Dubai's Festival of Lights Kicks Off Today: Top 5 Ways to Celebrate This October

Spectacular citywide celebrations promise to make Dubai the ultimate destination for Diwali from 17 to 26 October Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 17 October 2025: Sparkling citywide celebrations for the Festival of Lights 2025 are set to make Dubai the ultimate destination for a dazzling Diwali, starting today, 17 to 26 October 2025. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the city has come alive with a specially curated calendar of festivities - bringing together residents and visitors from over 200 nationalities to share in the joy, light, and togetherness of the season. With Indian curriculum schools across the UAE announcing extended breaks for the festival, thousands of students and families are set to make the most of Dubai’s citywide Diwali ......read full article

Emirates Franchise Association Opens Pavilion at Istanbul International Franchise and Commercial Agencies Exhibition

The pavilion was inaugurated in the presence of the UAE’s envoy to Turkey 14 UAE entrepreneurs and brand owners participate H.E. Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri: Pavilion reflects the strength of UAE-Turkey economic ties H.E. Noor Al Tamimi: Exhibition offers new opportunities for cooperation and partnership Abu Dhabi, October 16-2025: The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA) has officially unveiled its pavilion at the 23rd International Franchise and Commercial Agencies Exhibition, taking place in Istanbul from 16 to 20 October. The pavilion showcases the participation of 14 distinguished UAE entrepreneurs and brand owners, with support from key organisations such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and several UAE Chambers of Commerce. The pavilion ......read full article

Family Assistance Guidance Added to IATA Emergency Response Manual

16 October 2025 (Xiamen) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a revised Emergency Response Best Practices Handbook which, for the first time, includes detailed guidance on family assistance. Family assistance has long been an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) requirement. Since 2022, the requirements for family assistance are included as a standard in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) Annex 9 (Facilitation) while ICAO’s Document 9973 provides clear responsibilities for airlines, airports and ground handlers, turning international standards into care for affected families. The family assistance chapter in the revised manual provides guidance and practical tools to help operators meet both ......read full article

flydubai celebrates first flight to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya

The Dubai-based carrier touches down in Nairobi, growing its network in Kenya to two points including Mombasa With the start of its four-times-weekly service to Nairobi, the carrier expands its network in Africa to 12 destinations across eight countries Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 October 2025: flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, celebrated yesterday the start of its four-times-weekly service to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. The flight touched down at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and was welcomed with a water cannon salute and by senior officials representing the Kenya Tourism Board, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and the Kenya Airports Authority. From 01 October, flydubai increased its flights ......read full article

Universal Enterprises introduces VERSA Hospitality and launches new lifestyle brand NIVA to fuel global growth

Pioneering Maldivian hospitality group Universal Enterprises restructures to become a guest-facing brand platform for international expansion. Monday, October 13th - Universal Enterprises, parent company of Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, today announces the rebranding of its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality and simultaneously launches its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts. This strategic shift transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort owner and operator into a globally recognised, consumer-centric hospitality brand designed for future growth into international markets. Ahmed Umar Maniku, Managing Director of Universal Enterprises, said: “For over ......read full article

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with InterContinental Hotels at Dubai Festival City

Dubai, UAE, 13 October 2025 – As Dubai prepares to embrace the radiant spirit of Diwali, InterContinental Hotels at Dubai Festival City invites guests to mark the occasion with two unforgettable dining experiences that capture the essence of India’s most cherished festival. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, a celebration that has found a vibrant home in Dubai’s multicultural landscape, where communities come together in harmony and joy. “Our Diwali celebrations embody the very essence of what InterContinental Hotels at Dubai Festival City stands for — connection, culture, and culinary excellence,” said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager of IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. ......read full article

Reform Social & Grill Hosts a Spooktacular Halloween Week at The Lakes

From Fangtastic Quiz Nights to Crafty Kids Workshops – There’s Something for Every Little Monster and Grown-Up Ghoul! Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 10 October 2025 – Things are about to get frightfully fun at Reform Social & Grill, Dubai’s favourite family gastropub, as it rolls out a week of celebrations packed with spooky surprises, themed quiz nights, crafts and Halloween movie magic. From 29th October to 1st November, Reform is transforming into your local haunted hangout with something for everyone - whether you’re a trivia-loving grown-up, a craft-obsessed kid or just in it for the pumpkin puns. 29th October –The week kicks off with a Halloween-themed Quiz Night at 7:30 PM, so dust off your best team name, ......read full article

