Abu Dhabi is about to elevate its cultural scene with the grand opening of the Natural History Museum on November 22, 2025. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, the museum will take visitors on an extraordinary journey spanning 13.8 billion years of life on Earth. Highlights include rare dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and an iconic blue whale skeleton, making it one of the region’s most anticipated cultural landmarks.

Designed by the architecture firm Mecanno, the museum’s striking 35,000-square-meter building features an innovative facade that mimics the appearance of natural rock formations, creating an immersive environment. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, explained that the museum’s exhibits are framed through an Arabian perspective, with a focus on regional flora, fauna, and geology.

The museum’s collection boasts impressive pieces, including “Stan,” a nearly 12-meter-long Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, one of the best-preserved fossils from the late Cretaceous period. Visitors can also explore the 25-meter-long skeleton of a female blue whale, as well as a specimen of the Murchison meteorite, which crashed into Australia in 1969 and offers valuable insights into the solar system’s formation. Regional discoveries, such as the Stegotetrabelodon emeritus, an extinct elephant genus found in Abu Dhabi, will also be on display.

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

Kokoro Expands to Abu Dhabi with Second Location

Dubai’s trendy hand roll bar, Kokoro, is expanding with a new location set to open in Abu Dhabi in March 2026. Known for its unique Japanese-inspired rolls and organic ambiance, Kokoro has quickly gained a loyal following since its launch in 2024 at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. The new Saadiyat Island branch will offer the same no-reservations, counter-seating concept, featuring signature rolls like spicy tuna, scallop with orange, and bluefin tuna, sure to delight food enthusiasts.

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai

UAE and Saudi Artists Shine at Asia NOW Paris Art Fair

At the 11th edition of the Asia NOW Paris Asian Art Fair, artists and cultural institutions from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are showcasing their work on the global stage. Dubai’s Alserkal Advisory presents Lebanese artist Pascal Hachem’s "The Cut Line," a performance exploring the theme of memory, while Saudi artists Muhannad Shono and Sarah Brahim also feature prominently in the exhibition.

Arnaud Morand, Head of Arts at the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA), emphasized that West Asia’s representation at the fair challenges conventional narratives, offering new insights into the region’s art scene. The exhibition also includes a performance by Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi, as well as works from the Saudi Visual Art Commission.

Location: Monnaie de Paris, Paris, France

Louvre Abu Dhabi Launches "Art in Scents" Experience

Louvre Abu Dhabi is offering visitors a unique, multisensory experience with the launch of "Art in Scents," an exhibition that blends art with fragrance. The museum, in collaboration with Givaudan, invites guests to explore its permanent collection through a sensory journey. Ten bespoke fragrances inspired by the museum’s artworks will be featured, transforming the viewing experience into a fragrant adventure.

Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

L’ÉCOLE Middle East Explores Jewelry and Poetry in Dubai

Dubai’s L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, is hosting an extraordinary exhibition that connects jewelry, poetry, and Islamic art. Inspired by Farid al-Din Attar’s "The Conference of the Birds," the exhibit, running from November 6 to April 25, 2026, showcases rare jewels and precious objects alongside works of art that explore themes of memory and community. The exhibition will offer a unique perspective on the intersection of Western jewelry and Islamic arts, providing a fascinating cultural dialogue.

Location: L’ÉCOLE Middle East, Dubai Design District

Book of the Week: The Oasis: Al Ain Memoirs of Doctor Latifa

In The Oasis: Al Ain Memoirs of Doctor Latifa, Canadian author Gertrude Dyck recounts her experiences as one of the first foreign nurses in the UAE. Arriving in the oasis city of Al Ain in 1962, Dyck witnessed the transformative effects of the oil boom on the local population. Her personal memoir captures the rapidly changing landscape of the UAE during this pivotal period in the country’s history.

Maison Margiela Residences: A New Chapter in Luxury Living

Maison Margiela has expanded beyond fashion and design with the launch of its first-ever Maison Margiela Residences on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The residences, opening at the end of November, offer 25 bespoke units that merge the brand’s innovative designs with luxury living. Developed in collaboration with Alta Real Estate, each residence serves as a canvas for Margiela’s unconventional aesthetic, with custom-designed furniture and exclusive architectural elements.

UAE’s Hotel Market Sees Significant Growth

Research from Knight Frank reveals that the UAE's hotel market is experiencing rapid growth, with more than 23,000 new hotel rooms expected to be added in the coming years. Dubai, in particular, is set to see a surge in hotel capacity, with over 12,000 new rooms in development. By 2030, the total number of hotel rooms across the UAE will rise from 213,928 to 235,674, reflecting the region’s ever-expanding tourism sector.

