More than 300,000 workers across the UAE took part in large-scale Eid Al Adha celebrations organised at 30 locations nationwide under the theme, “Our Workers’ Happiness, the Joy of Our Eid”.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in partnership with several federal and local entities, featured a packed programme of entertainment, cultural performances and prize giveaways aimed at recognising the contribution of workers to the country’s development journey.

Read more-Eid Al Adha 2026 in Abu Dhabi: Top experiences on offer during the holidays

According to a WAM report, the celebrations included competitive and interactive activities, raffles for valuable prizes such as a car and travel tickets, as well as live entertainment shows and folk dance performances. Gifts were also distributed to workers attending the festivities.

Government and private sector unite for celebrations

MoHRE organised the events in collaboration with a wide network of government partners, including the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, police headquarters across the UAE, municipalities nationwide, AD Ports Group, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.

Additional participating entities included the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Event Security Committee, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Sharjah’s Department of Municipal Affairs, National Ambulance, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and Burjeel Holdings.

Officials said the initiative reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening workers’ wellbeing and social inclusion during major national and religious occasions.

Companies organise activities for workers

Private sector companies also joined the celebrations by organising activities alongside the ministry’s programme, reinforcing what organisers described as a strong culture of social responsibility and care for workers.

Among the participating companies were Sobha Construction, Granada Europe Construction, Millionaire Building Contracting, Advanced Metal Works, Luxury Homes Real Estate, Al Mehwar Engineering Consultancy, DULSCO Group, the Labour Accommodation Authority in Abu Dhabi through eight of its facilities, and Innovo Build LLC.

MoHRE said honouring workers during holidays and national events remains a longstanding commitment carried out in cooperation with public and private sector partners. The ministry added that such initiatives aim to promote happiness, improve quality of life, and strengthen workers’ sense of belonging within the UAE community.

Officials also stressed that the celebrations recognise the key role workers play in supporting the UAE’s economic ambitions and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leading global destination for living, working and investment.

Emirates Airline and Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have issued fresh travel advisories as several countries introduce precautionary measures linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak associated with the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of Africa.

In an update issued on May 28, Emirates said multiple countries have implemented travel entry restrictions and enhanced screening procedures in response to the outbreak. The airline advised passengers to verify the latest entry requirements through official government channels before departure.

The advisory comes as health authorities across the region increase monitoring efforts following international updates and recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Read more-Emirates breaks ground on $5.1bn engineering complex at Dubai South

According to a report by Times of Oman, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority released Circular No. 1/2026 on May 24, directing airlines and travellers to comply with strict precautionary health measures amid concerns over the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Oman calls for strict health precautions

The CAA, working in coordination with the Medical Response Sector, instructed airlines operating in the Sultanate and passengers travelling to or arriving from affected areas to follow enhanced safety guidelines before, during and after travel.

Authorities urged travellers to avoid non-essential travel to outbreak-affected regions and closely monitor updates issued by WHO and national health agencies. The circular also advised passengers to secure adequate health and medical evacuation insurance prior to travel.

During travel, passengers were told to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, while also avoiding exposure to blood or bodily fluids. The authority further stressed the importance of regular handwashing and the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.

The advisory also warned against visiting unnecessary healthcare facilities in affected regions, handling wild animals or undercooked meat, and attending funerals or gatherings involving direct contact with infected or deceased individuals.

Travellers advised to monitor symptoms for 21 days

Under the latest guidance, travellers arriving in Oman from affected areas have been asked to monitor their health for 21 days from the date of departure.

The CAA said anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or extreme fatigue should seek immediate medical attention, disclose their travel history and avoid close contact with others until medically assessed.

Officials also clarified that Ebola does not spread through the air, but through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials, stressing that early reporting and rapid detection remain vital in limiting transmission and protecting public health.

Dubai Customs has stepped up operational readiness across the emirate’s airports and border crossings ahead of the return of Hajj pilgrims and the expected rise in passenger traffic during the Eid Al Adha holiday period.

