Travellers flying with Etihad Airways could be in for a fun-filled surprise the next time they fly from Abu Dhabi.

On Thursday, the national airline of the UAE unveiled the world’s first Warner Bros-branded aircraft, in partnership with Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

Sporting characters from Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry on one side, the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is emblazoned with DC superheroes on the other. A jet model was revealed at an event at the Yas Island attraction.

It will make its maiden voyage on Saturday, bound for London Heathrow. The aircraft will rotate service to other destinations including Dublin, Amsterdam, Vienna, Bangkok and Manilla, meaning not only UK-bound passengers can join the ride.

And that’s not all folks. Starting Saturday, Etihad will roll out new Warner Bros-themed gift packs featuring DC superheroes. Infants on board flights will be given a baby blanket depicting the likes of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, while bigger children can look forward to a backpack filled with a superhero cape, water bottle and activity kit. The new gift packs will be rolled out across all Etihad flights over the summer months.

Young travellers can also get inspired by Warner Bros before they fly at the newly opened lounge at Zayed International Airport. Dedicated to children, the space is packed with immersive activities, designed to give passengers a taste of what awaits at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Etihad Airways to bring the first-ever Warner Bros World-branded aircraft to fans,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, which operates the park. “This collaboration not only expands the customer experience but also extends the thrill of Warner Bros World beyond our park’s walls, creating a super vacation with long-lasting unforgettable memories for passengers of all ages.”

Etihad first teamed up with the US entertainment company in 2022 to launch its Little VIP campaign, promoting family-friendly flights. Children flying with Etihad are currently offered Warner Bros-themed goodies such as Tweety blankets and Scooby-Doo backpacks.

“Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros World to the next level,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive at Etihad. “Our Looney Tunes and DC superhero-themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabi’s many attractions.”

Abu Dhabi is no stranger to the magic of Warner Bros. The UAE capital is the only destination in the world to have a Warner Bros-themed hotel. Located on Yas Island, the five-star WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton is filled with film memorabilia, screens cartoons by the swimming pool and allows guests to order room service that comes hand-delivered by Bugs Bunny.

The Sustainable City – Dubai, the first fully sustainable community in the region, has announced the launch of a delivery robot pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Labs and Lyve Global. Starting this month, three autonomous on-demand delivery robots, developed by Dubai Future Labs, will begin their trial within The Sustainable City community. These robots will provide autonomous delivery services from all restaurants and shops within the plaza area to residents, utilising a smart interface powered by Lyve Global.

The unique design of The Sustainable City, which is fully pedestrianised and car-free within the residential clusters, makes the community future-ready to smoothly adopt autonomous solutions. The pilot of the last-mile delivery robots uses cutting-edge robotic technologies to enhance safety, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency while reducing traffic, carbon emissions, and waiting times.

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs at Dubai Future Foundation, expressed that the project signifies a significant advancement in the continuous development of robotics technologies within the transportation, shipping, and logistics sectors in Dubai. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to leveraging technology to foster innovation and improve the overall quality of life.

He added, “These innovative robots have been specifically designed to ensure swift delivery of products within a remarkable timeframe of just under 30 minutes, while being fully equipped to navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently, with the capability to identify charging stations, eliminating the requirement for human intervention.”

Al Qama added, “The introduction of these delivery robots aligns perfectly with the objectives set forth by the “Dubai Robotics and Automation Program,” which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairmen of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation in September 2022.”

Fadi Alfaris, GM of NZE Solutions at SEE Holding, said, “We have successfully created synergy between sustainable communities and advanced technologies. The Sustainable City in Dubai tests the applicability of various ideas and integrated solutions. It is an ideal location for piloting autonomous delivery robots and their future deployment. Designed with car-free residential clusters, it provides a safe and conducive environment for testing and operating such advanced technologies. This setting ensures the safety of residents and offers a controlled environment to optimize the performance and efficiency of delivery robots.”

He added, “The Sustainable City in Dubai has been meticulously designed to be future-ready, capable of adopting the latest technologies and adapting to changing requirements. Operating as a living lab, the city continuously tests the latest solutions and innovations in sustainability to spearhead a net-zero emissions future.”

