Emirates has opened a new lounge and the UAE has been named a top global destination for winter tourism.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has unveiled the final designs for its anticipated Dream of the Desert rail project, and Osaka, Japan has clamped down on public smoking ahead of hosting Expo 2025.
Here is a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Saudi Arabia unveils designs of luxury desert train
Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian luxury hospital group Arsenale have revealed the final designs for the Dream of the Desert rail project, which aims to be the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.
It consists of 14 carriages that house 34 luxury suites and one restaurant, with a menu that will be curated by local and international chefs.
Departing from Riyadh, the train will cross the Northern Railway network, allowing travellers to explore some of the kingdom’s heritage and natural sites. It will travel will travel approximately 1,250 kilometres from the Saudi capital to Al Qurayyat in the north of the country, close to the Jordanian border.
Reservations have not opened but the first journey is currently slated to take place in the third quarter of 2026.
Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors are sandy, with golds, beiges and darker tones, coupled with intricate Art Deco-inspired decorative details. Architectural elements and motifs from famous Saudi landmarks – including AlUla, Hegra and Hail – are also elegantly incorporated into the train’s design.
UAE becomes top global destination for winter tourism
The World Travel and Tourism Council has reported that the UAE received 29.2 million international tourists in 2024, ranking it first in the region and 18th in the world (up seven places from 2023) during the winter tourism season.
The report further projects that the number of international visitors will reach 45.5 million by 2033. As part of its Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aims to attract Dh100 billion worth of investment in tourism and welcome 40 million hotel guests.
With mild winter weather and diverse attractions, the UAE remains a popular destination. It recently launched its fifth “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign, highlighting the country’s cultural and natural experiences.
Emirates opens new lounge in Bangkok
Emirates has opened its new lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in the SAT-1 Terminal, offering an upgraded experience for premium travellers.
The $5 million refurbishment has transformed the space into the airline’s largest international lounge outside Dubai. Spanning 1,454 square metres, it can accommodate up to 250 guests.
First and business-class passengers, along with eligible Skywards members, can relax in the new lounge, which features shower spas, complimentary Wi-Fi and a diverse menu of local and international dishes as well as Thai desserts.
As part of its mission to enhance the travel experience, Emirates operates six daily flights from Bangkok and now has 41 airport lounges worldwide, including seven in Dubai and 34 across its global network.
Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi opens its doors
Hilton has opened its highly anticipated Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, offering impressive views of the Nile. Located in Cairo’s Maadi district near the Museum of Civilisation, the hotel features 255 rooms and suites.
The hotel has four food and drink outlets that have local and international flavours. It also features a spa, fitness centre with views of the Nile, an outdoor swimming pool and a children's pool.
"We take a lot of pride in our newest hotel and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience everything the city has to offer," said hotel general manager Haitham Nassar.
Osaka bans public smoking ahead of Expo 2025
The Japanese city of Osaka has banned public smoking ahead of hosting this year’s Expo. Around 160 countries and regions will take part in Expo 2025, which is held in different countries every five years. It will run from April to October and is projected to welcome 28.2 million visitors.
The ban on public smoking began on January 27 and includes parks, plazas, roads and other public places. Vapes are also banned. Smoking was previously banned in six zones, including the area around Osaka station. This has been expanded to the whole city and now violators face a fine of 1,000 yen ($6.45).
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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Norway
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Canada
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RECORD%20BREAKER
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Torbal Rayeh Wa Jayeh
Starring: Ali El Ghoureir, Khalil El Roumeithy, Mostafa Abo Seria
Stars: 3
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key Points
- Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
- Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Arsenal 1 (Aubameyang 12’) Liverpool 1 (Minamino 73’)
Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties
Man of the Match: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal)
