AGP Executive Report

Flight Updates & Connectivity: Qatar Airways ramps up Doha–Dubai service to five daily flights from 5 June, adding capacity with phased increases using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. Airline Feasibility Watch: Flydubai is conducting a feasibility study for direct Pokhara–Dubai flights, with on-site checks at Pokhara Regional International Airport and talks with local officials. Travel Rules (Ebola): UAE tightens entry from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from 6 June—new visas suspended and entry restricted for arrivals from those countries (cargo/transit flights continue). Travel Safety Alerts: US Embassy in Jerusalem keeps UAE and several Gulf states at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) amid “high tensions,” while Iran and nearby areas remain Level 4. UAE Mobility & Road Safety: Dubai Police recorded 4,504 hard-shoulder overtaking violations since the start of the year, warning it endangers road users and emergency access. Tourism & Events: Dubai Esports & Gaming Festival’s Education & Gaming Summit spotlights careers and growth in the gaming sector. Practical Travel Q&A: A buy-now-pay-later firm can’t impose a travel ban by itself—only UAE authorities/courts can, and debt thresholds and risk factors matter. Business Travel Comfort: Emirates’ new A350 business class (S-Lounge) is positioned as a major upgrade over the older 777 cabin with a 1-2-1 layout and fully flat seats. Local Service Spotlight: Seniors in the UAE are increasingly using smart government services independently, with AI-guided steps reducing the need for in-person visits.

UAE Tourism Confidence: Global travel giants say the UAE’s tourism model is resilient and expect a fast rebound after “Engage by Elevate online 2026,” with 1,500 B2B meetings linking 200+ UAE hotels and attractions to 100+ tour operators. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar Airways will ramp up Dubai capacity from two to five daily flights from June 5, adding services in phases (up to 35 weekly flights). Travel Disruption Watch: After Iran-linked attacks hit Kuwait’s main airport, travellers in the Gulf face possible flight cancellations and visa-validity worries, with at least one Air India Express Bahrain service cancelled post check-in. Dubai Business Setup: DET launched “SME in a Box,” a single platform to help entrepreneurs start and run businesses faster and cheaper, targeting up to AED80,000 in value per SME. World Environment Day: Dubai Duty Free and other airport/retail brands pushed sustainability messaging and eco-friendly habits online for June 5. Gold Prices: UAE gold rates stayed high on June 5, with 24K around AED 547.50 and 22K around AED 507.00 across emirates (making charges may vary). World Cup Travel Context: Iran players describe how war and visa hurdles are affecting preparations ahead of FIFA 2026.

UAE Travel Alerts: The US State Department has issued a fresh regional security warning for Americans, keeping the UAE on Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” and listing Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen at Level 4 “Do Not Travel,” urging travellers to monitor news and know the nearest shelter. Flight Disruption Watch: British Airways pushed back restarts to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until at least October 25, while Emirates warned schedule changes could affect passengers across 100+ destinations. Dubai Business Boost: Dubai launched “SME in a Box,” a one-stop platform to help entrepreneurs start and run businesses faster with licensing, banking, digital payments, logistics and telecoms support. Health & Wellness On-the-Go: AEON Centre for Regenerative Wellness at Atlantis the Royal expanded IV drip therapy to home delivery across Dubai, with DHA-licensed clinicians. Tourism Trade Calendar: Sharjah’s 57th Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show (10–14 June) returns with 400 exhibitors and major luxury brands.

UAE Health Update: MoHAP confirmed no Ebola cases detected in the country, saying authorities are monitoring global developments and have activated risk assessments and contact tracing after a traveller was later diagnosed abroad. Dubai Tourism & Business: Dubai DET launched “SME in a Box” to help entrepreneurs start and run businesses faster via one platform covering licensing, banking, digital payments, logistics and telecom. Ras Al Khaimah Luxury Build: WOW Resorts signed CRBC to construct the JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort and JW Marriott Residences, boosting the emirate’s luxury tourism and branded residences pipeline. Aviation Disruption: British Airways extended its Dubai flight suspension until at least October, with schedules adjusted amid Middle East tensions. Islamic New Year Holiday: UAE announced June 15 as a public holiday for both public and private sector workers, creating a three-day weekend. Travel Culture & Events: Dubai is pushing visitor demand with a year-round events calendar, highlighted during DET’s City Briefing with 1,700+ industry leaders. Food Trend Reality Check: “Dubai chocolate” in the US is often made outside Dubai, with the original UAE-made knafeh bar still the inspiration behind the craze.

