict zones, leading to widespread scheduling chaos.

Carriers operating through major regional hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul have faced severe disruptions to long-haul connections, particularly those connecting to Asia, Europe, and North America. Airlines, including Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, either paused services or made significant network adjustments over the weekend.

Economic Impact: Oil Prices and Tourism Concerns

In conjunction with the aviation disruptions, oil prices surged by 7% in global markets, driven by concerns that the conflict could extend into the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit artery. The situation has raised alarms within the global tourism sector, especially with the summer travel season in full swing.

With over 500 flights cancelled or delayed, travelers across the Middle East are now bracing for ripple effects that may linger for days or even weeks. Airlines are striving to rebook passengers and redirect aircraft, but ongoing security uncertainties could lead to additional suspensions or timetable adjustments.

Airlines and Airports Affected

Here’s a detailed overview of the airlines impacted across the region:

Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 53
• Total Flights Delayed: 0
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 10 cancellations (62% of flights)
  • Aegean Airlines: 8 cancellations (50%)
  • Israir: 7 cancellations
  • United Airlines: 5 cancellations
  • KLM: All flights cancelled
  • Delta Air Lines: All flights cancelled
  • El Al: Total cancellations on select routes
  • Cyprus Airways: Total cancellations on select routes

Dubai International Airport (UAE)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 85
• Total Flights Delayed: 184
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 62 cancellations, 57 delays
  • Emirates: 16 cancellations, 86 delays
  • Air India: Various delays
  • Air India Express: Various delays
  • SpiceJet: Various delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Various delays
  • Mahan Air: 2 cancellations
  • Syrian Arab Airlines: 1 cancellation

Hamad International Airport (Qatar)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 22
• Total Flights Delayed: 83
• Airlines Affected:
  • Qatar Airways: 22 cancellations, 74 delays
  • Finnair: Minor delays
  • China Southern Airlines: Minor delays
  • Jazeera Airways: Minor delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Minor delays

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Turkey)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 15
• Total Flights Delayed: 53
• Airlines Affected:
  • Pegasus Airlines: 15 cancellations, 34 delays
  • Turkish Airlines: 10 delays
  • Smart Lynx: 1 delay
  • Flynas: 1 delay

Summary of Disruptions

• Dubai International (UAE): 269 disruptions
• Hamad International (Qatar): 105 disruptions
• Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (Turkey): 68 disruptions
• Sharjah International (UAE): 57 disruptions
• Ben Gurion (Israel): 53 cancellations

In summary, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a significant surge in flight cancellations and delays, with over 552 flights affected across the Middle East. Travelers now face a volatile environment for air travel, as major airlines scramble to adjust their schedules amid escalating tensions. International aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further disruptions as military operations continue.

An easyJet flight from Geneva to Edinburgh was forced to declare a mid-air emergency and return to Geneva shortly after takeoff on Sunday evening due to a bird strike, cutting the journey short and causing flight cancellation.

The Airbus A320, flight EZY3294, took off from Geneva Airport around 6:06 PM local time but encountered a bird strike during its initial climb. The pilots immediately declared an emergency and circled near Geneva before safely landing back about 40 minutes after departure. The bird strike caused a technical defect on the aircraft that maintenance crews could not quickly resolve, leading easyJet to cancel the flight rather than attempt repairs, prioritizing passenger safety above schedule adherence.

EasyJet issued formal notices to affected passengers, apologizing for the inconvenience and providing information on rebooking options and accommodations for those impacted. Emergency services attended the aircraft upon landing as a precaution, and all passengers disembarked safely without incident.

This incident adds to a recent string of easyJet emergencies in mid-June 2025. Two other flights were forced to make emergency landings within days: one from Paphos to Bristol diverted to Izmir due to smoke detection, and another from Manchester to Enfidha diverted to Paris Orly for unspecified reasons. Both flights landed safely with no injuries reported.

