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UAE travel: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announces direct flights to Pakistan’s Sialkot

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Pakistani expatriates in the UAE now have a more convenient and affordable way to travel home, as Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announces the launch of direct flights to Sialkot starting July 17.

The new route will operate between Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport, with flights scheduled every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said the addition “offers passengers direct and affordable travel between Abu Dhabi and Sialkot,” reflecting growing demand from both business travellers and the sizable Pakistani expatriate population residing in the UAE.

Sialkot, located in north-eastern Punjab near the foothills of Kashmir and along the banks of the Chenab River, is a key industrial and commercial hub with long-standing trade ties to the Gulf.

The route marks the latest expansion in Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s growing regional network, as the low-cost carrier seeks to bolster connectivity with South Asia and respond to sustained passenger demand across underserved sectors.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Lifestyle

British millionaires eye UAE amid UK wealth tax fears

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Amid mounting concerns over a possible wealth tax in the UK, the UAE is increasingly being seen as a preferred relocation hub for British millionaires, ranking alongside established tax havens such as Monaco and Malta.

A new survey by consultancy Arton Capital found that nearly 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, with more than half saying they would consider leaving the UK if Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements new wealth-based taxes.

The research, carried out among 1,009 wealthy UK residents with assets of at least £1 million, revealed that the UAE ranked fourth globally as a preferred relocation option. The United States topped the list (35 per cent), followed by Canada (33 per cent) and Australia (25 per cent), while 17 per cent of respondents named the UAE as their destination of choice.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said the findings show the UK is “at a tipping point” as the government considers new levies on high-value homes and global inheritance tax for non-domiciled individuals. “The uncertainty around the government’s proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world, from Trump’s tariffs to conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures.”

The UAE, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for wealthy expatriates, continues to draw global high-net-worth individuals thanks to its tax-free environment, political stability, and investor-friendly policies.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is expected to lose a record 16,500 millionaires in 2025, part of a broader global trend that could see 142,000 millionaires relocate this year alone.

Industry experts note that the UAE’s appeal has been bolstered by long-term residency programmes such as the Golden Visa, its diversified economy, and world-class lifestyle offering.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have cemented their status as safe havens for global wealth, attracting investors not only from Europe but also from Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, more Conservative-leaning millionaires in Canada are also weighing the option of moving abroad compared to their Liberal counterparts, as the right-leaning party faces the prospect of losing a fourth consecutive election.

An Arton Capital Ltd. survey revealed that among Canadians with a net worth of at least C$1 million ($721,000), 34 per cent of Conservative voters said they are now more likely to leave the country than they were during the 2021 election, while 28 per cent said they are less likely.

The findings highlight the growing trend of wealthy Canadians reassessing their future in light of political and economic shifts, with affluent individuals increasingly considering relocation to jurisdictions that offer greater stability, lower taxation, and stronger wealth-preservation policies.

For the UAE, this presents another opportunity to position itself as the destination of choice for individuals seeking stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.

Source: Azertag/Bloomberg

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Dubai launches world’s first AI-powered smart travel corridor at DXB

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Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-powered corridor at Dubai International Airport (DXB), allowing passengers to bypass traditional passport control in seconds.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, said the service represents a quantum leap in smart travel and is the first of its kind in the world.

How it works

  • Passengers walk across a designated ‘red carpet’ corridor, completing the entry process in seconds.
  • Up to 10 travellers can pass through at the same time, compared to just one under traditional procedures.
  • No travel documents need to be presented, as the system automatically recognises passenger data.
  • Any suspicious passports are flagged directly to forgery experts for review.

Enhancing Dubai’s status

Al Marri noted that Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for 11 consecutive years, is not just a transit hub but a global showcase for the UAE.
He said the new service is part of a long-term GDRFA vision to integrate cutting-edge technologies, ensuring seamless and secure travel.

Travel without borders

The AI-driven system is designed to double passenger processing capacity while maintaining high security standards, moving towards a future where traditional passport inspections are phased out.

Many passengers who have tried the new corridor praised the service, describing it as a “qualitative shift” in the travel experience, offering both speed and convenience.

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Free Ice Cream in Dubai? Tourists landing at DXB get sweet treat

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There’s nothing like a cool treat to beat the Dubai heat, and this summer, visitors flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB) are in for a delightful surprise, thanks to a collaboration between Brand Dubai and Dubai Airports.

As part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, colourful ice cream trucks have rolled into DXB’s arrivals area, dishing out frosty delights to jet-lagged passengers, all for free.

Who’s behind the scoop?
It’s none other than KUHP, a quirky, homegrown brand under the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ umbrella. Think premium swirls, chilled drinks, and major “Instagram it before you eat it” vibes.

“We want every arrival to feel the Dubai difference from the moment they land,” say organisers.

From the sweet aroma wafting through the terminal to the flash of the bright trucks, this isn’t your average airport snack stop; it’s a whole summer mood. The idea? Make every traveller’s first taste of Dubai as memorable as the city.

Cool campaign, cooler cause
Beyond just beating the heat, the move also spotlights Dubai’s creative spirit and shines a light on local businesses. It’s a clever way to turn the arrivals hall into an experience, and a pretty sweet start to any UAE adventure.

So next time you land in DXB, keep your eyes peeled near Terminal 3 arrivals. A free ice cream might be the first thing you taste in Dubai,  and not the last.

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