Air Arabia has launched its new in-flight entertainment system. Antonie Robertson/The National
Air Arabia has launched its new in-flight entertainment system. Antonie Robertson/The National
Air Arabia has launched its new in-flight entertainment system. Antonie Robertson/The National
Air Arabia has launched its new in-flight entertainment system. Antonie Robertson/The National

Air Arabia joins push to upgrade inflight entertainment


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Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has become the latest UAE airline to revamp its in-flight entertainments system for passengers.

The Sharjah-based carrier on Monday launched its new complimentary system SkyTime that allows passengers to live-stream digital content on smartphones, tablets or laptops while flying.

Etihad Airways, meanwhile, is removing in-flight entertainment screens and offering wireless entertainment streaming to passengers on their personal electronic devices as part of a new economy class product on its Airbus A320 family narrow-body jets that is scheduled for completion in August this year, the airline said on Sunday.

Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, said last week it is working on various elements of its new premium-economy class including seats and inflight entertainment.

Air Arabia's new entertainment system is now available across its fleet, the carrier said.

Air Arabia serves over 155 routes from multiple hubs spread across the UAE, Morocco and Egypt, with a fleet of 54 aircraft, and plans for further expansion in 2019.

“We are proud to launch SkyTime, our all new free in-flight entertainment system solely designed to provide customers with add value while onboard Air Arabia flights," said Adel Al Ali, group chief executive of Air Arabia.

"This new launch reflects Air Arabia’s commitment to continuously apply innovative solutions aimed at providing real value and convenience to customers."

Customers can access the app-less SkyTime network after takeoff, and enjoy a wide selection of Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic and Russian movies, television shows, music, destination tips and games as well as a special offering for younger ones, the airline said.

Changing visa rules

For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.

Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.

It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.

The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.

The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.