The authority announced a series of enhanced measures aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement, faster customs clearance procedures and a seamless travel experience for pilgrims, visitors and travellers arriving in or transiting through Dubai, a WAM report said.

The preparations are part of Dubai Customs’ annual operational framework implemented during peak travel periods. Officials said the strategy reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to maintaining its reputation as one of the world’s most prepared and efficient cities for managing global travel flows.

Read more-Eid Al Adha: UAE airlines issue travel advisories to beat the holiday rush

Authorities said advanced smart systems and digital technologies are being deployed to accelerate inspection procedures, reduce waiting times and maintain high standards of security and safety across all customs points.

Round-the-clock operations at Dubai Airports

Khaled Ahmed, director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs, said a fully integrated operational plan has been activated at Dubai Airports to support the return of Hajj pilgrims and accommodate the seasonal increase in passenger movement.

He said customs teams are operating around the clock to facilitate traveller movement and speed up customs procedures across arrival and departure halls.

Ahmed added that frontline inspection teams have been reinforced, while smart systems and modern inspection equipment have been upgraded to enhance operational efficiency during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“Smart solutions and advanced technologies have become a core component in developing customs operations and improving service efficiency for travellers,” Ahmed said.

He noted that Dubai Customs continues to coordinate closely with strategic partners and entities operating at Dubai Airports to ensure a unified approach in delivering a smooth and efficient travel experience.

According to Ahmed, passenger comfort and safety remain among the top priorities guiding all seasonal operational plans.

Dedicated routes and faster baggage collection

Dubai Customs said special arrangements have been introduced to simplify arrival procedures for pilgrims returning from the Holy Lands.

The measures include the allocation of dedicated routes within hand baggage inspection zones located near counters operated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The dedicated lanes are designed to accelerate processing procedures for pilgrims and reduce congestion inside customs halls.

Officials also confirmed that baggage belts positioned near exit gates at Dubai International Airport terminals have been reserved to facilitate quicker luggage collection for returning pilgrims.

In addition, dedicated exit gates and electronic inspection channels have been assigned to streamline passenger movement and prevent overlap with other travellers during peak hours.

The authority said the measures are intended to reduce waiting times while maintaining smooth operational flow throughout airport terminals.

Medical support and coordinated response plans

As part of the preparations, Dubai Customs has coordinated with Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services to provide on-site paramedic support at customs halls inside Dubai Airports.

The move is aimed at ensuring immediate response capability in the event of medical emergencies or health-related incidents involving passengers.

Ahmed said the latest initiatives are part of a broader strategy focused on improving both operational efficiency and the overall traveller experience.

“These measures form part of an integrated approach focused on enhancing the traveller experience and improving operational efficiency,” he said, adding that the efforts reinforce Dubai’s standing as a leading global destination for travel, aviation and logistics services.

Hatta Border Crossing ramps up readiness

Meanwhile, Dubai Customs confirmed that preparations have also been intensified at Hatta Border Crossing, where authorities expect increased traffic volumes during the Hajj return season and Eid Al-Adha holiday.

Khaled Al Muadhin, director of Hatta Customs Management at Dubai Customs, said operational and field teams have strengthened readiness measures to ensure smooth border movement and rapid customs processing.

He said teams at the border crossing are working continuously to provide high levels of service to pilgrims, visitors and travellers entering or leaving the country.

“Our teams at Hatta Border Crossing are operating efficiently around the clock to deliver the highest levels of service while ensuring a safe and comfortable travel environment,” Al Muadhin said.

He added that logistical and technical support systems have been enhanced, while field shift capacity has been increased to handle the expected surge in traffic.

Authorities have also intensified coordination efforts with relevant entities and strategic partners operating at the crossing to ensure organized movement of passengers and buses during the holiday period.

Officials said the measures are part of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at improving passenger flow and facilitating border procedures in line with international standards of efficiency and security.

Smart customs systems continue to drive efficiency

Dubai Customs said it will continue implementing development plans focused on enhancing customs services and boosting operational performance across all ports and entry points.

