Dubai-based carrier flydubai has reported its record-breaking annual results in its 15-year history.
According to a Wam report, the results have been announced for its financial year ending December 31, 2024. The airline reported a pre-tax profit of Dhs2.5bn ($674m); a 16% growth compared to the previous financial year, with a total revenue of Dhs12.8bn ($3.5bn), marking an increase of 15% compared to Dhs11.2bn ($3bn) in 2023.
“flydubai continues to push boundaries and reach new milestones year-on-year. In its young but impactful journey, it has emerged as a key player in the aviation industry in Dubai and the region. Its business model is built on solid foundations and an unwavering commitment to supporting Dubai’s economic and tourism vision. Forging invaluable air links to underserved markets has supported Dubai’s thriving aviation hub, making Dubai one of the most accessible and connected cities in the world,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said, commenting on the announcement of the airline’s financial results.
“We have seen evidence of the positive impact flydubai has in the markets it operates in, stimulating free flows of trade and tourism and acting as a lifeline during challenging times,” Sheikh Ahmed added.
flydubai: the airline’s achievements in 2024
flydubai carried 15.4 million passengers in 2024, an increase of 11% compared to 2023. Overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), increased by 10%. Passenger Load Factor increased by 1.2 percentage points, and Passenger Yield improved by 1%.
What drove customer demand for the airline
The customer demand for preferring the airline was driven by increased demand for both business and leisure travel around its network.
flydubai’s Business Class offering continued to attract more customers, recording an 18% increase in uptake across its network, carrying almost half a million passengers in 2024.
“Our record-breaking financial performance, for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrates our continued ability to grow our business and navigate difficult economic and geopolitical challenges through forward planning, drawing on our strength to adapt and evolve to the changing market and customer needs. Our collaborative approach with our key stakeholders and agility remain key drivers to this success, as well as the collective effort of our people who have been instrumental to it,” Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, commented on the annual results.
Connectivity for codeshare passengers
Almost 2.3 million codeshare passengers enjoyed the connectivity across the joint Emirates and flydubai network of 235 destinations in 101 countries.
Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority has carried out some substantial development work on the Baniyas Road.
The development includes the expansion of the free right exit from Baniyas Road towards Al Maktoum Road, along with the addition of traffic lights that have helped organise pedestrian movement and improve traffic flow at the intersection.
The road development will begin at its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, passing through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street.
According to a Wam report, the road development will continue until Emirates Road and includes the development of five key intersections featuring 13,500 metres of bridges and 12,900 metres of roads.
According to a Dubai Media Office report, these developments aim to enhance both capacity and efficiency on this critical road in Dubai and will be undertaken as Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road is a vital traffic corridor, connecting major commercial and financial hubs like the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. It also serves as a key route for global corporations, banks, and investment institutions in the area.
New: Now use Parkin’s smart app to pay for public parking
The app’s real-time parking finder with a clustering feature helps locate available spaces, while an advanced search function provides access to on and off-street parking options
Parkin Company, the provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, has launched a new mobile app aimed at enhancing the parking experience for residents and visitors.
The app introduces features designed to simplify parking management, improve accessibility, and support efficient urban mobility.
Users can register through three methods: by creating an account, via UAE Pass, or through an RTA account using the Parkin registration form.
Once logged in, customers can make payments for public parking, including multi-storey car parks and developer parking, manage their wallet for top-ups, and subscribe to seasonal parking services.
The app also enables users to pay fines, dispute charges, and request refunds.
A real-time parking finder with a clustering feature helps locate available spaces, while an advanced search function provides access to on-street and off-street parking options with live availability updates.
Additional features include a PayLater option for deferred payments, dynamic auto-renewal for uninterrupted service, and the ability to schedule parking in advance with calendar integration.
Parking permits can also be stored in device wallets for easy access.
For a seamless parking experience, the app’s AutoPay feature eliminates the need for physical tickets, payment machines, or manual transactions.
Using automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) technology, it detects vehicles upon entry and exit, linking the plate number to the user’s registered payment method for automatic fee deduction.
This system is available at Parkin-operated multi-storey car parks and through a partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, covering locations such as Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre.
Parkin app designed to provide seamless customer experience
“The app is designed with our customers in mind, offering an intuitive and efficient solution that puts user convenience at the forefront,” said Engineer Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin. “By simplifying the entire parking process and empowering users with more control over their experience, we are not only enhancing urban mobility but also directly supporting Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan for a sustainable, connected city.”
Future updates will introduce additional services, including EV charging, allowing customers to pay the charging tariff and parking fee in a single transaction via a digital wallet.
The app will also integrate car care and maintenance services provided by ENOC, such as car washing, mobile refuelling, engine oil changes, tyre checks, and battery inspections at select Parkin locations.
