While there’s time left in 2025, travellers will be planning for new adventures in 2026.
Etihad Airways has announced two seasonal destinations for next year – Salalah, Oman, and Krakow, Poland – as well as six other new routes, expanding its growing global network.
Emirates and flydubai haven’t announced new routes yet but are carriers that travellers will be keeping on their radar.
Abu Dhabi to Baku, Azerbaijan
Launching: March 2 (Etihad)
Etihad will operate 10 weekly flights to Azerbaijan’s capital.
Baku is known for its bold architecture, seaside promenade and dynamic energy. Visitors are drawn to its blend of tradition and innovation, from centuries-old palaces to futuristic towers that shape its striking skyline.
Abu Dhabi to Yerevan, Armenia
Launching: March 9 (Etihad)
The UAE’s national carrier will offer 10 weekly flights to Yerevan.
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is celebrated for its grand squares, pink stone buildings and mountain views. Museums, galleries and open-air cafes reflect Armenia’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi, Georgia
Launching: March 13 (Etihad)
Etihad will fly to Tbilisi eight times a week.
This vibrant city combines old-world charm with contemporary flair. Set along the Kura River, Tbilisi is known for its colourful balconies, historic baths, lively cafes and a thriving arts scene that celebrates Georgia’s cultural identity.
Abu Dhabi to Damascus, Syria
Launching: March 20 (Etihad)
Etihad will have four weekly flights to Damascus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus is home to landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus and Al-Hamidiyah Souq.
As the gateway to wider Syria, Damascus offers access to diverse landscapes, from Mediterranean coastlines to desert regions, along with significant archaeological sites including the famed Krak des Chevaliers.
Abu Dhabi to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Launching: March 16 (Etihad)
There will be 10 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Almaty.
The city has tree-lined avenues and alpine scenery, along with a cosmopolitan feel. Surrounded by mountains, it offers access to ski resorts, hiking trails and green spaces – all while its food and arts scene reflects Central Asia’s diverse influences.
Abu Dhabi to Bucharest, Romania
Launching: March 16 (Etihad)
Etihad will offer four weekly flights to Romania’s capital.
Bucharest blends elegant architecture, lively streets and vibrant culture, offering a spirited European getaway full of charm and character.
Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Launching: March 17 (Etihad)
Six weekly flights will connect Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, one of Central Asia’s most populous cities.
Tashkent is a mix of history and modernity, with eye-catching architecture, bustling bazaars and a growing number of cultural institutions that highlight Uzbekistan’s heritage.
Sharjah to London Gatwick, UK
Launching: March 29, 2026 (Air Arabia)
Air Arabia will launch twice-daily non-stop flights to London Gatwick from Sharjah.
The service offers easy access to London’s cultural landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, theatres, museums and vibrant dining scene, making it a convenient option for both leisure and business travellers. Flights will be operated by the Airbus A321neo LR.
Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina
Launching: May 4 (Etihad)
Etihad’s sixth US destination will be Charlotte, with four weekly flights.
Nicknamed the “Queen City”, Charlotte pairs Southern hospitality with a modern edge. It’s home to the Nascar Hall of Fame, diverse neighbourhoods, rich history and a thriving food scene.
Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman
Launching: May 21 (Etihad)
Etihad will launch flights to Salalah starting twice weekly (on Sundays and Thursdays), increasing to daily from mid-June to mid-September.
The southern Omani city is a rare summer oasis in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its Khareef monsoon season, when misty mountains and waterfalls transform the landscape into a lush escape.
Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Launching: June 12, 2026 (Etihad – seasonal)
During the summer, Etihad will operate three weekly flights to Palma de Mallorca, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Known as the gateway to the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca blends Mediterranean coastlines with historic architecture and vibrant cultural life. Key landmarks include the Gothic Palma Cathedral, the Almudaina Royal Palace and the lively Passeig des Born, making it a sun-soaked summer escape with both charm and character.
Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar, Tanzania
Launching: June 14 (Etihad – seasonal)
Another seasonal route, Etihad will operate four weekly flights to Zanzibar until September 6, with services running on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Part of Tanzania’s archipelago, Zanzibar is known for its palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant Swahili culture. From its Unesco-listed Stone Town to spice plantations and coral reefs, the island blends relaxation with discovery.
Abu Dhabi to Krakow, Poland
Launching: June 16 (Etihad)
The Krakow service will include flights operating three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) until September 5.
Known for its medieval Old Town, Gothic churches and cafe-lined squares, Krakow also provides access to Poland’s Tatra Mountains.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
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
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
The biog
Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16, second leg (first-leg scores in brackets):
PSG (2) v Manchester United (0)
Midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