Spain has prohibited United States military aircraft involved in the ongoing Iran conflict from using its airspace, a move that highlights growing friction between Washington and European allies.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that neither Spanish military bases nor national airspace would be available for operations connected to the war. She described the conflict, initiated by the US and Israel about a month ago, as both “illegal” and “unjust,” reaffirming Madrid’s firm opposition.

The decision reinforces Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most vocal critics of the conflict and is expected to further strain relations with the administration of Donald Trump. Trump had earlier warned of a potential full trade embargo against Spain in response to its stance.

Spanish officials had already indicated that jointly operated US-Spain military bases would not be used in the campaign. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the latest restriction aims to avoid contributing to any escalation.

Meanwhile, the White House suggested on Monday that the conflict could conclude within two weeks, provided Iran agrees to negotiations, warning that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.

Source: The Telegraph

Airlines across the globe are cancelling thousands of flights as the ongoing conflict in Iran pushes jet fuel prices to unprecedented levels, intensifying pressure on the aviation sector.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that nearly one in every 20 scheduled flights was cancelled on Monday. This represents a sharp increase compared with the same period last year, reflecting growing strain on airline operations.

The surge in cancellations follows a dramatic rise in fuel costs. Jet fuel prices, which stood at $742 per metric tonne a year ago, have climbed beyond $1,710. The escalation is largely linked to supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil.

Crude oil markets have also reacted strongly, with Brent crude prices reaching as high as $116 per barrel during early trading on Monday. Analysts warn that refining jet fuel requires more crude oil than petrol or diesel, amplifying the impact of supply constraints on aviation fuel availability.

Concerns are now shifting from price increases to potential shortages. According to a report by the Financial Times, the United Kingdom is expected to receive its final known shipment of jet fuel from the Middle East this week.

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras cautioned that multiple markets could face severe fuel shortages within days, including major European airport hubs. He indicated that some airports have begun advising airlines to prepare for scenarios where fuel may not be available.

The disruption is not confined to Europe. Airlines across Asia, Africa, and South America are implementing contingency plans, including additional refuelling stops, as the supply situation deteriorates.

Several carriers have already announced capacity reductions. Air New Zealand has cut 1,100 flights through early May, while Scandinavian airline group SAS plans to cancel 1,000 flights next month, primarily affecting domestic routes.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines has warned it may reduce monthly flights by 10 to 20 percent next quarter if jet fuel prices reach between $160 and $200 per barrel. This could impact up to 18 percent of its international services and more than a quarter of its domestic operations.

In the United States, United Airlines has already reduced capacity by approximately 5 percent on less profitable routes, becoming the first major US carrier to take such measures in response to rising fuel costs.

Chief executive Scott Kirby said sustained high oil prices could increase the airline’s expenses by $11 billion, potentially forcing ticket prices to rise by around 20 percent to maintain profitability. He noted that fares have already increased by 15 to 20 percent in recent weeks, warning that higher prices are likely to dampen travel demand.

Kirby added that in a worst-case scenario, oil prices could climb to $175 per barrel and remain above $100 through 2027.

Beyond fuel-related challenges, the conflict has also disrupted travel across the Middle East. Major European carriers, including British Airways, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa, have suspended multiple routes to and from the region.

Cirium data indicates that approximately 7,049 out of 104,618 scheduled flights—around 7 percent—were cancelled globally on Monday. By comparison, 4,797 out of 102,132 flights, or 4.7 percent, were cancelled on the same day last year.

The impact has been particularly severe in North America, where cancellations reached 14.6 percent of departing flights, significantly higher than the 4.4 percent recorded a year earlier.

Source: The Telegraph

Airfares from the United Arab Emirates have increased significantly in recent weeks, with travel agencies reporting average rises of 15 to 25 per cent. The surge is being linked to reduced flight schedules by regional carriers, a decline in international airline operations on key routes, and mounting operational expenses such as fuel and insurance.

Industry professionals say the price increase, while noticeable, has not dampened overall travel demand. Instead, it has led to changes in how passengers plan their journeys. Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, chief executive of Pinoy Tourism, noted that travellers are now more price-conscious, often comparing options carefully and booking earlier to avoid further increases. Flexibility with travel dates and routes has also become more common.

Recent travel disruptions have played a role in shaping demand patterns. Many passengers postponed trips rather than cancelling them, leading to a rebound in bookings as services resumed. This combination of delayed and new demand has placed additional pressure on available seats, contributing to higher fares.

Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com, said travellers are increasingly adopting strategic booking habits. According to her, most passengers now secure tickets around eight to ten days before departure, as prices tend to rise sharply within the final few days. While direct flights remain the preferred choice, more travellers are opting for indirect routes when the cost savings are substantial.

The limited presence of international carriers is another factor influencing prices. Rino Steephen, sales manager and partner at Azzam Travel and Tourism, explained that a large share of current flights is being operated by UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air India. Reduced competition, he said, is contributing to higher ticket costs.

Popular outbound destinations from the UAE include India, the Philippines, several African nations, Turkey, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Singapore, and major European cities such as London, Paris, Milan, and Barcelona.

Flight availability continues to play a critical role in pricing. With fewer direct options, many travellers are choosing longer, indirect journeys, sometimes at higher overall costs, to reach their destinations while managing budgets.

Experts also point to broader global pressures affecting the aviation sector, including rising fuel prices, increased insurance premiums, and operational risks. These factors are feeding into ticket pricing worldwide.

Despite higher fares, booking patterns vary depending on urgency. Some passengers continue to book immediately due to pressing travel needs, while others plan weeks in advance to secure more favourable rates. Airlines, meanwhile, are offering greater flexibility in ticket changes and cancellations to accommodate shifting travel plans.

Looking ahead, industry observers expect demand to remain strong. Nasir said travel activity is likely to recover steadily as operations stabilise, although fares may stay elevated on high-demand routes with limited capacity. Steephen added that while UAE carriers are operating without seat restrictions, the absence of more international airlines continues to shape pricing trends. Any easing of fares, he noted, will depend on how conditions evolve in the coming weeks.

Source: Khaleej Times

Qatar Airways has announced temporary delays in handling customer service requests, including refunds, citing a significant rise in demand. The airline said response and processing times may be longer than usual, while teams continue to work continuously to address all pending cases.

Under updated guidance, passengers holding confirmed bookings for travel between 28 February and 15 June 2026 are eligible to request either a full refund or a change of travel dates.

For customers with cancelled bookings, the airline clarified that if a booking cannot be retrieved through its system, it is likely already undergoing refund processing, and no further action is required. However, if the booking remains accessible, passengers may apply for a full refund or modify their travel dates. Any additional services purchased alongside tickets will be refunded separately after the main ticket refund is completed.

Passengers who still intend to travel can reschedule their journeys on Qatar Airways-operated flights up to 31 October 2026, subject to seat availability and fare conditions.

The airline noted that refunds will be issued to the original form of payment and may take up to 28 working days to complete. Customers can monitor the progress of their refund requests through the airline’s online tracking system.

For tickets booked through travel agents or third-party platforms, passengers have been advised to contact their original point of purchase to initiate refund requests.

Qatar Airways also directed customers to its official website for further assistance and updated information, including frequently asked questions.

Wars in the Middle East, including a month-long conflict in Iran, are putting increasing pressure on aviation safety by constraining flight corridors and expanding drone activity, according to Florian Guillermet, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Iran conflict has already reshaped regional airspace, disrupting flights between Asia and Europe that previously relied on overflights in the area. Combined with ongoing tensions from the Russia-Ukraine war and clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, airlines are now navigating narrower corridors, particularly over Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

“Concentrating traffic on certain routes, along with limited airspace availability for air traffic control, increases safety risks,” Guillermet told Reuters. The remarks mark the first detailed comments from Europe’s aviation regulator since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February.

Airlines face heightened risks from missiles and drones, prompting some unavoidable airspace closures and flight restrictions. Guillermet, who formerly led France’s air traffic control system, emphasized that while these measures disrupt passengers, they remain critical for maintaining manageable traffic density.

EASA, representing 31 European countries, is currently reviewing its aviation strategy to address rising hazards affecting one of the safest modes of transport. These include GPS interference, drone threats, and operational challenges such as unstable approaches and runway incidents. On Friday, the agency renewed its advisory for airlines to avoid airspace over Iran, Israel, and parts of the Gulf until April 10.

Counter-Drone Measures and Hybrid Threats

The agency is also drafting clearer guidance on countering rogue drone activity targeting civil airports. European airports have seen increased incidents linked to “hybrid warfare,” a combination of military operations, cyberattacks, and other disruptions. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, drones have played a prominent role in regional conflicts, causing disruptions at airports from Stockholm to Munich.

“We are facing a very different landscape today,” Guillermet said from EASA’s Cologne headquarters. “The situation we face right now is more of a hybrid warfare environment.”

EASA is evaluating technical standards for devices operating near airports and may introduce mandatory requirements to define the permissible powers in counter-drone operations, aiming to strengthen the safety framework around vulnerable airspace.

Source: Reuters