Saturday, 19 April 2025
Eid in Dubai 2025

Celebrate Eid in Dubai: A Guide to Fireworks, Shopping, and Family Fun

Cultural and Traditional Events
Published: Monday, March 24, 2025
Celebrate Eid in Dubai: A Guide to Fireworks, Shopping, and Family Fun
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Dubai's Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2025 promise an unforgettable blend of tradition, modernity, and entertainment, offering residents and visitors a remarkable experience. Here's a detailed overview of what to expect:

Dates and Public Holidays

Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025, with public holidays lasting from Monday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 2 (subject to moon sighting). Work will resume on Thursday, April 3. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, celebrated with prayers, gatherings, and festivities.

Fireworks Extravaganza

Dubai's skies will light up with grand fireworks displays across multiple locations:

  • Nessnass Beach: First day of Eid at 8 pm.

  • Hatta: First day of Eid at 8 pm near the iconic Hatta Sign.

  • The Beach opposite JBR and Bluewaters: Second day of Eid at 9 pm.

  • Dubai Parks and Resorts: Fireworks on the first two days at 9:30 pm.

  • Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain: Synchronized displays combining water, light, and fireworks.

These events are free to attend, offering scenic views and dining options nearby.

Cultural Experiences

Eid al-Fitr in Dubai highlights Emirati heritage through traditional performances:

  • Eid Prayers: Held at dawn (expected around 6:10 AM), large congregations will gather at major mosques like Jumeirah Mosque, Al Salam Mosque (Barsha), and open prayer grounds across Dubai.

  • Ayala Dance Performances: Traditional Emirati dance featuring bamboo canes performed in malls such as Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, and Ibn Battuta Mall. Additional performances will take place at Al Seef, Nakheel Mall, and Hatta Wadi Hub on subsequent days.

  • Cultural Exhibitions: Explore Emirati art and history at venues like Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, and Alserkal Avenue.

Shopping Deals

Eid al-Fitr is a prime time for shopping with incredible promotions:

  • Grand Prize Draws: AED 200,000 in prizes for shoppers at participating malls from March 15 through the third day of Eid.

  • Jewelry Offers: Participating outlets offer 50% cashback on select diamond and pearl jewelry along with free gifts.

  • SHARE Cashback: City Centre malls provide 10% cashback on purchases scanned into the SHARE app from April 1–6.

  • Festival City Mall Gift Cards: Shoppers spending AED 300 or more can win a gift card worth AED 10,000.

Dining Highlights

Dubai offers a variety of culinary experiences during Eid:

  • e& Beach Canteen: A food pop-up at Nessnass Beach featuring diverse dining concepts, live entertainment, and Chef’s Table experiences with renowned chefs like Kelvin Cheung (Jun’s) and Soleman Haddad (Moonrise). Events run from March 27 to April 13.

  • Eid Brunches: Top locations for festive meals include Suq at Four Seasons Resort Dubai (Hyderabadi Biryani), Zenon at Kempinski (Australian Lamb Cutlets), Gaia DIFC (Seafood Pasta), Ce La Vi Dubai (Miso Black Cod), and Arabian Tea House (traditional Emirati dishes). Prices range from AED 150 to AED 850 depending on venue.

Family-Friendly Activities

Dubai caters to families with engaging activities:

  • Dubai Parks & Resorts: Special packages for theme parks during Eid.

  • IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor theme park offering extended hours.

  • IMAGINE Show at Festival City Mall: Laser, light, and water projection show celebrating Eid nightly from 9 PM.

  • Kids' Play Areas: Dedicated zones for children’s entertainment at Festival Bay’s outdoor market.

Desert Safari Experience

Celebrate Eid under the stars with an evening desert safari:

  • Activities include dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, camel rides, henna painting, traditional dances, and a starlit barbecue dinner. The serene desert setting offers unforgettable moments for families or travelers seeking adventure.

Key Locations to Visit

During Eid celebrations in Dubai:

  1. Downtown Dubai: Witness the Burj Khalifa light show or enjoy the Dubai Fountain spectacle.

  2. Atlantis The Palm: Indulge in water rides or beach sports starting at AED 300.

  3. The Green Planet: Explore wildlife exhibits for AED 140 per person.

  4. Dubai Opera: Relax with live music performances priced around AED 350.

Dubai's Eid al-Fitr celebrations are a vibrant mix of spirituality, culture, entertainment, shopping deals, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're enjoying fireworks by the beach or savoring gourmet meals in luxury hotels, this festive season offers something for everyone. Make sure to plan ahead to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration!