These events underscore the operational challenges airlines face in ensuring safety amid technical issues and environmental hazards like bird strikes. EasyJet's response in following established emergency protocols demonstrates its commitment to passenger safety despite the disruption to travel plans.

In summary, the Geneva-to-Edinburgh easyJet flight's emergency return following a bird strike highlights ongoing aviation safety vigilance during the busy European summer travel period, with the airline taking all necessary precautions to protect its passengers.

Vietnam’s aviation authority has taken the unprecedented step of temporarily closing Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa Province after a series of unauthorized drone sightings near the runway raised serious safety concerns and disrupted flight operations over several days.

The suspension began at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and will last until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, affecting at least 10 civilian flights. This move follows three consecutive days of drone incursions near the airport, which forced multiple flight diversions and delays. On Sunday alone, two Vietjet Air flights from Ho Chi Minh City were rerouted one to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and the other to Vinh Airport in Nghe An Province.

Authorities described the situation as “increasingly complex and difficult to control,” prompting the urgent suspension of all flights in and out of the airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has directed airport officials to work closely with air traffic controllers, police, and military units to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones.

The Thanh Hoa People's Committee has been tasked with investigating the breaches and holding violators accountable. Joint patrols have been deployed in nearby residential areas to prevent further incidents and raise public awareness about aviation safety regulations.

Vietnamese law strictly prohibits any unmanned aerial vehicles within an 8-kilometer radius of airports, especially near takeoff and landing zones. This ban includes drones, flycams, sky lanterns, kites, balloons, laser pointers, and signal flares. Violators face fines ranging from VND 3 million to VND 40 million ($115–$1,530) and confiscation of their equipment.

Tho Xuan Airport, located in Sao Vang Town, north-central Vietnam, is a joint civil-military facility handling 10 to 15 commercial flights daily alongside military operations. The recent drone incidents have exposed vulnerabilities in airport security and prompted urgent measures to safeguard civil aviation safety in the region.

The first four months of 2025 have brought a mixed bag of passenger traffic trends across Oman’s airports, reflecting shifting travel dynamics in the region. According to the latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, a total of 4,701,055 passengers passed through the country’s airports from January to April, marking a slight 4.1% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Muscat International Airport, the nation’s primary aviation hub, handled 4,222,789 passengers by the end of April  down 4.7% from 4,428,726 in early 2024. Flight operations also saw a notable dip, with the number of flights falling 8.6% to 29,731, compared to 32,520 last year. Despite the decline, Muscat remains the busiest airport in Oman, serving as the gateway for millions of travelers.

Indian nationals continue to dominate the passenger demographic at Muscat International Airport, with 182,628 travelers recorded so far this year. Omanis rank second with 101,087 passengers, followed by Pakistanis at 47,078, highlighting the strong regional connectivity and expatriate travel patterns.

In contrast to Muscat’s slight downturn, Salalah Airport experienced a positive surge in passenger numbers, increasing by 6.8% to 458,394 compared to 429,181 last year. This growth underscores Salalah’s rising appeal as a travel destination and transit point. However, flight operations at Salalah saw a marginal decrease of 0.2%, totaling 2,974 flights.

Sohar Airport recorded the most dramatic drop in activity, with flights plunging 62.5% to just 72 from 192, and passenger numbers plummeting by a staggering 98.7% to only 307 travelers, down from 23,842 last year. This sharp decline signals significant operational challenges or changes in airline services at Sohar.
Duqm Airport also experienced a slight downturn, with flights decreasing by 1.9% to 204 and passenger numbers falling 2.7% to 19,565 from 20,106 in the previous year.

While Oman’s overall airport passenger traffic has softened slightly in early 2025, the varied performance across its airports highlights evolving travel trends and regional economic factors. Muscat International remains a vital hub, Salalah shows promising growth, and the steep declines at Sohar and Duqm suggest areas needing strategic focus to boost connectivity and passenger confidence.

As Oman continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and tourism offerings, monitoring these trends will be key to sustaining growth and enhancing the travel experience for both residents and visitors alike.