While there’s time left in 2025, travellers will be planning for new adventures in 2026.
Etihad Airways has announced two seasonal destinations for next year – Salalah, Oman, and Krakow, Poland – as well as six other new routes, expanding its growing global network.
Emirates and flydubai haven’t announced new routes yet but are carriers that travellers will be keeping on their radar.
Abu Dhabi to Baku, Azerbaijan
Launching: March 2 (Etihad)
Etihad will operate 10 weekly flights to Azerbaijan’s capital.
Baku is known for its bold architecture, seaside promenade and dynamic energy. Visitors are drawn to its blend of tradition and innovation, from centuries-old palaces to futuristic towers that shape its striking skyline.
Abu Dhabi to Yerevan, Armenia
Launching: March 9 (Etihad)
The UAE’s national carrier will offer 10 weekly flights to Yerevan.
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is celebrated for its grand squares, pink stone buildings and mountain views. Museums, galleries and open-air cafes reflect Armenia’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi, Georgia
Launching: March 13 (Etihad)
Etihad will fly to Tbilisi eight times a week.
This vibrant city combines old-world charm with contemporary flair. Set along the Kura River, Tbilisi is known for its colourful balconies, historic baths, lively cafes and a thriving arts scene that celebrates Georgia’s cultural identity.
Abu Dhabi to Damascus, Syria
Launching: March 20 (Etihad)
Etihad will have four weekly flights to Damascus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus is home to landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus and Al-Hamidiyah Souq.
As the gateway to wider Syria, Damascus offers access to diverse landscapes, from Mediterranean coastlines to desert regions, along with significant archaeological sites including the famed Krak des Chevaliers.
Abu Dhabi to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Launching: March 16 (Etihad)
There will be 10 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Almaty.
The city has tree-lined avenues and alpine scenery, along with a cosmopolitan feel. Surrounded by mountains, it offers access to ski resorts, hiking trails and green spaces – all while its food and arts scene reflects Central Asia’s diverse influences.
Abu Dhabi to Bucharest, Romania
Launching: March 16 (Etihad)
Etihad will offer four weekly flights to Romania’s capital.
Bucharest blends elegant architecture, lively streets and vibrant culture, offering a spirited European getaway full of charm and character.
Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Launching: March 17 (Etihad)
Six weekly flights will connect Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, one of Central Asia’s most populous cities.
Tashkent is a mix of history and modernity, with eye-catching architecture, bustling bazaars and a growing number of cultural institutions that highlight Uzbekistan’s heritage.
Sharjah to London Gatwick, UK
Launching: March 29, 2026 (Air Arabia)
Air Arabia will launch twice-daily non-stop flights to London Gatwick from Sharjah.
The service offers easy access to London’s cultural landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, theatres, museums and vibrant dining scene, making it a convenient option for both leisure and business travellers. Flights will be operated by the Airbus A321neo LR.
Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina
Launching: May 4 (Etihad)
Etihad’s sixth US destination will be Charlotte, with four weekly flights.
Nicknamed the “Queen City”, Charlotte pairs Southern hospitality with a modern edge. It’s home to the Nascar Hall of Fame, diverse neighbourhoods, rich history and a thriving food scene.
Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman
Launching: May 21 (Etihad)
Etihad will launch flights to Salalah starting twice weekly (on Sundays and Thursdays), increasing to daily from mid-June to mid-September.
The southern Omani city is a rare summer oasis in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its Khareef monsoon season, when misty mountains and waterfalls transform the landscape into a lush escape.
Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Launching: June 12, 2026 (Etihad – seasonal)
During the summer, Etihad will operate three weekly flights to Palma de Mallorca, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Known as the gateway to the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca blends Mediterranean coastlines with historic architecture and vibrant cultural life. Key landmarks include the Gothic Palma Cathedral, the Almudaina Royal Palace and the lively Passeig des Born, making it a sun-soaked summer escape with both charm and character.
Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar, Tanzania
Launching: June 14 (Etihad – seasonal)
Another seasonal route, Etihad will operate four weekly flights to Zanzibar until September 6, with services running on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Part of Tanzania’s archipelago, Zanzibar is known for its palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant Swahili culture. From its Unesco-listed Stone Town to spice plantations and coral reefs, the island blends relaxation with discovery.
Abu Dhabi to Krakow, Poland
Launching: June 16 (Etihad)
The Krakow service will include flights operating three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) until September 5.
Known for its medieval Old Town, Gothic churches and cafe-lined squares, Krakow also provides access to Poland’s Tatra Mountains.
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
Scores
Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)
Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Tour de France Stage 16:
165km run from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isère
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Results:
Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
Friday's schedule at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 qualifying, 10:15am
Formula 2, practice 11:30am
Formula 1, first practice, 1pm
GP3 qualifying session, 3.10pm
Formula 1 second practice, 5pm
Formula 2 qualifying, 7pm
Titan Sports Academy:
Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps
Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: 971 50 220 0326
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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PRIMERA LIGA FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (3pm)
Alaves v Real Madrid (6.15pm)
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao (8.30pm)
Girona v Barcelona (10.45pm)
Sunday
Espanyol v Deportivo la Coruna (2pm)
Getafe v Villarreal (6.15pm)
Eibar v Celta Vigo (8.30pm)
Las Palmas v Leganes (8.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Valencia (10.45pm)
Monday
Real Betis v Levante (11.pm)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Name: Maitha Qambar
Age: 24
Emirate: Abu Dhabi
Education: Master’s Degree
Favourite hobby: Reading
She says: “Everyone has a purpose in life and everyone learns from their experiences”
Teams
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
PSG's line up
GK: Alphonse Areola (youth academy)
Defence - RB: Dani Alves (free transfer); CB: Marquinhos (€31.4 million); CB: Thiago Silva (€42m); LB: Layvin Kurzawa (€23m)
Midfield - Angel di Maria (€47m); Adrien Rabiot (youth academy); Marco Verratti (€12m)
Forwards - Neymar (€222m); Edinson Cavani (€63m); Kylian Mbappe (initial: loan; to buy: €180m)
Total cost: €440.4m (€620.4m if Mbappe makes permanent move)
TEST SQUADS
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson and Jackson Bird.
Opening Rugby Championship fixtures:Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Fixtures (all times UAE)
Saturday
Brescia v Atalanta (6pm)
Genoa v Torino (9pm)
Fiorentina v Lecce (11.45pm)
Sunday
Juventus v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Inter Milan v SPAL (6pm)
Lazio v Udinese (6pm)
Parma v AC Milan (6pm)
Napoli v Bologna (9pm)
Verona v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Monday
Cagliari v Sampdoria (11.45pm)
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
