Emirates has introduced what it says is another world-first innovation for air travel, unveiling the new U-Dream Headrest for Economy Class passengers as part of a significant investment aimed at improving comfort on long-haul journeys.

The airline announced that installation of the new headrests is already underway across its fleet, marking the latest enhancement to its Economy Class experience. Designed to provide greater head and neck support during sleep and relaxation, the U-Dream headrest will be fitted across all Emirates Airbus A350 aircraft and the majority of its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet over the coming years.

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The launch reinforces Emirates’ continued focus on investing in Economy Class, with the airline positioning the innovation as another step towards making long-haul travel more comfortable for millions of passengers.

A new approach to sleeping in Economy

The U-Dream headrest is a multi-way adjustable design that enables passengers to customise the position of the headrest for improved neck and head support while resting during a flight.

Integrated into Emirates’ innovative Z400 seat by Safran Seats, the leather headrest features padded, flexible side wings that fold inward to gently cradle the passenger’s head and neck. The design is intended to help travellers maintain a comfortable sleeping position without their head falling forwards or to either side, reducing the need for traditional travel neck pillows.

In addition to the foldable side wings, the headrest moves vertically and tilts to accommodate passengers of varying heights and body types, providing a more personalised seating experience throughout the journey.

The airline said the U-Dream headrest has undergone independent testing and verification to meet the stringent aviation safety requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), allowing Emirates to introduce the feature across its fleet at scale.

By bringing premium-style ergonomic support into Economy Class, Emirates believes the innovation sets a new benchmark for passenger comfort.

Emirates: ‘No more neck pillows needed’

Commenting on the launch, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said the airline remains committed to continually improving the customer experience.

“Emirates never rests on its laurels when it comes to customer experience and we have found a way to significantly improve the comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially those travelling long-haul. The U-Dream changes the game if the person wants to sleep, by supporting the neck in full. No more neck pillows needed. It’s another innovation that shows our commitment to customers and cements our Economy Class as the best.”

According to Emirates, passengers who have already experienced the U-Dream headrest have praised its ease of use and comfort. Cabin crew have also been trained to assist customers with adjusting the headrest where required.

The leather surface has been designed for easy cleaning and is sanitised after every flight as part of the airline’s standard cabin servicing procedures.

Fleet-wide rollout already underway

The U-Dream headrest is already flying onboard three Emirates Airbus A350 aircraft, with installation continuing across additional aircraft as quickly as possible.

Emirates said every Airbus A350 in its fleet will feature the new headrest by the end of the year as part of its collaboration with Safran Seats.

Looking further ahead, all 270 Boeing 777X aircraft currently on order for Emirates will come equipped with the U-Dream headrest from delivery.

Beginning in 2027, the airline will also start installing the headrests across its retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, extending the feature to a significant proportion of its global fleet.

Raising the standard for Economy Class

The U-Dream headrest forms part of Emirates’ broader strategy to continually enhance its Economy Class offering through comfort, technology, hospitality and onboard services.

Operating one of the world’s largest fleets of widebody aircraft, Emirates says every Economy Class passenger benefits from wider cabins, spacious aisles, larger overhead storage bins and improved cabin comfort aboard its Airbus A380, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The latest Airbus A350 also introduces spacious 3-3-3 seating, larger 13.3-inch 4K entertainment screens, USB-C charging ports, higher cabin ceilings and the airline’s latest generation of adjustable headrests, all designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

Entertainment remains a key attraction

Beyond physical comfort, Emirates continues to invest heavily in its inflight entertainment experience.

Its award-winning ice entertainment platform now offers more than 6,500 channels of content, making it one of the largest entertainment libraries available onboard any commercial airline.

Passengers have access to thousands of films, television programmes, documentaries, music albums, podcasts and live sporting events from leading providers including HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, BBC, Discovery+, Shahid and Spotify.

Children are also catered for through dedicated entertainment channels, specially designed headphones and multiplayer games, providing younger travellers with a wide range of age-appropriate content throughout the journey.

