The UAE is on track to introduce air taxis by the first quarter of 2026, thanks to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives. This development aims to significantly reduce travel time by 40%, offering a solution to traffic congestion through the implementation of electric air taxis with zero emissions.

The country is actively engaged in preparing for this innovative transportation mode. Eng. Ruba Abdelal, Chief Specialist, Innovative Mobility Expert for the UAE Government, highlights the time efficiency and increased productivity that electric aviation will bring. The first electric air taxis are expected to take flight across the Emirates, providing a more efficient means of travel within cities.

Omran Hassan Malek, Senior Specialist in Policy and Regulation and Advanced Air Mobility Project Manager at the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE, anticipates the arrival of the future of air mobility by 2026. Despite potential resistance to this new mode of transportation initially, the long-term outlook envisions air taxis becoming a mainstream mode of transportation within the next five years.

Collaborations, such as the one with Archer, and the commitment of stakeholders like Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Airbus, signify a concerted effort to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the successful integration of electric air taxis. Abu Dhabi has pledged to be the inaugural partner for Archer’s fully electric air taxi service, set to launch in 2026.

The introduction of air taxis is not only expected to revolutionize transportation but also to attract millions in foreign direct investment and generate thousands of jobs in the region over the next ten years. Balkiz Sarihan, CEO of Airbus Urban Mobility and Head of UAM Airbus, emphasizes that air taxis will provide a new transportation choice rather than replace existing modes of travel.

However, challenges are acknowledged in implementing this futuristic transportation system. Borja Blond, CEO of Advanced Air Mobility Operator, points out the key role of authorities in ensuring the safety of operations. Addressing complexities such as maintenance requirements and pilot training is crucial for the successful integration of electric air taxis into the transportation landscape.

The UAE is expected to experience partly cloudy weather with convective clouds forming over certain areas, leading to rainfall.

Temperatures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are projected to reach 31°C, with lows of 22°C and 23°C. Light to moderate winds may cause blowing dust and sand. Additionally, the sea conditions are expected to be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. 

Residents are warned of a potential rise in flu cases during the rainy weather. In other news, a desert crash in the UAE resulted in one fatality and another injury, while a UAE flight carrying Gaza victims arrived in Abu Dhabi, surprising witnesses with the calmness on the faces of the Palestinian passengers.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting winter wonderland right here in the heart of Deira, Dubai! TFI Studios is thrilled to unveil its Christmas Studio Booth, a new attraction that promises to add a touch of festive joy to your holiday season.

📍 Location: Ali Bin Salim Building M03, Abu Bakr Al Seddique Road, Deira, Dubai near Hyatt Place Al Rigga (Same building as Top Brands).

Step into a world of white Christmas vibes and capture the magic with stunning photos that will warm your heart. Our studio offers an array of lovely and affordable photo services to suit every festive moment.

📸 Photo Package Highlights:

• Price: AED 250 dirhams
• Inclusions: Unlimited shots, 10 soft copies, and 1 A4 framed photo
• Service Period: Available from November 18 to January 2024

Gather your family, friends, and affiliates for a memorable photoshoot, and take home a beautifully framed A4 printed copy of your favorite shot. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season of joy and create lasting memories.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun! Visit us at TFI Studios and make this holiday season truly special. Let the magic of Christmas come alive in every snapshot!

🎄📆 Book Your Session Now! For inquiries and bookings, visit us at Ali Bin Salim Building M03 or contact us at 0544820661 for time reservation.

Bacolod Inasal BBQ, the acclaimed Filipino restaurant chain, is now extending its culinary excellence to BurJuman, Dubai. Offering a delectable range of grilled specialties, Bacolod Inasal BBQ has become synonymous with succulent and flavorful chicken inasal, delivering an authentic taste of the Philippines.

Situated in the heart of Dubai at BurJuman, Bacolod Inasal BBQ invites diners to experience the magic of Filipino cuisine in a welcoming ambiance. Whether you choose to dine in or opt for a takeaway, the restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

Prepare to be hooked as Bacolod Inasal BBQ proudly declares that their chicken inasal is more than just a meal—it’s an addiction waiting to happen. Crafted with a signature marinade of vinegar, calamansi, and a blend of spices, the grilled chicken boasts a distinctive and delightful flavor. Cooked over charcoal, the result is a tantalizing smoky aroma and crispy skin that keeps customers coming back for more.

