Landing in the UAE comes with more than just a warm welcome and sunny skies. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a family on vacation, or a business traveler extending your trip, your journey begins with instant perks. Tourists flying into Dubai or Abu Dhabi can access a wide array of exclusive benefits—free SIM cards, discount cards, transport upgrades, and hundreds of offers at top attractions—all for simply arriving in the Emirates.

Welcome to Dubai: Start with a Free SIM Card

One of the first surprises awaiting tourists at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a complimentary Tourism SIM card courtesy of du, one of the UAE’s major telecom providers. This SIM, available upon clearing immigration, offers 1GB of data valid for 24 hours, helping new arrivals navigate maps, make bookings, or connect with loved ones back home immediately.

Eligibility includes those arriving on visit visas, transit visas, or with visa-on-arrival, as well as GCC nationals. Tourists can upgrade their plan at du kiosks located at the airport or through Dubai Duty Free counters. Alternatives are also available from other major telecom providers, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile, which offer prepaid SIMs with competitive packages designed specifically for tourists, often bundled with international minutes and longer data validity.

This small but essential service ensures that visitors stay connected, which is especially useful for ride-hailing apps, translation tools, and ticketing platforms widely used across the UAE.

ALSAADA Card: Dubai’s Digital Welcome Kit for Tourists

With the SIM card in hand, visitors gain access to another benefit—a digital ALSAADA Tourist Card, Dubai’s official tourist discount programme run by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD).

To activate this card, tourists simply scan the QR code printed on the SIM card envelope, which directs them to download the ALSAADA mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. After a quick registration process, users can start exploring discounts and promotions available across restaurants, retail stores, wellness centers, leisure attractions, and shopping malls.

Unlike traditional paper coupons, the ALSAADA card is digital and updates in real-time, making it a handy tool for tourists wanting to make the most of their budget without carrying around brochures or discount books.

Chauffeur On Demand: Hire a Driver by the Hour

Exploring Dubai in comfort and style is easier than ever with the Hourly Rental limousine service offered by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC). This service allows tourists to book a professional chauffeur to drive them around the city in a private vehicle—ideal for sightseeing, business meetings, or shopping tours.

Surprisingly cost-effective, this service starts at AED 400 for two hours and goes up to AED 1,100 for ten hours, with packages tailored to fit a variety of travel needs. Unlike regular taxis, the limousine option does not include waiting time charges, and you only pay extra if you exceed the allotted hours or distance.

Booking is simple via the “DTC” app, which offers real-time scheduling and payment options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Two hours: AED 400

• Four hours: AED 650

• Six hours: AED 800

• Eight hours: AED 900

• Ten hours: AED 1,100

• After package expiry: AED 3/km and AED 1/minute

This service is perfect for tourists planning to visit multiple locations in a single day, offering flexibility, comfort, and the prestige of private transport.

Show Your Boarding Pass, Get a World of Discounts

Perhaps the most surprising benefit of visiting the UAE is how your boarding pass becomes a ticket to savings. Two of the UAE’s flagship airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, offer special promotions for passengers who retain their boarding passes.

Emirates: “My Emirates Pass”

Emirates passengers can benefit from the My Emirates Pass, a seasonal discount programme that turns your boarding pass into an access card for offers at over 500 locations. Deals span across:

• Attractions like At The Top – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Museum of the Future

• Amusement parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and Aquaventure at Atlantis

• Retail outlets and luxury brands at malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates

• Fine dining restaurants, cafés, and spas

Offers are available to those who present a valid physical or digital boarding pass, along with ID, and are usually valid for up to a month from the date of arrival (subject to seasonal dates—check Emirates’ official site for the latest validity periods).

Etihad Airways: “Abu Dhabi Pass”

Etihad passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi can access the Abu Dhabi Pass, offering similar benefits across the capital’s top destinations. Exclusive discounts are available at:

• Yas Island attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld

• Luxury hotels and spas, especially in Saadiyat Island and Corniche areas

• Dining establishments, from gourmet to family-friendly

These perks not only save tourists money but also encourage them to explore both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enriching their travel experience.

