Sunday, 14 September 2025

Thrills in the Sky: Top Spots for Zip-Lining Adventures Across Qatar

Published: Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Thrills in the Sky: Top Spots for Zip-Lining Adventures Across Qatar

Experience the Thrill of Zip-Lining Adventures in Qatar

Qatar has rapidly become a prime destination for adrenaline seekers and families looking for exciting outdoor activities. Among the most exhilarating experiences available is zip-lining, where visitors soar through the air, taking in stunning views of Qatar’s unique landscapes. From serene island settings to vibrant city parks, the country offers a variety of venues where thrill-seekers can enjoy this heart-racing adventure.

Banana Island Adventure Park

Located at the exclusive Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, the Adventure Park features Qatar’s longest zipline, stretching 275 meters from a height of 21 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline. Opened in early 2025, this park has quickly established itself as the ultimate destination for zip-lining enthusiasts.

A scenic 30-minute catamaran ride from Al Shyoukh Port adds to the adventure, immersing visitors in a captivating 360-degree vista of sea and cityscapes before the zipline action begins.

  • Price: Tickets start from QAR 250 for children and QAR 300 for adults, including access to all adventure park attractions and one zipline ride. Special packages with additional rides, food credit, and boat transfer available (e.g., QAR 695 package includes two zipline rides, food credits, and boat transfer).
  • Location: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, accessible by a 30-minute catamaran ride from Al Shyoukh Port.
  • Timing: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Contact: +974 4040 5041

Other Thrilling Zip-Lining Spots in Doha

Doha also offers several other exciting options for zip-lining, perfect for different preferences and age groups:

Angry Birds World

Situated in Doha Festival City, Angry Birds World is a vibrant 17,000 square meter theme park blending indoor and outdoor entertainment for all ages. Central to its adventure offerings is "Own the Sky," a roller-glider style zipline spanning 106 meters. Participants safely harnessed glide through the treetops, simulating free-falling and hang-gliding while enjoying immersive bird’s-eye views of the park. The attraction is thrilling for those 120 cm and taller.

The park operates from early afternoon into late night, offering ample time to enjoy over 20 rides and attractions, including 261-meter multi-level go-karting, trampolines, laser tag, bumper boats, and arcade games. Kids also have dedicated soft play zones like Stella’s Big Tree and Hatchlings area, making it ideal for families. Guests can relax at themed eateries and enjoy live events and parades. Entry requires an admission card, with various options including single, family, and annual passes.

Angry Birds World blends thrilling rides with interactive play and educational fun, making it a standout destination for zip-lining and broader family entertainment in Qatar.

  • Price: Admission varies; single, family, and annual passes available. Zipline included in entry.
  • Location: Doha Festival City, Doha.
  • Timing: Open early afternoon until late night.
  • Contact: +974 4000 7700

Doha Quest

Doha Quest blends adrenaline-packed zipline rides with a variety of adventure challenges like rope courses and climbing activities. The park is welcoming to both adults and juniors, making it a favorite for family outings and friend gatherings. Safety is paramount, with professional guides and equipment. The combination of high-energy zip-lining and physical obstacles offers a comprehensive adventure experience within Doha’s city limits.

  • Price: Entry and ride fees vary; packages available.
  • Location: Doha.
  • Timing: Open daily.
  • Contact: +974 5555 7777

Trampo Extreme

Trampo Extreme distinguishes itself with tailored ziplining attractions based on age and height. Sky Tykes caters to children under 120 cm, enabling safe, fun zipline rides for the youngest adventurers, while taller participants enjoy more elevated Sky Trails courses. This approach allows families to enjoy the thrill together, with age-appropriate challenges and safety measures ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable outing.

  • Price: Starting QAR 100 for kids, with various packages.
  • Location: Doha.
  • Timing: Weekdays and weekends; check site.
  • Contact: +974 5555 6666

Rush Action Park

Rush Action Park is renowned for a wide spectrum of outdoor activities, blending ziplining with other adventure sports such as quad biking, paintball, and obstacle courses. Its versatile offerings appeal to adrenaline lovers of all levels, making it a popular destination for weekend outings, corporate team building, and group adventures. The park’s comprehensive safety protocols and expert staff ensure a secure environment for all participants.

