The GCC countries are set to enjoy long holidays during Eid Al Fitr this year.
The official Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia will begin on Sunday, March 30, and work will resume on Thursday, April 3. Employees will enjoy a long holiday, with Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, already off as weekend days.
According to a report by Al Arabiya News, students, on the other hand, will start their Eid Al Fitr break on March 20 and resume classes on April 6, in line with the education ministry’s academic calendar.
However, the actual date of the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed when the crescent moon is sighted.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Kuwait has stated that the Eid Al Fitr holidays at all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions will be determined based on the first day of Eid.
The CSC announced that if the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Sunday (March 30), the official holidays will last for three days, from Sunday (March 30) to Tuesday (April 1), with work resuming on Wednesday, April 2.
A statement from the commission also conveyed that if the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Monday (March 31), the official holidays will extend to five days, from Sunday (March 30) to Thursday (April 3), with work resuming on Sunday, April 6.
State agencies will determine their Eid Al Fitr holiday schedules, taking public interest into consideration, according to the CSC, a report by the Kuwait News Agency said.
March 30 is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Fitr 1446 AH in Qatar.
The Qatar Calendar House statement, based on astronomical calculations conducted by its specialists, confirmed this date, as reported by Peninsula Qatar. The crescent moon for this year’s Shawwal (the 10th lunar month) will be born on the evening of Saturday, March 29, at 1:58 pm Doha local time (10:58 am GMT).
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, had also issued a circular with regards to Eid Al Fitr holidays in the country.
The circular stipulates that the ministries and public institutions in Bahrain will close on the day of Eid Al-Fitr and the two days that follow, a report in Bahrain News Agency said.
Must attend event: AEON Clinic brings CME accredited masterclass in Dubai
The masterclass will serve as a global platform bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific discoveries and their real-world application in patient care.
AEON Clinic brings its highly anticipated International Masterclass on Next-Generation Medicine (2025).
This CME-accredited three-day Masterclass and two-day workshop, to be hosted at the iconic Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, will unite world-renowned experts, pioneering researchers, and leading medical professionals to discuss the latest breakthroughs in longevity science, regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and neurodegenerative treatments.
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photo
The masterclass will serve as a global platform bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific discoveries and their real-world application in patient care.
Masterclass highlights: What to expect from it
The AEON Masterclass will feature a comprehensive agenda that delves into the most progressive medical treatments and innovations.
Key themes and sessions:
Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Therapeutics – Exploring stem cell therapy, gene editing, and CRISPR technology.
Precision Medicine & Functional Medicine – AI-driven genomics, epigenetics, and predictive healthcare strategies.
Longevity Science & Age Management – Clinical advancements in biomarkers, metabolic rejuvenation, and cellular repair.
Neurodegenerative & Autoimmune Disorders – Emerging therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and immune-related conditions.
Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine – Bridging beauty and science through exosomes, peptides, and photo biomodulation.
Personalized Healthcare & Pharmacogenomics – Tailoring medical treatments based on individual genetic profiles and drug responses.
Top-tier specialists will lead each session, offering in-depth discussions, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and panel debates on the latest breakthroughs in next-generation medicine.
Exclusive opportunity: CME-accredited learning for medical professionals
This prestigious event is certified and endorsed internationally and by the Dubai Health Authority, offering participants CME-accredited hours, ensuring that attendees gain recognized professional development while expanding their knowledge in the most advanced medical disciplines.
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photo
Event Details
MASTERCLASS
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Dates: 23rd – 25th April 2025
WORKSHOP
Location: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai Dates: 26th – 27th April 2025
Early Bird Registrations Open for a Limited Time: Register Here
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photos
Next-generation medicine: A convergence of global experts
The AEON Masterclass 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed speakers, each a leader in their respective fields, covering topics ranging from precision medicine and functional medicine to regenerative therapies and neurodegeneration treatments.
Featured speakers include:
Prof. David Barzilai
Founder and CEO, Barzilai Longevity Consulting (Healthspan Coaching LLC)
Faculty Member and Trustee at the Geneva College of Longevity Science
Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Prof. Brian Kennedy
Distinguished Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Physiology and Programme Director, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
Director at Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore
Dr. Wissam Adada
Chairman of ProtoClinic
President of GRA MENA
American Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine
MBBS and MSc in Aesthetic Medicine (Plastic Surgery Dept.)
