The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rolled out the second phase of its Flight Operations Centralised Unified System (F.O.C.U.S.), with the launch of the live display and monitoring platform. This milestone follows the debut of the system’s official website earlier in the project’s first stage.

The updated phase continues the GCAA’s commitment to building an advanced, fully integrated digital platform that enhances communication channels between aircraft operators and airports throughout the UAE.

Through F.O.C.U.S., the Authority aims to create a centralized ecosystem that strengthens operational efficiency, improves coordination, and facilitates seamless information flow. The platform’s unified digital environment optimizes communication between the GCAA and airport authorities, enabling more collaborative, timely, and data-driven decision-making.

This development aligns closely with the UAE’s national strategy to expand digital transformation in government services, encourage open data practices, and reduce procedural complexity. It also advances the GCAA’s broader vision of fostering closer public-private cooperation and adopting innovative technologies that support smoother aviation operations.

The second phase introduces sophisticated digital capabilities to improve coordination among stakeholders and deliver a real-time operational overview across the nation’s airports. By doing so, it ensures faster responses, better situational awareness, and enhanced workflow integration.

Eng. Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, emphasized that F.O.C.U.S. represents a major stride toward reinforcing collaborative frameworks within the aviation community. He noted that the platform has already played a key role in simplifying airport-to-airport coordination, increasing data accuracy, and expediting services for air operators.

Al Zarooni further highlighted that the successful completion of this phase paves the way for future expansions, which will introduce more advanced digital solutions and broader interconnectivity with partners. These upcoming enhancements, he added, are aligned with the GCAA’s long-term objective of building a smart, connected, and future-focused aviation ecosystem.

The F.O.C.U.S. platform was first introduced in September as part of the GCAA’s vision to simplify interactions with both domestic and international air operators. It serves as a single-entry digital gateway for obtaining operational approvals, consolidating key aviation data, and linking stakeholders across the UAE through one unified online interface.

UAE travellers planning a getaway during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays are facing steep flight prices, with airfares nearly doubling compared to February. Travel agencies say ticket costs are also up by as much as 20 per cent from last year as the rush for limited seats intensifies.

Between March 19 and 30, return economy fares from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to popular destinations have climbed sharply. A roundtrip from Dubai to London now averages around Dh4,075 — more than twice the usual off-season price of Dh1,837.

Fares to Lisbon have reached Dh4,674, Osaka Dh7,995, Almaty Dh2,901, Bangkok Dh4,005, and Phuket Dh4,855. From Abu Dhabi, travelers are paying roughly Dh2,730 to Amsterdam, Dh4,090 to London, Dh3,890 to Zurich, Dh3,310 to Berlin, and Dh3,505 to St. Petersburg.

Rising Demand for Japan and Europe

According to Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, bookings to Japan have surged as travellers hope to catch the country’s famed cherry blossom season in late March. “Japan is extremely popular this year, though visa appointment delays are still a challenge,” he said. “Prices are about 20 per cent higher than usual, with packages ranging between Dh11,000 and Dh12,000 during the cherry blossom period.”

Babu added that European destinations — particularly Switzerland, Paris and the Netherlands — are also drawing strong interest despite visa bottlenecks. “Packages to Europe are up 15 to 20 per cent compared with last Eid,” he noted, adding that Schengen visa appointments are being filled quickly.

Demand is also rising for other Far East hotspots such as South Korea, Thailand’s Phuket and Krabi, which benefit from visa-on-arrival entry for UAE residents. Closer-to-home options like Georgia, Baku and Almaty remain attractive for their easier travel procedures.

“Last-minute tickets will be expensive, so early planning is key,” Babu advised. “Most travellers are targeting March 20–28 for departures to make the most of the break.” Trips to the United States, by contrast, are seeing lower interest this year due to longer flight durations unsuitable for short holidays.

Cruise Holidays and CIS Routes Gain Momentum

Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, said booking volumes are already high, especially for departures between March 26 and 29. “Eid travel sentiment is strong this year, and airfares, as expected, are on the higher side,” he said.