Staying connected above the clouds

Connectivity is another area where Emirates continues to expand its offering.

The airline is introducing Starlink internet across its fleet, allowing passengers to browse the web, stream content, work remotely, play online games and communicate with family and friends while flying at cruising altitude.

According to Emirates, customers have already logged more than one million Starlink connections onboard, with many praising the service for delivering internet speeds that rival those available at home.

Award-winning dining and hospitality

Food and service continue to remain central to the Emirates travel experience.

The airline serves complimentary multi-course meals and beverages on every flight regardless of duration, with menus inspired by regional cuisines and accompanied by a wide selection of drinks, including tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages where available.

Passengers on selected routes can also enjoy additional treats such as warm cookies, popcorn and ice cream, while special meals are available to accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

Emirates said it was recognised in the 2026 Best Airline Food and Drinks Survey, where thousands of frequent flyers voted it the leading airline for Economy Class meals, as well as Business Class meals and cocktails.

Supporting the onboard experience is Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew, representing 140 nationalities and speaking more than 70 languages. Every crew member undergoes training at the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence Dubai to ensure consistent service standards while also providing specialist assistance to families, children and passengers requiring additional support.

Designed with families in mind

Families continue to be a major focus for Emirates, with a range of services aimed at making travel easier for parents and children.

These include children’s meals, complimentary baby food, infant essentials, changing facilities, entertainment options, pillows, blankets and age-specific activity packs.

Long-haul Economy passengers also receive complimentary amenity kits produced in partnership with United for Wildlife, while younger travellers are given collectible travel kits, toys and the airline’s Fly with Me activity magazine.

A global network backed by loyalty rewards

Through its Dubai hub, Emirates connects travellers across six continents, offering extensive long-haul connectivity supported by one of the aviation industry’s strongest operational records.

The airline says it handles almost three million bags every month while maintaining a 99.9 per cent baggage handling success rate.

Passengers can also earn and redeem Miles through Emirates Skywards across flights, upgrades, hotels, shopping and exclusive experiences. Younger travellers can join Skywards Skysurfers, allowing families to begin earning Miles together from an early age.

With the rollout of the U-Dream headrest now underway, Emirates is once again placing renewed emphasis on improving the Economy Class experience. By combining enhanced ergonomic comfort with continued investments in entertainment, connectivity, hospitality and onboard service, the airline is aiming to further strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading carriers for long-haul travel.

Airlines across the Gulf cancelled or adjusted several short-haul services linking the UAE with Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as disruption continued across the wider Middle East aviation network.

The regional cancellations were recorded on the official flight-status pages of Emirates, Air Arabia and flydubai on July 20.

They come as international airlines cautiously restore some services to the Middle East while maintaining extended suspensions on other routes following the conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to a Reuters report published on July 17.

Emirates cancels eight regional flights

Emirates listed eight services from Dubai International Airport to Kuwait, Bahrain and Dammam as cancelled on its official flight-status pages.

All four Emirates flights scheduled to operate from Dubai to Kuwait on Tuesday, July 21, were shown as cancelled.

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The affected services were EK853, scheduled to depart Dubai at 1.25am; EK855 at 7.50am; EK857 at 2.55pm; and EK859 at 8.30pm, according to the airline’s flight-status page.

All four flights were due to operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport to Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport.

Emirates also listed three Dubai-Bahrain flights as cancelled for July 21.

Flight EK835 had been scheduled to depart Dubai at 2am, EK837 at 8:30am and EK839 at 4:00pm. The services were due to arrive at Terminal 1 at Bahrain International Airport, according to Emirates’ official flight-status information.

Flight EK821 from Dubai to Dammam was also shown as cancelled on the Emirates status page. The service had been scheduled to depart Dubai at 8:50pm and arrive in Dammam at 9:20pm.

Air Arabia cancels Kuwait and Bahrain services

Air Arabia listed two flights from Sharjah to Kuwait as cancelled on its official flight-status page.

