Thursday, 17 July 2025
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Experience the Best of Qatar in April: A Month of Diverse Events

Family-Friendly Activities and Festivals
Published: Friday, March 28, 2025
Experience the Best of Qatar in April: A Month of Diverse Events

As the world continues to evolve and grow, Qatar stands out as a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Qatar is set to become an even more exciting place to visit and live in April.

The month promises to be filled with a wide array of events that cater to diverse interests, from spectacular festivals and sporting competitions to cultural exhibitions and musical performances. Here's a glimpse into what April has in store for Qatar

As April unfolds, Qatar is poised to become a vibrant hub of diverse events, offering something for everyone. The month begins with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, which will be marked by spectacular festivities across the country. One of the highlights will be the Lusail Sky Festival, taking place at Al Saad Plaza in Lusail City from April 3 to 5.

This festival promises to dazzle audiences with breathtaking aerial displays, including acrobatic aircraft formations, drone parades, glider performances, laser displays, and fireworks. The event will create a festive atmosphere unlike any other, drawing in crowds from all over to witness the mesmerizing sky shows.

In addition to these celebrations, malls across Qatar will host a variety of activities designed to entertain both children and adults. Lagoona Mall will offer fun workshops for children from March 30 to April 4, providing a creative outlet for young minds. Meanwhile, Mall of Qatar will present A Wonderland of Soapy Bubbles from March 30 to April 5, featuring mesmerizing bubble performances that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Place Vendôme Mall will host "The Smurf-tastic Fair" from March 31 to April 15, bringing the beloved Smurfs characters to life in an interactive and immersive experience. Doha Quest will also offer festive attractions for all ages from April 1 to 5, ensuring that everyone has a memorable time during the Eid celebrations.

April will also be filled with exciting sporting events that will attract enthusiasts from around the world. The Lusail International Circuit will host the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar from April 11 to 13, drawing in the world's top motorcyclists for a thrilling competition. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour 2025 will take place from April 15 to 19, highlighting the growing popularity of padel as a sport.

Additionally, the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup – Taishan will run from April 16 to 19 at the Aspire Dome, featuring some of the world's best gymnasts competing in various disciplines. Other notable sporting events include the Al Maha Island Aquathlon and the Al Zubarah Race on April 19, followed by the Beach Sports Festival at Aspire Park from April 20 to 26, which will offer a range of beach activities for participants and spectators alike.

On the cultural and creative front, Qatar will host Qumra 2025 at the Museum of Islamic Art from April 4 to 9. This event brings together filmmakers and creatives from around the world to share ideas, learn from each other, and showcase their work. The BilAraby Summit will take place from April 19 to 20 at Multaqa – Education City Students Centre, focusing on developments in the Arab media industry and providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

The EcoGreen Expo and the 2nd Edition of the Earthna Summit for a Sustainable Future will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from April 22 to 25. These events will highlight innovations in sustainability and clean energy, attracting experts and enthusiasts interested in environmental solutions.

Music enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to as well. Concerts featuring Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi and Hisham Mahrous will take place at U Venue on April 4, offering a unique blend of music styles. The TUL8TE Concert will be held at Doha Golf Club on the same day, providing another exciting musical experience.

The Disney Musical Show: The Magic Box will run from April 3 to 12 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, offering a Disney-inspired musical experience for all ages. Other musical highlights include Candlelight: Mozart & Chopin Classics, which will bring classical music lovers together to enjoy timeless compositions, and Anirudh’s Hukum World Tour concert on April 11, featuring the renowned Indian composer and singer.

Additionally, Ed Sheeran's concert on April 30 at Lusail Multipurpose Hall promises to be a major draw, attracting fans from across the region.

Lastly, comedy fans can enjoy the 3a Ka3ba improve comedy show on April 26, which will offer a hilarious evening of improvisational comedy. Classical music lovers can experience the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony on the same evening, providing a sophisticated and enriching musical experience. With such a diverse range of events, April promises to be an exciting month in Qatar, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

India rolls out e-visa for Kuwait from July 14 — 5-year tourist visas now offered

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
India rolls out e-visa for Kuwait from July 14 — 5-year tourist visas now offered

In a landmark move to simplify travel and enhance bilateral relations, Kuwaiti citizens can now apply for Indian e-visas entirely online beginning Monday, July 14, 2025. The announcement was made by Dr. Adarsh Swaika, India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, who described the launch as a “qualitative shift” in India-Kuwait engagement.

The new digital platform covers five visa categories: tourism, business, medical, conference, and AYUSH (alternative medicine including yoga and Ayurveda). Applicants no longer need to visit visa centers; all steps including application submission, document upload, and payment are completed online.

Key features of the e-visa system include:

Tourist visas valid for up to five years at a fee of $80
Other visa fees range from $40 to $80 depending on type and duration
Biometric data collection upon arrival at Indian airports
Typical processing time of three to four days, with minor technical issues possible during rollout

Ambassador Swaika emphasized that this initiative responds to a long-standing request from Kuwaiti citizens and reflects the deep historic and cultural ties between the two nations. The move also aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize consular services and strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people connections in the Gulf region.

The e-visa allows for a variety of short-term activities such as tourism, business meetings, medical treatment (including under Indian traditional medicine systems), attending conferences, and participation in yoga or Ayurveda programs.

Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months and possess a return or onward ticket. The Indian Consulate in Kuwait will continue to accept paper visa applications for those who prefer traditional processing.

This digital visa rollout is expected to boost travel, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Kuwait, supporting the growing interest among Kuwaitis in Indian tourism, healthcare, and business opportunities.
For more information and to apply, Kuwaiti citizens can access the official Indian e-visa portal, which provides guidance in both English and Arabic.

