As the Asia Cup 2025 enthuses cricket fans worldwide, Abu Dhabi emerges as not only a premier sporting venue but also an exceptional travel destination. Visitors attending matches at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium can make the most of their stay by exploring a blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation that Abu Dhabi offers. Below are five enriching experiences to add to the itinerary while in the UAE capital for the Asia Cup.

1. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s most revered landmark and one of the world’s largest mosques. Featuring 82 magnificent white marble domes, vast reflective pools, and intricate floral motifs, the mosque presents a breathtaking sight both by day and night. Inside, behold the world’s largest hand-knotted Persian carpet and a gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier.

Visitors can join guided tours to appreciate the mosque’s architectural grandeur and cultural significance. The mosque’s welcoming atmosphere invites visitors from all faiths, making it a must-visit spiritual and visual sanctuary—and admission is free.

2. Thrill and Relax on Yas Island

Yas Island is the UAE’s leisure capital and perfect for a day of fun away from the stadium. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, situated here, boasts the Formula Rossa—the fastest roller coaster worldwide—offering heart-pounding excitement. Beyond Ferrari World, visitors can enjoy Yas Waterworld’s aquatic adventures, Warner Bros. 

World’s immersive entertainment, and upscale shopping at Yas Mall. The island is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, famous for Formula 1 racing events, where visitors can tour or even try karting. Yas Beach presents serene spots to relax by the sea, balancing adrenaline with downtime.

3. Relax at Corniche Beach

Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches for 8 kilometers along the city’s northwest coast and is popular for its pristine beaches, dedicated cycling and jogging tracks, playgrounds, and landscaped gardens. With its safe swimming waters and walking paths lined by palm trees and cafes, it’s an ideal retreat for families and solo travelers alike. 

Sunset strolls along the Corniche provide stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, making it a rejuvenating stop between cricket matches.

4. Experience Emirati Royalty at Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, is a cultural masterpiece that transcends the typical palace visit. Visitors can explore grand halls adorned with intricate wooden ceilings and exquisite artworks, lush gardens with reflective pools, and exhibitions detailing the UAE’s history, governance, and craftsmanship. 

The palace invites global visitors to learn about Emirati heritage, leadership philosophy, and the spirit of Arab hospitality. It offers a deeper cultural context to the visit, complementing the sporting excitement of the Asia Cup

5. Go on a Desert Safari

A desert safari near Abu Dhabi delivers a quintessential Arabian experience. Visitors can opt for morning, evening, or overnight packages that include thrilling dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles across sandy hills, camel riding, sandboarding, and falconry shows. Evening safaris often culminate in traditional Bedouin-style camps, where guests enjoy cultural performances, henna painting, and authentic Arabic cuisine under the stars. This adventure offers a striking contrast to the modern cityscape and an unforgettable highlight during the Asia Cup break.

Additional Must-Do Experiences

• Mangrove National Park Kayaking: Paddle through tranquil mangrove forests observing diverse birdlife and coastal ecosystems, a serene retreat for nature lovers right within the city limits.
• Heritage Village: Step back to the UAE’s traditional desert life by visiting this living museum featuring artisans, historic buildings, and desert crafts.
• Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Even if not staying in the iconic luxury hotel, visitors can admire the palace’s gleaming facade, expansive gardens, and exquisite Arabian architecture from the Corniche.
• Fine Dining Experiences: Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene boasts top restaurants such as NIRI Restaurant serving refined Japanese cuisine with sea views, ideal for a special night out.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortably: Abu Dhabi’s weather in September can be hot and humid. Lightweight, breathable clothing and carrying water are essential while exploring the city and attending matches.
• Plan Transport Ahead: While taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available, using Abu Dhabi’s well-connected bus system or renting a car can save time. Yas Island and the airport are about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
• Book Attractions Early: Popular spots like Ferrari World and desert safaris can fill up quickly during the Asia Cup. Advance bookings are recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Respect Local Customs: Abu Dhabi is culturally conservative. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites and adhere to local customs, especially during Ramadan if it coincides with the event.
• Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and many public areas. Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport can provide reliable connectivity for navigation and updates during the tournament.
• Timing Visits: Visit outdoor attractions early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and crowds. Evening cricket matches offer a good chance to explore attractions earlier in the day.

Attending the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi is not only a treat for cricket fans but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in a city that perfectly fuses rich tradition with modern luxury and adventure. Whether marveling at stunning mosques, speeding on roller coasters, or exploring Emirati heritage, visitors will find themselves captivated beyond the stadium.

Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, Riyadh Air, is gearing up for a bold entry into the vibrant and fast-growing Indian aviation market, with plans to launch flights to five key Indian cities in the summer of 2026.

The airline is targeting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai as its initial points of entry, signaling a strategic move into one of the world’s most dynamic air travel sectors.