The authority noted that advanced technologies and digital solutions remain central to efforts aimed at accelerating processing procedures and improving operational accuracy.

The initiatives align with Dubai Government’s wider vision of delivering proactive and smart government services based on innovation, flexibility and quality of life.

Officials said the integrated preparations demonstrate Dubai Customs’ ability to efficiently manage peak travel periods while maintaining high standards of service and security.

The authority added that the latest measures further reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model in smart customs operations and as a key enabler of travel, trade and customer experience across the emirate.

Airport ground operations are, by design, invisible. When they work, no one notices: the bags arrive, the gate is ready, the connection holds, the passenger needing special assistance is looked after. It is only when something goes wrong — a sudden airspace restriction, a weather event, a geopolitical shock — that the machinery beneath the passenger experience becomes visible. For Jubran AlBreiki, CEO of Velora (formerly Etihad Airport Services), that invisibility is precisely the measure of success.

The UAE’s aviation sector has navigated a run of external disruptions in recent years, and AlBreiki argues that resilience is not improvised in the moment of crisis but engineered into the operating model that precedes it — through operational flexibility, real-time coordination with airlines, authorities and airport stakeholders, and a strong, reassuring presence on the ground.

As passenger traffic across the country’s airports continues to climb and major expansion advances at Zayed International and Al Maktoum International airports, the providers that keep aircraft turning around have moved from supporting act to strategic infrastructure.

In this conversation, AlBreiki discusses how Velora is preparing for higher flight volumes without trading away safety, why he regards technology, automation and AI included, as an enabler of better service rather than an end in itself, how the company’s people remain its “real assets,” and how a new, fully automated East Midfield Cargo Terminal due in 2027 fits into Abu Dhabi’s ambitions as a global trade hub.

The UAE’s aviation sector has faced multiple external disruptions in recent years, from geopolitical tensions to airspace restrictions and weather-related events. What have those periods revealed about the resilience of airport ground operations?

During challenges, the UAE has always demonstrated its resilience, and this approach is reflected in airport ground operations, the backbone of the aviation sector.

Airport ground services play a critical role in day-to-day operations, supporting passengers across every stage of the journey, from check-in and boarding to arrivals, transfers and special assistance. This also includes close coordination with airlines and airport stakeholders to ensure a seamless journey and reduce any impact on the passenger experience.

This is no different at Velora; we take a proactive, operations-led approach to ensure resilience and consistency across all operational touchpoints in Abu Dhabi. Our focus has been on operational flexibility, close coordination with key stakeholders and authorities, and maintaining a strong on-ground presence to reassure and support travellers.

This hands-on approach, combined with ongoing coordination across the airport ecosystem, has enabled us to remain responsive, maintain operational resilience and ensure passengers feel supported throughout their journey, even in a dynamic operating environment.

Passenger traffic across UAE airports continues to grow rapidly. How is Velora preparing for higher flight volumes while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards?

Our forward-thinking approach, strong operating model and strategy enable us to remain well prepared to handle high volumes of flights arriving in and departing from Abu Dhabi airports, at any time of day. Our approach is not only having a strong team of highly experienced professionals on the ground, committed to going the extra mile and making a positive difference, but also to continue to invest in our people, technology, equipment and processes to keep delivering world-class services at greater efficiency.

Close coordination with airlines, authorities and airport stakeholders is also fundamental, with these combined efforts providing aligned execution across all key touchpoints.

Ground operations often work behind the scenes, but they can make or break airport efficiency. Where are you investing most heavily today: automation, workforce training, AI, or logistics infrastructure?

Technology and innovation are at the heart of how we operate. In today’s fast-moving aviation environment, where pace, complexity and customer expectations continue to evolve, we see technology as a core enabler of efficiency, resilience and better service delivery.

Across our operations, we are investing in solutions that improve ground handling performance, strengthen decision-making and enhance the passenger and customer experience. This includes the use of automation and digital tools to increase efficiency, reduce manual processes and create greater visibility across critical operational touchpoints.

