• JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint seats offer socially-distanced flying, with 24 individual suites each with a lie-flat bed, aisle access and a sliding door. All images courtesy JetBlue.
    JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint seats offer socially-distanced flying, with 24 individual suites each with a lie-flat bed, aisle access and a sliding door. All images courtesy JetBlue.
  • JetBlue has introduced it's redesigned business class cabins ahead of starting flights to London this year. Fares in the premium cabin called Mint will be competitively priced by the low-cost US airline.
    JetBlue has introduced it's redesigned business class cabins ahead of starting flights to London this year. Fares in the premium cabin called Mint will be competitively priced by the low-cost US airline.
  • All seats have mood lighting designed to enhance the inflight experience and fast, free WiFi is available on board.
    All seats have mood lighting designed to enhance the inflight experience and fast, free WiFi is available on board.
  • JetBlue's new Mint studios come with an additional seat, a table and the largest bed from any US airline, based on total reclined bed surface area.
    JetBlue's new Mint studios come with an additional seat, a table and the largest bed from any US airline, based on total reclined bed surface area.
  • Meals are designed by the team behind popular New York restaurant Charlie Bird.
    Meals are designed by the team behind popular New York restaurant Charlie Bird.
  • Mint travellers can order Barista-style coffees including cold brews and non-dairy options.
    Mint travellers can order Barista-style coffees including cold brews and non-dairy options.
  • All suites and studios come with a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow and pillowcase, and a snooze kit with matching eye mask and earplugs.
    All suites and studios come with a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow and pillowcase, and a snooze kit with matching eye mask and earplugs.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones are provided for travellers on JetBlue's Mint.
    Noise-cancelling headphones are provided for travellers on JetBlue's Mint.
  • The all-new Mint Studio offers the most space in a premium experience from any US airline, by Based on personal square footage per passenger seat.
    The all-new Mint Studio offers the most space in a premium experience from any US airline, by Based on personal square footage per passenger seat.

JetBlue reveals new all-suite Mint cabins for flights to London: every seat has aisle access


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

JetBlue has revealed its new Mint experience, set to arrive with the airline's inaugural transatlantic flights later this year.

A smaller version of the redesigned business-class cabin will also debut on select New York to Los Angeles routes in June, with fares for the six-hour journey starting from $529.

Travellers flying in JetBlue's new Mint cabins won't need to decide between a window or aisle seat, because every chair offers access to both.

The 24-suite cabin has been designed specifically for the airline's Airbus A321LR narrow-body jets. Each seat gives travellers their own space, with a window view and direct aisle access, as well as sliding doors for privacy. It's a clever design that looks set to be popular at a time when passengers are likely to be wary of getting too close to others on flights.

Each suite has a fully lie-flat seat that comes with a blanket, memory foam pillow and a snooze kit containing an eye-mask, foam earplugs and a toothbrush.

There's a 17-inch flat-screen television, noise-cancelling headphones and several charging points, as well as storage space for shoes, laptops and more.

Fast, free Wi-Fi and customisable lighting make it easy for business travellers to work, no matter the time of day.

The cabin has also been fitted with larger overhead bins for luggage storage.

Front-row access

  • JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint seats offer socially-distanced flying, with 24 individual suites each with a lie-flat bed, aisle access and a sliding door. All images courtesy JetBlue.
    JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint seats offer socially-distanced flying, with 24 individual suites each with a lie-flat bed, aisle access and a sliding door. All images courtesy JetBlue.
  • JetBlue has introduced it's redesigned business class cabins ahead of starting flights to London this year. Fares in the premium cabin called Mint will be competitively priced by the low-cost US airline.
    JetBlue has introduced it's redesigned business class cabins ahead of starting flights to London this year. Fares in the premium cabin called Mint will be competitively priced by the low-cost US airline.
  • All seats have mood lighting designed to enhance the inflight experience and fast, free WiFi is available on board.
    All seats have mood lighting designed to enhance the inflight experience and fast, free WiFi is available on board.
  • JetBlue's new Mint studios come with an additional seat, a table and the largest bed from any US airline, based on total reclined bed surface area.
    JetBlue's new Mint studios come with an additional seat, a table and the largest bed from any US airline, based on total reclined bed surface area.
  • Meals are designed by the team behind popular New York restaurant Charlie Bird.
    Meals are designed by the team behind popular New York restaurant Charlie Bird.
  • Mint travellers can order Barista-style coffees including cold brews and non-dairy options.
    Mint travellers can order Barista-style coffees including cold brews and non-dairy options.
  • All suites and studios come with a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow and pillowcase, and a snooze kit with matching eye mask and earplugs.
    All suites and studios come with a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow and pillowcase, and a snooze kit with matching eye mask and earplugs.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones are provided for travellers on JetBlue's Mint.
    Noise-cancelling headphones are provided for travellers on JetBlue's Mint.
  • The all-new Mint Studio offers the most space in a premium experience from any US airline, by Based on personal square footage per passenger seat.
    The all-new Mint Studio offers the most space in a premium experience from any US airline, by Based on personal square footage per passenger seat.