The Bigger Picture: UAE’s Tourism-First Strategy

These offers are part of the UAE’s larger initiative to position itself as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations globally. With streamlined airport experiences, high-speed public transit, visa-on-arrival for over 80 nationalities, and now, digital discount programmes, the UAE is creating an ecosystem that values accessibility, affordability, and convenience for its international visitors.

For tourists, the message is clear: don’t throw away your boarding pass, and be sure to scan everything you receive at the airport. From that moment, the UAE starts paying you back for visiting.

Tip: Before arriving, check the official websites of Visit Dubai, Etihad, or Emirates, as offers and promotions may be seasonal or time-limited.

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.

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.

Qatar Airways has officially resumed direct flights between Doha and Malta, with four non-stop services each week starting July 2, 2025, further strengthening its extensive global network and enhancing international connectivity.

The flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing Doha at either 08:45 or 14:05 and arriving in Malta later the same day or the following morning, depending on the schedule. Return flights from Malta to Doha are similarly structured, with departures at 10:15 or 17:05 and an average flight time of just over five hours.

This route re-establishes Malta as the 50th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network for the northern summer of 2025, providing travelers from Asia-Pacific markets—including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines—greater access to the Mediterranean. The service is expected to boost tourism to Malta’s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Travelers from Malta will benefit from seamless connections to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations worldwide, including 42 weekly flights to Australia. The airline’s proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, is set to further expand connectivity options for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of the Malta route in reinforcing economic ties and supporting tourism, highlighting Malta’s appeal with its rich history, cultural sites, and sun-soaked coastline. Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority have both welcomed the airline’s return, citing the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism potential.

Qatar Airways remains the only Middle Eastern carrier offering non-stop flights between Doha and Malta, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with both Economy and Business Class options. Bookings for the new service are now open.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially commenced its daily passenger service to Shenzhen, China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, 2025, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Emirates executives, and media representatives.

A New Gateway for Emirates in Mainland China

Shenzhen becomes Emirates’ fourth gateway in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The new route is operated by the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which features Emirates’ latest four-class configuration: eight private suites in First Class, 40 new-generation lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Shenzhen is the first city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ upgraded aircraft with the Premium Economy product, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a superior travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

Flight EK328 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) daily at 10:05 am, arriving in Shenzhen (SZX) at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, arriving back in Dubai at 3:40 am the next day.

These timings are designed to optimize connections to and from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Cargo

The launch of the Dubai-Shenzhen route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business ties between the UAE and southern China. Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China,” is a major technology, innovation, and manufacturing hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, home to over 86 million people and a GDP exceeding US$1.9 trillion.

Each Emirates flight to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold, supporting the city’s thriving export-oriented industries, including electronics, e-commerce, and high-tech manufacturing. This will facilitate the movement of goods between China and over 140 destinations across Emirates’ network, reinforcing Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains.

Strategic Importance and Bilateral Relations

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the new service: “The launch of our Shenzhen route is a testament to Emirates’ long-term commitment to China and to supporting the country’s trade and tourism ambitions. This new link will not only provide travelers with more choice and convenience but will also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the UAE and China.”

The expansion comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between China and the UAE, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and now operates 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities, offering travelers and businesses unprecedented connectivity.

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha as part of a new strategic partnership, with the inaugural codeshare flight celebrated at Hamad International Airport on June 30, 2025. The collaboration officially began on June 16, 2025, with Philippine Airlines operating the service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class.

Flights depart Manila at 18:50, arriving in Doha at 23:40, while the return leg leaves Doha at 01:30, reaching Manila at 16:15, enabling smooth connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport, which was named the Middle East’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2025.

The partnership also enhances connectivity for travelers from key markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering greater flexibility and seamless travel options.

The launch event was attended by senior executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori, who highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as providing improved travel options for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Both airlines plan to explore further collaboration, including expanded codeshare destinations and frequent flyer cooperation, aiming to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance passenger convenience through integrated schedules and check-ins.

Qatar Airways already serves four cities in the Philippines—Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao—while Philippine Airlines connects to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations, making this partnership a significant step in boosting access and connectivity for travelers in both regions.