Dubai International Airport was named the world's busiest for international passengers in October, reclaiming the top spot from Amsterdam's Schiphol, as capacity returns amid an ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The monthly rankings by aviation consultancy OAG were calculated using airlines' international seat capacity and international flight frequency in October, compared to the same month in 2019 before the onset of the pandemic.
"Amsterdam Schiphol's position as the world's busiest international airport was short-lived as Dubai reclaims the top spot this month as capacity through the Middle East hub returns in earnest," OAG said in a report.
Amsterdam moved into second place while Frankfurt and London Heathrow, Europe’s other big airports, were placed third and fourth, respectively, OAG said.
Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline, the world's biggest long-haul carrier, which has already restored 90 per cent of its network and is on track to reach 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic capacity by the end of 2021.
The emirate is also hosting the six-month Expo 2020 Dubai world fair, which officially began in October.
The UAE is set to register a boost in passenger traffic after the reopening of important source markets such as India and the UK.
The reopening of economies around the world, the gradual relaxation of pandemic-induced travel curbs and rapid vaccination programmes are driving the rebound in air travel demand.
Apart from Dubai, with 2.7 million seats, three other Middle East airports made it into the top 10. They are Istanbul in fifth place, Doha in seventh position and Antalya in ninth spot, according to OAG.
European hubs dominated the top 10 list, including Charles de Gaulle in Paris (sixth), Adolfo Suarez-Barajas in Madrid (eighth) and Vienna in Austria (10th).
"Half of the top 10 global airports, by seat capacity, are located in the US," OAG said.
"Reflective of the strong growth in the Chinese domestic market this month, there are now three Chinese airports in the top 10, with Istanbul and Delhi making up the final two."
The busiest international airline route globally in October was between Antalya in Turkey and Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in Russia, which was the third busiest in September, according to OAG data.
There was a strong recovery taking place on some key Middle East routes in October, the consultancy said.
Four of the top 10 busiest international airline routes start or end in Dubai, connecting Riyadh, London Heathrow, Bahrain and Jeddah with the UAE.
In Africa, the busiest international routes by region were between Cairo and Jeddah, Cairo and Dubai, and Cairo and Riyadh.
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm
Donating your hair
• Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
• Clean, dry hair in good condition (no split ends) from any gender, and of any natural colour, is required.
• Straight, wavy, curly, permed or chemically straightened is permitted.
• Dyed hair must be of a natural colour
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Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
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OIL PLEDGE
At the start of Russia's invasion, IEA member countries held 1.5 billion barrels in public reserves and about 575 million barrels under obligations with industry, according to the agency's website. The two collective actions of the IEA this year of 62.7 million barrels, which was agreed on March 1, and this week's 120 million barrels amount to 9 per cent of total emergency reserves, it added.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
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