International Fellowship in Dermatology (Harvard University)
Fellowships in Hair Transplant Surgery & Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Evelyne Bischof
Healthy Longevity Medicine Society, Co-founder and President
Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology Specialist
Head of the Scientific Board of Longevity Science Foundation
Co-Founder and Leader Longevity Education Hub
Professor of Medicine at Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Medical Director Sheba Longevity Department, Sheba Medical Center
Prof. Zeynab Nayernia
Translational Neuroscientist
Scientist at UCLA and Roche
CEO of P7Swiss
Dr. Tomasz Chelmicki
Senior Scientist & Research Project Leader at Roche
Postdoctoral Researcher at Institute Curie
PhD in Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics
Dr. Giuseppe Mucci
Founder and CEO of Bioscience Institute (RSM), Bioscience Clinic (Middle East) and Bioscience Genomics (Italy)
Prof. Uwe Nixdorff
Founder of European Prevention Center (EPC)
Internist, Cardiologist, and Sports Medicine Specialist
Prof. Karim Nayernia
Director and Founder of the International Center for Personalized Medicine (P7 MEDICINE), Germany
European Cell Medicine Institute (ECMI)
European Center for Personalized Medicine (ECPM), Dusseldorf, Germany
P7 MEDICINE Gulf, Dubai, UAE
Dr. Jürgen Hescheler
Chairman and Director of the Institute of Neurophysiology at the University at Zu Koln Founding President of the German Society for Stem Cell Research
Shaikha Almazrouei
Head of UAE Stem Cell Group
Lead Researcher with the Biotechnology Research Centre at Abu Dhabi Technology Innovation Institute
Member of International Stem Cells Research Association (ISCCR)
Member of International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy
Member of the International Cryobiology Society
Prof. Sean Ng
Founder and Consultant, Ming Medical in Malaysia
Immunotherapy & Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Bishoy Sawiris
Global Director of Medical Affairs & Business Development, Fusion Apothecary
Dr. Nicole Sirotin
CEO at the Institute of Healthier Living Abu Dhabi
Primary Care Internal Medicine Specialist in California
Research Fellowship in Global Public Health
Council Secretary of the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society
Prof. Dominik Thor
President & Professor of Pharmacy Geneva College of Longevity Science
Visiting Professor at University of Medicine and Pharmacy” Carol Davila”
CEO of a Biotech Company
Dr. Michael Weber
Director of the Center of TCM, Mitochondrial and Preventive Medicine in Portugal President of European TCM Laser Academy
Expert in the field of Functional, Orthomolecular & Mitochondrial Medicine
Dr. Kamran Mansouri
Professor Molecular Medicine
Member of the Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine group in Medical Biology Research Centre, Kermanshah, Iran
Dr. Mishkat Shehata
Clinical Director of Longevity of PureHealth
Regional Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine in the Middle East
Board certified UK-trained consultant in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine & Functional Medicine
Dr. Maryam Eslami
Dean of International Faculty, Tehran Medical Sciences, IAUTMS
President of Applied Biotechnology Research Center, IAUTMS
Fellowship of Regenerative Medicine from Harvard Medical School
Dr. Amirreza Boroumand
Specialist Neurologist and Spine Diseases
Fellowships in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, and Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy in Neurological Diseases, University of Münster, Germany
Clinical Director of Neurology, International Center for Personalized Medicine (ICPM), Germany and Parnia Stem Cell Institute’s Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Iran
Global Development Director for the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Society of Regenerative Medicine
Martin Krupitza
Founder of Biocannovea Medical Longevity Clinics
Expert of Functional Medicine
Nutritionist/Food Scientist
Jaffer Khan
Chairman and Founder at AEON Clinic, NOVA Clinic & Aesthetics International
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, AEON
Saba Habibollah
Clinical Operations Director, AEON
Genetics & Longevity Specialist, AEON
Dr. Salman Gilani
Stem Cell Consultant
Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine and the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Medical Affairs Director, AEON
Dr. Alla Zaentc
Certified Functional Medicine Specialist, AEON
Infectious Disease Specialist
Diplomat of the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Imane Farhat
Naturopathic Doctor, AEON
Member of American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member of Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. Basanta Khatry-Chhetry
Longevity Specialist & General Practitioner, AEON
Diplomat of the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Mazen Al Samarrare
Aesthetic Specialist & General Surgeon, AEON
Dr. Ecaterina Lica
Specialist Dermatologist, AEON
CEO aesthetic clinic “Doctor Lica” (Moldova), and International Lica. Doctor Beauty Academy,
Medical Director of Pressensa Professional Cosmetics Company (Spain)
Dr. Francisco De Melo
Senior Plastic Surgeon, AEON
Medical Director, AEON
These global pioneers will present groundbreaking research, clinical case studies, and the latest advancements shaping the future of medicine.