Ebola Update for Travellers: UAE Health Ministry says there are currently no Ebola cases in the country, while authorities keep monitoring a traveller linked to cases reported after leaving the UAE. Flight Disruption in the Gulf: flydubai cancels all Kuwait flights after Iranian drone strikes hit Kuwait International Airport; the airline says it’s in contact with affected passengers and urges checking flight status. Regional Travel Risk: Kuwait reports Iranian drones heavily damaged a passenger terminal, killing one and injuring dozens, briefly closing the airfield as a fragile ceasefire is tested again. Road Safety Alert (Dubai): Dubai Police warn after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash caused by riding on the wrong side of the road; penalties include fines, impounding and licence black points. UAE Passport Power: New passport power figures put the UAE at the top globally for visa-free access, with holders able to reach 128+ countries without prior visa. UAE Health Tourism Push: Dubai plans to streamline medical visas to boost health tourism and improve the patient experience. Tech Base in Dubai: SeKondBrain.AI selects Dubai as its strategic base for global AI expansion. Culture & Dialogue: Abu Dhabi hosts the International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance Conference, highlighting family and community values.

Middle East Flight Disruptions: After reports of Iran missile attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, airlines across the Gulf—including UAE-linked routes—faced diversions, delays and cancellations, with Dubai on heightened alert and travellers urged to check the latest advisories. UK–UAE Air Travel Shock: British Airways is extending suspensions to most Middle East destinations through the end of summer (at least until Oct 25, 2026), while it plans to restart some Gulf services in August—adding uncertainty for UAE-bound holiday plans. Dubai Medical Tourism Boost: GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority are partnering to streamline medical visa procedures and create a smoother patient journey for international visitors, with more integrated electronic services. Schengen Visa Guidance for UAE Residents: A new explainer breaks down how UAE travellers can apply for Schengen visas and why applications get rejected, as demand and appointment lead times rise. Etihad Rail Preview: A look inside the passenger experience ahead of Etihad Rail’s Fujairah service rollout highlights what travellers can expect from the UAE’s first passenger train. Dubai Beaches Roundup: A guide spotlights Dubai’s best beach spots, from family-friendly favourites to quieter escapes. Gold Rates Watch: UAE gold prices edged down on June 3, with small shifts across 18K, 22K and 24K in the Gulf.

Dubai Economy & Tourism: Sheikh Hamdan visited DET and urged officials to keep strengthening Dubai’s economic resilience through innovation, tighter public-private partnerships, and policies that protect growth as global demand shifts. Abu Dhabi Tourism Push: Experience Abu Dhabi’s global ambassadors Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky promoted a family-friendly itinerary spanning Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Ain Oasis and Surf Abu Dhabi. UAE Textile Circularity: The UAE launched “Naseej,” a national platform to cut textile waste (about 220,000 tonnes a year) by coordinating collection, recycling, research and public engagement across the textile value chain. Eid Travel & Transport: Dubai’s RTA reported 8.2 million public transport riders during Eid Al Adha, as the emirate kept services moving through the holiday rush. Aviation Update: Gulf air traffic is gradually reopening after Iran-war disruptions, with the UAE’s GCAA confirming full resumption of operations and some airlines restarting Dubai routes. Hotel Pipeline Watch: Middle East hotel development continues to expand, with the UAE and Saudi leading new rooms under construction and in planning. Sports Spotlight: Abu Dhabi schoolgirl Amna Al Qubaisi made history as the first Team UAE female driver at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal.

Aviation Infrastructure: Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is set to take over Dubai International Airport (DXB) flights over the coming decade, marking a major shift for travellers and logistics as Dubai’s mega-hub expands. Public Health & Travel: UAE authorities issued Ebola travel guidance, debunking myths and warning residents against non-essential trips to affected countries amid misinformation concerns. Hospitality Careers: Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches signed an MoU to build a stronger luxury talent pipeline through internships, placements, mentorship and guest lectures. Tourism & Leisure: Dubai parks and recreational facilities welcomed about 1.08 million visitors during the Eid period (May 22–31), showing strong demand for local getaways. Travel Safety: A Eurowings A320 incident reported wake-turbulence injuries after flying behind an Emirates A380, underlining the importance of safe separation. Digital Payments for Travellers: India’s UPI hit record highs in May (23.2 billion transactions), with summer travel and IPL spending cited as key drivers.