While Delhi and Mumbai are natural choices as India’s political and commercial epicenters, Riyadh Air’s decision to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai reflects a deeper understanding of India’s evolving economic landscape.

Bengaluru, known as the country’s IT powerhouse, boasts strong business links with the Middle East, while Hyderabad has rapidly emerged as another major technology hub. Chennai, the gateway to Tamil Nadu’s industrial heartland, rounds out this mix of traditional and emerging metropolitan regions.

However, the path to launching international flights in India is complex. Riyadh Air will need to secure traffic rights amidst a competitive bilateral framework, negotiate airport slots at packed Indian airports, and coordinate extensively with local aviation authorities.

Establishing ground handling, catering, and passenger services across five cities also demands substantial investment and partnerships on the ground.

The routes hold significant promise. The travel corridor between India and Saudi Arabia is buoyed by a spectrum of passengers – from the millions of Indians journeying for religious pilgrimages like Umrah and Hajj, to business travelers engaged in sectors such as IT services, construction, and oil and gas. 

The large Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia further guarantees steady demand for direct flights, often preferred over connecting flights through regional hubs like Dubai or Doha.

Yet Riyadh Air faces hurdles. Launching five routes simultaneously is an ambitious endeavor more commonly approached through a phased strategy.

The summer 2026 launch date aligns with the delivery of new Airbus A321-200 aircraft, ideal for these routes due to their range, passenger capacity, and efficiency for flights spanning 3.5 to 5 hours. Crafting flight schedules that cater specifically to Indian business travelers’ preferences will be critical for success.

A key challenge lies in navigating the limited bilateral air services agreements (BASA) between India and Saudi Arabia, which may restrict flight frequencies and capacity.

Furthermore, lasting success depends on Riyadh Air’s ability to offer competitive pricing while maintaining the high service standards expected of Gulf carriers.Indian travelers are notoriously price-conscious and quick to choose carriers delivering superior value and reliability.

If Riyadh Air can master these complexities, the airline’s bold five-city launch could serve as a robust foundation for broader expansion across South Asia, potentially encompassing other Indian cities and neighboring regional markets such as Thailand and Bangladesh.

With ample time for meticulous planning, Riyadh Air is poised to thoughtfully enter a challenging but opportunity-rich market, facing stiff competition from established carriers but bringing fresh capacity and options to one of the world’s fastest growing aviation corridors.

Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has set an ambitious target to deliver 100 commercial aircraft annually by 2028, a milestone the company last reached in 2017, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told Reuters. While the manufacturer has steadily increased deliveries since 2021 as part of its recovery from the pandemic-induced aviation crisis, persistent supply chain issues are expected to delay hitting the 100-unit mark until 2028.

The company forecasts delivering between 77 and 85 commercial jets in 2025, up from 73 in 2024, reflecting a roughly 10% year-on-year increase. Gomes Neto emphasized that 2026 will remain a challenging year production-wise due to ongoing bottlenecks, but he projects strong growth resuming in 2027, with 2028 marking the return to triple-digit deliveries.

Embraer continues to grapple with supply disruptions, including delays in fuselage parts sourced from Europe and GE Aerospace engines for its first-generation E1 jets. The situation has improved compared to last year’s engine supply delays for the next-generation E2 jets, yet the supply chain remains vulnerable.

Despite these obstacles, Embraer’s backlog of orders is solid and production slots are nearly fully booked through 2026 and 2027, extending partially into 2028. The recent firm order of 50 E195-E2 jets from U.S.-based low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines, marking Embraer's first U.S. deal for E2 jets, highlights robust demand. The company also secured orders earlier in 2025 from Japan’s ANA, Scandinavian Airlines SAS, and U.S. regional carrier SkyWest for a mix of E2 and E1 models.

Looking ahead, Gomes Neto noted that further E2 orders may be announced before year-end as multiple sales campaigns proceed, though new sales for the E1 fleet—which primarily serves the U.S. market—are not expected in 2025.

Regarding manufacturing strategy, Embraer currently assembles both E1 and E2 aircraft at its Sao Jose dos Campos plant in Brazil. Despite the U.S. imposing a 10% tariff on Brazilian-built aircraft, the company is not planning to establish a U.S. assembly line for E2 jets at this stage. Any consideration for a second assembly facility closer to major buyers would depend on a significant surge in orders, which is not yet evident.

“We prefer to present Embraer’s overall business case,” Gomes Neto explained, highlighting plans to purchase $21 billion from U.S. suppliers over the next five years while exporting $13 billion. He cautioned that establishing a new line would require substantial investment and risk increasing costs, potentially making the aircraft less competitive.

Embraer also maintains assembly lines for some executive jets in Florida and has proposed a $500 million U.S. production line for its C-390 military cargo aircraft, contingent on U.S. government procurement decisions.

