The first charter flight from Azur Air Lands in Abu Dhabi from Moscow to a water-cannon salute. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism
The first charter flight from Azur Air Lands in Abu Dhabi from Moscow to a water-cannon salute. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism

Abu Dhabi welcomes first Azur Air charter flight from Moscow



In response to rising demand on routes between Abu Dhabi and Russia, the emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism has partnered  with Anex, an aviation and tourism services provider, to charter direct flights between the two.

As part of the agreement, twice-weekly charter flights from Moscow to Abu Dhabi International Airport will operate for six months, and the first Azur Air charter landed in Abu Dhabi on Friday evening, with all 186 seats booked.

“This is a huge step forward in Abu Dhabi’s tourism future, particularly for nonstop air service from Russia,” said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, the acting executive director for the DCT’s tourism sector.

“We are excited to position the capital as the arriving and departing gateway for hundreds of Russian long-stay travellers looking to enjoy a relaxing yet affordable holiday. We are confident that this initiative will enable us to tap into the growing appetite to visit Abu Dhabi and experience its diverse attractions.”

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Abu Dhabi has witnessed a dramatic upsurge in travellers – both from Russia and countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) – following the visa-free travel requirements implemented at the beginning of the year for Russian residents, the DCT said.

From January to August this year, Russian and CIS hotel guest numbers totalled 59,040 compared to 49,976 in the corresponding period in 2016, an increase of 18 per cent.

Both markets together have shown double-digit growth, while travellers from Russia are among the top three longest-staying visitors in Abu Dhabi, with an average of one to two weeks.

Currently, Abu Dhabi has approximately 1,800 weekly seats from all Russia and CIS markets. With this programme, the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi aims to compensate for the lack of direct flights ahead of an anticipated surge in the number of visitors from Russia and the CIS following the relaxation of visa requirements.

Anex Tour ranks among the top 10 largest and most credible tour operators in Russia, with offices in 37 regions in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Last season, the company had 13 weekly charter flights via Azur Air from five Russian cities, including nine flights from Moscow to Dubai.

“We are planning to increase the percentage of sales for Abu Dhabi packages at least twice through the exposed flight programme and increasing the number of exclusive contracts with the hotels,” said Svetlana Volynchuk, the supervisor of UAE within the business development department at Anex Tour.

Abu Dhabi becomes a recognised and loved brand among Russian tourists, who rely on high service hotels, security, convenience of urban infrastructure, varied excursion programme, she said.

"Abu Dhabi is 10 to 15 per cent cheaper than other travel destinations in the region," said Ms Volynchuk.

Azur Air is one of the largest charter carriers in Russia, according to Mikhail Kritskiy, general manager for Azur Air.

“We see great potential in the development of the flight programme for the UAE. In the autumn-winter season of 2017-2018 year, this direction promises to be one of the most popular for Russian tourists.

“Azur Air actively contributes to the influx of Russians to UAE resorts. Considering the growing interest of Russian tourists to the country ... the airline seeks to promote the development of travel opportunities for Russian citizens and now opens charter flights to Abu Dhabi.”

The Anex Charter Programme focuses on providing a value-added experience for visitors from Russia, with supporting programmes to offer transportation benefits, Anex said. When fully implemented, the programme is expected to lead to a 40 per cent increase in the number of visitors from Russia to Abu Dhabi.

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Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
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  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
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  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

Baby Driver

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James

Three and a half stars

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Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

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Engine: Duel electric motors
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Profile Periscope Media

Founder: Smeetha Ghosh, one co-founder (anonymous)

Launch year: 2020

Employees: four – plans to add another 10 by July 2021

Financing stage: $250,000 bootstrap funding, approaching VC firms this year

Investors: Co-founders

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Feb 26 Middlesbrough 4-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)

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ESSENTIALS

The flights 

Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Mykonos, with a flight change to its partner airline Olympic Air in Athens. Return flights cost from Dh4,105 per person, including taxes. 

Where to stay 

The modern-art-filled Ambassador hotel (myconianambassador.gr) is 15 minutes outside Mykonos Town on a hillside 500 metres from the Platis Gialos Beach, with a bus into town every 30 minutes (a taxi costs €15 [Dh66]). The Nammos and Scorpios beach clubs are a 10- to 20-minute walk (or water-taxi ride) away. All 70 rooms have a large balcony, many with a Jacuzzi, and of the 15 suites, five have a plunge pool. There’s also a private eight-bedroom villa. Double rooms cost from €240 (Dh1,063) including breakfast, out of season, and from €595 (Dh2,636) in July/August.

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

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Source: American Paediatric Association
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Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?

If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.  

 

 

Company: Instabug

Founded: 2013

Based: Egypt, Cairo

Sector: IT

Employees: 100

Stage: Series A

Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors

RACECARD

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8.55pm Downtown Dubai Cup – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 1,400m

9.30pm Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m

10.05pm Dubai Sprint – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m 

RESULTS

Bantamweight: Jalal Al Daaja (JOR) beat Hamza Bougamza (MAR)

Catchweight 67kg: Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) beat Fouad Mesdari (ALG)

Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) beat Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)

Catchweight 73kg: Mosatafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) beat Yazid Chouchane (ALG)

Middleweight: Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) beat Badreddine Diani (MAR)

Catchweight 78KG: Rashed Dawood (UAE) beat Adnan Bushashy (ALG)

Middleweight: Sallah-Eddine Dekhissi (MAR) beat Abdel Enam (EGY)

Catchweight 65kg: Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG) beat Rachid Hazoume (MAR)

Lightweight: Mohammed Yahya (UAE) beat Azouz Anwar (EGY)

Catchweight 79kg: Souhil Tahiri (ALG) beat Omar Hussein (PAL)

Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (SYR) beat Laid Zerhouni (ALG)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
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