As a new variant of mpox continues to spread, several countries will screen travellers and others are recommending that tourists visiting countries in Africa get vaccinated before they go.
Ahead of the UAE's cruise season returning, there's a new boutique cruise liner sailing into town with trips to Oman, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and travellers heading to Nice can learn freediving first-hand from a world champion.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Singapore's Resorts World Cruises to debut in Dubai
Holidaymakers in Dubai can set sail on the Arabian Gulf on a brand-new cruise setting sail in November.
Singapore's Resorts World Cruises is debuting in Dubai with the arrival of Resorts World One, a 268-metre-long ship that will home port in the UAE city for six months.
The boutique cruise liner has 18 restaurants, several shisha bars, swimming pools, waterslides, a spa and an overwater zipline. It also has a wide schedule of entertainment, including DJs, pajama sleepovers and foam parties, plus live music sessions and Bollywood-themed celebrations.
For luxury travellers, The Palace is the vessel's ship-within-a-ship experience that features 24-hour butler service, an all-suite concept and halal-certified five-star cuisine as part of its private on-board club members area.
Sailings will include two-night trips from Dubai to Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and three-night itineraries taking in the Gulf of Oman and calling at Khasab and Muscat. The vessel will also set sail for Qatar, with two-night trips to Doha. Travellers seeking a longer sailing can combine two or all three itineraries to create a four, five or seven-night trip.
Shore excursions will take in the cultural tapestries of the Middle East, showcasing attractions in the UAE, Oman and Qatar. The liner is expecting to make 75 calls in the Gulf region, hosting about 150,000 passengers over the six-month period. Dubai's cruising season typically launches at the end of October.
Mpox travel advice: Vaccinations and airport screening
Travellers should be aware of new screening processes being installed at some airports around the world, as well as updated medical recommendations in relation to the mpox virus. Tourists heading to African nations that are facing surging mpox cases should consider taking the appropriate vaccine ahead of travel. That's the latest advice from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The authority updated its vaccine advice following outbreaks of a new strain of the virus. It said that while more cases of the virus are “highly likely” in Europe, that the risk of the virus spreading globally is low, despite the World Health Organisation declaring a global emergency.
The disease – formerly known as monkeypox – can be passed on by close contact with someone with the infection. It has been reported in 16 African countries. A case of mpox has also been detected in Sweden after a person became infected during a visit to Africa.
Some destinations around the world have introduced screenings for arriving tourists to combat the spread of the virus.
Pakistan has started screening passengers from select countries at airports across the country as a precautionary step.
In Bangladesh, passengers arriving from countries battling the virus will be screened on arrival in Dhaka. Temperature screenings on arriving travellers have already begun at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the Bangladeshi capital.
Chinese customs authorities confirmed on Friday that all overseas arrivals will be screened for symptoms of the virus for the next six months. Travellers who have any symptoms or knowledge of being in contact with the virus are advised to declare this to the country's customs officials.
Freediving in France: Holidaymakers can learn from world champion
Travellers headed to France's stunning Riviera will be able to learn the art of freediving from one of the world's best.
Anantara Nice Plaza Hotel, located on Nice's boardwalk, has announced a new World of Silence experience. Led by Arthur Guerin-Boeri, a five-time world champion and world-record-holding free-diver, the new activity is designed to allow both in-house and outside guests to explore the underwater world without having to worry about scuba tanks and equipment.
Starting on the sands of Passable Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the experience begins with guidance from the star of 2023 documentary film Sunny Boy, who will lead participants through breathwork and relaxation tutorials in preparation for the underwater adventure.
As well as teaching breath control and equalisation techniques, Guerin-Boeri aims to give travellers a new sense of freedom. “Although breath-holding is an important aspect of the experience, it’s just one element of free-diving. For me, it’s mostly about connecting with the ocean’s heartbeat,” he said.
“As divers gain confidence to venture deeper and stay submerged for longer periods, they seamlessly blend into the underwater environment, creating truly magical encounters with marine life while minimising their impact.”
Starting from €1,400 ($1,545) per person, and available for up to four divers at a time, the free-diving excursion can be offset back at the five-star hotel with an ocean-themed spa treatment at Anantara Spa.
Marriott International opens its 9,000th hotel
No matter where you're travelling, you're likely never too far from a Marriott International property. That's because the hotel group has just celebrated its 9,000 global opening with the launch of The St Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida.
The five-star beachfront resort in Longboat Key has 168 guestrooms, 26 luxury suites and 69 private branded residences, all of which have already sold out. It is the largest development on the island that's famed for its white-sand beaches, waterfront golf and views over the Gulf of Mexico.
The property on Florida's Suncoast is one of several luxury resorts around the world, including Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
While it's known for its namesake properties, Marriot International has a portfolio of several hotel brands including St Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari and W Hotels.
And there's more to come. Another 3,500 Marriott International properties are under development around the world, which will mean more than 559,000 new hotel rooms. By the end of next year, Marriott International is forecast to have 10,000 hotels open globally.
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
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What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
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In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
How Beautiful this world is!
Specs
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Range: 400km
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The biog
Favourite film: Motorcycle Dairies, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Kagemusha
Favourite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Holiday destination: Sri Lanka
First car: VW Golf
Proudest achievement: Building Robotics Labs at Khalifa University and King’s College London, Daughters
Driverless cars or drones: Driverless Cars
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
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Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