Aligned Automation Supports Barrier Breakers: A Strategic Alliance with Diana Pundole

Unveiled at Taj Exotica, Aligned Automation brings its data-driven capabilities to Diana Pundole, giving her the competitive edge on the track just as it does for leading businesses. Dubai, United Arab Emirates "We don't just sponsor speed. We engineer it." Aligned Automation, an AI-driven global professional technology services company, is bringing the same data-driven capabilities that empower leading businesses to the racetrack, extending its expertise in data intelligence and performance engineering through a partnership with Diana Pundole. The first Indian woman to race Ferrari and one of motorsport’s most exciting emerging talents, she unveiled her car and kicked off her Middle East race tour at the iconic Taj Exotica, Dubai. In a high-octane showcase ......read full article

Dubai Culture Shortlists Entries for Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival

The event brings together theatre, music, and folk arts for the first time Dubai, UAE, 09 October 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has commenced the evaluation and selection stage of the Dubai Youth Performing Arts Festival, a new umbrella initiative bringing together the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, Dubai Festival for Youth Music, and the Dubai Youth Folk Arts Festival for the first time. The event offers a unique platform for young creators to showcase their work, develop their skills, and contribute to Dubai’s cultural landscape. It also reflects the Authority’s mission to position the emirate as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Following the open call announced earlier this ......read full article

Flayva promises seven nights of scares and street food at week-long 'Fright Bites' festival

Seven days of spooky Halloween thrills await as Al Ghurair Centre’s vibrant food hall unveils terrifyingly delightful, themed menus and chilling festive decor Costume competitions, cuisine crawls, photo zones, and the chance to enjoy a feast of festive Halloween-themed dishes will see guests through the spookiest week of the year Dubai, UAE: 9 October, 2025 – Spooky season is set to take over Flayva at Al Ghurair Centre later this month with seven nights of scares and street food to celebrate Halloween. The vibrant food hall is set to host Fright Bites, a spooky celebration packed with ghostly fun and ghoulish snacks, from 25-31 October. Throughout the week, visitors can explore eerie photo zones filled with glowing skeletons, foggy corners, and horror-inspired ......read full article

Emirates empowers customers with accessibility requirements through suite of new services and enhancements

Dubai, UAE, 7 Oct 2025: Empowering customers to fly with confidence, Emirates has unveiled a suite of new services and products for people with disabilities at the 7th edition of AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre. Emirates’ latest services and enhanced offerings include a new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub available on emirates.com for global customers – providing a wealth of information for travellers with varying accessibility requirements and enabling them to plan their journey by specific need. Emirates also revealed new onboard sensory products and fidget toys for children and adults, and an array of process enhancements across the inflight experience, as well as improved on-ground features in its hub of Dubai, and ......read full article

Dubai Land Department participates in AccessAbilities Expo 2025 to promote inclusion and integration within the real ...

Offering 25 job opportunities in its centres, along with exclusive benefits in collaboration with leading developers. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 06 October 2025: Reaffirming its commitment to supporting and empowering People of Determination in all their real estate affairs, Dubai Land Department (DLD) is participating in the AccessAbilities Expo, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, which will run until 8 October at Dubai World Trade Centre. During the event, Dubai Land Department is offering 25 job opportunities dedicated to People of Determination across its external centres. This initiative reflects ......read full article

Emirates launches world-class facility for 25,000 cabin crew – The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence

Dubai, UAE, 6 Oct 2025: Emirates has opened a new world-class facility in Dubai, to provide a luxurious training experience to almost 25,000 cabin crew, focused on the art of hospitality excellence. The USD 8 million learning zone and programme features a sprawling restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, elegant presentation kitchens and 8 tech-enabled classrooms. More than 10,000 Emirates cabin crew will be trained in the new facility by the end of the year. The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence is home to a myriad of elevated service trainings, modelled on Michelin star standards, including fine dining protocols, premium guest engagement and table service finesse. In 2020, Emirates began a collaboration with one of the world’s top hospitality management schools ......read full article

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (National University of Singapore) Host ...

