Dubai airlines are expanding their networks even further, as flydubai announces a new seasonal route to Sochi and Emirates introduces its service to Colombia.
Elsewhere, near the Arctic Circle, the Norwegian government is taking steps to protect its wildlife from the effects of tourism in Svalbard.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Emirates to expand its South American network
Emirates will launch new daily flights to Colombia's capital Bogota on June 3, making it the first link between the region and the northern part of the South American continent.
This will expand the Dubai airline's South American network to four gateways, following services to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Due to the high altitude of Bogota, non-stop flights from Dubai are not possible, so the service will also stop in Miami, Florida.
“We’ve long wanted to serve Colombia, and the addition of Bogota to our network is part of our strategy to deliver better connectivity, expand options and choice for travellers and provide unparalleled premium experiences on the ground and in the air,” said Emirates president Sir Tim Clark.
Neom unveils plans for two new hotels
Saudi Arabia's $500 billion megaproject Neom has unveiled plans for a nature-based wellness retreat called Elanan.
It will sit on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, where mountains meet the sea, in an area with ancient natural springs. The resort will feature 80 rooms and suites and take a modern approach to wellness, with a focus on new technologies. Other features will be large plazas, speciality private dining, a sun garden and an observation tower.
Meanwhile, Raffles Hotels & Resorts also announced last week that it will launch a new resort in Trojena, the year-round mountain and ski destination in Neom that will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
The hotel, set to open in 2027, will be perched amid the mountains and feature a ring-shaped design, with 104 guest rooms arranged around its perimeter.
It will be located in the Discover cluster, one of six that constitute Trojena, along with Discovery Tower, an open-air museum, a peak observation point and stargazing camp.
Flydubai adds Sochi to its seasonal summer network
Dubai's low-cost airline will introduce flights to Russia's Sochi International Airport from June 16 until September, with a thrice-weekly service from Terminal 2 at Dubai International.
Sochi is a seaside resort on the Black Sea that's home to beaches, forests and mountainous landscapes, famous for its cultural and historical sites, as well as nature reserves such as the Sochi Arboretum.
The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with return economy tickets starting from Dh2,500 ($600).
Mercure Dubai Deira opens its doors
Mercure Dubai Deira has opened near to the Gold Souk Metro station in the heart of Old Dubai. It has 152 rooms, including family suites, and a heritage-inspired treasure hunt for children to take part in on arrival.
The hotel's decor merges traditional design elements and modern functionality, with ocean-blue accents.
Dining experiences include garden-to-table spot Farmstead, which has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as pan-Asian kitchen Blue Panda, where Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mongolian, Indonesian, Malaysian and Korean cuisines are on offer. Souk Nook Deli and Cafe serves quick bites, while Atmos Rooftop Lounge is for poolside meals.
Other features include a rooftop infinity swimming pool, a dedicated children's pool and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Portofino-themed resort to open in Dubai in 2026
InterContinental Resort Portofino will open in The Heart of Europe, World Islands Dubai, in 2026, it was announced last week.
The resort will feature 466 rooms and suites that blend Mediterranean design with Italian influence, inspired by the destination it's named after, as well as floor-to-ceiling aquariums that span six floors.
Other amenities include signature dining spaces, a roof garden, children's club, theatre, outdoor playground and water park.
The hotel will also be part of The Heart of Europe Coral Institute, which protects and rehabilitates marine life and coral reefs.
Alila Hinu Bay offers 11-day voyage through Oman's deserts
Boutique resort Alila Hinu Bay and Oman Expedition are offering guests an 11-day trip through Oman and the Empty Quarter.
The tour takes on 1,500km across mountains, sand dunes and desert that lies between Oman and the border of Saudi Arabia.
It begins with a drive to Jebel Akhdar, which reach 3,000 metres above sea level, by the Via Ferrata climbing route. From there, guests will cross the Sharqiyah Desert and trek over natural water pools, waterfalls and canyons at Wadi Hawer Oasis. It will then take four days to traverse the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), before participants reach Salalah.
The expedition costs 11,700 Omani riyals per person ($30,390).
Deepak Chopra hosts new retreat with RAKxa Integrative Wellness
From March 20 to 25, alternative medicine pioneer Deepak Chopra will host a retreat in Bangkok, Thailand, in partnership with award-winning health resort RAKxa Integrative Wellness.
The Life and Soul Longevity Retreat, which only has 20 spaces available, will span advanced spiritual meditation techniques, personalised diagnostic assessments and treatment plans.
Guest speakers, including other noted alternative medicine doctors, will also join to give talks on the science and personalisation of wellness.
Norway to introduce new tourist regulations in Svalbard
From January 1, Norway will introduce new restrictions for cruise ships and other tourism activities in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago that's one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas.
The proposed regulations, which are pending parliamentary approval, are to protect the wildlife in the area – including polar bears, reindeer and walruses – and will include a cap on ship passengers and designated landing sites.
The use of drones will also be prohibited in protected zones in a bid to reduce disturbances to wildlife, while there is also a proposal to enforce a permanent ban on snowmobiles and other tracked vehicles on sea ice in certain fjords after Friday.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Conservative MPs who have publicly revealed sending letters of no confidence
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Ben Bradley
- Andrew Bridgen
- Maria Caulfield
- Simon Clarke
- Philip Davies
- Nadine Dorries
- James Duddridge
- Mark Francois
- Chris Green
- Adam Holloway
- Andrea Jenkyns
- Anne-Marie Morris
- Sheryll Murray
- Jacob Rees-Mogg
- Laurence Robertson
- Lee Rowley
- Henry Smith
- Martin Vickers
- John Whittingdale
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Foah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: RB Dixie Honor, Antonio Fresu, Helal Al Alawi.
7.30pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Boerhan, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
MATCH INFO
Sheffield United 0 Wolves 2 (Jimenez 3', Saiss 6)
Man of the Match Romain Saiss (Wolves)
How to help
Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
Account name: Dar Al Ber Society
Account Number: 11 530 734
IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734
Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae
Scoreline
Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (53')
Atletico Madrid 1
Griezmann (57')
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Yabi%20by%20Souqalmal%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202022%2C%20launched%20June%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmbareen%20Musa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20but%20soon%20to%20be%20announced%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%C2%A0%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShuaa%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
RESULTS
5pm Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Munfared, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dergham Athbah, Pat Dobbs, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Rajee, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Kerless Del Roc, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8pm Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
MATCH INFO
West Ham United 2 (Antonio 73', Ogbonna 90 5')
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 36', Moura 42', Kane 49')
List of UAE medal winners
Gold
Faisal Al Ketbi (Open weight and 94kg)
Talib Al Kirbi (69kg)
Omar Al Fadhli (56kg)
Silver
Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Khalfan Belhol (85kg)
Zayed Al Mansoori (62kg)
Mouza Al Shamsi (49kg women)
Bronze
Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi (Open and 94kg)
Saood Al Hammadi (77kg)
Said Al Mazroui (62kg)
Obaid Al Nuaimi (56kg)
Bashayer Al Matrooshi (62kg women)
Reem Abdulkareem (45kg women)
The biog
Name: Timothy Husband
Nationality: New Zealand
Education: Degree in zoology at The University of Sydney
Favourite book: Lemurs of Madagascar by Russell A Mittermeier
Favourite music: Billy Joel
Weekends and holidays: Talking about animals or visiting his farm in Australia