We are also integrating AI into our day-to-day operations to help us manage data more effectively, support decision-making and respond faster in a dynamic operating environment. This helps reduce errors, improve operational accuracy and strengthen overall performance.

For us, technology is not about adopting new tools for the sake of it. It is about applying the right solutions to support our people, improve performance and deliver a more reliable and frictionless experience for passengers and customers.

Investing in our workforce to give them the skills and knowledge to thrive is equally important. Our employees are the foundation of our performance, embodying discipline, empathy and commitment, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service every day. By investing in people and regularly equipping them with the right capabilities, Velora is adopting a forward-thinking vision for long-term success.

More importantly, people are the real assets of Velora. Their expertise, resilience and efforts to go the extra mile help shape the experience that we deliver across airports and operations.

Cargo has become an increasingly important part of the UAE’s economic strategy as it positions itself as a global trade hub. How is Velora adapting to the growing demand for cargo handling and supply chain reliability?

Velora plays a key role in supporting national supply chains through the movement of cargo and logistics to ensure the supply and delivery of necessary goods. We have an integrated process to manage the constant high volumes of shipments, and we expertly manage and handle special shipments, including pharmaceuticals and perishables. We both meet and exceed the highest international standards.

For the future, plans are already underway to develop the East Midfield Cargo Terminal (EMCT) in 2027. It will mark a new era in how cargo operations are designed and carried out. This new cargo terminal is a commitment to modern designs with fully automated systems that will allow us to manage cargo end-to-end. It will also increase capacity and seamlessly integrate systems in support of the UAE’s wider trade and industrial goals.

The UAE’s aviation ecosystem relies on coordination between airlines, airports, regulators and service providers. What does effective collaboration look like during periods of disruption or peak demand?

Close coordination within the ecosystem is fundamental to maintaining operational resilience and reinforces the UAE’s position as a reliable global aviation hub.

At Velora, this is reflected through continuous, real-time coordination with aviation authorities, airport operators, airline partners and key stakeholders. This integrated approach enables aligned decision-making, optimised response times and consistent service delivery across all operational pillars.

Working within a highly coordinated ecosystem allows us to anticipate challenges, respond with agility and ensure that operations remain seamless, safe and efficient at all times.

With major expansion plans underway at airports across the UAE, including Zayed International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, how do you see the role of airport service providers evolving over the next decade?

Aviation service providers will continue to have a crucial role in the UAE’s aviation industry, especially as the country maintains its rapid growth. Responsibilities will be more than just providing operational ground support — they will extend to enhancing the passenger experience and driving innovation and efficiency across airports. Embracing technology will be even more important, supporting the delivery of high-performance operations.

At Velora, we are integrating technology as a core enabler to drive scalability, efficiency and future readiness across all verticals. Passenger numbers are also expected to increase, which means organisations have to adapt where necessary to meet this demand while delivering seamless experiences and high operational standards.

Kuwait’s air defence systems intercepted missile and drone threats targeting the country’s airspace early on Thursday, according to the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, as regional tensions continued to simmer.

In a statement carried by state news agency KUNA, the military said its air defence systems were responding to multiple aerial threats attempting to penetrate Kuwaiti airspace.

The army said explosion sounds heard across parts of the country were the result of successful interception operations carried out by air defence units.

No casualties or damage were immediately reported.

“The sounds of explosions heard in several areas were the result of interception operations conducted by air defence systems against hostile aerial targets,” the military said.

Kuwaiti authorities urged citizens and residents to remain calm and to follow all security and safety instructions issued by official agencies.

Reuters reported that sirens sounded across Kuwait early on Thursday, with the army confirming that its defence systems were actively engaging the incoming threats. Officials did not specify where the missiles and drones had originated.

The incident comes amid heightened regional security concerns, with the US targeting Iranian missile sites for a second time this week.

Kuwait has not announced any changes to civil aviation operations or public services following the interceptions.

Authorities said they were continuing to monitor the situation closely and would provide further updates if necessary.