  • Price: Entry packages from QAR 150+.
  • Location: Doha outskirts.
  • Timing: Weekdays and weekends; hours vary.
  • Contact: +974 5599 9977

Gondolania

Located in Doha, Gondolania is a beloved destination that combines entertainment attractions including a zipline suited to family visits. Alongside its thrill ride, the park features bowling, ice skating, and arcade games, catering well to groups with varied interests and age ranges. Its family-oriented ambiance makes it a reliable choice for a fun day out with children and adults alike.

  • Price: Entry around QAR 120; zipline included.
  • Location: City Center Mall, Doha.
  • Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
  • Contact: +974 4480 1122

Trocadero

Trocadero offers an indoor and outdoor entertainment mix, including a zipline experience alongside laser tag, arcade games, and trampoline parks. It is designed to entertain visitors of all ages with a broad spectrum of leisure activities under one roof. The zipline here fits seamlessly into a day of varied fun, particularly appealing to families and groups wanting a comprehensive outing.

  • Price: Packages from QAR 100.
  • Location: Mall of Qatar, Doha.
  • Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Contact: +974 4455 2233

These detailed profiles of Qatar’s top zipline and adventure parks highlight the variety and quality of experiences available, ensuring visitors find the perfect mix of thrill, safety, and family-friendly fun across the nation.

Etihad Airways Releases August 2025 Passenger and Traffic Statistics

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Etihad Airways Releases August 2025 Passenger and Traffic Statistics

Etihad Airways has achieved a historic milestone in August 2025 by carrying more than 2 million passengers in a single month for the first time ever, marking a 22% year-on-year increase compared to August 2024. The airline reported a passenger load factor of 91%, up from 89% last year, underscoring strong demand and efficient use of capacity.

Etihad’s operating fleet expanded to 112 aircraft, serving 81 passenger destinations, with the introduction of the new Airbus A321LR that brings First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats to narrow-body medium-haul routes for the first time in the region. Year-to-date, the airline has carried 14.2 million passengers, an 18% rise from the same period in 2024, maintaining an 88% average load factor.

On the financial front, Etihad reported its strongest-ever half-year performance for the first six months of 2025. Profit after tax surged by 32% to AED 1.1 billion (USD 306 million) compared to the previous year, driven by robust demand, operational productivity, and improved yields in both passenger and cargo sectors.

Total revenue climbed 16% year-on-year, with passenger and cargo revenues growing 16% and 9%, respectively. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 24% to AED 2.7 billion (USD 739 million), with the EBITDA margin improving to 20%, up one percentage point from 2024.

Etihad carried 10.2 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a 17% increase year-on-year, supported by a 14% rise in available seat kilometres (ASK) and an improved average load factor of 87%. In July, the airline surpassed the milestone of 20 million passengers over the previous 12 months, doubling its 2022 total and confirming its status as the fastest-growing airline in the region.

Fleet expansion continues with the delivery of its sixth Airbus A350, the return of a seventh A380, and a landmark order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, reflecting strong long-term growth ambitions. July saw Etihad add five new jets including its first A321LR, marking the highest number of aircraft deliveries ever received in one month.

As of mid-2025, Etihad serves nearly 90 destinations worldwide, with 27 new routes launched or announced this year alone. This growth enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a major global hub, increasing connectivity and attracting millions of visitors. Customer satisfaction also improved across airport services, onboard experience, and digital platforms, with the airline’s First Class Net Promoter Score consistently high at 80—among the best in the industry—while maintaining stable unit costs despite service upgrades.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that this record-breaking month and half-year reflect the trust travelers place in Etihad’s people and their commitment to delivering extraordinary service. The airline's strategy focuses on sustainable expansion, investing in premium experiences, and connecting more travelers through Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as a vibrant destination for global visitors.

Additionally, Etihad hired over 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew, supporting its rapid growth and operational excellence.