The collaboration between Parkin and ENOC will link their mobile applications and digital wallets, offering a unified platform for booking services, real-time status updates, and secure in-app payments.
Surf Abu Dhabi’s Ryan Watkins on the sport’s rising popularity in the region
Surf Abu Dhabi recently hosted the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event. Here, GM Ryan Watkins discusses the significance of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and positioning the emirate as a global surfing destination
From February 14-16, Surf Abu Dhabi made history by hosting the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the UAE. This landmark competition not only introduced professional surfing to a new audience but also solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sporting and adventure tourism destination.
Here, we speak to Ryan Watkins, general manager of Surf Abu Dhabi, who has been instrumental in shaping the region’s surfing landscape. Under his leadership, Surf Abu Dhabi has leveraged cutting-edge wave technology, strategic partnerships, and world-class facilities to attract elite surfers and a passionate new fan base.
In this conversation, Watkins reflects on the significance of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, its impact on Abu Dhabi’s tourism, economy, and sporting culture, and the future of surfing in the Middle East.
Ryan Watkins/ Image courtesy: Thiago Diz
Surf Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, in February 2025. How significant was this event for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the broader tourism and entertainment landscape in Abu Dhabi?
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event in the UAE, was a monumental occasion for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the region’s tourism and entertainment landscape.
We were incredibly excited to unveil the energy of professional surfing to a new audience, igniting a passion for the sport within the UAE and broader Middle East, and offering a first-time experience for many.
The event also went beyond just showcasing world-class surfing; it was about inspiring future generations of surfers and demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s ability to host premier global events.
The impact extended beyond the waves, with hundreds of athletes, coaches, and event staff requiring accommodations and utilizing local services, making the economic impact substantial.
This influx of international visitors, many experiencing the Middle East for the first time, further strengthened Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a diverse and dynamic destination.
The excitement was palpable, with hundreds attending the first day of practice, highlighting the immediate and long-term potential of this landmark event.
Deivid Silva/ Image courtesy: Thiago Diz
Beyond the immediate excitement of the event, what are your projections for the economic impact of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro on the local tourism industry? How did it affect hospitality, retail, and other sectors?
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro significantly boosted the local tourism economy, attracting international visitors and driving revenue across multiple sectors. Increased demand for hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants, along with retail sales and transportation utilisation, contributed to this economic upswing.
With a large number of event inquiries coming from outside the UAE and Surf Abu Dhabi’s existing user base already comprising 75 per cent of international visitors, this event further solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination, attracting new tourists and fostering long-term growth within the local tourism industry.
As a key part of Abu Dhabi’s drive to position itself as a global sporting destination, what strategic role did Surf Abu Dhabi play in the city’s broader tourism and entertainment vision?
Surf Abu Dhabi played a key strategic role in solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global sporting destination.
By hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour, featuring the world’s top surfers, Surf Abu Dhabi added another dimension to the city’s already impressive portfolio of international sporting events, which includes Formula 1, golf, tennis, and triathlons. This further diversified Abu Dhabi’s tourism offerings, attracting a new segment of visitors and showcasing the region’s ability to host world-class competitions.
This event elevated Abu Dhabi to a prominent position within the global surfing landscape, alongside iconic destinations like Hawaii and Australia. It was a source of immense pride and signified Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its emergence as a dynamic hub for sports, tourism, and entertainment.
The Middle East has traditionally not been a hotspot for surfing, so how important was the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro for expanding the popularity and growth of the surf industry in the region?
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro was pivotal for expanding the surf industry’s presence in the Middle East. By showcasing the world’s best surfers in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, the event generated significant interest and awareness, inspiring potential new surfers.
Beyond the competition itself, Surf Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing local talent through coaching programs and grassroots initiatives, including working with Emirati surfers towards Olympic aspirations, further fueled the growth of surfing within the region.
Yago Dora/ Image courtesy: Max Physick
Can you elaborate on the state-of-the-art wave technology at Surf Abu Dhabi? How does this innovation set the venue apart from other surfing destinations around the world, and what role did it play in the development of surfing as a sport in the Middle East?
Surf Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater’s WaveCo, set it apart as a truly world-class surfing destination. This innovative system produces what is widely considered the best man-made wave globally, holding multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest man-made wave and largest artificial wave pool.
This cutting-edge technology was crucial for developing surfing in the Middle East, providing a consistent and controlled environment for surfers of all levels, from beginners learning on smaller waves to professionals practicing high-performance manoeuvres on fast, barreling waves. This accessibility and the quality of the waves were key to fostering a vibrant surf culture and nurturing future talent within the region.
Modon’s strategy with Hudayriyat Island is to bring the world’s leading sporting facilities to the region, and this was truly the case with Surf Abu Dhabi.