Hands-on scientific workshops: Master the future of aesthetic & regenerative medicine
Alongside the masterclass, AEON Clinic will host exclusive two-day scientific workshops (26th & 27th April 2025), offering live demonstrations and hands-on training in cutting-edge therapies. Limited to 60 participants, these workshops will provide deep insights into advanced techniques, including:
Facial Harmony Techniques by Dr Jaffer Khan
Precision Thread Lifting by Dr Ecaterina Lica
Photo biomodulation Therapy by Dr Michael Weber
Advanced Ozone Therapy by Dr Basanta Khatry-Chhetry
These workshops will combine theory with live demonstrations, allowing attendees to learn directly from leading global experts.
AEON Masterclass 2025: A collaboration of industry leaders
The AEON Masterclass 2025 is powered by world-class strategic partners, ensuring exceptional educational and clinical value:
Strategic partners:
P7 MEDICINE: International Center for Personalized Medicine Ltd
American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM)
Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS)
This masterclass is designed for clinicians, researchers, medical professionals, functional medicine and longevity specialists and enthusiasts, health-tech investors, biohackers, and innovators who are shaping the next era of healthcare — one focused on extending health span, reversing biological aging, and translating cutting-edge science into real-world impact and seeking to elevate their expertise and revolutionize patient care.
Secure your spot now
Early bird registrations are now open for a limited period. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a historic medical event in Dubai. Seats are limited, and early bird pricing is available for a short time only.
AEON Clinic, located at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, is the Middle East’s premier regenerative wellness center, offering cutting-edge treatments in longevity, anti-aging, and precision medicine. As the only clinic in the region affiliated with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine, AEON continues to lead the transformation of healthcare through education, innovation, and clinical excellence.
World Water Day: Preserving resources for a sustainable future
By working together with governments, utilities, and industries, we can ensure that urban water systems are prepared for future challenges while preserving our most precious resource
Water is the source of all life on our planet, sustaining ecosystems, communities, and economies. Yet, by the end of 2025, 1.8 billion people will not have direct access to safe water—with a significant portion in the Middle East, one of the most water-scarce regions in the world.
As we mark World Water Day 2025, themed ‘Melting Glaciers’, we are reminded that climate change is accelerating water insecurity globally. While melting glaciers impact sea levels and disrupt freshwater supplies, the Middle East faces its own critical challenge: rapidly rising demand and dwindling water resources. The question is not just about climate change — it’s about how we sustainably manage, optimise, and secure water for the future.
In our arid region, safeguarding water resources is essential for long-term survival. That’s why we remain committed to enhancing water security, improving efficiency, and championing conservation—especially in the Middle East, where demand continues to rise.
Strengthening urban water infrastructure
The increasing strain on urban water systems — caused by climate change, population growth, and industrial expansion — demands smarter infrastructure. According to the UN, by 2050, nearly 68 per cent of the global population will live in urban areas, placing immense pressure on existing water infrastructure. The UAE government has been at the forefront of developing innovative policies and infrastructure projects that align with global sustainability goals.
The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure sustainable water access through improved efficiency, alternative water sources, and enhanced storage capabilities. This includes investments in advanced desalination technologies, water recycling initiatives, and improved irrigation systems for agriculture. By integrating digital monitoring and AI-driven water management, the UAE is setting a precedent for resilient urban water infrastructure.