Eid Al Adha travel pulse (Sharjah & Dubai): Sharjah’s Eid Al Adha Exhibition 2026 wrapped up at Expo Centre Sharjah, with 100+ brands and discounts up to 75% drawing thousands of families. In Dubai, the RTA logged 8.2 million public transport riders during the Eid holiday (25–29 May), including 3.3m on Metro and 2.3m via taxis. Airport & travel disruption watch: Dubai International Airport reported normal operations with very low delays across terminals, while Beirut flight cancellations hit routes including Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia as Israel signalled possible renewed strikes. UAE travel rules reminder: UAE authorities warned travellers that filming or taking unauthorised airport reels/photos can trigger fines, device seizure and even no-fly list action. Sustainability for visitors & residents: The UAE launched “Naseej” to tackle 220,000 tonnes of wasted clothing yearly, pushing textile circularity nationwide. Regional tourism boost: Kuwait’s tourist arrivals to Oman rose 17.2% (2024–2025), placing Kuwait as Oman’s third-largest source market ahead of summer Dhofar’s khareef season. Security backdrop: Satellite-based reporting says Iranian strikes damaged at least 20 US military sites across the region, underlining ongoing travel and regional risk concerns.

Dubai Tourism Confidence Check: Dubai traffic and restaurant life are back to normal, but the tourism recovery is still fragile as hotels and airlines work to win back visitor confidence after recent regional disruption. Aviation & Border Hassle: Europe’s EES rollout is still causing long queues, with UK travellers urged to arrive at airports earlier and pack essentials for waits. Mobility in the UAE: Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) signed an MoU with AJ Industries to expand mobility services in Ajman, including e-hailing integration, digital booking/dispatch upgrades, and potential limousine growth. Public Health Travel Alert: The UAE MoFA advised nationals and residents to avoid travel to Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan over Ebola concerns, with guidance to use Twajudi and emergency contact lines. UAE Leisure Win: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi ranked among the world’s 50 best beaches for 2026, praised for sand, waters and conservation. Cost Pressure for Road Trips: UAE fuel prices rose again for June 2026, pushing petrol to its highest level in nearly four years. UAE in Global Media: Amazon MGM’s “Jack Ryan: Ghost War” premiered on Prime Video, with key scenes filmed in Dubai. Eid Travel Context: UAE public holiday planning continues for residents with remaining breaks in the second half of 2026.

Ebola Travel Advisory: The UAE MoFA warned citizens and residents to avoid travel to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary, while health authorities say preparedness plans remain active. Pilgrims Welcome: GDRFA Dubai and Dubai Airports rolled out a special arrival experience for returning Hajj pilgrims, including a passport stamp reading “The UAE Welcomes the Return of Pilgrims.” Eid School Return: UAE schools reopen for Grade 1–12 on June 1 after mid-term and Eid Al Adha breaks, with reminders on attendance and final-exam readiness. Dubai Airport Lost-and-Found: Dubai Police returned a bag lost at Terminal 1 containing $20,000, 150g of gold and valuables before the traveller’s Saudi flight. UAE Travel Market Watch: A UAE property explainer flags how flight disruptions and uncertainty can hit overseas buyer confidence and viewings in Dubai. Connectivity & Trade: Nigeria-UAE non-oil trade climbed to $5bn in 2025, with Etihad adding Abuja service and FAB planning a Lagos bank launch—good news for business travel links. Abu Dhabi Beach Buzz: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi made The World’s Best Beaches 2026 list, ranking 19th globally. Mountaineering Spotlight: Dubai-linked Indian climber Shradha Gupta reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Ebola Travel Advisory: The UAE MoFA has urged citizens and residents to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary, with extra caution for those already there and a call to register on Twajudi (+97180024). Nuclear Safety Watch: UN atomic chief Rafael Grossi warned of a growing “phenomenon” of attacks on nuclear power plants, pointing to the Barakah plant incident in Abu Dhabi and stressing the danger of any pattern in conflict. UAE Economy & Tourism Context: New data shows UAE real GDP grew 6.2% in 2025 to AED 1.9 trillion, with non-oil GDP up 6.8%—a backdrop for continued travel demand. Dark-Sky Desert Experiences: Dubai Astronomy Group volunteers are guiding residents to Al Quaa Desert for Milky Way viewing, highlighting how light pollution limits star visibility across the Emirates. Visa Deal: UAE and Eswatini signed a mutual visa exemption MoU to make travel easier for citizens of both countries. Eid Aid & Travel Mood: Emirates Red Crescent reports sacrificial meat and Eid clothing reaching 45 countries, while UAE Eid celebrations keep families on the move.