These results mark a new era of growth, investment, and service leadership for Etihad Airways as it continues to set new standards in aviation, fueled by strategic fleet expansion, network growth, and a superb customer experience.

Emirates Wins Two Global Honors at 2026 APEX Awards

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Emirates Wins Two Global Honors at 2026 APEX Awards

Emirates has once again strengthened its status as a global aviation leader after winning two prestigious accolades at the 2026 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Global Passenger Choice Awards. The Dubai-based carrier was honored with the titles of  World Class Airline 2026 and Best Global Entertainment, reflecting its continuous efforts to deliver exceptional customer service, cutting-edge products, and innovative passenger experiences across its network.

The results were announced during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO held in Long Beach, California, one of the airline industry’s most anticipated annual gatherings.

The World Class Airline recognition is considered one of the highest distinctions in commercial aviation, reserved for airlines that excel in areas such as passenger safety, sustainability, health and well-being measures, service consistency, and global operations. The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted by industry experts in collaboration with Yates and Partners, as well as verified passenger feedback collected through professional auditing of traveler reviews. This recognition places Emirates among the top global carriers that set benchmarks for excellence in airline standards.

In addition, Emirates’ victory in the category of Best Global Entertainment further underscores its long dominance in inflight entertainment. The airline’s award-winning ice system, regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, offers more than 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, documentaries, music, podcasts, games, and even live sports broadcasts.

Available in multiple languages and updated regularly, the entertainment system has become a defining feature of the Emirates travel experience and a major differentiator for the brand. Passengers also benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity onboard, allowing them to stay connected throughout their journey, a feature increasingly demanded by today’s travelers.

The APEX Global Passenger Choice Awards are especially noteworthy in the aviation industry as they are based on real passenger experiences and independently audited evaluations rather than solely subjective jury decisions. Millions of travelers worldwide share ratings on nearly 600 airlines each year through TripIt®, feeding into the data that determines winners.

This combination of passenger feedback and independent verification ensures that the accolades reflect genuinely outstanding performance and consistency in airline operations.

For Emirates, these awards come at a time when the airline is actively expanding and modernizing its fleet while also upgrading its services in line with evolving customer expectations. Over the past year, Emirates has introduced retrofitted aircraft with refreshed cabins, including its latest Premium Economy class, offering a new level of comfort.

The airline has also expanded its culinary offerings, elevated beverage services across cabins, redesigned lounges, and strengthened its renowned multicultural crew training programs to deliver more personalized care on board.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, welcomed the honors, describing them as a testament to the carrier’s unwavering focus on delivering an unmatched customer journey from ground to sky. He highlighted the airline’s commitment not only to luxury and service innovation but also to sustainable aviation, noting Emirates’ steps toward investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, testing alternative fuels, and integrating environmentally conscious features in its products and ground operations.

The recognition also positions Emirates strongly against its global competitors, such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, all of which are known for high service standards and premium offerings. By maintaining excellence in both overall travel experience and in-flight entertainment, Emirates consolidates its place as a benchmark airline for premium international travelers seeking comfort, reliability, and consistency.

Looking ahead, Emirates will continue to enhance its global connectivity as it expands into new destinations throughout 2026, with routes planned in markets across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The airline is also preparing to welcome next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9, both of which will introduce new levels of efficiency and customer experience to its long-haul journeys. These developments are expected to further strengthen Emirates’ position as a leader in passenger satisfaction and an airline that continuously invests in the future of travel.

Turkish Airlines Carries 60.7 Million Passengers in Jan–Aug 2025 with 82.7% Load Factor

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Turkish Airlines Carries 60.7 Million Passengers in Jan–Aug 2025 with 82.7% Load Factor

Turkish Airlines (THY) reported carrying 60.7 million passengers during the first eight months of 2025, achieving an overall load factor of 82.7%, reflecting steady growth and strong demand. Passenger numbers increased by 5.8% year-over-year, driven in part by a 10.3% rise in international-to-international transfer passengers, which reached 23.1 million.