For example, Grundfos’ Demand-Driven Distribution (DDD) technology, has helped cities optimise water pressure management. By using sensors and real-time data analysis, DDD ensures water is delivered at optimal pressure, reducing leaks, minimising energy consumption, and enhancing network longevity. Cities such as Singapore and Barcelona have successfully integrated this technology, demonstrating measurable reductions in water loss and operational costs.
Promoting circular water management and wastewater reuse
Preserving water resources goes beyond reducing consumption — it requires innovative approaches to water reuse and circular management. The UAE has taken significant strides in wastewater recycling, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi implementing large-scale water reuse projects.
The country’s water authorities aim to increase the percentage of treated wastewater used for irrigation and industrial purposes, reducing reliance on desalination. Currently, the UAE treats around 70 per cent of its wastewater, with a goal to achieve 100 per cent reuse in the coming years.
As part of this shift, new technologies are helping communities, industries, and urban developments treat and reuse water locally. One example is Decentralised Water Recycling solutions which allow industries, buildings, and urban developments to treat wastewater at the source and reuse it for non-potable purposes. This has been successfully implemented in several European cities and industrial facilities, reducing freshwater dependency and improving water circularity.
Protecting water from climate-induced challenges
With glaciers melting and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, flood resilience is now a critical aspect of urban water management. The UAE has recognised the importance of flood prevention and sustainable drainage systems. Initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Climate Adaptation Plan outline measures to enhance flood preparedness, including investment in stormwater drainage networks and nature-based solutions.
By 2030, 15 million people and $177bn in urban property will be impacted annually by coastal flooding, while 132 million people and $535 billion in urban property will be impacted annually due to riverine flooding. Global flood damages could exceed unpredictably if no mitigation measures are taken.
To address these risks, cities around the world — including Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — are investing in smarter flood management systems. These efforts include high-capacity drainage networks and advanced systems that can efficiently handle large volumes of water during extreme weather events. Such infrastructure plays a key role in safeguarding communities and protecting urban areas from climate-induced water surges.
Driving awareness and action on World Water Day
World Water Day serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable water management.
The UAE government has consistently championed water conservation through national campaigns, policy frameworks, and investments in cutting-edge technologies. Programmes such as the ‘UAE’s Net Zero by 2050’ and the ‘National Climate Change Plan’ reinforce the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term water security.
The global water crisis is a reality, with the UN estimating that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population could be under stress conditions. By working together with governments, utilities, and industries, we can ensure that urban water systems are prepared for future challenges while preserving our most precious resource.
As we reflect on the theme of melting glaciers, let us also consider the broader water crisis and our role in securing a sustainable future.
The writer is the regional sales director for India, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) Region at Grundfos.
DWTC reports record events, real estate growth in 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has broken new records in terms of attendance numbers at several of its key events, with 2.65 million attendees across their events last year
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the key hub for global business and connecting markets, has reported its results of 2024, revealing the record-breaking performance which continues to boost the economic structure in Dubai.
DWTC welcomed participants over 2.65 million in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over last year.
In 2024, DWTC hosted 378 exhibitions and events by a 26 per cent year-on -year increase. The centre expanded its events calendar with forty new additions, including 10 exhibitions, 17 conferences, and 13 association conventions. The exhibitions and conferences attracted nearly 59,000 exhibiting companies , with 77 per cent coming from international markets, while international participation at MICE event rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to over 942,000 attendees.
The DWTC’s flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. The participation over 58,665 companies in the exhibitions and events made a 9 per cent increase compared to the last year.
Commenting on the performance,Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai’s global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering meaningful commercial connections.”
Key events at DWTC in 2024
The KAOUN International expanded DWTC’s globalreach with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, drawing 465,000 attendees, a 69 per cent rise from 2023. The food, hotel, and catering sector followed with 28,3000 attendees, a 25 per cent increase compared to last year, while the IT sector saw 281,000 attendees with an increase by 8 per cent year-on-year.
Major events like The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show and China Home Life, and the Leisure, Sport and Travel sector, with nearly 110,000 attendees, led by Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Muscle Show.
Other high-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika and Inter-sec showcased DWTC’S strong event portfolio and its role in attracting global participation across diverse industries.
Real estate milestones
DWTC‘s 2024 growth extended beyond events. DWTC’s real estate arm are collaborated with Emaar for Expo Living, a new residential project.