Eid Al Adha Travel Prep (Dubai): Dubai’s RTA is urging visitors heading to hotspots like Dubai Mall to use the Dubai Metro, with park-and-ride options at key stations and journey planning via the Souhail app to cut holiday traffic. Eid Al Adha Travel Prep (Customs): Dubai Customs says it has boosted readiness across ports and airports for smoother arrivals and faster customs processing during the Eid and Hajj return rush. UAE Stargazing Tourism: Volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group are running night excursions to Al Quaa Desert near Abu Dhabi, where darker skies help people reconnect with the Milky Way—an antidote to heavy light pollution. Desert Nature Experiences: Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai is spotlighted for wildlife viewing, cycling tracks, camel races and Emirati heritage. Road Costs Update: From Monday, Dubai motorists will pay 5% VAT on Salik road tolls and Parkin parking fees. Workers’ Eid Celebrations: Around 300,000 workers took part in Eid Al Adha events across 30 UAE locations, with activities, raffles and gifts.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Emirates has started work on a $5.1B aircraft engineering (MRO) facility at Dubai South, a 1.1m sq m complex with a 285m free-span hangar able to service 28 wide-body aircraft at once, plus workshops, storage, training and airside access. UAE Travel Safety: With the Iran conflict still creating uncertainty, travellers were urged to double-check travel insurance terms for cancellations, medical cover and flight disruption, as some policies may not pay if you travel against official advice. Legal & Travel Rights (UAE-linked): Pakistan’s Lahore High Court restricted the FIA from offloading passengers abroad without detailed, documented reasons, reinforcing that holding valid visas and tickets shouldn’t be blocked on vague suspicion. Eid Family Fun (UAE): Khorfakkan Beach is running “Pirate World” from 27–30 May, turning the Sadaf kids’ zone into an immersive pirate-themed beach experience. Tourism & Events: Etihad Rail says its Fujairah passenger station is fully completed and highlights the comfort and readiness ahead of passenger service. Global Travel Tech: American Airlines plans Starlink Wi‑Fi on 500 narrow-body jets from 2027, joining Emirates in existing airline satellite connectivity deals. Eid Travel Planning: UAE travellers were reminded to plan around holiday crowds and heat, with guidance circulating on safer, smoother airport and road travel during Eid Al Adha.

Ebola & Aviation: Emirates issued a fresh Ebola travel advisory after the US and Canada tightened entry rules for travellers linked to Uganda, warning of possible extra screening and documentation checks on arrival. UAE Travel Readiness: Dubai Customs ramped up operations for Hajj pilgrims and Eid Al Adha holiday travellers, aiming for smoother customs processing across ports and airports. Event Tourism: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi won five global Eventex 2026 awards, including World’s Best Sustainable Venue and top convention and exhibition honours. Shopping for Visitors: Dubai’s “3 Days of Big Cuts” kicks off May 27-31 with discounts up to 90% across 2,500 stores, plus a campaign to win a residential apartment. Tourism Growth in Numbers: UAE hotel establishment guests hit 32 million in 2025 (+5.1%), while revenues rose 9.7% to AED49.21bn. Beauty Tourism Trend: South Korea is seeing a surge in skincare and medical tourism, with foreign patients spending more on treatments than on typical tourism. Legal Travel Rights: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court ruled the FIA can’t stop citizens from foreign travel on vague suspicion, reinforcing due process for offloaded passengers. Weather Alert: UAE heatwave conditions continue, with temperatures likely to push above 40°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Aviation & Eid Readiness: Dubai Customs says it’s boosting operational readiness at airports and customs ports to speed up arrivals and departures for Hajj return travellers and Eid Al Adha holiday crowds, using smart systems and strengthened frontline teams. UAE–Israel Connectivity: Etihad will add a sixth daily Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flight from mid-June, making Tel Aviv its busiest route worldwide with 42 weekly flights, as passenger demand keeps rising. Travel Security & Disruption: An Austrian court sentenced a 21-year-old man to 15 years for planning a foiled Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024, after which all three shows were cancelled. Middle East Ceasefire Watch: The US and Iran reached an outline deal to extend their ceasefire for 60 days, pending President Trump’s approval—an issue that could affect regional travel confidence and Strait of Hormuz shipping. Visa Services Scrutiny: A new investigation alleges VFS Global pressured applicants into costly add-ons, raising concerns for travellers using visa outsourcing centres across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Culture on the Move: Hong Kong Ballet’s Bruce Lee: No Way as Way will tour internationally, including Abu Dhabi, as the production aims to draw younger audiences and expand tourism links.