Tempting Combo Meal Offers

Recognizing the value of a complete dining experience, Bacolod Inasal BBQ presents an array of combo meals at the BurJuman outlet, catering to diverse tastes:

• Combo Meal 1 (AED 33): Inasal BBQ (breast) served with rice and bottled water.
• Combo Meal 2 (AED 33): Inasal BBQ (breast) or spaghetti served with rice and bottled water.
• Combo Meal 3 (AED 36): Fried tilapia or butterfly squid with 2 pcs Talong, ginataang laing or lanka, rice, and water.
• Combo Meal 4 (AED 36): Inasal BBQ (breast), vegetable spring rolls, ginataang laing or langka, served with rice.

Individual options at the BurJuman outlet include:

• Grilled Chicken Leg (AED 22)
• Grilled Chicken Breast (AED 24)
• Grilled Chicken Breast (double) – AED 45
• Grilled Chicken Leg with Fries (AED 24)
• Grilled Chicken Breast with Fries (AED 26)
• Grilled Chicken Breast with Fries (AED 47)
• Butterfly Squid with Rice (AED 18)
• Butterfly Squid with Fries (AED 28)

To enhance customer convenience, Bacolod Inasal BBQ encourages patrons to explore their menu and effortlessly place orders through the #Noonfood delivery app.

Bacolod Inasal BBQ at BurJuman is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that transports diners to the vibrant flavors of the Philippines. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, Bacolod Inasal BBQ welcomes residents of Dubai to experience the magic of their grilled specialties.

The Council of the European Union has announced the digitalization of the Schengen visa application process, allowing UAE residents to apply for their Schengen visas entirely online. 

This move aims to simplify the application process, reduce administrative burdens on national authorities, and provide a faster and more efficient response. 

The new online system involves complete online application submission, reduced consulate visits for certain cases, and the replacement of traditional visa stickers with digitally issued visas featuring enhanced security measures. 

The implementation date will be determined after completing the technical aspects, with regulations becoming effective 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The UAE launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a decisive 4-0 victory over Nepal in Dubai, securing the top spot in Group H. 

Al Hammadi scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, followed by two goals from star striker Ali Mabkhout in the 36th and 44th minutes. Brazil-born Lima added the fourth goal in the 46th minute. The top two teams in the group will advance to the next round of the qualifying campaign. 

In other matches, Asia’s footballing heavyweights, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, secured big wins, marking the beginning of the road to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Australia defeated Bangladesh 7-0, Japan won 5-0 against Myanmar, and South Korea beat Singapore 5-0, with Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min among the goal-scorers.

A Bangladeshi man in Dubai has been sentenced to three years in prison and fined AED100,000 for his role in a drug ring operated through WhatsApp.

The investigation was initiated after authorities received a tip about drug sales in the UAE through an international phone number. Dubai Police traced the money trail to the defendant’s bank account, which had received AED430,000 from 604 people through 814 deposits. 

The funds were laundered through six accounts in 72 transfers, and the defendant was found to have opened a bank account with a forged salary certificate. He will be deported after serving his sentence.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the launch of the eighth season of the Spaces of Light photography award, coinciding with the International Day of Tolerance. 

The theme for this edition is “Peace,” building upon the success of the previous season’s focus on “Tolerance.” The award aims to promote a deeper understanding and bridge cultural divides through meaningful cultural exchange, embracing humanitarian concepts. 

The mobile exhibition of the award has been inaugurated at the World Congress of Media Exhibition and Conference. The award includes various categories, such as “Mosques and Masjids,” “Technical and General,” “Digital Art,” and “Life at the Mosque,” with sub-themes like “Narratives,” “Time-Lapse,” and “Video Films.” 

The total value of cash prizes for the winners amounts to AED 850,000, and participation is open until October 2024. The extended participation period allows photographers to capture the essence of various seasons and events in the country.

The largest edition of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, begins November 17, 2023 and runs until March 9, 2024.

With substantial international participation, the 114-day festival will feature a variety of activities, arts, and programs, including folk artists, governmental and non-governmental sectors, dedicated pavilions, and exhibitions. Special events, surprises, fireworks, and performances from participating countries are expected, along with national celebrations like the ‘Union Parade’ and extended National Day festivities. 

The festival includes an integrated Heritage Village, highlighting popular heritage, traditional industries, crafts, and providing a family-friendly, entertaining, and educational environment.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) in the UAE has urged private companies to implement flexible work arrangements on November 17 due to ongoing rains and thunderstorms in some parts of the country. 

The advisory emphasizes the importance of companies ensuring the health and safety of workers engaged in essential outdoor work, as well as those commuting to and from outdoor locations. 

The call for flexibility follows a similar recommendation from Mohre about three weeks ago during a 28-day spell of rain in the UAE. In Ras Al Khaimah, government school classes will be conducted remotely due to heavy rains.