Women in Aviation: Air India Technician Shradha Dabral Shares Her Inspiring Journey

Published: Saturday, April 05, 2025
Women in Aviation: Air India Technician Shradha Dabral Shares Her Inspiring Journey
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Shradha Dabral, a junior aircraft maintenance technician at Delhi Airport, is challenging long-standing stereotypes in the aviation industry by excelling in a field traditionally dominated by men. As part of Air India’s workforce, where women account for an impressive 46% of employees, Shradha’s role involves ensuring aircraft safety and operational readiness through meticulous pre-flight inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and performing routine maintenance checks.

Her work is critical to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining the reliability of Air India’s fleet—a responsibility that demands technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and unwavering attention to detail.

Aircraft maintenance is one of the most demanding areas in aviation, requiring technicians to work under high-pressure conditions and adhere to strict deadlines. The job often involves physically intensive tasks such as inspecting engines, repairing landing gear systems, and handling heavy equipment.

Despite these challenges, Shradha has embraced her role with determination and passion. She shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is witnessing the planes she has serviced take off successfully, knowing her contributions play a vital role in the aviation ecosystem.

Shradha also reflects on societal perceptions that often associate technical roles like aircraft maintenance with men due to the physical demands and complexity involved. However, she firmly believes that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.

She credits Air India for fostering an inclusive environment that values merit over stereotypes, allowing her to grow professionally without bias or discrimination. Her story is a shining example of how organizations can empower women by providing equal opportunities and support.

Beyond her technical expertise, Shradha cherishes the personal connections her career has enabled her to make. One particularly memorable moment was booking a flight for her grandmother, who had never traveled by air before. Watching her grandmother experience flying for the first time was a deeply fulfilling experience that underscored the personal impact of her professional achievements.

For aspiring women looking to enter aviation maintenance or other technical fields, Shradha offers valuable advice: focus on building your skills, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and don’t let societal expectations define your path. She emphasizes that the growing presence of women in aviation is gradually breaking barriers and inspiring change across the industry. 

Programs like mentorship initiatives, scholarships for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and targeted recruitment campaigns are also helping pave the way for more female representation in technical roles.

Shradha’s journey highlights not only her personal triumphs but also broader shifts within the aviation sector. As more women step into roles traditionally dominated by men—such as pilots, engineers, and technicians—they are reshaping perceptions and proving that success knows no gender.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential in challenging yet rewarding careers like aircraft maintenance.

Emirates Group Relocates to World's Largest Solar-Powered Data Centre

Published: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Emirates Group Relocates to World's Largest Solar-Powered Data Centre
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In a groundbreaking move to enhance its technological infrastructure and sustainability efforts, the Emirates Group has partnered with Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, to relocate its data center operations to the world’s largest solar-powered data facility at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

This facility, certified by Guinness World Records™, operates entirely on clean energy generated by the solar park, which has a capacity of 3,000 megawatts annually. The relocation is expected to begin in mid-2026, with Moro Hub providing comprehensive services such as rack space, power, cooling, equipment supply, and other essential co-location services.

This strategic move is part of Emirates' broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency.

This collaboration aligns with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, reinforcing the city’s position as a global leader in sustainable innovation. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted that this partnership demonstrates Dubai's commitment to digital transformation and sustainable aviation while driving economic growth through innovation.

Michael Doersam, Emirates Group’s Chief Financial & Group Services Officer, emphasized that the transition to Moro Hub will bolster operational resilience and scalability while significantly reducing the Group’s environmental footprint. The partnership will also enable Emirates to leverage advanced data analytics and AI technologies, enhancing its customer experience and operational efficiency.

The Emirates Group views this move as pivotal for its next phase of growth and expansion. It underscores its dedication to adopting green technologies and advancing its sustainability agenda. Moro Hub’s state-of-the-art facility spans over 16,031 square meters and represents a significant step toward integrating clean energy solutions into large-scale digital operations.

This partnership not only strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a hub for technological excellence but also positions the Emirates Group as a leader in environmentally conscious business practices. Furthermore, the use of solar power will help Emirates reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.

The collaboration is also expected to foster innovation in data management and cloud services, supporting Emirates' ongoing digital transformation efforts.

Turkish Technic and IndiGo Enhance Partnership for A320neo Fleet Maintenance

Published: Friday, March 28, 2025
Turkish Technic and IndiGo Enhance Partnership for A320neo Fleet Maintenance
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Turkish Technic and IndiGo have significantly expanded their partnership through a major agreement signed at MRO Middle East 2025, further solidifying their collaboration in the aviation maintenance sector. This agreement focuses on redelivery checks for more than 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft from IndiGo's fleet, showcasing the Indian carrier's trust in Turkish Technic's expertise.

The redelivery checks will be conducted at Turkish Technic's state-of-the-art facilities located at Istanbul Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen airports. These advanced maintenance centers are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly skilled engineers, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient inspection process for IndiGo's aircraft.