Analysts view Embraer’s delivery target as ambitious but achievable if supply chain pressures ease and demand continues to grow, especially for regional jets that address evolving air travel needs. The company’s resilience in navigating post-pandemic recovery and maintaining a robust order book underscores its position as the world’s third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer.

flydubai has announced a new strategic interline agreement with Romania’s national carrier, TAROM, expanding travel options by providing passengers seamless access to 15 destinations across TAROM’s network via Bucharest International Airport (OTP). This partnership enables flydubai customers to enjoy simplified travel itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through-check-in of baggage to their final destination, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Through the agreement, travelers flying between the UAE and Romania can now easily connect to key destinations within TAROM’s domestic and international network. These include major European cities such as Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris, among others. This development supports greater trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Dubai and Eastern and Central Europe.

flydubai operates double daily flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and will be adding Iași as its second Romanian destination starting from 19 September 2025. The airline has steadily grown its presence in Romania since launching flights to Bucharest in 2012, responding to rising passenger demand.

The partnership not only broadens flydubai’s network but also reinforces Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub by linking the UAE to a wider range of European destinations through efficient connections with TAROM. Business Class passengers on flydubai enjoy lie-flat seats, international cuisine, and immersive entertainment, while Economy Class travelers benefit from comfortable reclined seats with adjustable leather headrests.

With a fleet of 93 modern Boeing 737 aircraft, flydubai serves over 135 destinations in 57 countries, having launched more than 100 previously underserved routes, demonstrating its commitment to expanding global connectivity and passenger choice.

TAROM's network, reachable through this agreement, includes approximately 28 destinations across 22 countries, covering vital European cities and regional hubs, making it a strategic partner for flydubai’s continued expansion into Eastern and Central Europe.

Overall, the strategic interline agreement between flydubai and TAROM offers travelers greater flexibility, convenience, and choice, allowing seamless access between the UAE, Romania, and many prominent European destinations. This collaboration is expected to boost business and leisure travel, supporting economic ties and tourism growth in the region.

Hong Kong is increasing its Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) for the first time in 22 years, effective October 1, 2025. The tax will rise from HK$120 (approximately $15) to HK$200 (about $25), a 67% increase. This tax applies to passengers aged 12 and above departing by air from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The increase was enacted through the Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed by the Legislative Council in May 2025. The government anticipates that the hike will generate around HK$1.6 billion in annual revenue.

To maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international aviation hub, exemptions to the tax have been expanded. Previously, direct transit or connecting flight passengers who remained airside and those who arrived and departed on the same day were exempt. From October 1, 2025, new exemptions will include:

• Passengers who arrive and depart by aircraft within 48 hours.
• Passengers arriving by land or sea and departing by aircraft within 48 hours.

Passengers eligible under these new exemptions will still be charged the tax as part of their ticket but can claim a refund through a forthcoming online portal managed by the airport. This refund mechanism aims to encourage more transfer passengers, especially from the Greater Bay Area, enhancing HKIA’s role as a regional hub.

The APDT is typically absorbed into the price of the flight ticket, so passengers may not notice a significant fare difference when booking. Tickets purchased before October 1, 2025, will not be affected by the increased tax.

While some officials worry the increase could impact Hong Kong's attractiveness compared to regional competitors, others view the hike as reasonable and necessary for government revenue and airport infrastructure support.

Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has taken a major step in its long-term fleet renewal by signing an agreement valued up to USD 4.6 billion with Boeing to acquire 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Powered by GE Aerospace engines, the new aircraft will enhance Gulf Air’s operational efficiency, sustainability efforts, and passenger comfort.

The deal was formalized during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Washington D.C., symbolizing the strengthening economic and commercial ties between Bahrain and the United States.

Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, emphasized the significance of the acquisition: “Adding 18 additional 787 Dreamliners an aircraft highly appreciated by our customers increases our passenger capacity by over 20%, marking a crucial milestone in our growth and modernization journey. This also aligns with our strategy to deliver a more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and passenger-focused travel experience. 

Partnering with Boeing and GE Aerospace, global leaders in aviation innovation, affirms our confidence in advancing Gulf Air’s future. This collaboration also highlights the strong and enduring partnership between Bahrain and the USA.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is celebrated worldwide for its fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and superior passenger experience. It will play a central role in supporting Gulf Air’s long-haul operations, route expansion, and sustainability initiatives.

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented, “We are proud to deepen our more than six-decade partnership with Gulf Air by delivering the 787 Dreamliner. This investment underscores Gulf Air’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, strengthening Bahrain’s status in the global aviation industry.”

In conjunction with the aircraft order, Gulf Air and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workshop capabilities in Bahrain. This initiative, still in its early stages, aims to localize MRO operations, develop local aviation talent, create jobs, and bring world-class services aligned with the latest technologies.

This strategic partnership further reinforces Gulf Air’s ambition to position Bahrain as a key aviation hub in the region, contributing to the Kingdom’s goals for economic diversification and enhanced global connectivity.