Ahmed pointed out that the CIS region continues to perform well. He also highlighted a new travel trend — the growing popularity of cruise holidays. “The Aroya cruise, a halal-friendly cruise option, is generating a lot of interest. We already have 18 confirmed bookings,” he added.

India also remains a key market, with many families extending their holidays by combining Eid leave with school vacations. Several operators have reserved blocks of seats for groups as part of customised Eid packages.

Short Holidays Shape Travel Choices

TP Sudheesh, General Manager of a Deira-based travel firm, said the relatively brief Eid holiday is influencing travel patterns this year. “It’s a short break, so many families prefer longer visits to their home countries rather than quick leisure trips,” he explained.

He noted that visa-free destinations in the CIS — especially Armenia — are seeing brisk demand, while Southeast Asian spots like Vietnam, Bali, Thailand and Malaysia remain consistently popular.

Sudheesh added that flights from India to the UAE are also more expensive between mid-March and early April due to overlapping school holidays in India.

While some travellers are cautious about possible regional tensions and airspace restrictions, agents say such concerns have not significantly affected bookings. For many UAE residents, the bigger shock is the cost. Airfares this Eid are not only higher than February levels but also well above last year’s festive season prices.

Dubai has unveiled a new ultra-private terminal designed to accommodate helicopters, flying taxis, and next-generation eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. Developed by UAE-based Falcon Executive Aviation and announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025, the facility marks a major step in the emirate’s plans to advance urban air mobility and seamless inter-emirate travel.

Built on a 6,380-square-metre site, the terminal offers direct access to both a helipad and a vertiport, enabling immediate helicopter and eVTOL arrivals and departures. Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment, said the facility is designed to create a smooth, end-to-end mobility experience where travellers can land by private jet, clear immigration privately, and continue their journey by helicopter or transition directly to future eVTOL services for rapid point-to-point travel across Dubai.

The terminal will also feature luxury amenities such as high-end retail, private banking, commercial spaces, and dedicated VIP lounges, supporting a premium vertical-mobility ecosystem.
Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder and Chairman of Alex Group Investment, said the project brings together private jet operations, helicopters, and eVTOLs under one gateway for the first time. He noted that the development includes the largest helipad facility in the UAE and serves as a foundation for the region’s future air mobility network.

A key component enabling the project is the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) regulatory framework issued in July, which allows eVTOLs and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably from the same infrastructure. This means existing helipads can be used for flying taxis, accelerating deployment timelines and optimising infrastructure use.
GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi said the dual-use capability strengthens the UAE’s position as a leader in integrated future aviation ecosystems.

Visitors to the Dubai Airshow 2025 were also given a preview of the flying taxi expected to launch in the first quarter of next year.

As schools close for the mid-term break, families in Dubai are heading outdoors for a dose of sun, sea, and sand. The city’s coastline offers several free beaches perfect for a budget-friendly day out — complete with picture-perfect views, family activities, and nearby amenities.

The Beach, JBR:

Located opposite The Walk at JBR, this vibrant spot combines shopping, dining, and seaside fun. Visitors can enjoy views of Ain Dubai, lounge in The Pods, or watch a movie after a day in the sun.

Jumeirah Public Beach:

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab, this beach offers both relaxation and recreation. Visitors can jog along the track or simply unwind as the turquoise waters meet soft golden sands.

Kite Beach:

Known for its lively atmosphere, Kite Beach offers cycling and running tracks, food stalls, and adventure sports such as kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. XPark Dubai nearby also features skateboarding, parkour, and climbing zones.

Umm Suqeim Beach:

For a quieter escape, Umm Suqeim Beach near Sunset Mall provides a serene setting for evening swims and family picnics. It’s also a favourite for surfers looking to catch the waves at sunset.

With pleasant weather and plenty of family-friendly activities, Dubai’s beaches promise a perfect mid-term break without spending a dirham.