Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dar es Salaam until November 4 due to ongoing civil unrest in Tanzania’s biggest city, which is also a top spot for tourists. The airline, headquartered in Dubai, cancelled 10 flights, five in each direction, starting October 31, with the suspension potentially stretching beyond the announced date if the situation on the ground doesn’t improve.

“Right now, we’re keeping a close watch on things,” Emirates shared in an advisory. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.” Flights affected include EK725 from Dubai to Dar es Salaam and the return flight EK726, both popular with UAE travellers heading to Tanzania’s beaches, safaris, and the beautiful Zanzibar islands.

Emirates has also told passengers with connections to Dar es Salaam through Dubai not to start their journeys for now, as future travel depends on how the situation develops. In other words, if you’re planning to visit Tanzania via Emirates, keep an eye out for further updates; the suspension could last longer.

Have flights booked? The airline suggests reaching out to your travel agent for new arrangements or contacting Emirates’ customer service if you booked directly. They also ask everyone to check and update their contact info under Manage Your Booking so you’re always in the loop about changes.

Dar es Salaam isn’t just a tourism hotspot; it’s an important gateway for both business and leisure travel from the Gulf, with strong UAE-Tanzania trade ties. The city has recently seen protests, sparked by the exclusion of two major candidates from the presidential race and what many demonstrators say is increasing government repression, according to news reports.

Meanwhile, there’s good news for travellers eyeing Madagascar. Emirates has resumed flights to Antananarivo after a temporary pause. Starting October 23, flights EK707/708 are back in the schedule, signalling that the political climate there is stable enough for regular travel again. Passengers heading to Madagascar are now welcome to book as usual.

For travellers in the region, staying updated on flight schedules and local conditions is essential. Emirates continues to adapt its operations based on daily developments, prioritising passenger safety and flexibility.

Dubai Airports has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.

This long-term commitment is part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a truly disability-friendly city, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination (PoD) across every touchpoint.

What Does the Plan Involve?

The strategy focuses on a fundamental shift in mindset and culture, moving beyond just infrastructure improvements. It aligns with international best practices and the UAE’s commitment to PoD rights.

Recent initiatives already in place include:

• Sunflower Lanyards: A discreet identifier for travellers with hidden needs, granting them access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route.
• Hearing Loops: Installed across more than 520 touch points for travellers with hearing loss.
• Autism-Friendly Certification: DXB is recognised as an autism-friendly airport.
• Assisted Travel Lounge: A quiet, sensory-friendly lounge located in Terminal 2.
• Online Travel Planner: A visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey in advance.

The “DXB for All” Campaign

To launch the next phase of this plan, Dubai Airports has partnered with the PoD community to create a new public awareness campaign, anchored by the pledge “DXB for All.”

The campaign features six powerful, real-life stories of people with determination, including advocates like Fatma Al Jassim and former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, showcasing how they navigate the busy airport. The stories highlight the importance of:

• Employee sign language skills for deaf guests.
• Tactile guidance for those with visual impairments.
• Managing sensory sensitivities for children on the autism spectrum.

A Collaborative Effort

Making this vision a reality is a collaborative effort involving the entire oneDXB community, including key partners like Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, dnata, and many others, ensuring a seamless and inclusive journey for every guest.

The UAE’s landmark Etihad Rail project is set to transform the nation’s transport system, and Dubai’s Nol card will be at the heart of it.

When the first phase of passenger services launches in 2026, commuters will be able to use a single Nol card to travel across Etihad Rail trains, Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and other public transport services.

This marks a major milestone in the UAE’s ambition to deliver a seamless, cash-free, and fully integrated public transport system.

Unified Ticketing Across the Emirates

As part of the integration plan:

• Dubai’s Etihad Rail stations will link directly to feeder buses, metro lines, and taxi services.
• Abu Dhabi’s stations will connect to city buses for easy transfers.
• Sharjah and Fujairah will integrate local public transport networks with Etihad Rail hubs.

The move will eliminate the need for multiple tickets or separate payment systems, simplifying connectivity and making public transport more attractive to residents and visitors.

Officials say the initiative will help cut traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and encourage more commuters to shift from cars to sustainable transport options.

A Smarter, Greener Commute

The integration of Nol cards across rail and local transit is expected to:

• Boost public transport adoption.
• Provide one-tap access to trains, metro, buses, and taxis.
• Support a sustainable, future-ready mobility ecosystem nationwide.

The UAE government has framed the move as a key step toward reducing congestion, increasing productivity, and improving quality of life.

Etihad Rail: The UAE’s Future-Ready Mobility Backbone

• The 1,200-km Etihad Rail network will connect major spots across all seven emirates.
• Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to around 50 minutes.
• The system will carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030, supported by 13 trains, each accommodating up to 400 passengers.
• The project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals, cutting emissions by replacing thousands of road journeys.