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Eid Al Fitr travel rush: Book your flights now to avoid skyrocketing ticket prices

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Are you dreaming of a special getaway for Eid Al Fitr? If so, it’s time to start planning. With travel demand soaring, flights to popular destinations are filling up fast, and prices are on the rise. But don’t worry — we’ve got all the details to help you make the most of your holiday without breaking the bank.

How long is Eid Al Fitr break in UAE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially announced that private sector employees in the UAE will receive paid holidays for Eid Al Fitr starting Sunday, March 30, 2025, and extending through Tuesday, April 1, 2025. If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the holiday will include Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as well.

The exact end date of Ramadan, and the final day of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, depends on the sighting of the moon, which determines whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.

Why Are Airfares So High?

This year, ticket prices to top destinations such as India, the UK, the US, and Europe have jumped by 30-50 per cent, and experts predict they will stay high until the end of August. There are a variety of reasons. A mix of high demand during Eid, upcoming school vacations, fewer available flights, and delays in aircraft deliveries worldwide.

Business + Leisure = Price Hikes

During Ramadan, business travel usually slows down by about 30 per cent, but as the fasting period ends, many professionals plan to mix work trips with family vacations. This trend is adding even more demand for flights, keeping ticket prices elevated.

Good News for Travellers

Some airlines are working hard to add more flights and new routes, which should help bring prices down gradually. For example, while an economy-class ticket from Dubai to New York currently costs between Dh6,850 and Dh8,850, prices are expected to drop to Dh3,030 by September. Likewise, flights to London may decrease from school vacations. It would be wise to postpone your dream destination holiday during the Eid Al Fitr break and plan for a later date. It would make better financial sense.

How Much Are Tickets Right Now?

If you’re travelling between March 31 and April 10, here’s what you can expect to pay for a round-trip (until offers are valid):

  • Rome, Italy: Dh3,800 – Dh4,800
  • Zurich, Switzerland: Dh4,000 – Dh5,000
  • Bangkok, Thailand: Dh2,500 – Dh3,500
  • Delhi, India: Dh1,200 – Dh1,500
  • Mumbai, India: Dh1,100 – Dh1,400
  • Kochi, India: Dh1,000 – Dh1,300
  • Tbilisi, Georgia: Dh1,800 – Dh2,200
  • Yerevan, Armenia: Dh1,700 – Dh2,100

Why Are Flights Limited?

A major reason behind the flight shortage is delays in new aircraft deliveries. Airlines worldwide are facing a backlog of 17,000 aircraft orders, and at the current pace, it may take 14 years to catch up.

Book Early & Save!

If you’re eager to explore new destinations, reunite with family, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, booking your flights early is the best way to save money. As airlines gradually increase the frequency of flights, prices will start to ease. Also, keep an eye out for special deals and discounts on travel.

(Source: www.travelandtourworld.com)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

Sheikh Mohammed announces new UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and renames Ministry of Economy

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In a major UAE government move, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade and renamed the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed said the decisions were made in consultation with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

“Brothers and sisters, after consultation with my brother, the President of the State, may God protect him, and with his approval, we announce today several changes in the UAE government as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Trade was established in the UAE government and the name of the Ministry of Economy is changed to Ministry of Economy and Tourism,” the Dubai Ruler wrote in his post.  

Key announcements include:

  • The establishment of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade, with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as the minister.
  • The Ministry of Economy is now renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, to reflect its broader scope. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri will continue to lead it.
  • The National Artificial Intelligence System will become an advisory member of the Cabinet, starting January 2026. It will also join the Ministerial Council for Development and the boards of all federal entities and government-owned companies.

The integration of AI into key decision-making bodies aims to enhance policy efficiency, provide real-time technical advice, and support future-focused governance across sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the move aligns with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to innovation, agility, and strategic leadership at all levels of government.

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Real estate

Abu Dhabi launches smart platform to boost real estate investment and speed up construction approvals

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Real estate investors in Abu Dhabi have a new reason to celebrate. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched Binaa, an AI-powered digital platform that promises to slash building permit approval times by up to 70 per cent and reduce unnecessary construction costs, making the emirate even more attractive for real estate development and investment. 

Unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the goal of Binaa is to dramatically reduce red tape, speed up approvals, and modernise how building projects are reviewed and managed.

What Binaa Means for You:

  • Up to 70 per cent faster permit approvals
  • Simplified process for private villa construction
  • Real-time tracking for architects, contractors, and homeowners
  • Minimises the cost and environmental impact of over-designed plans
  • Supports full coordination across 15 plus government entities

Smarter Construction, Powered by AI

Binaa uses AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and virtual/augmented reality to help spot design inefficiencies and ensure buildings meet safety and sustainability codes. It can also simulate site inspections using 3D overlays, making it easier to spot errors before they become costly construction issues.

During Phase 1, the platform will focus on private villas, which account for around 20,000 applications annually. Future phases will expand to larger developments.

One Platform, Endless Possibilities

Binaa offers a single digital window for managing the entire building process. It allows instant collaboration between consultants, project owners, and government agencies.

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Business

UAE Central Bank keeps interest rate steady at 4.40%

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced that it will maintain its Base Rate at 4.40%, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave its Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) unchanged.

The Base Rate is applied to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) and serves as a key benchmark for short-term interest rates in the country’s financial system.

In line with this, the CBUAE also confirmed that the borrowing rate for short-term liquidity from the central bank will remain 50 basis points above the Base Rate, applicable across all standing credit facilities.

What does this mean?
Anchored to the US Fed’s IORB, the UAE’s Base Rate reflects the overall monetary policy stance and helps set the floor for overnight money market interest rates, ensuring stability in the financial sector.

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