Monday, 07 July 2025

How Qatar Stopped Iran’s Missile Attack on Al Udeid Base

Published: Sunday, June 29, 2025
How Qatar Stopped Iran’s Missile Attack on Al Udeid Base

On a tense Monday afternoon, high-ranking Qatari officials were engaged in crucial discussions with the Prime Minister, exploring ways to de-escalate the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The atmosphere was charged with concern, as tensions had been rising for over a week. Suddenly, defense ministry personnel alerted them to an imminent threat: Iranian missiles were airborne and heading toward Qatar.

This surprise attack marked the first missile strike on the Gulf region, catching Qatari officials completely off guard. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, vividly recalls the unsettling moment when the Prime Minister’s residence shook from the interceptions occurring overhead.

Rising Tensions in the Gulf

Earlier that day, unease permeated the Gulf Arab states. The glitzy, oil-rich capitals feared a catastrophic strike that could shatter the facade of stability. The region had been embroiled in conflict for 12 days, following a series of escalating exchanges between Israel and Iran, which included US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

In Bahrain, home to the US Naval Command, residents were advised to avoid main roads, while Kuwait activated shelters in ministerial complexes. Nearby, in the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, anxious residents hurriedly booked flights out of the region, while others stockpiled essential supplies, anticipating further escalation. In Doha, the atmosphere was tense, as US and UK citizens were instructed to seek shelter, and American military personnel were evacuated from Al Udeid Air Base.

Qatar’s advanced early warning military radar system had detected movements of Iranian missile batteries toward the country earlier that day. However, the precise nature of the threat remained uncertain until shortly before the attack.

“It could’ve been misdirected to lead us away from the actual target,” explained a Qatari defense official. “But as we approached the hour before the attack, it became evident that Al Udeid Base was the intended target.”

The Missile Attack

At approximately 7 p.m. local time, Qatari military officials confirmed that Iran's missiles were airborne and en route to Al Udeid. In a swift and decisive response, Qatar deployed 300 service members and activated multiple Patriot anti-air missile batteries at two strategic locations to counter the incoming threat.

US President Donald Trump reported that 14 missiles were launched from Iran, but Qatari forces executed a coordinated defense operation that was largely led by Qatar itself, according to Al-Ansari.

Seven missiles were successfully intercepted over the Persian Gulf, while another 11 were neutralized over Doha, preventing any damage to populated areas. One missile did land in an uninhabited section of the base, causing minimal damage.

Despite receiving intelligence from Washington about the potential threat, Qatar did not get any advance warning directly from Iran regarding the attack. Al-Ansari pointed out that Iran had previously communicated that any US attack on Iranian soil would render American bases in the region legitimate targets.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reiterated this warning to Gulf counterparts during a meeting in Istanbul just a day before the strikes, emphasizing the precarious situation in the region.

The Diplomatic Response

In the wake of the missile attack, President Trump reached out to Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey that Israel was open to a ceasefire and urged Qatar to facilitate a similar agreement with Iran.

As discussions unfolded regarding potential retaliatory measures, the US proposed an opportunity for regional stability. Qatar’s role as a mediator became crucial during this critical juncture. Chief negotiator Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi engaged in discussions with Iranian representatives, while Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani communicated with US Vice President JD Vance.

Al-Ansari described the situation as pivotal: “All options were on the table that night. We could have retaliated, but we also recognized that this moment could foster peace in a region that has seen little of it for two years. The stakes were incredibly high, and we needed to think strategically.”

Qatar’s Unique Position

Qatar's position as a mediator stems from its unique relationships with both Iran and the United States. The country has maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran while hosting a significant US military presence. This duality has enabled Qatar to act as a facilitator in regional conflicts, often serving as a backchannel for negotiations.

Qatar’s foreign policy emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy over military confrontation, which has contributed to its ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Al-Ansari further emphasized this point, stating, “We do not take it lightly for our country to be attacked by missiles from any side. We would never use such an attack as part of political posturing. Our priority is the safety of our people.”

The Ceasefire Agreement

Shortly after the discussions, Trump announced on social media that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had been successfully brokered, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for Qatar amidst a volatile regional landscape.

The ceasefire not only diffused an immediate crisis but also opened the door for potential long-term negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region. Qatar's successful mediation highlighted its growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy and underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.

