In a regional first, Air Arabia has rolled out stablecoin-based payments for flight bookings, giving travellers a new, secure way to pay.

The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to accept AE Coin, the UAE’s first AED-backed stablecoin, through the AEC Wallet App.

What’s new:

Air Arabia customers can now book flights using AE Coin directly via the airline’s website by choosing the AEC Wallet at checkout.

Backed 1:1 by the UAE dirham, AE Coin offers price stability, lower transaction fees, and enhanced payment security, making it an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.

A step into digital finance

“This partnership enhances the customer experience through smart, flexible payment options,” said Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia.

AE Coin is part of the UAE’s broader push to create a digitally empowered financial ecosystem. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are pegged to assets like fiat currencies or gold to ensure minimal volatility.

“This collaboration simplifies travel payments,” added Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank.

One of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing Pakistani restaurants, Pak Ravi, has been ordered to shut down by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), sparking disappointment among foodies. The closure was part of a broader crackdown that saw a total of five restaurants and one supermarket shut this week for violating food safety regulations.

In a post shared on Instagram, ADAFSA revealed that the closures were the result of routine inspections aimed at ensuring public health and safety. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger residents’ well-being.

Along with Pak Ravi, the establishments ordered to close include Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant and Cafeteria, Karak Future Cafeteria, Salty Desi Darbar Restaurant, Al Maqamcorner Restaurant, and Rich and Fresh Supermarket.

The specific violations committed by these businesses were not detailed, but ADAFSA said the actions were taken in accordance with Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in the emirate and its executive regulations. This law empowers authorities to take administrative action, including suspension and closure, against outlets that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Just a day earlier, another restaurant, Rupashi Bangla Restaurant, located on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, was also shut down after inspectors found it to be in serious breach of food safety laws. Officials said the Bengali eatery posed a direct threat to public health, and it has since been served an administrative closure order.

Food safety officials in the capital conduct regular inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments across the emirate. The goal, they say, is to ensure that businesses adhere to strict hygiene practices and protect consumer health.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unsafe practices by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555.

Passengers flying through Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) can soon expect to clear immigration in seconds, thanks to a new AI-powered smart corridor that speeds up the process 10 times faster than traditional smart gates at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The announcement was made during The Airport Show in Dubai, where officials showcased what has been dubbed “the airport of the future.” Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) highlighted that the upcoming passenger experience at DWC will be fully automated, contactless, and tailored to different traveller needs, including special services for mothers, children, and elderly passengers.

In addition to smart immigration tunnels, travellers can look forward to a digitised journey from the moment they book their flights. Through a dedicated app, passengers can purchase tickets, shop duty-free, and even experience the airport in the metaverse before arriving.

Concierge robots to assist passengers

Once at the airport, autonomous robots will handle baggage drop-offs. Luggage will be weighed and collected from the vehicle by self-service bag-drop robots, while concierge robots greet and assist passengers. A smart traffic system will track vehicles heading to the airport, alerting airlines to incoming travellers.

Inside the terminal, immersive experiences and robotic assistance will continue. Passengers can enjoy cafes, lounges, shopping, and interactive zones for children, with delivery robots bringing purchased items directly to their lounge seats or boarding gates. 

Home delivery of luggage

Instead of traditional conveyor belts, biometric-enabled kiosks will be used for baggage claim, and luggage delivery to one’s home will be available via autonomous vehicles.

The airport will feature eight smaller, interconnected terminals, which will be linked by underground trains and serviced by autonomous transport.