Doha, Qatar – As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches its climax, the Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is set to host the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 from November 28 to 30, promising a weekend of high-octane racing and world-class entertainment under the circuit’s iconic floodlights.

The penultimate round of the championship will feature the F1 Sprint race, along with the FIA Formula 2 Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, and a host of other support events, offering fans an unforgettable motorsport experience.

Digital Experience and Navigation

Fans can enhance their visit through the LIC App and Lusail Tickets App, available on the App Store and Google Play. The LIC App offers real-time venue navigation, parking guidance, and detailed information on F&B outlets, merchandise stores, and key attractions. Meanwhile, the Lusail Tickets App provides mobile ticket access, schedules, and event updates, supporting LIC’s sustainability initiatives by promoting paperless entry.

Gate Opening Times

Lusail International Circuit will welcome attendees at the following times:

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 1:30 PM – 10:45 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

After gates close, concerts will continue in the dedicated arena. Fan Zone closures are scheduled for 9:45 PM on Friday and Sunday, and 10:00 PM on Saturday.

Getting to the Circuit

• Private Cars: Event maps guide drivers to optimal parking zones based on grandstand location. VIPs can access exclusive entrances and shuttles.
• Metro & Tram: Ticket holders receive a complimentary 3-Day Pass valid on Doha Metro and Lusail Tram from November 28–30, with extended operating hours for the race weekend. Complimentary shuttles ensure smooth transfer to the gates.
• Taxi/Ride-share: Karwa and Uber drop-off points are available at the circuit, while Karwa alone serves as the exit option.

Security and Entry

All visitors must pass security screenings and present QR code tickets. No re-entry is allowed once outside the secure perimeter.

Concerts and Entertainment

The post-race concert lineup includes:

Friday: Seal

Saturday: Cheb Khaled

Sunday: Metallica

Concerts begin approximately 30 minutes after race events in the dedicated Fan Zone concert arena.

Fan Zone Highlights

The revamped Fan Zone blends entertainment, culture, and education, featuring:

• LEGO “Build The Thrill” Experience
• Expanded Family Zone
• Qatar Cultural Area with traditional performances, crafts, and Ardha shows
• F1 activations like Sim Racing, LED Pitstop Challenge, and Driver Selfie Stations
• Immersive experiences including “This is F1 4D,” wind tunnel challenges, and virtual pit tours
• Sustainability-focused exhibits like the F1 Genius Dome, Green Arena, and recycled art exhibitions
• A Sensory Room for visitors with sensory sensitivities

Comfort and Sustainability

Visitors are advised to dress in light layers for November’s warm days and cooler evenings. Amenities include diverse food and beverage options, shaded grandstands, free drinking water, and a focus on environmental sustainability through initiatives such as recycled materials, food donation programs, and solar power usage.

Essential Tips

Bring your ticket app, valid ID, comfortable shoes, and bank cards for cashless transactions. One power bank per person is permitted.

Closing Note

Whether a lifelong F1 enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 promises a thrilling weekend of racing action, cultural experiences, and live entertainment. Fans can follow updates via the official LIC App or the F1 website.

From high-speed duels on the track to concerts under the desert stars, Lusail is ready to deliver an unforgettable finale before the season concludes.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has awarded a contract to develop an automated people mover (APM) system for the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest airport transit system of its kind.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI Mobility Engineering Services (MHI-MESC), and Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The APM network will extend approximately 50 kilometers and connect nine stations, making it significantly larger than existing airport people-mover systems.

MHI and MHI-MESC will oversee the design, procurement and testing of 165 vehicles, as well as signaling technology and overall system integration. L&T will be responsible for designing, procuring, testing and constructing the remaining subsystems on site.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2031.

The scale of Dubai’s planned system will surpass existing airport transit networks, including the approximately 8-kilometer Skylink at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and The Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The APM network will connect Al Maktoum International Airport’s terminals and key facilities, helping improve passenger movement, reduce transfer times and support efficient airport operations.

The project forms part of Dubai’s broader plans to develop Al Maktoum International into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The airport is targeted to begin operations in 2032 and is ultimately expected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The planned expansion is designed to accommodate growing regional and international air traffic while strengthening Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Source: Khaleej Times

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to improve the efficiency, security and smooth operation of airport and cargo activities.

