Travellers can use the interactive map from the International Air Transport Association to see which countries are open to tourists and where flights are operating. IATA
Travellers can use the interactive map from the International Air Transport Association to see which countries are open to tourists and where flights are operating. IATA
Travellers can use the interactive map from the International Air Transport Association to see which countries are open to tourists and where flights are operating. IATA
Travellers can use the interactive map from the International Air Transport Association to see which countries are open to tourists and where flights are operating. IATA

News

Iata's interactive travel map shows which countries are open and where flights are operating

The map is updated every 15 minutes to show country-specific travel restrictions and flight rules

Hayley Skirka
Hayley Skirka

June 15, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Keeping on top of the endless travel updates and changing movement restrictions across the globe during the pandemic is no easy task.

Regulations change daily, with countries making their own rules on whether flights can operate and who can cross borders.

To help make things a little clearer for anyone trying to plan travel, the International Air Transport Association has published a free interactive map that details what restrictions are in place and where.

Real-time updates

The interactive map shows which countries are open to travellers. It also notes where passenger flights are operating and which countries are allowing repatriation flights and special services. Emirates
The interactive map shows which countries are open to travellers. It also notes where passenger flights are operating and which countries are allowing repatriation flights and special services. Emirates

The map is updated every 15 minutes by a team working with 1,700 government sources across more than 220 countries. It relies on Iata's Timatic database, which contains information on documentation required for international travel. The information gives would-be travellers access to the most recent information on travel restrictions around the globe.

Travellers with holidays on the horizon can use the map to find out whether their trips are likely to go ahead. It’s also a handy way to see if flights are operating in and out of any country that people may be planning to visit in the coming months.

“As the aviation industry prepares to safely restart, travellers will need to know which countries’ borders are open and what health restrictions exist,” Anish Chand, assistant director on Iata's Timatic Team, said.

Travel to the UAE is ‘Totally Restrictive’, according to the IATA’s Covid-19 travel map. IATA
Travel to the UAE is ‘Totally Restrictive’, according to the IATA’s Covid-19 travel map. IATA

The user-friendly map is colour-coded according to the regulations in place in each country. Pale blue destinations are unrestricted, light blue countries have some restrictions and dark blue nations are totally restrictive.

The UAE is listed as “totally restricted”, as is neighbouring Oman and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain and Kuwait are listed as “partially restricted”.

Users can click on a country to reveal a pop-up information box that details the latest regulations for that location. Information pertaining to the UAE explains that most passenger flights are suspended. It also notes that repatriation flights and special services can operate in and out of the country, and that anyone landing in Dubai must complete a self-declaration health form.

Travellers can use the map to instantly see what’s required at any country in the world, and to check if they are currently eligible to visit specific destinations.

Iata says it has worked with airlines and government agencies across the world to present travellers with the most recent information but does not guarantee accuracy. Travellers are advised to use the map as a guide but should make their own checks before booking flights or planning travel.

Scroll through a gallery about Dubai International Airport:

  • A health worker checks the body temperature of passengers bound for Frankfurt at Dubai International Airport.
    A health worker checks the body temperature of passengers bound for Frankfurt at Dubai International Airport.
  • Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport.
    Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt board a shuttle bus at Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt board a shuttle bus at Dubai International Airport.
  • A flydubai aircraft is parked on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport.
    A flydubai aircraft is parked on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers check in at Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers check in at Dubai International Airport.
  • An information board displays an alert for passengers to maintain distance from others at Dubai International Airport.
    An information board displays an alert for passengers to maintain distance from others at Dubai International Airport.
  • Mask-clad passengers bound for Frankfurt walk past check-in counters at Dubai International Airport.
    Mask-clad passengers bound for Frankfurt walk past check-in counters at Dubai International Airport.
  • A mask-clad employee walks in front of a flydubai aircraft on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport.
    A mask-clad employee walks in front of a flydubai aircraft on the tarmac of Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers bound for Frankfurt wait at a terminal of Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers wait at a terminal at Dubai International Airport, as Emirates resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights.
    Passengers wait at a terminal at Dubai International Airport, as Emirates resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights.
  • An Emirates aircraft takes off from Dubai International Airport.
    An Emirates aircraft takes off from Dubai International Airport.
  • Emirates Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport as the airline resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights.
    Emirates Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport as the airline resumed a limited number of outbound passenger flights.
  • Passengers are assisted at the check-in counter in a terminal at Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers are assisted at the check-in counter in a terminal at Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport.
  • Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport.
    Passengers have their travel documents checked before departure at Dubai International Airport.
While you're here
The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

While you're here
'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

FIGHT CARD

Welterweight Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Tohir Zhuraev (TJK)

Catchweight 75kg Leandro Martins (BRA) v Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR)

Flyweight Corinne Laframboise (CAN) v Manon Fiorot (FRA)

Featherweight Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB)

Lightweight Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) v Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG)

Featherweight Yousef Al Housani (UAE) v Mohamed Arsharq Ali (SLA)

Catchweight 69kg Jung Han-gook (KOR) v Elias Boudegzdame (ALG)

Catchweight 71kg Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) v Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)

Featherweight title Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)

Lightweight title Bruno Machado (BRA) v Mike Santiago (USA)

SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Asian Cup 2019

Quarter-final

UAE v Australia, Friday, 8pm, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last 16, second leg
Liverpool (0) v Atletico Madrid (1)
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: Thursday, March 12, midnight
Live: On beIN Sports HD

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Refuses to go to school

Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings

Begins to use language they do not normally use

How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The%20specs
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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