AGP Executive Report

Travel Advisories: The US Mission to the UAE urged Americans to stay alert and prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures amid regional tensions. Etihad has resumed Abu Dhabi–Jeddah flights, while Riyadh and Dammam services remain cancelled until November 19. Al Ain Tourism: Named Arab Capital of Tourism 2026, Al Ain is promoting its UNESCO-listed oasis, historic forts, museums and mountain adventures. Abu Dhabi Events: More than 10,000 athletes from 130 countries are expected for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, running November 9–21. Getting Around: Yas Island is set to offer a free shuttle from Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi station, linking rail arrivals with the island’s attractions. Destination Promotion: Etihad and Cambodia’s tourism board have launched a US$120,000 campaign to attract European travellers, while Ajman used WTM London to showcase its heritage, landscapes and visitor experiences.

Abu Dhabi Championship: More than 10,000 athletes from 130 countries will compete in the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship from November 9 to 21; over 5,000 are expected to travel to the UAE. Flight Updates: Etihad has resumed selected Abu Dhabi–Jeddah flights, while Riyadh and Dammam services remain suspended through November 19. Travellers should check their flight status before departure as regional disruption continues. Dubai Baja: The international off-road rally opened at Mushrif Park, giving visitors a city-side preview before the competition moves to the desert. F1 Uncertainty: Abu Dhabi’s December 6 season finale remains in doubt amid regional tensions, with Imola on standby as a possible replacement. Tourism Offers: Dubai’s new Access Club aims to attract repeat visitors with a five-year multiple-entry visa and Dh2,000 in credit for eligible members.

Abu Dhabi Diplomacy: Russia, the US and Ukraine are expected to begin two days of peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with security guarantees, de-escalation and humanitarian issues on the agenda. Airlines: Emirates Group reported AED3.6 billion in after-tax half-year profit, down 66% year on year, as regional conflict and higher fuel costs weighed on results. Tourism Offers: Dubai’s new invitation-only Access Club is aimed at repeat visitors, offering eligible members a five-year tourist visa and Dh2,000 in credit. Indian travellers can also get 10% off, up to Dh100, at Dubai Duty Free with UPI. Getting Around: Dubai RTA has added four traditional abras, each carrying 24 passengers, while Ras Al Khaimah begins local testing of autonomous shuttles that could serve tourist destinations and transport hubs. Culture and Events: Sharjah’s House of Wisdom is showcasing Arab maritime heritage at SIBF, including the legacy of navigator Ahmad ibn Majid. Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre was named the Middle East’s Best MICE Event Venue 2026. Destination Partnerships: Etihad and Cambodia’s tourism board will jointly promote the destination, building on the airline’s Phnom Penh service and onward links to Siem Reap.

Dubai Visitor Perks: Dubai’s invite-only Access Club is offering frequent visitors a five-year tourist visa and Dh2,000 in credit, adding a new loyalty incentive for repeat trips. New Air Links: FlyArystan is set to resume direct Aktau–Dubai flights twice weekly, while Condor’s inaugural Frankfurt service has strengthened Abu Dhabi’s links with Germany. Emirates Results: The Group remained profitable, reporting Dh4.1 billion in half-year profit before tax, but after-tax profit fell 66% to Dh3.6 billion amid regional conflict and higher fuel costs. Airport Shopping: Indian travellers can get 10% off eligible Dubai Duty Free purchases, capped at Dh100, when paying with UPI.

Aviation: Emirates Group reported first-half profit after tax of AED3.6 billion, down 66% year on year, as regional conflict and higher fuel costs weighed on results. Emirates carried 21.8 million passengers, 22% fewer than a year earlier, though cargo helped support revenue. Visitor Perks: Dubai’s invitation-only Access Club is offering selected repeat visitors a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, with shopping and hospitality benefits and more perks planned. Weekend Outdoors: Dubai Stand-Up Paddle returns to Hatta Dam on November 7–8, with free paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga and family activities. Family Activities: Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Little Creators programme runs November 11–15, offering children five hands-on art and digital workshops.