Hassan Hallas, Chief Executive Officer at Lyve Global, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dubai Future Labs in deploying cutting-edge delivery robots in the Sustainable City, marking a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize logistics. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Together, we are paving the way for a smarter, more connected future in the world of logistics.”

Developed locally by a team of roboticists and engineers from Dubai Future Labs, these delivery robots boast several advanced features, including a Fleet Management System equipped with real-time tracking, a backend order fulfillment and delivery operations system devised by Lyve Global and a Secured Delivery Compartment, accessible only by the customer, ensuring secure deliveries.

These autonomous delivery robots promise rapid delivery in under 30 minutes within the community. They will navigate sidewalks safely and independently, locating charging stations when needed and eliminating the need for human intervention.

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s wider mission to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2030 and contributes to the vision of positioning Dubai as the smartest city in the world.

The Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, today announced the list of Icon players for the second season to be held in London from 3^rd to 12^th October at Friends House.

Sameer Pathak, CEO, Global Chess League, said, “We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the Icon players. With such renowned names at the helm of each team, we are confident that the exciting matches will offer millions of chess fans an incredible experience. In the following weeks, we will be announcing a host of superstar men, women, and prodigy players, which will only add to the excitement ahead of the player draft.”

The stellar line-up of Icon players includes world No.1 and five-time world champion, Magnus Carlsen, who also featured in the first season of the Global Chess League. In the second season, he will continue to play for Alpine SG Pipers.

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Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion, said, “The first season in Dubai was a fantastic experience. Chess has been an individual sport, but the concept of a team setting introduced by the Global Chess League is very exciting and refreshing. I look forward to playing again with the Alpine SG Pipers.”

To add to the thrilling level of competition, two new Icon players are joining the league for the first time. One of the world’s most popular and dynamic players, Hikaru Nakamura, will play for the new team American Gambits. Anish Giri will make his debut in the second season with PBG Alaskan Knights as the Icon player.

Joining as an Icon player for American Gambits, Hikaru Nakamura, said, “I followed the Global Chess League in its first season and was hooked to the format. It is an exciting opportunity not only for the top players, but also for fans as they get to pick a team with their favorite players to cheer on. I am excited to be a part of American Gambits team, and I look forward to meeting my teammates in London.”

Grandmaster Anish Giri, who has been signed up as the Icon player by PBG Alaskan Knights, said, “The unique format of the Global Chess League takes the competition to a higher level. I am sure that the fans will tune in to see the exciting battles between teams comprising top men and women chess players. I am delighted to play in my debut season with PBG Alaskan Knights, and I am looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”

Returning in the Icon player role for Ganges Grandmasters is the five-time world champion, Viswanathan Anand. As the Icon player of the first season’s finalists, Mumba Masters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will continue to lead from the front for the team. In the second season, Ian Nepomniachtchi will be the Icon player for the Triveni Continental Kings.

Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion and the Icon player for Ganges Grandmasters, said, “The inaugural season was a huge success with some very exciting matches. Chess is widely played across the world, and the game being televised in this unique format will only add to its popularity. I believe that fans who tune in will get to see intense battles between teams playing chess at their highest level. I am excited to be back playing for Ganges Grandmasters.”

Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, in his new role as the Icon player for Triveni Continental Kings, said, “After an exciting launch season, I am glad to be a part of the second season of the Global Chess League. Playing for the winners of the first season, Triveni Continental Kings, makes it even more special, and I am looking forward to play some exciting matches in London.”

Former World Blitz champion and the Icon player for Mumba Masters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, said, “Playing for my team Mumba Masters was a fantastic experience in the first season. The whole team came together beautifully and reached the finals. I am geared to return for the next season and collaborate with my team members.”

The league will feature a minimum of three marquee showdowns every day between the Icon players as they lead their teams into the chess arena. The first-of-its-kind franchise-based league will feature a total of six teams. Each team will consist of six players, including one Icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players, and one prodigy player.