Connect with us

News

Etihad Airways announces seven new routes to boost Abu Dhabi connectivity

Published

on

Spread the love


Etihad Airways has announced the addition of seven new destinations across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, marking a strategic expansion of its network aimed at strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.

Starting from March 2026, Etihad will launch scheduled services to Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia). Flights to Madina (Saudi Arabia) will commence earlier, in November 2025.

Tickets for the new routes will go on sale in the coming days, with the airline positioning the expansion as a key component of its point-to-point connectivity strategy.

The seven additions bring the total number of new destinations announced by Etihad for 2025 to 27, reinforcing the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory, which is underpinned by fleet optimisation and route profitability.

“Our goal is clear: we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s chief executive officer.

So far this year, Etihad has launched operations to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with 13 more routes set to begin before the end of 2025. The airline also recently revealed its 2026 seasonal summer schedule, which will include flights to Kraków (Poland), Salalah (Oman), and Kazan (Russia) during peak travel months.

Neves added, “With these seven additions, Etihad will have launched 27 new routes in a single year, a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s growth.”

The expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism strategy and the emirate’s goal of positioning itself as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers. It also complements recent infrastructure upgrades at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the broader UAE aviation ecosystem.

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.

News

Dubai e-scooter fine: Dh200 penalty for riding on jogging and sports tracks, warns police

Published

on

Spread the love

E-scooter riders in Dubai face a Dh200 fine for using jogging and sports tracks, according to a renewed safety warning from Dubai Police. Authorities stressed that sports and pedestrian-only tracks are strictly prohibited for motorised micromobility devices.

The reminder forms part of ongoing road safety campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring safe shared spaces across the emirate.

Fines for riding on sports and pedestrian tracks

Under Dubai’s e-scooter regulations, riding on jogging paths or pedestrian walkways carries a Dh200 penalty. Officials also warned that reckless riding or operating in unauthorised areas may result in confiscation of the e-scooter.

Dubai Police urged riders to follow lane discipline and remain within approved tracks.

Where e-scooters are allowed

Dubai has expanded its micromobility infrastructure, with dedicated cycling and e-scooter lanes across areas such as:

  • Hatta
  • Dubai Marina
  • Jumeirah

Riders must use designated paths marked for e-scooters or shared cycling lanes only.

E-scooter rules you must know

Regulations set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police, include:

  • Minimum age of 16 years
  • Mandatory helmet
  • Valid UAE driving licence or free RTA e-scooter permit
  • Strict use of approved tracks only

Authorities reiterated that the fines aim to promote responsible riding and strengthen road safety across Dubai.

Residents can report violations through the Dubai Police app’s Police Eye feature or by calling 901.

Continue Reading

News

UAE Ramadan 2026: Get your car renewal inspection done at home for only Dh300

Published

on

Spread the love

Motorists in Sharjah can now renew their vehicle inspection without leaving home this Ramadan, as Rafid Vehicle Solutions has introduced a doorstep vehicle renewal inspection service.

The initiative aims to simplify the inspection process and provide a more convenient experience for customers across the emirate during the holy month.

How the service works

Residents can book a vehicle renewal inspection appointment directly through the Rafid app.

Once the booking is confirmed, Rafid’s team will:

  • Collect the vehicle from the customer’s location
  • Transport it to the inspection centre in Al Azra
  • Complete the renewal inspection
  • Return the vehicle to the customer after the process is finished

To use the service, customers must:

  • Share their live geographical location via the app
  • Ensure vehicle and owner details are accurate
  • Book the appointment at least one day in advance

Service timings

The service operates throughout Ramadan during the following hours:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00am to 3:00pm
  • Friday: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Cost and Contact Details

The service costs Dh300, which includes both transportation and the renewal inspection.

For inquiries or additional information, customers can contact Rafid through its official channels or call 80092.

Rafid Vehicle Solutions is affiliated with Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Sharjah government.

The new Ramadan service is designed to enhance customer convenience, allowing residents to complete essential vehicle procedures smoothly while observing the Holy Month.


Continue Reading

Education

UAE announces academic calendar 2026–2029: Here are the full school start dates and break schedule

Published

on

Spread the love

The Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three years, covering 2026 to 2029, for public and private schools across the UAE.

The move is aimed at strengthening stability within the education system and enabling students, parents and educators to plan well in advance.

According to the Ministry, the three-year framework balances instructional time with quality learning outcomes, while taking educational and social considerations into account.

2026–2027 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 31, 2026
  • End date: July 2, 2027

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026
  • Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Spring break: April 5–11, 2027

2027–2028 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 30, 2027
  • End date: June 30, 2028

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027
  • Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
  • Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028

2028–2029 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 28, 2028
  • End date: June 29, 2029

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028
  • Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
  • Spring break: March 26 – April 1, 2029

Important guidelines

All schools are required to adhere to the approved mid-term break schedule. However, local education authorities may permit private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split the mid-term break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.

This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which follow the emirate’s own regulatory framework.

The Ministry also emphasised that all schools must ensure students attend through the final week of each term, during which assessments and curriculum requirements will be completed.

Notably, the calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.

Why the three-year plan matters

The Ministry said the extended academic outlook is designed to enhance readiness, improve long-term resource planning, and provide greater clarity for families across the UAE.

By confirming start and end dates well in advance, authorities aim to support schools as key pillars in preparing future generations, while giving parents more certainty for travel, enrolment and academic planning decisions.


Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/