With the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro attracting a global audience, what were the key factors that made the Middle East a growing market for international sporting events like surfing? How did Surf Abu Dhabi cater to international competitors and fans?
Several key factors contributed to the Middle East’s emergence as a growing market for international sporting events like surfing. The region’s investment in world-class infrastructure, coupled with a desire to diversify tourism offerings and engage a global audience, created an attractive environment for hosting major competitions. Surf Abu Dhabi, as a state-of-the-art facility designed for events of this scale, exemplified this commitment.
While the local surf community was still developing, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro provided a catalyst for growth, attracting international competitors and fans. By offering a premium experience, both in terms of wave quality and overall facilities, Surf Abu Dhabi catered to the needs of elite athletes and created a memorable experience for fans from around the world.
Italo Ferreira/ Image courtesy: Max Physick
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced in developing Surf Abu Dhabi, particularly in establishing it as a major destination for adventure and sports tourism, and how did you overcome them?
One of the key opportunities we addressed in developing Surf Abu Dhabi was establishing a thriving surf community in a region where surfing wasn’t traditionally prevalent. We recognised this as a chance to introduce the sport to a new audience and cultivate a passion for surfing.
By offering a world-class facility with unparalleled wave technology and expert instruction, we were able to attract both seasoned surfers and beginners, fostering a growing and enthusiastic surf community.
Another area of focus was positioning Abu Dhabi as a compelling surf destination alongside established global surf locales. We saw a positive response, with surfers increasingly choosing Abu Dhabi as a prime surf trip destination, drawn by the quality of the waves and the overall experience. This demonstrated the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a hub for adventure and sports tourism.
Looking to the future, what other initiatives or events will Surf Abu Dhabi host to further solidify its position as a leading destination for sports tourism in the region, and how do you plan to continue evolving the surf experience?
We’re developing a range of initiatives and events, including surf mastery retreats, festivals, and concerts, designed to enhance the surf experience, attract a wider audience, and showcase Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and entertainment offerings.
While details are still under wraps, these future developments will build upon the success of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and contribute to the continued growth of surfing and sports tourism in the region.
Gold prices edged up to hover near recent record highs on Monday, helped by weakness in the US dollar, with attention shifting to a key US inflation report set for release later this week.
Spot gold rose by 0.1 per cent to $2,939.15 an ounce as of 0444 GMT. Bullion had scaled an all-time high of $2,954.69 on Thursday.
“Disappointing US macro data at the tail end of last week has caught up with the dollar, which has opened the door higher for gold,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
“With trade uncertainties not looking like they are disappearing anytime soon, gold could still be eyeing off reaching new all-time highs again this week.”
Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs over the next month or sooner, adding lumber and forest products to previously announced plans to impose duties on imported cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Markets will shift focus towards the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) print, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, due on Friday, for more insights into the central bank’s interest rate trajectory.
If inflationary pressures lead the Fed to keep rates high, gold’s appeal as a non-yielding asset could diminish.
To breach the $3,000 mark, gold needs a very strong reason as war premium seems to have waned a little, while other supporting factors supporting bullion are already discounted, said Ajay Kedia, director at Mumbai-based Kedia Commodities.
On the geopolitical front, Trump reversed course on Friday to say that Russia did in fact invade Ukraine and that Kyiv would soon sign a minerals agreement with the US as part of efforts to end the war.
Supply chains for major planemakers Boeing and Airbus are showing signs of moderate improvement, the chief executive of Saudi startup Riyadh Air said on Thursday, February 20.
Securing adequate parts, for both new and existing planes, has been a major problem for the airline industry in recent years.
The causes ranged from general disruption emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic to industrial action at Boeing which caused a seven-week halt to most jet production last fall.
“Are there big challenges out there – yes there definitely are. Is the supply chain stretched and under huge stress – yes, and yes,” Tony Douglas told an FII Institute event in Miami.
“But am I seeing signs of moderate improvement – I honestly have to say, yes I do.”
Douglas said one continued bottleneck was the suppliers that serve both Boeing and Airbus, which he described as being “one level down”.
He said Riyadh Air was working to overcome any challenges, without adding further details.
Riyadh Air: Aircraft orders, launch delay
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air has been ordering planes from both manufacturers before its launch.
This includes 60 narrow-body A321-family jets from Airbus in October, as well as up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered in March 2023.
The airline is currently engaged in a process to select extra wide-body jets, Douglas said, without elaborating further.
Douglas told Reuters in October it was planning to talk to Airbus about A350-1000 aircraft and Boeing on its 777X jets.
Riyadh Air is expected to start operations by the end of the year, Douglas told the event.
In the October interview, Douglas had guided that it would begin flights in the second half of this year.