Airline Outlook: Emirates Group reported AED4.1 billion ($1.1 billion) in first-half pre-tax profit, though earnings fell 66% as conflict-related disruptions and higher fuel costs weighed on results. Passenger numbers dropped 22%, while 91% of its pre-disruption network was restored by September 30. Airport Shopping: Indian travellers can get 10% off eligible Dubai Duty Free purchases, up to AED100, when paying with UPI. Regional Carriers: AACO forecasts Arab airlines will collectively lose $4.3 billion this year, citing geopolitical uncertainty, fuel costs and operational disruption. Hotel News: Six Senses is set to open its first UAE property on Palm Jumeirah on November 23. Dubai Visitor Offers: The city is introducing a tourism loyalty programme and online applications for single- and multiple-entry visitor visas.

Dubai Visitor Offers: Dubai Access Club will give selected repeat visitors a five-year, multiple-entry visa, a free SIM and up to Dh2,000 in spending credit, subject to visa approval. New Hotel Stays: Six Yas Island hotels are joining IHG’s Vignette Collection as its largest resort, while Six Senses is set to open on Palm Jumeirah on November 23. Air Connectivity: Abu Dhabi Airports reported Q3 growth in passenger traffic, cargo and air links; Etihad also partnered with Cambodia’s tourism board on a campaign targeting travellers in the UK, Germany and Italy. Flights: British Airways has resumed Dubai services after an eight-month suspension, while Etihad is restoring some Saudi routes. Seasonal Travel: UAE residents are booking winter staycations and short breaks, with demand rising for last-minute getaways. Sharjah Access: The first phase of new Dubai–Sharjah road links is open, improving access to the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Flight Updates: Etihad says Abu Dhabi–Dammam and Abu Dhabi–Riyadh flights remain cancelled through November 19, while four Abu Dhabi–Jeddah services are set to resume November 6. Check directly with the airline before travelling. Dubai Offers: The invitation-only Dubai Access Club offers eligible repeat visitors a five-year multiple-entry visa and up to Dh2,000 in credit for selected hotels, attractions and retailers. Hotel News: The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm has reopened after a six-month refurbishment, restoring 290 rooms and suites ahead of the winter season. What’s On: Wild Wadi is back with 30 rides and attractions, while Marsa Boulevard has reopened for its third season with more than 20 food and drink vendors. US Travel: Emirates passengers flying to or through the United States must bring a completed passenger attestation form to check-in; the requirement applies to departures from November 3. Rail: Etihad Rail has sold 120,000 passenger tickets in its first month of operation.

Flight Connections: British Airways is set to resume UAE flights after an eight-month pause, while Singapore Airlines has extended Dubai cancellations through February 28. Travellers should check schedules as regional tensions continue to disrupt services. Dubai Visitor Services: Dubai plans to add single- and multiple-entry tourist visa applications to Visit Dubai this month, alongside the invitation-only Dubai Access Club, offering perks for repeat visitors. Seasonal Attractions: Sheikh Zayed Festival returns with Dh10 entry, virtual-reality rides and 136 days of activities. Sharjah Culture: The International Book Fair opens November 4 with 1.7 million titles and more than 1,500 events. Easier Bookings: Indian travellers can now use UPI to book tickets online for UAE attractions, including the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Visitor Access: Dubai has added single-, multiple- and long-term multiple-entry tourist visa applications to Visit Dubai, alongside a new loyalty club for repeat visitors. Flight Updates: British Airways resumes Dubai flights today; Lufthansa, SWISS and Eurowings are due back on November 25, while Singapore Airlines’ Dubai service and Scoot’s Jeddah flights remain suspended until February 28, 2027. Abu Dhabi Stays: Yas World Resort, a six-hotel destination on Yas Island, has joined IHG’s Vignette Collection as its largest property worldwide. Travel Connections: UAE-Armenia tourism ties are growing as flight frequency rises to 26 weekly services. Indian travellers can also use UPI to book Burj Khalifa tickets through the attraction’s official platform. Diwali in Dubai: City Centre Deira hosts Bollywood star Tamannaah on November 6 as part of the citywide Festival of Lights.