The asset management business saw near-full occupancy: 99 per cent in commercial spaces (One Central, Sheikh Rashid, Convention Tower) and over 90 per cent in Expo Village.
The DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded, incorporating One Za’abeel, attracting 389 new businesses with its premium offerings and free zone advantages.
Britain’s Heathrow Airport said it would be closed all of Friday after a huge fire at a nearby electrical substation wiped out power, disrupting flight schedules around the world.
The London Fire Brigade said around 70 firefighters were tackling the blaze in the west of London, which caused a mass power outage at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest and the world’s fifth-busiest airport.
Huge orange flames and smoke could be seen shooting into the sky. Around 150 people were evacuated from nearby buildings and thousands of properties were without power.
The fire brigade said the cause of the fire was not known.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” Heathrow Airport said in a post on X, adding that passengers were advised not to travel to the airport.
According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, at least 120 inbound flights to Heathrow were having to divert to other airports.
It said at least 1,351 flights to and from Heathrow would be affected on Friday, not including flights that might be cancelled or delayed due to aircraft being out of position.
British Airways itself had 341 flights scheduled to land at Heathrow on Friday.
“Heathrow is one of the major hubs of the world,” said Ian Petchenik, spokesman for FlightRadar24. “This is going to disrupt airlines’ operations around the world.”
The impact was immediate. Qantas Airways sent its flight from Perth to Paris, a United Airlines New York flight headed to Shannon, Ireland and a United Airlines flight from San Francisco was due to land in Washington, D.C. rather than London.
Some flights from the US were turning around mid-air and returning to their point of departure.
Chaotic days ahead
Travel experts said the disruption would extend far beyond Heathrow
Airlines’ carefully choreographed networks depend on airplanes and crews being in specific locations at specific times. Dozens of air carriers will have to hurriedly reconfigure their networks to move planes and crews around.
“The other question is, ‘What will airlines do to deal with the backlog of passengers?'”, said travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt with Atmosphere Research Group. “It’s going to be a chaotic couple of days.”
A Heathrow spokesperson told Reuters in an email that there was no clarity on when power would be restored, and they expected significant disruption over the coming days.
On the ground in London, a number of homes and businesses were without power. “Firefighters have led 29 people to safety from neighbouring properties, and as a precaution, a 200-metre cordon has been established, with around 150 people evacuated,” the fire brigade said.
EXCLUSIVE: Etihad CEO on growth, IPO talk and Ethiopian Airlines tie-up
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves tells us more about a new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, the airline’s ambitious growth plans, record profits, and the much-speculated IPO
In this exclusive Gulf Business interview, we spoke with Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves onboard a special flight to Addis Ababa, Ethhiopia.
Earlier this week, Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines inked a joint venture agreement that will open up a new route between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport from 15 July. As part of the agreement, Etihad Airways will launch daily services to Addis Ababa from 1 October 2025.
The conversation covers Etihad’s new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, but also looks at the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s ambitious growth plans, record profits, and the much-speculated IPO.
Below is the transcript of the conversation, edited for clarity and readability.
Watch the full interview here:
We’re on this special flight with you and the Etihad Airways team to Ethiopia. Can you tell us more about what’s happening?
Etihad is working really hard to expand our partnerships across the globe. We just announced recently a very important partnership with China Eastern, which allows us to fly to China differently and provide our customers more options. And today, we’re very happy to announce that we’re going to make a very similar partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
This is extremely important for Etihad because it means we can offer customers many more options into Africa, and at the same time, we can provide Ethiopian customers many, many options that Etihad has today to different places around the world.
And when you talk about the partnership, is it like a codeshare partnership? Can you unpack some of the logistics?
Yes, it’s a joint venture partnership. It starts with the airlines cooperating point-to-point, across about ten destinations, working together to sell and carry passengers in and out of those destinations.
Airline partnerships usually start with an interline agreement – that’s the most basic. For example, you fly Etihad (EY) and then connect on Ethiopian Airlines (ET).
Then, the partnership can evolve into a codeshare agreement, where you fly on, say, an Ethiopian plane but under the Etihad flight code. But you can even go beyond that to a joint venture model, which is more in-depth collaboration. You provide better schedules, better pricing, seamless journeys, and all airlines share the revenue equally.