This development marks a significant step forward in facilitating seamless cross-border travel and enhancing the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait.

Riyadh Air Confirms Launch of Boeing 787 Operations

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Riyadh Air Confirms Launch of Boeing 787 Operations

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Qatar Airways launches Privilege Club Pro for faster rewards.

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Qatar Airways launches Privilege Club Pro for faster rewards.

Qatar Airways has introduced Privilege Club Pro, a new subscription service within its loyalty programme that enables members to earn additional Avios and Qpoints each month. This marks the first time a loyalty programme using Avios has launched a subscription model allowing members to collect status points, setting a new standard for boosting rewards and advancing tier status.

Developed in partnership with Points, a Plusgrade company specializing in ancillary revenue solutions, Privilege Club Pro allows members to accelerate their Avios balances. Subscribers can enjoy a range of rewards, such as bidding on exclusive experiences through Privilege Club Collection, booking award seat flights, shopping at Qatar Duty Free, and accessing hundreds of partners worldwide.

Christophe Guittard, Senior Vice President Business-to-Consumer at Qatar Airways, commented, “As a lifestyle loyalty programme, Privilege Club continues to expand the way members engage with their everyday transactions by ensuring steady, predictable progress toward meaningful rewards. Our latest addition, Privilege Club Pro, is a flexible subscription offering that brings members closer to their goals.

 By boosting their monthly Avios and Qpoints balance, members can now plan ahead for their dream trip or elevate their journey with upgrades and exclusive moments at Qatar Duty Free home to one of the most expansive collections of luxury brands in any airport, alongside curated boutiques and world-class dining options. It reflects our continued commitment to rewarding loyalty in more personal, relevant, and exciting ways, and we look forward to welcoming members to this new chapter.”

Members can subscribe to Privilege Club Pro via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways app, choosing from monthly or yearly plans across four tiers:

  • Access: 2,500 Avios per month; USD 50/month or USD 500/year
  • Select: 7,500 Avios per month; USD 130/month or USD 1,300/year
  • Exclusive: 15,000 Avios per month; USD 240/month or USD 2,400/year
  • Ultimate: 20,000 Avios and five Qpoints per month; USD 350/month or USD 3,500/year

The Ultimate tier includes Qpoints, which help members maintain or upgrade their loyalty status. The required Qpoints for tier upgrades are as follows: Burgundy to Silver – 150 Qpoints, Silver to Gold – 300 Qpoints, and Gold to Platinum – 600 Qpoints.

Privilege Club members can spend Avios on curated sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture packages through Privilege Club Collection, including access to global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and UEFA Champions League. Travelers passing through Hamad International Airport recently named the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ by Skytrax in 2025 can also redeem Avios at Qatar Duty Free, which features over 200 outlets offering luxury shopping, unique dining, and convenient express shops.

ge Club Pro offers members a flexible and rewarding way to accelerate their travel benefits, providing more opportunities to enjoy exclusive experiences and elevate their loyalty status.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches non-stop flights to Sialkot, Pakistan

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches non-stop flights to Sialkot, Pakistan

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan, starting July 17, 2025. This exciting development will see the airline operate three weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan’s key industrial hubs.

The new route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flight 3L 311 departing Abu Dhabi at 1:35 a.m. and arriving in Sialkot at 6:00 a.m. The return flight, 3L 312, will leave Sialkot at 6:50 a.m., landing in Abu Dhabi at 9:20 a.m. This schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand from business travelers and the large expatriate community linking the two regions.

Sialkot, located in the northeast of Punjab province near the Kashmir hills and Chenab River, is renowned as a vital industrial and export center in Pakistan. The new service will expand Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s footprint in Pakistan beyond its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan, providing passengers with more options for direct and affordable travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline offers value-added services such as free in-flight streaming through ‘SkyTime’ and affordable onboard catering with ‘SkyCafe.’ Additionally, travelers can benefit from the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn and redeem points.

Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi–Sialkot flights are now available for booking via Air Arabia’s website, call center, and authorized travel agencies, marking a significant boost in air connectivity between the UAE and Pakistan’s thriving industrial regions.

Fly Direct from UAE to Germany for Less Than Dhs800

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Fly Direct from UAE to Germany for Less Than Dhs800

Air Arabia, one of the UAE’s leading low-cost carriers, is set to launch a new direct route from Sharjah International Airport to Munich, Germany, starting December 15, 2025. This exciting development offers travelers an affordable gateway to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, with one-way fares starting at just Dhs794 and round-trip tickets from Dhs1,393.

The timing of the launch is perfect for those eager to experience Munich’s famous Christmas markets, historic landmarks, and cultural highlights such as the English Garden, Oktoberfest festivities, and live football matches at the Allianz Arena. Munich, a key economic and cultural hub in southern Germany, is a strategic addition to Air Arabia’s expanding European network, which already includes destinations like Vienna, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, Warsaw, and Prague.

Air Arabia will operate daily non-stop flights using its modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline’s CEO, Adel Al Ali, emphasized that the new route underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to providing affordable, value-driven travel options while supporting long-term growth. He highlighted Munich’s appeal to both business and leisure travelers and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming passengers onboard for a seamless travel experience.

This new service enhances connectivity between the UAE and Germany, complementing existing routes operated by Emirates and Etihad to German cities including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg. Munich Airport officials have welcomed the route, noting its importance in strengthening ties between the Gulf region and Germany.

Passengers can book their flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, and enjoy onboard amenities such as the free SkyTime streaming service and the SkyCafe buy-on-board menu. The launch of the Sharjah–Munich route not only broadens travel choices but also supports tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two regions, marking a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s European expansion strategy.