The commitment was made during a SAHCO delegation’s visit to AC Adamu, the newly appointed Commander of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The visit focused on building on the existing relationship between SAHCO and the NCS through stronger communication, closer coordination and enhanced operational cooperation, particularly in the handling and movement of cargo.

Representing SAHCO Managing Director and CEO Adenike Aboderin, General Manager of Cargo Services Donald Adekunle welcomed the new CIU commander and pledged the company’s continued support for a professional and productive partnership with the Customs Service.

Adekunle said closer cooperation between the two organizations would help strengthen airport operations and improve coordination among key aviation stakeholders and government agencies.

He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in facilitating efficient cargo movement, reinforcing security procedures and enhancing service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.

The renewed cooperation comes as aviation and government agencies continue to focus on improving cargo-handling processes and maintaining secure and efficient airport operations.

Source: ZAWYA

SHARJAH, UAE: Sharjah Airport has achieved Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), marking another milestone in its efforts to strengthen passenger services.

The airport first received Level 1 accreditation in 2022 before advancing to Level 2 in 2023 after establishing and implementing a customer experience strategy across its departments. It renewed its Level 2 status in 2025 and progressed to Level 3 in 2026.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the latest accreditation reflected the airport’s focus on passenger satisfaction and its broader strategy to provide an integrated travel experience centered on quality and service excellence.

He said the achievement also supports Sharjah’s ambitions as a destination for travel, tourism and business.

According to Al Midfa, reaching Level 3 demonstrates the airport’s ability to collect and analyse passenger feedback and work with airport partners to turn that information into practical service improvements.

The accreditation assessment examined how the airport gathers and applies passenger feedback, coordinates with service providers and maintains a seamless passenger experience from arrival through departure.

As part of its progress toward Level 3, Sharjah Airport strengthened its customer feedback systems to better identify passenger expectations, pinpoint areas requiring improvement and respond more quickly to concerns.

The airport also increased coordination with airlines, ground-handling companies and other stakeholders to promote consistent service standards throughout the passenger journey.

Passenger satisfaction reports are now regularly distributed among airport departments, allowing teams to identify successful practices as well as areas requiring further attention. Employees across the airport community are also involved in improving passenger services, reinforcing shared responsibility for the overall travel experience.

ACI established its Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme to help airports assess and enhance passenger experience. The programme provides tools and expertise to help airports manage passenger journeys, develop improvement plans and identify opportunities to raise service quality.

Source: QCAA

DOHA, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has reaffirmed its readiness to provide a smooth and comfortable arrival experience as passenger numbers increase in Doha following the summer holiday season.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the airport said it expects higher inbound traffic this August as students and families return ahead of the new academic year.

HIA has issued a series of guidelines designed to make arrival procedures easier and improve passenger convenience. Airport staff will remain available around the clock to assist travelers and their families, it said.

The guidance covers several aspects of the arrival process, including procedures for families traveling with young children and arrangements for meeting arriving passengers.

It also provides information on transportation options from the airport, including ride-hailing services, taxis, buses and the Doha Metro. Guidance on car rentals and baggage collection is also included.

The airport said the measures are intended to help passengers navigate the arrival process efficiently during the expected increase in traffic.

With August marking a key period for post-holiday travel, HIA is emphasizing operational preparedness and passenger support as more travelers return to Doha.

Source: QNA

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah handled approximately 28.55 million passengers on 169,900 flights between the beginning of 2026 and the end of July, according to an airport performance report.

The airport also processed 33.6 million bags during the seven-month period, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The performance report was reviewed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz during a meeting attended by Jeddah Airports Company CEO Mazen Johar.

The airport recorded its highest daily passenger traffic on January 17, when around 195,300 passengers passed through its facilities.

During the 1447 AH Umrah season, King Abdulaziz International Airport served approximately 6.16 million passengers on 36,400 flights and handled 7.2 million bags. More than 10,000 employees from various agencies were deployed at the airport during the season.

The report also highlighted the airport’s role during the 1447 AH Hajj season. More than 1.67 million pilgrims traveled through the airport during the arrival and departure phases, with more than 9,600 flights operated and approximately 2.76 million bags handled.

Ground transportation also played a significant role in moving pilgrims during Hajj. Buses carried around 821,700 pilgrims across 22,855 trips, while the Haramain High Speed Railway transported approximately 48,200 pilgrims on 207 trips.

The figures underscore the airport’s importance as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, as well as its role in handling growing passenger demand throughout the year.

Source: TradeArabia