Flight G9068, scheduled to depart Sharjah at 3:00am and arrive in Kuwait at 3:40am, was marked “Flight is cancelled”.

Flight G9124, which had been scheduled to leave Sharjah at 8:45am and arrive in Kuwait at 10:30am, was also shown as cancelled on the airline’s status page.

On the Sharjah-Bahrain route, Air Arabia flight G9107 was listed as cancelled. The service had been scheduled to depart Sharjah at 3:55am and arrive in Bahrain at 4:05am.

Another Air Arabia service on the route, G9101, was not shown as cancelled. Its status was listed as “Flight time updated” on the airline’s website. The flight was scheduled to leave Sharjah at 10:30am and arrive in Bahrain at 10:40am.

flydubai cancels late-night Bahrain flight

flydubai listed flight FZ029 from Dubai to Bahrain as cancelled on its official flight-status page.

The service had been scheduled to depart Dubai International Airport at 11:20pm and arrive in Bahrain at 11:40pm.

Another Dubai-Bahrain service, FZ023, was shown with a revised estimated departure time.

The flight had originally been scheduled to depart Dubai at 8:55am and arrive in Bahrain at 9:30am. However, flydubai’s status page showed an estimated departure of 11:30am and an expected arrival of 11:45am.

Flight FZ021 remained scheduled to depart Dubai at 2.20pm and arrive in Bahrain at 2:40pm, according to the airline’s flight information.

Reuters reports prolonged Middle East suspensions

The latest cancellations by GCC carriers come amid continuing disruption to international flights serving the Middle East.

“More airlines are restoring flights to parts of the Middle East after the conflict that followed US and Israeli strikes on Iran, but some carriers have kept suspensions in place,” Reuters reported on July 17.

The Reuters report detailed a series of continuing suspensions affecting Dubai and other major cities across the region.

According to Reuters, Greece’s Aegean Airlines cancelled flights to Dubai until August 31, while airBaltic cancelled its Dubai services until October 24.

Air Canada also cancelled flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until October 24, Reuters reported.

Cathay Pacific postponed the resumption of its passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh. Its Dubai flights are expected to resume on October 25, while Riyadh services are scheduled to return on October 26, according to Reuters.

Both routes had previously been expected to resume on September 1.

British Airways delays Gulf return

Reuters reported that British Airways, which is owned by International Airlines Group, delayed the resumption of flights to Doha until August 1 and Riyadh until August 8.

British Airways flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Tel Aviv and Amman were paused until the end of the summer season and were scheduled to resume on October 25, the Reuters report said.

The airline also plans to reduce services to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Tel Aviv to one daily flight when operations resume, while dropping Jeddah as a destination, according to Reuters.

Finnair cancelled its Doha flights until October 2 and continued to avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel. The Finnish airline is expected to restart its seasonal Dubai services in October, Reuters reported.

Lufthansa Group extends regional suspensions

Lufthansa and SWISS will continue suspending flights to Dubai until September 13, according to the Reuters report.

Reuters also reported that Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines had suspended flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran until October 24.

ITA Airways extended the suspension of its Dubai flights until October 24 for operational reasons, while its Riyadh services were suspended until July 31, Reuters said.

Singapore Airlines also extended the suspension of its Singapore-Dubai service until October 24.

Meanwhile, Wizz Air suspended flights from mainland European destinations to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until mid-September, according to Reuters.

Recovery remains uneven

The cancellations listed by Emirates, Air Arabia and flydubai, together with the extended international suspensions documented by Reuters, underscore the continuing uncertainty facing the Middle East aviation industry.

Although some airlines have begun restoring regional operations, others are maintaining suspensions extending into September and October.

Airline schedules remain subject to short-notice changes based on security assessments, airspace restrictions and operational requirements.

Passengers travelling through the region have been advised to check their flight status directly on the operating airline’s website before leaving for the airport.

For more than 45 years, Big 5 has evolved from a single construction exhibition into one of the industry’s largest global event portfolios, mirroring the changing priorities of the built environment across high-growth markets.