For any travellers seeking a more exclusive flying experience, the front-row Mint Studio has the largest bed on any airline in the US, as well as the biggest television, measuring in at 22 inches.

Travellers booking these studios will also have an extra seat and a table that can be used for workspace or dining, plus a storage cupboard with an illuminated vanity mirror.

Each "apartMint" – as the airline is calling these seats towards the nose of the jet – is spread along the length of two window spaces.

SoHo-style dining and barista coffee

Barista-style coffee and meals from hip New York restaurant Charlie Bird will be served on JetBlue's new Mint experience. Courtesy JetBlue
Barista-style coffee and meals from hip New York restaurant Charlie Bird will be served on JetBlue's new Mint experience. Courtesy JetBlue

All Mint flyers will be served JetBlue's upgraded dining menu. The airline has partnered with the Delicious Hospitality Group, the team behind popular SoHo restaurant Charlie Bird.

Menus change depending on flight times and destinations, but each route gives passengers a choice of five small plates, which can selected by circling their choice on the menu. There's also a bar list that works the same way, designed to reduce interaction between crew and passengers. A curated Spotify playlist from Charlie Bird restaurant is on offer, designed to complement the in-flight dining experience. The airline is also serving a range of barista-style coffee with cold-brew and dairy-free milk options available.

The Mint experience was first introduced by JetBlue in 2014. This is the first time it has been entirely redesigned.

“Mint was an idea to make premium travel across the US less stuffy and more affordable, and its performance has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations of going beyond New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer at JetBlue.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

MATCH INFO

AC Milan v Inter, Sunday, 6pm (UAE), match live on BeIN Sports

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)

Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.

In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.

It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.

Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten

Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a  month before Reaching the Last Mile.

Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.

  • It’s So Easy
  • Mr Brownstone
  • Chinese Democracy
  • Welcome to the Jungle
  • Double Talkin’ Jive
  • Better
  • Estranged
  • Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
  • Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
  • Rocket Queen
  • You Could Be Mine
  • Shadow of Your Love
  • Attitude (Misfits cover)
  • Civil War
  • Coma
  • Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
  • Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
  • November Rain
  • Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
  • Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
  • Nightrain

Encore:

  • Patience
  • Don’t Cry
  • The Seeker (The Who cover)
  • Paradise City
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

UAE SQUAD FOR ASIAN JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP

Men’s squad: Faisal Al Ketbi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Kathiri, Thiab Al Nuaimi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, Farraj Khaled Al Awlaqi, Muhammad Al Ameri, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, Saeed Al Qubaisi, Abdullah Al Qubaisi and Hazaa Farhan

Women's squad: Hamda Al Shekheili, Shouq Al Dhanhani, Balqis Abdullah, Sharifa Al Namani, Asma Al Hosani, Maitha Sultan, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Maha Al Hanaei, Shamma Al Kalbani, Haya Al Jahuri, Mahra Mahfouz, Marwa Al Hosani, Tasneem Al Jahoori and Maryam Al Amri

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Company%20Profile
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List of alleged parties
  • May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
  • 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
  • Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 
  • Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
  • Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters 
  • Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
  • Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 
The%20Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELamborghini%20LM002%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205.2-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20450hp%20at%206%2C800rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%20at%204%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFive-speed%20manual%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%209%20seconds%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201986-93%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20vehicles%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20328%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue%20today%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24300%2C000%2B%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A