The airline’s load factor improved by 0.6 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024, with international flights operating at an 82.3% load factor and domestic flights at 86.7%. Turkish Airlines’ available seat kilometers (ASK) also grew by 6.4%, climbing to 179.2 billion from 168.5 billion in the previous year. Additionally, cargo and mail volumes increased by 5.4% to 1.4 million tons, highlighting growth in its freight operations. The carrier’s fleet expanded to 501 aircraft by the end of August.

In August 2025 alone, Turkish Airlines carried 9.4 million passengers, an 11.9% year-over-year jump. International transfer passengers surged by 17.3% to 3.49 million, with the passenger load factor rising 0.9 percentage points to 86.7%. That month, international flights achieved an 86% load factor, while domestic flights reached 92.6%. Available seat kilometers rose 8.2% to 25.3 billion, and cargo and mail volumes increased by 10.5% to over 191,100 tons.

These figures illustrate Turkish Airlines’ ongoing expansion and operational efficiency, underlining its status as a leading global carrier connecting numerous international and domestic destinations with a growing fleet and robust passenger and cargo demand.

Emirates to Deploy A350 with Premium Economy on Dubai–Hangzhou Route from October 26

Published: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Emirates to Deploy A350 with Premium Economy on Dubai–Hangzhou Route from October 26

Emirates, the world's largest international airline, will deploy its Airbus A350 aircraft on the daily Dubai-Hangzhou route starting October 26, 2025. This deployment comes just three months after Emirates inaugurated the Hangzhou service, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering an elevated travel experience on its newest mainland China destination.

Flight EK310 departs Dubai International Airport at 04:15 local time and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00. The return flight EK311 leaves Hangzhou at 00:10 and lands in Dubai at 06:10. The A350 represents the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, adding to the existing fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s serving China.

The Emirates A350 features the airline’s latest signature interiors, with spacious cabins boasting high ceilings and wider aisles. The aircraft is designed to enhance passenger comfort with seamless technology touchpoints and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment.

Importantly, the A350 introduction to Hangzhou also brings Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin to this route, expanding premium travel options. Premium Economy provides a Business Class-like experience with spacious leather reclining seats fitted with full leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, side cocktail tables, 13.3-inch screens, complimentary pillows and blankets, amenity kits on select flights, and exclusive sparkling wine (Chandon Vintage Brut 2017).

The aircraft configuration includes 312 seats across three classes: 32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout, and 259 Economy Class seats arranged 3-3-3.

Passengers can book tickets via emirates.com, the Emirates App, contact centres, travel agents, and Emirates retail stores. Chinese customers can also use WeChat Pay on emirates.com.

Turkish Airlines Resumes Direct Flights to Misrata After 10-Year Suspension

Published: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Turkish Airlines Resumes Direct Flights to Misrata After 10-Year Suspension

 Turkish Airlines has officially resumed direct flights to Misrata, Libya’s third-largest city, following a suspension of more than 10 years. This return complements the airline’s existing Libyan services to Tripoli and Benghazi, expanding its growing footprint across the African continent.

The route, suspended in January 2015 due to regional instability, now operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using Boeing 737-78D aircraft. Flight TK1145 departs Istanbul at 11:30 a.m., arriving in Misrata at 2:25 p.m. local time, while the return flight TK1146 leaves Misrata at 4:25 p.m., arriving in Istanbul at 7:15 p.m.

Mahmut Yayla, Senior Vice President of Sales for Region II at Turkish Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with Misrata, a city sharing deep historical ties with Türkiye. He noted the airline’s commitment to meeting increasing travel demand driven by Africa’s economic growth and highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify gateways on the continent.

To mark the route’s reopening, Turkish Airlines offers promotional fares for tickets purchased by September 9, 2025, with prices starting at $349 one-way from Istanbul to Misrata and $249 for the return trip. These fares apply to travel until November 30, 2025, and may vary based on the point of purchase.

This reopening aligns with Turkish Airlines’ strategy to reinforce Istanbul’s role as a global aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, while strengthening its presence in emerging markets in Africa.