Now, organiser dmg events is taking the brand into Türkiye with the launch of Big 5 Construct Türkiye in 2027, a move that reflects the country’s growing role in regional construction, manufacturing and infrastructure investment.

For Ben Greenish, executive vice president at dmg events, the expansion is less about entering a new geography and more about responding to shifting construction supply chains and the increasing demand for regional business platforms that connect developers, contractors, manufacturers and policymakers.

“The portfolio has expanded across key construction markets in the Middle East and Africa, creating an interconnected network of trade events that reflects where construction investment and development are taking place,” says Greenish.

“Whether in the UAE, with the flagship, Big 5 Global, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Syria or now Türkiye, our approach has remained consistent. We listen to the industry, identify where project activity creates opportunities and develop trade exhibitions that support business growth, policy alignment and knowledge exchange.”

Following construction investment

Greenish says the success of the Big 5 portfolio has been driven by its ability to evolve alongside the markets it serves.

Rather than replicating a standard exhibition model across different countries, the portfolio has focused on aligning with local construction priorities while maintaining international connectivity.

“Its strength lies in its ability to reflect local market priorities while linking businesses to an international network across key construction markets in the Middle East and Africa.”

“That ability to adapt to the changing market requirements while maintaining strong industry relationships has enabled Big 5 to remain relevant across multiple regions and continue serving the evolving needs of the construction sector.”

Türkiye’s inclusion reflects the country’s expanding pipeline of infrastructure, urban regeneration and industrial development projects, as well as its growing importance as a manufacturing and export base serving Europe, the Middle East and neighbouring markets.

“For more than four decades, Big 5 Global has connected the global construction community with opportunities across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. As those markets continue to evolve, Big 5 Construct Türkiye represents a natural next step in our growth strategy.”

He points to government-led investment programmes covering transport infrastructure, housing, sustainability and urban transformation, alongside the Türkiye Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Project (TERRP), as key drivers behind the timing of the launch.

“Our objective is to create opportunities for businesses to build partnerships, access new markets and gain a deeper understanding of Türkiye’s evolving construction landscape.”

A strategic gateway for regional trade

Greenish believes Türkiye’s geographic position is becoming increasingly important as companies rethink supply chains and establish regional manufacturing and sourcing strategies.

“As supply chains become more regionalised and companies look to diversify their operations, Türkiye is well positioned to support both domestic development and international business expansion. Its manufacturing capabilities, transport connectivity and access to neighbouring markets make it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish regional partnerships and serve multiple geographies from a single base.”

He expects this role to strengthen further as investment continues to flow into infrastructure, industrial development and the wider built environment.

The inaugural Big 5 Construct Türkiye will be co-located with Türkiye Infrastructure Expo, a move Greenish says reflects how modern projects are increasingly delivered through integrated supply chains rather than isolated disciplines.

“The co-location creates a more comprehensive industry event that reflects how construction and infrastructure projects are delivered today.”

Bringing together developers, contractors, consultants, government stakeholders and suppliers creates opportunities that extend beyond individual products and services.

Greenish says, “For exhibitors, it expands access to a wider audience of buyers, project owners, contractors, consultants and government representatives. For visitors, it provides the opportunity to explore products, technologies and services across both vertical and horizontal construction in a single visit.”

He adds that the combined event is designed to encourage conversations around complete project delivery, investment opportunities and long-term partnerships rather than transactional sales alone.

Where future demand will emerge

Looking ahead, Greenish sees sustained opportunities across residential construction, urban regeneration, transport infrastructure, logistics and industrial development.

At the same time, evolving project requirements are creating demand for new technologies and more efficient delivery models.

“Alongside these sectors, there is increasing demand for advanced building materials and services, offsite construction, efficient technologies and digital solutions that help improve project delivery and operational performance.”

These trends, he says, create opportunities for both domestic suppliers and international companies capable of bringing specialised expertise into the market.

Beyond product showcases, Greenish believes exhibitions are increasingly becoming platforms for regional collaboration.