Dubai Travel: Dubai has launched an invitation-only loyalty club for returning visitors, with exclusive experiences and services planned; it also introduced an easier online tourist visa application service. Details of the club’s benefits are still to come. Flights: Regional security concerns continue to disrupt some services. Long-haul flights to Dubai are operating, but travellers should check directly with their airline before departure. Flydubai plans to resume Dubai–Skopje flights in April 2027. Abu Dhabi Culture: The inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi opens on November 19 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, bringing 84 galleries from 37 countries to the capital.

Tourism Promotion: Dubai Holding Entertainment will present 20 attractions at WTM London from November 3–5, while Ajman will promote its heritage, landscapes and hospitality to international travel partners. Visitor Perks: Dubai has launched a membership club for repeat visitors and plans to start online tourist visa applications through Visit Dubai this month. Travel Updates: Delays and cancellations are affecting UAE airports; travellers should check with airlines before flying. Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension through February 28, 2027, while British Airways is scheduled to resume services on November 3. Events: Dubai Ride brought 41,836 cyclists onto Sheikh Zayed Road and through Downtown, opening the 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge. Ras Al Khaimah: Wynn Al Marjan Island has revealed plans for multi-day weddings at the resort, which is expected to open in late 2027.

Dubai Visitor Access: Sheikh Hamdan announced an invitation-only club for repeat visitors and plans to let tourists apply for single- and multiple-entry visas through Visit Dubai from November. Dubai’s residency authority will continue to assess and issue visas. Heritage & Culture: Abu Dhabi’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival runs in Al Ain until November 11, bringing together more than 900 artisans, designers and heritage practitioners for workshops and cultural events. Rail & Connectivity: Etihad Rail sold 120,000 passenger tickets in its first 30 days, marking an early milestone for the UAE’s national passenger network. Staycations: UAE bookings rose 31% ahead of the October school break, with Dubai accounting for 78% of local getaway bookings.

Flight Updates: Regional tensions are disrupting some UAE services. British Airways is scheduled to resume Dubai flights on November 3, while Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension until February 28, 2027. Check with your airline before heading to the airport. Rail Travel: Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in its first 30 days connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah, signalling strong early demand for intercity rail. Road Travel: November fuel prices are down: petrol falls by 24 fils a litre across all grades, with Super 98 at Dh4.16 and Special 95 at Dh4.04; diesel is Dh4.75. More Flights to Vietnam: Emirates adds a second daily A350 service to Ho Chi Minh City from November 1, with all four daily Dubai–Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City flights set to use A350s by December. Dubai Hotels: Capella plans a 115-key waterfront hotel at Dubai Peninsula in 2030, with private-pool suites, beachfront access and a rooftop pool.

Flight Disruptions: Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai flight cancellations through February 28, 2027; affected passengers can claim refunds. The UK has also updated regional travel advice, warning of possible cancellations and airspace closures, so check with your airline before departure. Travel Rules: India’s embassy has warned UAE-bound travellers not to pack prohibited items such as poppy seeds, betel products and some controlled medicines—even in small quantities. UAE Connectivity: Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in its first month after expanding service to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Visitor Convenience: Indian travellers can now use UPI to book online tickets for attractions including Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Flight Updates: British Airways is scheduled to resume Dubai flights on November 3, but Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension through February 28, 2027. Other airlines have also delayed return plans, so check directly with your carrier before travelling. Rail Travel: Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in its first month, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. New Connections: Etihad has launched nonstop Abu Dhabi–Calgary flights, while Luxembourg is set to gain four weekly Abu Dhabi services. Booking UAE Attractions: Indian travellers can now use UPI to book attractions including the Burj Khalifa online. Coastal Watch: Authorities say the tanker leak off the northern Emirates has been stopped, but monitoring and coastal clean-up continue as teams track residual oil near Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah. Check local beach updates before heading out.