Al-Ansari concluded, “This was a complete surprise to us, and we recognized the importance of seizing this moment for the sake of regional peace. Our commitment to diplomacy remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards a more stable future for all.”

Explore Turkey

Free Istanbul Tour for Transit Passengers with Turkish Airlines

Transit travelers can now explore Istanbul’s top landmarks for free with Turkish Airlines’ guided half-day city tour from the airport.
Published: Sunday, July 06, 2025
Free Istanbul Tour for Transit Passengers with Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has expanded its complimentary “Touristanbul” program, offering international transit passengers with layovers of 6 to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport (IST) a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture without leaving the airport experience behind.

Eligible travelers can choose from six different daily tours, each led by professional guides and including transportation by shuttle bus directly from the airport.

One of the highlights of the program is a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios in Beykoz, a sprawling 200-acre complex renowned for producing popular Turkish historical TV dramas like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" and "Kuruluş: Osman."

This studio is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at life-sized sets that recreate different eras of Turkish history.

Beyond the film studio, the various tour routes cover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hippodrome, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Bridge, with photo stops and guided commentary throughout.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine—such as fire-cooked soup and hand-pounded rice pudding—at local restaurants, and participate in cultural workshops like glassmaking and archery.

All meals, museum entrance fees, and transportation are included at no cost, and the tours are available every day of the year, with 19 different routes offered weekly. To participate, passengers must have a Turkish Airlines ticket with a layover of 6 to 24 hours, and must register at the Touristanbul desk at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

The program is designed to ensure travelers return to the airport with ample time for their connecting flights, transforming what could be idle hours into a memorable cultural experience.

Etihad Guest Raises Challenge Prizes to Over 20 Million Miles Due to High Demand

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Etihad Guest Raises Challenge Prizes to Over 20 Million Miles Due to High Demand

Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, has expanded its highly popular competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, by increasing the total prize pool to over 20 million Etihad Guest Miles following an unprecedented surge in participation.

Initially, the challenge offered 5 million miles to the first member to visit all 15 of Etihad’s newly launched destinations, with second and third place receiving 3 million and 1 million miles, respectively. However, due to overwhelming demand, Etihad has now added 12.5 million additional miles, opening the door for more than 200 winners in total.

The competition, which runs until May 25, 2026, is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Participants must travel to or from 15 specific new year-round destinations, including cities such as Addis Ababa, Atlanta, Prague, and Taipei, within a 12-month period. The race is based on speed and dedication—the fastest members to complete all 15 routes win the largest prizes, while tie-breakers are resolved by the earliest registration date.

In addition to the top three grand prizes, Etihad has introduced "The Extraordinary Milestones" category: the first 100 members to visit five new destinations will receive 25,000 miles each, and the first 100 to reach ten destinations will earn 100,000 miles each. This expansion aims to reward both the most ambitious travelers and those making significant progress, with members able to track their journeys and standings on a live digital leaderboard.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, commented, “We’ve seen an amazing response across the globe since we launched The Extraordinary Challenge, and expect to see over 50,000 member sign-ups as more destinations come online. Having seen the desire and determination of so many, we wanted to reward Etihad Guest members even more by giving flight to their ambition with more prize miles and potential for 200 additional winners”.

Sohar Banks and SalamAir Team Up to Give Cardholders Up to 40% Off on Domestic Flights

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Sohar Banks and SalamAir Team Up to Give Cardholders Up to 40% Off on Domestic Flights

Sohar International and its Islamic banking division, Sohar Islamic, have announced a new partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s prominent budget airline, to bring substantial savings to their customers on domestic travel. Under this collaboration, credit cardholders from Sohar International and Sohar Islamic can enjoy up to 40% off, while debit cardholders receive a 15% discount on SalamAir flights within Oman.

The offer covers popular routes such as Muscat to Salalah, Masirah, Duqm, and the newly introduced Sohar to Salalah flights, with bookings available from June 22 to August 31, 2025, for travel between July 1 and August 31, 2025.

To take advantage of these discounts, eligible customers must book their tickets through SalamAir’s official website, applying special promo codes provided by the banks and using their Sohar cards for payment. The partnership was officially launched at a signing event on June 17, 2025, at Sohar International’s headquarters, highlighting a shared vision to blend financial services with lifestyle benefits and support Oman’s national tourism strategy outlined in Vision 2040.