“As construction activity becomes increasingly interconnected, companies are looking beyond individual markets to build a regional presence through strategic partnerships, diversified supply chains and long-term investment,” says Greenish.

He expects Big 5 Construct Türkiye to strengthen commercial links between Türkiye, the GCC and wider international markets by combining business networking with technical knowledge exchange.

“Beyond facilitating business networking, the event will encourage the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices through its content programme and on-ground discussions.”

For the inaugural edition in 2027, Greenish says success will not simply be determined by visitor numbers.

Instead, dmg events will focus on the quality of commercial engagement and the partnerships that emerge from the exhibition.

“We are seeing companies become far more selective about where they invest their time and resources, prioritising platforms that provide access to active projects, decision-makers and tangible business opportunities.”

He adds: “Success will therefore be measured not just by attendance, but by the meaningful commercial outcomes that are results-driven.”

For businesses evaluating Türkiye as their next expansion market, Greenish believes the fundamentals remain compelling.

“This is a market with strong fundamentals, a strategic geographic position and long-term investment potential. Companies that establish relationships early and understand local market dynamics will be best positioned to benefit as the next phase of development unfolds,” he concludes.

With construction investment continuing to reshape regional supply chains, dmg events is positioning Big 5 Construct Türkiye as a platform that connects local opportunities with international capital, expertise and partnerships; extending the Big 5 brand into another high-growth market at a time when cross-border collaboration is becoming increasingly central to the industry’s future.

For decades, supermarkets were viewed primarily as places where consumers purchased everyday essentials. Today, they are becoming something far more influential: wellness destinations.

Across the UAE, grocery retailers are expanding their health-focused assortments, introducing dedicated wellness sections, partnering with nutrition-led brands and using their reach to influence how consumers think about food, prevention and long-term wellbeing.

The transformation reflects a major shift in consumer behaviour. Health-conscious purchasing is no longer limited to a small group of fitness enthusiasts or specialised shoppers. Families, young professionals and older consumers are increasingly examining ingredients, reading labels and seeking products that support specific health goals.

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From gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives to probiotic beverages, plant-based foods and functional nutrition products, wellness has moved from the margins of the supermarket to the centre of the shopping experience.

Industry leaders believe this shift represents a fundamental change in the relationship between retailers and consumers. Supermarkets are no longer simply responding to demand, they are actively shaping healthier consumption habits.

Wellness moves from niche category to everyday shopping decision

Brian Ballinger, head of Commercial at Choithrams, said the retailer noticed that wellness had evolved significantly from being a specialised category into a mainstream consumer priority.

“Over the years, we have seen wellness move from a specialist purchase to a mainstream consideration,” Ballinger said.

“What was once driven by a small group of health-conscious consumers is now influencing purchasing decisions across families, young professionals, and older shoppers alike.”

According to Ballinger, consumers today are more knowledgeable about nutrition and increasingly want products that offer clear benefits, whether related to dietary requirements, preventative health or overall lifestyle improvement.

This behavioural change convinced retailers that wellness could no longer be treated as a limited shelf segment.

Customers are now actively searching for products that align with individual needs, including gluten-free options, dairy alternatives, plant-based foods and products free from refined sugar.

The result has been a rapid expansion of wellness-focused grocery offerings across the UAE.

The supermarket becomes the new health coach

Choithrams is among the retailers responding to this transformation by significantly expanding its wellness assortment.

The retailer now offers more than 1,000 wellness products, creating a broader ecosystem designed to support different consumer requirements.

Ballinger said the expansion was not driven by a target number but by the need to create a comprehensive destination where consumers could easily discover healthier choices.

“The expansion was driven by customer demand and the growing diversity of wellness needs,” he said.

“Rather than targeting a specific number, the objective was to create a comprehensive destination that could serve multiple customer requirements, from gluten-free and plant-based products to functional foods and better-for-you alternatives.”

The retailer has also focused on improving visibility through dedicated wellness sections, clearer segmentation and partnerships with brands operating in emerging health categories.