So practically, if you’re flying from Abu Dhabi to Addis, you could be on either an Etihad or Ethiopian plane, but for you as a customer, the price and experience would be the same. There’s no seat allocation restriction like in codeshare; Etihad could sell 70 per cent of seats on an Ethiopian flight and vice versa.
Why did you decide to go with the joint venture approach instead of the typical codeshare approach?
It’s a matter of speed. Traditionally, airlines go interline, get to know each other, move to codeshare, and then joint venture – a process that can take up to seven years. But there’s so much opportunity in the market now.
Both Etihad and Ethiopian have strong organisational capabilities. If it’s better for both sides, why not do it sooner?
This approach benefits Etihad, Ethiopian, and most importantly, the customers. So, we decided to fast-track it.
Ethiopian Airlines has grown in leaps and bounds recently. It’s now a central hub for African aviation. Abu Dhabi, of course, is also central. Does this give you two hubs from which you can operate globally?
Exactly. You’ve got to admire your counterpart. Ethiopian has built something amazing. They’re about the same size as Etihad, and they provide very good service.
We’re partnering with an airline that shares our view on how an airline should be run and how to develop the future of aviation. Their A350s are amazing, and we believe this is a milestone for the industry.
Etihad will benefit from their network, and in the past three years, we’ve doubled our size – growing from 10 million to 21 million passengers this year.
No other airline in the Middle East provides the frequency we do to the Middle East and India. Customers value frequency.
Now, we’re flying four times a day to multiple markets. Three years ago, we didn’t have that. We’re focused on convenience and providing multiple flights daily to key markets.
And in terms of the number of destinations you serve – it’s grown significantly too?
Yes, but two-thirds of our growth is adding capacity to existing markets, not just new destinations. Two years ago, we had 15 destinations with more than two flights a day. Today, we have over 40. For example, four flights daily to Kuwait.
We’ll keep opening 10-15 new destinations yearly – Addis Ababa is our 15th this year. But equally important is increasing frequencies in markets we already serve.
Customers value not just price but the ability to fly when they want, with short connections and reliable service.
Seated left to right, Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO and Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. Standing, Lt Gen Yilma Merdassa, Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines and His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group.
Talking about the region, the GCC aviation sector seems to be experiencing a golden age. Your neighbour Dubai is seeing record traffic. Is this growth unstoppable?
Absolutely. Airline growth is always correlated to GDP growth, and the Middle East is still underserved. Within a four-hour flight from Abu Dhabi, you have two billion people. For comparison, Brazil has 250 million people. So, the opportunity is massive.
GDP in the region grows about 5 per cent annually, and aviation typically grows twice that.
Other airlines are growing at 3-4 per cent. Etihad will grow 15 per cent this year.
Why? Because we have the capacity at Abu Dhabi Airport, one of the best terminals globally. You have a 99 per cent chance of not taking a bus to board, no trains to gates, pre-clearance to the US – all advantages.
Looking further ahead, there’s been talk about Riyadh Air. Do you see them as a positive force, or will competition heat up?
They’re not flying yet. It’ll take years to reach critical mass.
I’ve seen this before. It took David Neeleman seven years to get Breeze Airways to scale.
That said, I welcome competition. There are many airlines in the region – Saudia, Air Cairo, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Flynas – all excited about the market.
Increased competition stimulates the market. The challenge isn’t just about product; anyone can offer good seats or food. It’s about having a reliable, scalable network that makes money while providing excellent service. Few can master all of that.
Coming back to Etihad, you’ve reported record profits, passenger numbers, routes – and there’s talk of a potential IPO. What can you tell us?
The speculation is natural. If we weren’t doing well, there’d be no talk. Margins have improved, profitability is up, but we stay humble – there’s still room for growth. ADQ, our shareholder, has listed companies before, so it’s understandable there’s talk.
IPO is a tool, not an end. I’ve been through IPOs before. Airlines are capital-intensive and need flexibility. Our job is to be ready if the shareholder decides to proceed. Operationally, financially, from a governance standpoint – Etihad is ready. But no decision has been made yet. We take the speculation as a compliment, a sign we’re on the right path. If the day comes, we’ll be ready.
