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Dubai Harbour welcomes 100% renewables-powered Swiss vessel

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Dubai Harbour, an extraordinary seafront district, welcomed the Swiss experimental vessel powered solely by renewables, Porrima, to its marinas on March 17, 2022, as part of its worldwide journey across five continents called the Blue Odyssey.

Choosing Dubai Harbour for its second world destination, the first-of-its-kind solar, wind and hydrogen-powered ship has travelled more than 11,000km without stopping since departing Osaka, Japan, on December 18, 2021.

Dubai Harbour – recently voted as the winner of the World’s Best New Cruise Development at the 1st Annual World Cruise Awards 2021 – is home to the region’s largest marina and features Bay Marina, Dubai’s first dedicated superyacht marina which can accommodate yachts up to 160m in length. Dubai Harbour is also home to Palm View Marina and Harbour Marina offering 556 berths for yachts up to 40 meters and a curated mix of restaurants, cafes, and retail offerings.

Upon arrival at Dubai Harbour, the Porrima berthed at Harbour Marina in front of the Yacht Club building before unveiling a suite of renewable technologies that have been proven on board. It will invite the youth to join the ‘Blue Campus’ to learn the skills and build the talent around the showcased next-generation solutions to sustainable ocean industries and resource preservation.

 

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Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer, Shamal Holding, the company which owns Dubai Harbour, said, “We are excited to welcome the Porrima to Dubai Harbour for its third odyssey around the globe. It is exciting to see how the intersection of technology and sustainability come together to help tackle the environmental challenges that we face today. The Porrima brings sustainable mobility to the forefront, and we are committed to accelerating action to preserve a healthy planet for generations to come.”

The journey, which aims to arrive at its destination after a refit with 12 novel technologies in time for the opening of the Expo 2025 Osaka, will see the vessel dock at ports around the world to demonstrate how to tackle problems such as pollution and climate change through the use of commercially viable renewable technologies.

The project comes in response to a call to action from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, which invites initiatives geared towards realising ‘an ideal future society.’ Porrima – named after the Roman goddess of the future – was the first in the world to circumnavigate the globe using only solar energy under its previous name, ‘Planet Solar’. Now, using solar, wind and hydrogen, the 36-metre 100-tonne vessel also utilises artificial intelligence and technologies inspired by nature. Just as lungs remove the CO2 from our blood, the same technique is used to clean seawater, isolate and destroy microplastics, making Porrima the only vessel in the word certified to produce and consume hydrogen on board.

The creator of the enterprise is the serial entrepreneur, economist, and author Gunter Pauli, who sets out to inspire the next generation with competitive and commercially viable renewable technologies and techniques. He said, “We need to wake up the entrepreneurs of the future, and I believe Dubai is the right place for this. The innovation and adoption of the kind of technologies that we are showcasing on the Porrima will have a fundamental role to play in the realisation of many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – and provide a blueprint for creating an ideal future society.”

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Pakistani Embassy in UAE to close for Eid and Pakistan Day, here’s when services resume

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The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has announced a temporary closure in observance of Eid al-Fitr and Pakistan Day.

According to the embassy, operations will be suspended from Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 23, 2026, allowing staff and the community to observe both important occasions.

Eid dates to be confirmed

Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on March 19 or March 20 in the UAE, depending on the official sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the start of the new month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Plan ahead

Residents requiring consular services are advised to complete their transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience during the closure period.

The announcement ensures clarity for the Pakistani community in the UAE, helping residents plan ahead during the upcoming holiday period.


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UAE travel update: Step-by-step guide to rebook your flydubai flight amid schedule changes

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With flydubai gradually resuming operations after recent disruptions, many travellers may need to adjust their plans. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you rebook your flight or request a refund smoothly.

Who is eligible?

If you had a booking for travel between February 28 and March 31, you can:

  • Rebook your flight within 30 days of your original travel date
  • Cancel for a full refund or travel voucher
  • Make changes without any penalties

How to rebook your flight

1. Check your flight status first
Before making any changes, visit the airline’s official website (https://www.flydubai.com/) and check if your flight is:

  • Cancelled
  • Delayed
  • Still operating

2. Go to “manage booking”
Log in using your:

  • Booking reference number
  • Last name

This section lets you view and modify your booking

3. Choose your option
Depending on your situation, you can:

  • Select a new travel date (within 30 days)
  • Keep the same destination with no extra charges
  • Opt for a travel voucher or full refund if plans change

4. Confirm changes
Once you’ve selected your new flight:

  • Review updated details
  • Confirm the booking
  • Save your new itinerary

 Important tips

  • Do not go to the airport unless your flight is confirmed
  • Keep your contact details updated to receive alerts
  • Monitor your email/SMS for updates from flydubai

When to contact support

Reach out to flydubai if:

  • You didn’t receive a notification
  • You face issues rebooking online
  • Your itinerary involves multiple connections

The rebooking process is designed to be flexible and hassle-free, giving passengers the freedom to adjust plans without stress. Staying informed and acting early will help ensure a smooth travel experience.


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Eid in UAE: Philippine missions announce holiday closure, emergency services to remain available

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The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai have announced the temporary closure of their offices on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, in observance of Eid Al Fitr.

Despite the holiday closure, both missions reassured the public that essential assistance services will remain available, particularly for urgent cases. The embassy confirmed that its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section will continue operating to support Filipinos in need during this period.

Emergency Support Remains Accessible

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other nationals requiring immediate assistance can reach out through dedicated hotlines:

Abu Dhabi – Embassy Contacts:

  • ATN (OFWs): +971 56 270 9157
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 50 443 8003
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration: +971 54 557 2121
  • Contract Verification: +971 54 725 8482
  • Consular Concerns: +971 50 813 7836

Dubai – Consulate Contacts:

  • Consular Services (passport, notarial, civil registry): +971 4 220 7800
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 56 501 5756
  • Migrant Workers Office: +971 50 652 6626 / +971 56 353 5558

The consulate also confirmed that emergency assistance will remain accessible via designated hotlines throughout the closure.

Normal operations at both Philippine missions will resume on Monday, March 23, ensuring services return promptly after the break.

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