The strategy reflects a wider retail shift: making wellness easier to access.

Rather than requiring consumers to visit specialist stores or search extensively for healthier products, supermarkets are bringing these choices directly into everyday shopping routines.

UAE consumers are looking beyond traditional health claims

The definition of wellness itself has changed dramatically.

Five years ago, many consumers associated wellness primarily with dieting, weight loss or a narrow range of health foods. Today, the concept has expanded to include nutrition, mental wellbeing, preventative health and transparency around ingredients.

“Five years ago, wellness was often associated with dieting or a limited range of health foods,” Ballinger said.

“Today, consumers view wellness much more holistically, encompassing nutrition, lifestyle, preventative health, mental wellbeing, and product transparency.”

This evolution has created a more sophisticated consumer base.

Shoppers are no longer automatically influenced by packaging claims or marketing messages. Instead, they are increasingly evaluating ingredients, nutritional value, authenticity and whether products genuinely deliver the benefits they promise.

Ballinger said health considerations remain the biggest factor driving demand for gluten-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar-free products.

However, consumers are also considering taste, quality, brand credibility and affordability before making purchasing decisions.

Gut health becomes the next frontier of wellness

While supermarkets are expanding their wellness categories, food innovators are targeting emerging consumer concerns, particularly digestive health.

Heather Mills, vegan entrepreneur and climate activist, believes the UAE’s growing interest in healthier eating reflects a global movement, but one that is especially visible in the region due to changing dietary awareness.

“I think the trend is a global one and it is probably particularly noticeable in the UAE as the local diet was historically quite sugar-laden and high in saturated fats,” Mills said.

“The education and analysis regarding food composition has improved dramatically and the consumer is now more clued up on what’s good for them and able to demand better from brands.”

Mills said one of the biggest changes has been consumers becoming more aware of how specific foods affect their bodies.

She highlighted the response to her gut-friendly ready meal brand No Bloat, which focuses on supporting consumers dealing with digestive discomfort.

“We have been amazed by the reaction to our new (truly) gut-friendly LOW Fodmap ready meals – www.Nobloat.com,” she said.

“They are solving all kinds of digestive issues for people that had no idea what was causing their discomfort.”

However, Mills warned that consumers need to be careful when evaluating wellness claims, as some products marketed as healthy may not necessarily support individual dietary needs.

She believes future growth in the sector will depend on greater education and transparency.

Social media accelerates the wellness conversation

Another factor influencing consumer behaviour is the rise of online health and lifestyle content.

Mills said social media has played a complicated but important role in accelerating wellness awareness.

While she acknowledged that some online trends can create unrealistic expectations, she said digital platforms have also helped spread positive information about nutrition and lifestyle improvements.

“Don’t get me wrong, ‘aspiration’ culture caused by a glut of lifestyle content creation can be a very damaging thing in terms of false messaging and a lack of authenticity in approach,” Mills said.

“But it does also enable some positive messaging to be conveyed around lifestyle adjustments and healthy pursuits that consumers can adhere to.”

For brands operating in the wellness space, this increased awareness represents a significant opportunity, but also a responsibility to provide credible information.

Functional beverages become the gateway to healthier habits

Alongside food products, functional beverages have emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas of wellness consumption.

Vincent Vandenabeele, founder of Saba Plant-Based, entered the UAE market in 2019 with a focus on plant-based fermented foods and drinks.

At the time, he identified an opportunity to introduce products combining nutrition, convenience and gut health benefits.

“When we launched Saba Plant-Based in 2019, we saw a significant shift in consumer awareness around health, nutrition, and ingredient transparency,” Vandenabeele said.

He said the UAE market was increasingly open to products that supported everyday wellness while fitting modern lifestyles.

Functional beverages, including probiotic drinks, kombucha, kefir and fermented beverages, have become particularly attractive because they require minimal behavioural change.

