Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy Driver.

AKCEL GP says the move signals a shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence.

A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa Mir has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving and consistent podium finishes. She has competed in some of the world’s most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy.

The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy: the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3.

Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy’s inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing.

Speaking on Atiqa’s signing, Amit Kaushal, group chairman of AKCEL Group, said, “Atiqa’s talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We’re proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we’re committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.”

As Atiqa Mir begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a structured development programme designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination.

Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa Mir said, “Racing is everything to me. It’s where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I’m ready to work hard to get there.”

The UAE’s support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In 2024, the UAE’s sports event market generated more than Dhs22.8m in revenue and is projected to exceed Dhs44m by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.8 per cent. Globally, the motorsport industry is valued at around Dhs34.9bn, making the UAE’s entry into talent development and racing innovation all the more significant.

Emirates has designated Bahrain as the first destination in its global network to be exclusively served by the Airbus A350, following the arrival of its third A350 aircraft at Bahrain International Airport on June 2.

The deployment marks a milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy and is part of its ‘Fly Better’ promise to elevate the passenger experience. Emirates’ A350 offers a three-class configuration, including 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats arranged 2-3-2, and 259 Economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

The aircraft features enhanced cabin comfort, including higher ceilings, wider aisles, quieter environments, and next-generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

The exclusive use of the A350 on the Bahrain route underscores Emirates’ commitment to the market and its investment in premium service for the kingdom.

Emirates A350 operations

Emirates currently operates the A350 across several short- and medium-haul destinations, including Amman, Kuwait, Edinburgh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Colombo, and Tunis.

The airline aims to expand A350 operations to 17 cities worldwide by the end of 2025.

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Emirates has introduced a new complimentary coach service for Economy Class passengers flying to and from Clark International Airport (CRK), further expanding its services for Filipino travelers. Starting June 10, the new service will link Trinoma in Quezon City directly to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, offering a smoother and more accessible travel experience.

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The dedicated coach service will operate for Emirates passengers holding valid Economy Class tickets issued by the airline (ticket numbers beginning with 176). Pick-up and drop-off points are located at the New Genesis P2P Bus Terminal in Trinoma (code: TRP) and at CRK.

Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and only confirmed bookings will be honored, an Emirates media report said.

To secure a seat on the coach, passengers booking through the Emirates website must select Trinoma (TRP) as their departure or arrival point. Those purchasing tickets via Emirates offices or travel agents should ensure that the bus service is added to the ticket before it is issued. The service is not available to passengers without a valid Emirates-issued ticket or a prior booking.

This initiative aims to provide a more comfortable and seamless journey for passengers, particularly those residing in Metro Manila and nearby regions. It reflects Emirates’ ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and convenience for Filipino travelers.

New Southeast Asia routes via Bangkok

In parallel with its Philippines service expansion, Emirates has also announced the launch of two new routes in Southeast Asia: Da Nang, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both routes operate via Bangkok, extending the airline’s East Asia network to 23 destinations.

Inaugural flights were held on June 2 for Da Nang and June 3 for Siem Reap, marked by traditional water cannon salutes and ceremonial welcomes from local officials. Operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, the new flights offer Emirates’ signature inflight experience along with efficient connections to Dubai and beyond.

“Launching two new routes via Bangkok marks a significant milestone in strengthening Emirates’ presence in Southeast Asia,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management. “Travelers can now enjoy seamless connectivity to three dynamic destinations—Dubai, Bangkok, and either Da Nang or Siem Reap—with a single ticket.”

More than 94,000 individuals worked within the Hajj organisation this year, supporting pilgrims across various sectors and operational locations.

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According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the figures reflect a unified institutional effort that brings together government and service agencies. This integration of human resources with modern technology aims to ensure a safe and seamless Hajj experience for all pilgrims.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance service quality and improve the pilgrim experience, under a comprehensive operational system managed by multiple specialised centers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Inspections conducted across key facilities

The ministry’s Compliance Center carried out more than 70,000 field inspections during the Hajj season. These inspections covered accommodations, camps, central kitchens, and various operational facilities to ensure standards were maintained.

Nusuk Care initiative

The ‘Nusuk Care’ initiative delivered over 845,000 direct services, including healthcare, psychological and language support, and humanitarian aid, provided by field teams operating around the clock.

Thousands of volunteers contribute to a seamless pilgrimage

More than 3,000 volunteers were mobilised across six service tracks, working at over 107 contact points. Their efforts supported government services and contributed to creating a smooth and meaningful experience for pilgrims.

These efforts underscore the level of planning, precision, and investment in both human and technological resources. They also align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the country’s leading role in serving Islam and facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage with the highest standards of safety and organisation.