Bank officials, including Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, stressed that the initiative is designed to go beyond simple discounts, aiming to create a more integrated experience for customers by connecting banking with travel. Steven Allen, SalamAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the airline is committed to making domestic travel more affordable, especially during the busy Khareef season in Salalah.

SalamAir, which operates a growing fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves over 80 flights daily, is also investing in digital upgrades, such as a new WhatsApp ticketing service. The airline has introduced fixed fares for Omani nationals on key routes to further support local travelers.

This partnership not only delivers significant value to Sohar International and Sohar Islamic customers but also contributes to the wider goals of enhancing domestic tourism and strengthening collaboration between Oman’s banking and aviation sectors.

Air Arabia Mega Sale: Fares from Dh149 for Bookings June 30 to July 6

Published: Thursday, July 03, 2025
Air Arabia Mega Sale: Fares from Dh149 for Bookings June 30 to July 6

Air Arabia has launched a major summer mega sale, offering one-way fares starting from just Dh149 for select destinations across its network. The promotion is available for bookings made between June 30 and July 6, 2025, with travel permitted from July 14 to September 30, 2025—a period that covers the busy summer holiday season and is ideal for families and travelers looking for affordable getaways.

The discounted fares apply to a wide variety of routes from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Travelers departing from Sharjah can fly to Bahrain and Muscat for as low as Dh149, while fares to Dammam, Riyadh, Salalah, and Kuwait start at Dh199. Routes to Abha, Tabuk, and Yanbu are available from Dh298, Doha from Dh399, Jeddah and Medinah from Dh449, and Taif from Dh574.

For those heading to South Asia, Abu Dhabi to Chennai fares start at Dh275, Kochi at Dh315, Dhaka at Dh499, and Chattogram at Dh549. From Sharjah, travelers can book flights to Ahmedabad from Dh299, Delhi from Dh317, Mumbai from Dh323, Thiruvananthapuram from Dh325, and Kathmandu from Dh449. These special rates are especially appealing for the large South Asian expatriate community in the UAE.

Air Arabia’s summer sale comes as the airline reports strong financial growth, with a net profit of Dh355 million in the first quarter of 2025—a 34 percent increase year-on-year. The airline also saw a 14 percent rise in turnover to Dh1.75 billion and carried more than 4.9 million passengers in the first three months of the year, achieving an average seat load factor of 84 percent.

The airline is also expanding its network, with the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus starting July 10, 2025, operating twice daily. All fares in the promotion are one-way and include surcharges, but airport taxes may not be included and are subject to change. Seats are limited and are expected to sell out quickly, so travelers are encouraged to book early to secure the best deals.

For passengers needing flexibility, Air Arabia allows modifications or cancellations of bookings online, via its call center, or at sales offices, though fare differences and terms may apply

Dubai to Manila Flights for Dh3 in Cebu Pacific Independence Day Sale

Published: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Dubai to Manila Flights for Dh3 in Cebu Pacific Independence Day Sale

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost airline, has announced a special seat sale in honor of the country’s 127th Independence Day, offering one-way base fares from Dubai to Manila for just Dh3. The promotion, part of the airline’s annual Super Seat Fest, is available for bookings made between June 11 and June 15, 2025. The travel period for these discounted tickets spans from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, making it ideal for those planning year-end holidays or summer visits to the Philippines.

The Dh3 fare covers only the base ticket price, with additional charges for taxes and surcharges. Cebu Pacific’s extensive network allows travelers to connect from Manila to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Boracay, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Vigan, and Davao’s Seven Falls. The airline encourages passengers to explore the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural sites, such as Intramuros and the National Museum complex in Manila.

Booking is available through Cebu Pacific’s official website, with multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. The airline also offers special guidelines for families traveling with infants or minors: infants under two years old may travel on an adult’s lap for an infant fee, and strollers or car seats can be brought free of charge. Children aged 12 and above are considered adult guests, and minors traveling with parents only need to present documents proving their relationship, such as a birth certificate or valid IDs.

Seats at the promotional rate are limited and subject to availability, so travelers are encouraged to book early. Cebu Pacific’s Super Seat Fest is a recurring event, celebrated alongside major milestones and holidays, and continues to be popular among Filipinos abroad looking for affordable ways to reunite with family or explore the country’s diverse attractions.