“Functional beverages have become the entry point for wellness adoption because they are one of the easiest and most convenient ways for people to incorporate health-supporting habits into their daily lives,” Vandenabeele said.

Unlike supplements or major dietary changes, a functional drink can replace an existing beverage while introducing consumers to wellness benefits.

The future belongs to personalised wellness

Vandenabeele believes gut health remains one of the most promising but underdeveloped areas within the wellness sector.

“I think gut health is still one of the most underexplored areas, despite the growing awareness around it,” he said.

While consumers are becoming familiar with terms such as probiotics and fermentation, he believes there is still significant room for education around the relationship between gut health, immunity, digestion and mental wellbeing.

He also expects demand to increase for products made with simple, recognisable ingredients and fewer artificial additives.

For Saba Plant-Based, the opportunity lies in combining traditional food practices with modern nutritional understanding.

Retailers become partners in the UAE’s health journey

The rise of wellness-focused supermarkets reflects a broader transformation in the UAE’s food landscape.

Retailers now influence not only what consumers buy but also how they understand nutrition and wellbeing.

Ballinger believes supermarkets have a unique responsibility because of their daily interaction with millions of consumers.

“Retailers have a unique opportunity to influence everyday consumption habits at scale,” he said.

At Choithrams, he said wellness is built around three pillars: assortment, education and community engagement.

Through wellness destinations, awareness campaigns, partnerships and events, retailers can help consumers discover healthier options and make more informed choices.

As the UAE continues to prioritise wellbeing and preventive health, supermarkets are becoming increasingly important players in that mission.

Doctors will continue to guide consumers through medical challenges, but when it comes to everyday habits, the food people choose, the ingredients they trust and the products they place in their shopping carts, the supermarket aisle is becoming one of the most powerful wellness influencers in the country.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan to significantly expand the emirate’s soft mobility network by 2030, marking another step in the city’s broader strategy to create a more connected, sustainable and commuter-friendly transport ecosystem.

The initiative is designed to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods and public transport stations while improving first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors. By integrating walking, cycling and other individual mobility options with Dubai’s wider public transport network, the authority aims to make journeys safer, more convenient and increasingly seamless.

Under the plan, RTA will develop soft mobility infrastructure across 25 residential areas and upgrade the urban environment surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030. The project aligns with Dubai’s wider vision of developing an integrated mobility network that supports sustainable urban growth and enhances quality of life.

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Areas selected for the programme have been prioritised based on several factors, including the availability and usage of public transport services, population density, land-use patterns, whether residential, commercial or mixed-use, and the current condition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Future development plans under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also formed part of the selection criteria.

Soft mobility positioned as a key pillar of future transport

Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s long-term ambition to remain one of the world’s leading cities for liveability while supporting sustainable economic and urban development.

“The plan forms part of RTA’s efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live in, and to develop an integrated and sustainable transport system that keeps pace with urban and population growth while enhancing quality of life.

“Soft mobility has become one of the strategic enablers of the future mobility ecosystem and a key pillar in strengthening integration across transport modes. It reinforces public transport’s position as the preferred mobility choice and supports Dubai’s sustainability and quality-of-life objectives, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”

Al Tayer said transport infrastructure worldwide is increasingly being measured by how effectively it delivers connected and seamless journeys rather than simply expanding road capacity.

“The global mobility sector is undergoing a fundamental shift in the philosophy of infrastructure development. Success is now measured by a mobility system’s ability to deliver an integrated, safe and seamless journey that allows residents and visitors to move between different transport modes with ease, efficiency and safety.

“Dubai has succeeded in building one of the world’s most advanced public transport systems by strengthening integration between the road network, public transport modes and individual mobility modes. Pedestrian journeys rose from 326 million in 2024 to 342 million in 2025, a growth of 5 per cent, while the maturity of infrastructure surrounding public transport stations reached 87 per cent and pedestrian satisfaction across Dubai rose to 89 per cent. Cycling trips increased from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a growth of 23%, and e-scooter trips rose from 32.3 million in 2024 to 39.6 million in 2025, a growth of nearly 23 per cent.”

