Emirates is set to boost capacity and enhance passenger experience across several global routes, with increased flight frequencies, retrofitted aircraft, and wider Airbus A380 deployments.

Read-Emirates SkyCargo launches new vertical: here are all the details

In response to growing demand across its network, the airline will roll out schedule enhancements and deploy more of its newly refurbished Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft to key destinations including Shanghai, Zurich, Milan, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Singapore.

More flights and larger aircraft across the network

Effective October 26, Emirates will:

• Add a third daily flight to Milan (EK101/102), operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
• Increase its linked Rio de Janeiro–Buenos Aires service (EK247/248) to daily flights.
• Upgrade its Shanghai operations, with EK302/303 shifting to the A380 and EK304/305 operated by a retrofitted Boeing 777 starting July 20.
• Deploy the A380 on its third daily Dubai–Singapore flight (EK314/315) this winter.

Further enhancements are scheduled for Zurich starting February 1, 2026. Emirates’ second daily flight (EK85/86) will be upgraded to an A380, replacing the retrofitted Boeing 777. On the same day, Premium Economy will debut on flights EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, an Emirates media report said.

Retrofitting programme reaches 60 aircraft

These changes are part of Emirates’ ongoing aircraft retrofit program, which began in November 2022. The airline has completed 60 retrofits to date, with one aircraft undergoing a full interior upgrade every three weeks. The program features Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin and refreshed interiors across all classes.

On the Boeing 777, the four-class layout includes up to 8 First Class suites, 38–40 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy seats. The four-class A380 offers 56 Premium Economy seats at the front of the main deck in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat features increased pitch and width, personal charging points, and a side cocktail table.

Emirates responds to growing global travel demand

Despite operating in a dynamic aviation environment, Emirates continues to scale up operations to meet increasing customer demand for both summer and winter travel seasons. The airline remains focused on delivering its signature onboard experience and premium service as it positions itself for further growth.

Passengers flying on retrofitted aircraft can look forward to a modernised in-flight experience across every cabin class, reinforcing Emirates’ long-standing commitment to comfort and innovation.

Whether you’re heading abroad for work, leisure, or study, your visa is the first ticket to your journey.

To ensure your travel plans stay stress-free, VFS Global shares five simple yet essential tips to help you navigate the visa application process with confidence, ease, and safety.

From planning early to using convenient at-home services, here’s how to make your visa experience smooth from start to finish.

Plan ahead

The early bird gets the worm. Plan ahead and apply well in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

Most countries accept business visa applications up to 90 days before the date of travel.

Check the visa turnaround times

Each country has a different timeline for its visa processing, and these timelines are clearly mentioned on their websites, providing you the information required to apply for your visa well in advance.

During peak travel seasons like the year-end holidays, visa processing can take longer than anticipated.

Apply early to avoid any delays.

Book an appointment

Most visa application centres accept applications by prior appointment only. This ensures lower wait times and physical distancing at the application centres at the time of submission. Reach at least 15 minutes prior to the appointed time to avoid missing your slot.

For instance, appointments can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com free of charge. There are a few countries that require a customer to pay service fees online at the time of booking an appointment.

Beware of third-party entities who charge a separate fee for appointments.

Make a list, check it twice

A checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for each country served by centre is usually available. Ensure you carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form to avoid any snags in your application.

Many countries require a valid passport six months beyond your return date. Check your passport’s validity while planning your travels.

Opt for convenience

From visa, biometric services at your doorstep and form filling assistance to return of passports via courier and end-to-end guidance through the visa application submission process, explore all possibilities offered by the centre.

Please note: Some of the services may not be offered in some countries, or for specific client governments. Opting for these services does not influence the outcome of your visa application; this is at the sole discretion of the embassy/consulate.

Read: Inside the world’s largest visa application centre in Dubai

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that over 190,000 Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims since the official start of the Umrah season for the Hijri year 1447 AH (June 26, 2025 to June 15, 2026).

The Umrah season formally began on Tuesday, 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 10, 2025), with visa applications opened through the country’s integrated digital platform, “Nusuk”. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and modernising services provided to pilgrims.

Read-Umrah travel expansion: 2.5m airline seats targeted for pilgrims

According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, Umrah permit issuance started the following day, Wednesday, 15 Dhu Al Hijjah (June 11, 2025), through the Nusuk app. This unified platform offers a range of services, allowing users to book and issue permits seamlessly. It also includes digital tools that support logistics, accommodation, and itinerary planning for pilgrims and visitors.

The early rush of Umrah applications follows a notably successful Hajj season, during which the country implemented streamlined procedures, boosted technical infrastructure, and achieved significant gains in performance and service efficiency. These upgrades contributed to a smoother and more fulfilling experience for pilgrims.

Passports directorate launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas

In a related development, the General Directorate of Passports launched a 30-day initiative beginning Muharram 1, 1447 AH, to allow the extension of expired visit visas for the purpose of final exit. This includes all types and categories of visit visas.

Eligible individuals must pay any required fees and penalties as per regulations. Applications for extension can be submitted via the “Tawasul Service” on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher electronic platform.

Authorities have urged all those affected to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid legal complications.

Housing contracts now mandatory for Umrah Visa issuance

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive requiring Umrah companies, establishments, and international agents to document housing contracts for all Umrah performers. These contracts must be with hospitality facilities licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and must be registered through the “Nusuk Masar” platform.

