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Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi set for completion in 2025

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The Saadiyat Cultural District is on track for completion by the end of 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has announced.

Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It is an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape.

Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world – showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture and its innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, performing arts and educational programmes throughout the year.

Additionally, Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression and is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

The current construction progress of the soon-to-open institutions in Saadiyat Cultural District stands at 76 percent. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Additionally, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi invites visitors to an ever-changing exploration that will transcend the limits of their imagination.

It will be joined by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8 billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a museum celebrating art from the 1960s to the present and the most important artistic achievements of our time.

Saadiyat Cultural District pays homage to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, who defined the cultural agenda and unveiled the history of the UAE to the world through archaeological excavations and findings. This legacy began with the establishment of Al Ain Museum, the first museum in the UAE, which opened in 1971. This was followed by the inauguration of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continued to evolve under the guidance of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Today, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, continue to build on that legacy.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Culture transcends mere connections; it shapes our very evolution and broadens our perspectives. Here in Abu Dhabi, we embrace this influence, fostering a deep appreciation that resonates throughout our community. Saadiyat Cultural District embodies ‘cultural hope’. The District will convey a message of cultural diversity that will become more powerful over time, creating global connections, inspiring cultural exchange, and fostering new ways of thinking to support the region, the global South and the world. Saadiyat Cultural District is somewhere people can come to learn from the past, understand our present and focus on our future.”

Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. The District invites the world to engage with diverse cultures, fostering dialogue and exchange, and offers a global cultural space that empowers the region and the global south.

DCT Abu Dhabi has also launched a compelling campaign titled ‘Be Moved in a Thousand Ways’, introduced by philanthropist, talk show host and author Oprah Winfrey and broadcaster Mona El Shazli. The campaign film delivers an inspirational message on the transformative power of culture to unite, inspire, and open minds. Contributors to the campaign include Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi; Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU); Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Norman Foster, Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner and architect of the Zayed National Museum; Mariët Westermann, Director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, celebrated artists Mohammed Ibrahim, Najat Makki, Afra Al Dhaheri from the UAE; multi-award winning Actor, Musician and Entrepreneur Idris Elba OBE; legendary pianist Lang Lang and many more.

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Royaloak launches in UAE bringing Indian design excellence to gulf

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Royaloak Furniture, one of India’s largest organised furniture retail chains, has announced its entry into the UAE market as part of a broader international expansion strategy. With an operational history spanning over 15 years and a customer base exceeding 5 million, the brand has opened three stores in the UAE—located in RAK Mall (Ras Al Khaimah), Lulu Mall (Fujairah), and Silicon Central Mall (Dubai)—each spanning nearly 20,000 square feet.

The move comes at a time when the UAE’s furniture and home décor industry is witnessing steady growth, driven by a combination of increased real estate development, rising urbanisation, and a growing population of design-conscious consumers. According to industry estimates, the UAE furniture market was valued at approximately USD 5.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.18%.

Royaloak’s entry adds momentum to the region’s expanding mid-to-premium furniture segment. The brand is known for its “Country Collection” that showcases curated pieces inspired by American, Italian, and Malaysian designs. The company sources products from manufacturing hubs across Asia and Europe, aiming to balance aesthetic appeal with functional quality.

“Our UAE expansion is aligned with market demand and retail opportunity,” said Mathan Subramaniam, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Royaloak. “What sets us apart is a vertically integrated model—from sourcing to distribution—which ensures both product consistency and affordability. With our dedicated warehouse in the UAE, we are equipped to provide fast, reliable delivery and a localised shopping experience.”

The stores are designed to cater to a wide demographic—offering furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, dining areas, and outdoor spaces, in addition to home décor and mattresses. Each outlet is supported by Arabic-speaking staff to ensure culturally attuned customer service.

In tandem with its retail footprint, Royaloak has launched a dedicated UAE e-commerce platform, while also partnering with Amazon UAE and Noon to strengthen its omnichannel presence. The brand’s UAE entry is not just an expansion strategy but also a commitment to job creation and customer-centric innovation in one of the Middle East’s most competitive retail landscapes. The company plans further expansion across the Emirates in the coming year

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Dubai travel: Emirates minimises disruptions, reassures travellers ahead of summer holidays

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Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

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Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions 

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Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

  • Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
    • EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
    • EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
    • EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
  • Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
  • The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
  • Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

  • Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
  • Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
  • Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

  • Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
  • Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
  • Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

  • Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
  • Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

  • Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur. 
  • Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
  • Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

  • flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
  • IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
  • Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
  • EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
  • Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

  • Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

  • Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
  • Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
  • If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.

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