Focus on making public transport more attractive

RTA believes improving the areas surrounding metro and bus stations will play a critical role in encouraging more residents to shift towards public and shared transport.

According to Al Tayer, investing in the urban environment around transport hubs helps maximise the value of existing transport infrastructure while making public transport a more attractive option for everyday travel.

He said facilities such as pedestrian and cycling tracks, safer pedestrian crossings, infrastructure for People of Determination, shaded walkways and urban beautification features will make journeys more comfortable and accessible. The plan also includes expanding stations and parking facilities for shared mobility services, including Careem Bike and e-scooter rental operators, further improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and transport hubs.

Al Tayer added that the next phase of the programme will focus on completing the final stage of customers’ journeys by strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity between residential communities, business districts, major destinations and metro and bus stations.

He said the objective is to transform every public transport station into an integrated mobility hub that delivers greater flexibility, efficiency and sustainability for commuters.

Infrastructure rollout to continue through 2030

The latest programme will expand soft mobility infrastructure into 25 additional residential areas, bringing the total number of targeted communities to 34 by the end of the decade.

Construction is already underway in five locations, Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat, where soft mobility elements are currently being implemented.

Alongside neighbourhood improvements, RTA plans to upgrade the infrastructure surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030, making metro and bus stations easier to access while further strengthening Dubai’s integrated transport network.

The authority said the programme supports Dubai’s wider efforts to increase reliance on public transport and sustainable mobility by creating an accessible infrastructure network that better connects residential developments, commercial districts, major destinations and transport stations.

Key elements of the project include cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, bicycle parking, vehicle parking facilities, passenger pick-up and drop-off zones and dedicated infrastructure for shared mobility services.

Together, these improvements are intended to make active travel more practical while supporting safer and more efficient journeys across the city.

Building on earlier phases

The new expansion builds on previous soft mobility projects already completed across nine residential areas: Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souk Al Kabeer.

RTA has also completed upgrades around 37 metro stations, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ONPASSIVE, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail.

Those projects introduced integrated pedestrian and cycling networks, upgraded pavements, safer pedestrian crossings, facilities for People of Determination, mobility hubs, shared mobility stations and urban beautification initiatives.

According to RTA, these improvements have strengthened first- and last-mile connectivity while delivering greater integration between different transport modes across Dubai’s wider mobility network.

Master plan supports long-term mobility strategy

The soft mobility programme forms part of a broader strategy to create an interconnected transport ecosystem that integrates roads with the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis and individual mobility options such as walking, cycling and e-scooters.

RTA said the approach is designed to deliver safer, more efficient and sustainable journeys while supporting Dubai’s economic growth, urban expansion and international competitiveness in smart mobility.

To support the initiative, the authority previously conducted a comprehensive study to develop a master plan for non-motorised transport across the emirate.

The study examined infrastructure requirements for medium- and long-distance journeys, with a focus on improving safety, accessibility and convenience while encouraging greater use of walking and cycling.

It also established a long-term strategy for expanding non-motorised transport by creating infrastructure that is accessible to all residents, including People of Determination, while improving connectivity between residential communities, development projects and major destinations.

In addition, the strategy outlines standards for first- and last-mile infrastructure and transport integration, providing a framework that will be incorporated into future RTA projects across Dubai.

Enhancing transport integration

The soft mobility initiative includes a broad range of infrastructure improvements designed to support safer and more accessible travel throughout the city.

Among the planned upgrades are facilities for People of Determination, raised pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, dedicated cycling tracks, bicycle parking bays, improved directional and warning signage, pavement enhancements and shared-use lanes for vehicles and non-traditional transport modes.

The programme will also introduce additional shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, green spaces and seating to encourage walking and cycling, alongside vehicle parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off points and stations for shared mobility services.

Collectively, these measures are expected to improve everyday mobility, encourage greater use of sustainable transport options and further enhance the quality of life for residents as Dubai continues to invest in building an integrated, future-ready transport network.