The redelivery process typically involves several key steps, including assembling definitive aircraft records, creating a "redelivery book/binder" with up-to-date status sheets, verifying compliance files for Airworthiness Directives, modifications, repairs, and components, sharing draft maintenance check packs and work scopes with stakeholders, conducting final acceptance/test flights and engine high-powered assurance runs, and completing and auditing the final technical aircraft return data package.

This meticulous approach ensures that all aircraft meet the highest standards of safety and performance before being returned to service.

Beyond the redelivery checks, Turkish Technic and IndiGo are in advanced discussions regarding an additional agreement for the Landing Gear Overhaul operations of IndiGo's Airbus A320neo fleet. This potential expansion of their partnership would further enhance IndiGo's maintenance strategy by leveraging Turkish Technic's expertise in high-quality component repairs and overhauls. 

Such collaborations not only strengthen the operational efficiency of IndiGo but also underscore Turkish Technic's growing presence in the Indian aviation sector, as demonstrated by similar agreements with other major Indian carriers.

This strengthened partnership is expected to significantly improve IndiGo's operational efficiency and maintain the highest standards of aircraft performance and regulatory compliance. It also reflects Turkish Technic's growing influence in the global MRO market, with substantial growth in external sales and an expanding workforce to support its increasing customer base.

Turkish Technic experienced a 27% increase in external sales in the first half of 2024 and over 25% growth in 2023, leading to a workforce expansion of more than 10% to 10,500 staff in 2023. This collaboration between Turkish Technic and IndiGo not only strengthens their existing relationship but also contributes to the overall advancement of the Indian aviation industry by ensuring world-class maintenance standards for one of its largest carriers.

Free and Unlimited WiFi Access at iGA Istanbul Airport

Published: Monday, March 17, 2025
Free and Unlimited WiFi Access at iGA Istanbul Airport
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iGA Istanbul Airport has introduced the iGA WiFi and Turkish Airlines (TK) WiFi networks, enhancing internet services for travelers. Now, all passengers traveling from iGA Istanbul Airport can enjoy free and unlimited internet access through two distinct methods. This advanced system not only caters to Turkish Airlines passengers but also ensures easy connectivity for all other travelers.

Collaborative Free WiFi Service

In collaboration with Turkish Airlines, iGA aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly internet experience. As part of this partnership, passengers flying with Turkish Airlines can connect to the TK WiFi network before and during their flights.

TK WiFi Access for Turkish Airlines Travelers

Turkish Airlines passengers can enjoy unlimited internet access at iGA Istanbul Airport by connecting to the TK WiFi network using one of two methods:

  1. SMS Login: After selecting the TK WiFi network, passengers can opt for “Login via SMS.” They simply enter their phone number and receive a password via SMS to gain internet access through the portal.

  2. Ticket Number Login: Passengers who have completed check-in can activate their internet access by entering their ticket number, seat number, and surname on the portal opened after selecting the TK WiFi network.

iGA WiFi Access for All Guests

Guests not flying with Turkish Airlines can also enjoy free internet by connecting to the iGA WiFi network through the following options:

  1. Mobile Phone Login: After selecting the iGA WiFi network, guests can choose the “login via mobile phone” option. By entering their phone number, they will receive an access password via SMS, which they can then use to connect.

  2. Access Code Login: Passengers who wish to use the iGA WiFi network can scan their passports or IDs at kiosks located throughout the terminal. After scanning, they will receive an access code to enter on the portal and connect to the iGA WiFi network.

iGA Istanbul Airport is committed to enhancing travel experiences by providing free internet access. With tailored options for Turkish Airlines passengers and convenient methods for all guests, accessing the internet at iGA Istanbul Airport has never been easier.

Emirates to Provide In-Flight Telemedicine Services

Published: Friday, March 14, 2025
Emirates to Provide In-Flight Telemedicine Services
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In a groundbreaking partnership, Emirates airline and medical technology firm Parsys have joined forces to revolutionize the passenger experience at new heights.

The two companies have collaborated to develop an industry-first telemedicine station that will be installed on select Emirates flights, providing travelers with access to professional medical care during their journey.

The cutting-edge system, dubbed the "Altitude Clinic," allows passengers to consult with licensed healthcare providers in real-time, regardless of their location in the sky. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and video conferencing capabilities, the Altitude Clinic enables onboard medics to conduct comprehensive examinations, provide treatment recommendations.

And even facilitate connections to ground-based specialists if needed. This innovative approach aims to deliver peace of mind and enhanced medical support to Emirates' global customer base.

"Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our passengers," said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates. "By integrating this pioneering telemedicine solution, we are setting a new standard for in-flight healthcare, ensuring our customers have access to professional medical attention whenever they need it most, even at 30,000 feet."

The Altitude Clinic is set to debut on select Emirates routes in the coming months, with plans for a fleet-wide rollout in the near future.