This new measure aims to improve service quality, protect pilgrim rights, and ensure regulatory compliance. The issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon submitting a documented accommodation contract.

The policy took effect at the start of the Umrah season and reflects enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities stressed that early documentation is crucial to avoid processing delays or potential violations.

This initiative is expected to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for Umrah performers from arrival to departure, while also regulating the hospitality sector during peak seasons.

Umrah season launch reflects broader Vision 2030 goals

The launch of the 1447 AH Umrah season not only signals the return of millions of religious visitors but also underscores Saudi Arabia’s push to realize the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, particularly in the area of religious tourism.

According to the Ministry, the Nusuk app continues to play a central role in this transformation. It enables pilgrims to obtain permits digitally, access real-time updates, and receive support in multiple languages. Technical preparations began well in advance of the season’s opening, with coordination from several government agencies to ensure high service standards.

Efforts have also been made to increase the accessibility and quality of services available to pilgrims, including the expansion of awareness content in various languages and improvements to transportation and accommodation logistics.

These enhancements are part of a broader plan to position the Kingdom as a leader in smart pilgrimage management, ensuring that visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enjoy a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience.

As the 1447 AH Umrah season progresses, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to continue introducing reforms and technological innovations to streamline the pilgrimage journey. With early indicators pointing to strong demand, the Kingdom remains committed to offering an elevated level of service, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and transparency across all stages of the Umrah process.

Aldar Investment has acquired warehousing and light industrial assets from Waha Capital for Dhs530m, adding 182,500 square metres of net leasable area (NLA) to its growing logistics portfolio.

The freehold assets are located within ALMARKAZ Industrial Park in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

The acquisition strengthens Aldar’s presence in the UAE’s logistics sector, with the newly added assets benefiting from near-full occupancy and a diverse mix of international, regional, and government-related tenants.

ALMARKAZ, a six million square metre industrial and business park developed by Waha Land — a wholly owned subsidiary of Waha Capital — enjoys special economic zone status and is equipped with high-quality infrastructure.

Move is part of Aldar Investment’s strategy to scale

Jassem Salah Busaibe, CEO of Aldar Investment, said the transaction aligns with the company’s strategy to scale and diversify its recurring income streams. “Our logistics platform continues to grow across Abu Dhabi and Dubai – capitalising on demand for well-located premium logistics and industrial space – and the assets at ALMARKAZ provide well-established and high-quality warehousing with strong fundamentals and growth potential,” Busaibe said.

The buildings acquired offer modular flexibility in unit sizes and heights, catering to a broad tenant base.

The deal complements Aldar’s expanding logistics footprint, which includes Abu Dhabi Business Hub, 7 Central in Dubai Investments Park, upcoming developments at Dubai South, and a 146,000 sqm logistics park being developed with DP World at National Industries Park in Jebel Ali.

For Waha Capital, the transaction marks a strategic milestone following over a decade of investment in transforming the ALMARKAZ site from a greenfield project into a major logistics and industrial hub.

“Waha Capital is proud to have supported Waha Land’s transformation of ALMARKAZ into a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s logistics and industrial landscape,” said Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, managing director of Waha Capital. “This transaction is a testament to the strength and scalability of the platform we have built, and to our commitment to long-term value creation across our portfolio.”

Both parties signalled interest in exploring future collaboration at the site, which still offers significant development potential amid growing demand driven by e-commerce, intra-regional trade, and population growth.

Read: Coastal wellness hub: Aldar unveils Dhs40bn mixed-use Fahid Island project

Dubai Holding has entered into a strategic agreement with Select Group and its joint venture partner Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC) to develop large-scale projects at Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (d3), marking a milestone in the emirate’s ongoing urban expansion.

The deal represents Dubai Holding’s first strategic land sale at Palm Jebel Ali to a third-party developer. The agreement reflects a shared ambition to transform two of Dubai’s key locations into prominent residential and mixed-use destinations, enhancing the city’s global positioning as a lifestyle and investment hub.

Select Group will lead the development of upscale residential and hospitality offerings at Palm Jebel Ali, aimed at setting new standards in luxury waterfront living. At Dubai Design District, the company plans to deliver a dynamic mixed-use community that integrates culture, innovation and contemporary urban design.

Dubai Holding-Select Group partnership key to leadership’s vision

“Palm Jebel Ali is an iconic development poised to elevate Dubai’s global reputation as a premier waterfront destination,” said Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate. “By joining forces with Select Group, we are delivering on the leadership’s vision of creating a world-class coastal destination.”

Select Group chairman Rahail Aslam said the projects reflect the company’s long-term strategy. “This acquisition represents an important step in our ongoing strategy to deliver exceptional developments in key growth corridors,” he said. “We are incredibly excited about what we will be bringing to market in both Palm Jebel Ali and d3.”

The agreement aligns with Dubai Holding’s broader objective of unlocking long-term value across its master-planned developments and with the emirate’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Economic Agenda D33.

Palm Jebel Ali comprises seven islands, 16 fronds, and more than 90 kilometres of waterfront, and is seen as a key growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area. Meanwhile, d3 has emerged as a global creative hub and is part of Dubai’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

Design and planning for both projects are currently underway, with additional details on project scope and timelines to follow.