Exploring ocean futures, decarbonisation and AI The open-to-all event welcomes policymakers, academics, industry leaders, NGOs, and students for critical discussions on maritime innovation and governance Register here: https://sorbonne.ae/events/ocean-futures A building with a fountain in front of it Abu Dhabi, UAE, 6th October 2025: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law of the National University of Singapore (APCEL NUS) will host an international symposium on Tuesday, October 14th at its campus on Al Reem Island. Titled 'Ocean Futures: Advancng Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI', the symposium is held in collaboration with the Embassy of ......read full article

Sotheby's International Realty Enters Abu Dhabi Market with Four Seasons Private Residence Sale at AED 14,000 per Sq. ...

Abu Dhabi, UAE–6th October, 2025–Sotheby’s International Realty, the world’s leading name in luxury real estate, makes its debut in Abu Dhabi through the prestigious Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, developed by ALAIN, a leading Abu Dhabi-based developer. A residence within the project recently sold at AED 14,000 per square foot, setting a new benchmark for luxury living in the capital. Headquartered at the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty represents the natural progression for the brokerage, which has led Dubai’s prime and super-prime sector for more than 12 years. Having expanded into Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in 2023 and marketed some of the region’s ......read full article

Azizi Developments' Azizi Zain in Al Furjan reaches 34% construction milestone

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 October 2025: Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has announced that construction at Azizi Zain, its contemporary, metro-connected residential development in Al Furjan, has now attained 34% completion. The project remains on track for its delivery in Q1 2026. Structural works have reached 98%, while blockwork and internal plastering stand at 58% and 41%, respectively. MEP and HVAC activities are progressing at 19% and 18%, with overall finishes at 14%. A total of 339 personnel are currently deployed on-site, ensuring swift, high-quality construction. Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group, said: “The steady progress of Azizi Zain underscores our unwavering commitment to crafting homes with both speed and superior ......read full article

Dubai Airports launches next phase of accessibility strategy, pledging to make DXB the world's most accessible airport ...

The launch is supported by a public awareness campaign co-created with People of Determination showcasing lived experiences Dubai, UAE, 6 October 2025: Dubai Airports today announced the next phase of its accessibility strategy, a renewed 10-year commitment to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035. The long-term plan focuses on maintaining strong foundations, enhancing the guest experience across all touchpoints, and positioning DXB and DWC as global leaders in inclusive travel. The strategy aligns with international best practice, the UAE’s commitment to the rights of People of Determination (PoD), and Dubai’s vision to ......read full article

HMH Unveils Corp Hotels Expansion: Blending Business & Leisure to Fuel Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Boom Under Vision 2030

Dubai, UAE (October 01, 2025) – Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation, fuelled by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and investment. With business travel becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of the market, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) is strengthening its presence in the Kingdom through the expansion of its Corp Hotels brand. This expansion is guided by HMH’s pioneering Business Leisure concept, designed to seamlessly blend the efficiency of business travel with the comfort and enrichment of leisure hospitality. “Saudi Arabia is at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting growth stories, and hospitality is central to this ......read full article

NBA legend James Worthy meets with Emirates Group Chairman ahead of Emirates NBA Cup 2024

NBA Legend James Worthy brought the NBA Cup trophy to tip off Emirates NBA Cup 2024, which starts today Basketball clinic held to nurture the spirit of sportsmanship amongst youth of Al Nasr Club Dubai, UAE – 12 November 2024: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group and NBA legend James Worthy met today at Emirates Group Headquarters to tip off the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, which starts today. Worthy brought the NBA Cup to mark the occasion, as Emirates celebrates the arrival of the much-anticipated tournament. During the visit, Worthy engaged with Emirates Group employees and signed autographs. Later in the day, youth basketball players were treated to a basketball clinic at Zabeel Park led by ......read full article

Logitech is Flipping the Script on Complex Meetings with Rally Board 65

All-in-one video solution that packs advanced capabilities into a simple, mobile conferencing device will be showcased at GITEX Global 2025. October 3, 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Logitech has announced the Middle East availability of the Rally Board 65, an all-in-one portable video conference solution that combines intelligent audio and video with a 65” touchscreen display. Rally Board 65 is simple enough to roll on a cart into satellite offices, yet sophisticated enough to pack a suite of AI-powered features, occupancy and environmental detection into traditional meeting rooms. Customers will be able to preview the Rally Board 65 at GITEX Global 2025. Businesses face this dilemma every day: they want to provide modern video conferencing tools for their hybrid ......read full article