Airlines operating out of the UAE and Qatar cancelled multiple flights to Iran on Friday amid unrest in the country.

Reuters reported at least 17 flydubai flights scheduled to operate between Dubai and Iranian cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad were cancelled, according to the Dubai Airports website.

A flydubai spokesperson said that all flights to Iran scheduled for Friday had been cancelled, adding that the airline would “continue to monitor the situation” and revise its schedule accordingly.

Flights operated by Iranian carriers, including Iran Air, Mahan Air and Qeshm Air, were continuing as normal.

Disruptions extended beyond the UAE. At least two flights scheduled to operate between Doha and Tehran were cancelled on Friday, according to the Hamad International Airport website. The airport showed services returning to schedule on Saturday.

Turkish media also reported widespread cancellations. Turkish Airlines reportedly cancelled 17 flights to Iran, while AJet cancelled six services. Budget carrier Pegasus Airlines also cancelled flights to Iranian cities on Friday.

The flight suspensions come as Iran faces ongoing nationwide protests that began in late December, driven by worsening economic conditions. The country has seen a sharp fall in the value of the rial alongside a steep rise in the cost of living.

Iran has also been hit by a countrywide digital blackout, with authorities limiting mobile internet access in an effort to curb the spread of protests. The blackout, which began on Thursday, extended into Friday, adding to travel and operational uncertainty across the region.

Roblox Corp has said it will require users globally to complete an age check to access chat features on its platform, rolling out the requirement over the next week in all regions where chat is available.

The move makes Roblox the first large online gaming platform to mandate age checks for users of all ages before allowing them to communicate with others, the company said.

Roblox said the change is aimed at strengthening user safety by enabling age-appropriate communication and limiting interactions between adults and minors.

Roblox began requiring age checks for chat access in December in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands, following a phased rollout announced in November.

More than 50 per cent of daily active users in those markets have already completed the process, the company said. Globally, tens of millions of users have completed age checks so far.

“Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users,” said Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer. “By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”

Read: UAE issues new federal decree-law to protect minors from digital risks

Here’s how age checks will be held through the Roblox app

Age checks are completed through the Roblox app using a device’s camera and rely on facial age estimation technology.

Images and videos used in the process are securely processed by Roblox’s vendor, Persona, and deleted immediately after processing, the company said. Users aged 13 and above can also verify their age using official identification.

While the age check is optional, users who do not complete it will not be able to access chat features.

Roblox said it offers appeal processes for users who believe their age has been incorrectly assessed, including alternative verification methods and parental controls that allow parents to update a child’s age.

The company added that it continuously evaluates user behaviour and may ask users to repeat the age check if there are significant discrepancies.

Users to be assigned to age groups

After completing an age check, users are assigned to one of six age groups, under 9, 9 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 17, 18 to 20, and 21 and above.

By default, users can chat with others in their own age group as well as the groups directly above and below.

Chat is disabled by default for children under nine, unless a parent provides consent following an age check.

The company said the requirement is part of a broader safety strategy that includes strict communication rules for minors, content moderation and parental controls.

Roblox said the system will also support future measures, including age checks for creators using certain collaboration tools and features designed to make it easier for children to chat with parents and siblings in different age groups.

As global air travel rebounds and passenger expectations evolve, Dubai-based airlines are leading the way with innovative strategies that combine technology and premium service.

flydubai and Emirates, two of the city’s flagship carriers, are charting distinct but complementary paths to ensure Dubai retains its status as a world-class aviation hub. While flydubai leverages artificial intelligence and digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency, Emirates is expanding its Premium Economy offerings and upgrading cabin experiences to meet the growing demand for comfort and convenience. Together, these moves reflect a broader industry trend: the fusion of digital transformation with elevated passenger experiences.

Read more-Dubai’s winter travel surge: New Routes, schedules that passengers must know about

flydubai takes off with AI-driven turnarounds

flydubai recently selected ZestIoT to deploy its cutting-edge Turnaround Management Platform at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and across the airline’s growing network. The platform promises to digitise turnaround operations, providing real-time visibility, AI-driven insights, and predictive collaboration to improve decision-making and operational execution.

Mohamed Hassan, SVP of Airport Services and Cargo at flydubai, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative: “As we steadily expand our operations, real-time visibility and optimised performance are essential to further improving connectivity for our passengers across our growing network. By adopting the latest digital solutions, we look forward to building on our successful partnership with ZestIoT as we further enhance our operational efficiency.”

flydubai operates a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft, serving more than 135 destinations in 58 countries, with an average of 370 daily flights from DXB. The airline’s commitment to digital transformation aims to improve predictability, reduce delays, and elevate the passenger experience, aligning with its goal of delivering a modern, efficient, and seamless journey for travellers, a flydubai media report said.

Amit Sukhija, CEO of ZestIoT, highlighted the transformative potential of the platform: “While many in the industry are still piloting such solutions, flydubai is taking decisive action. With our multi-source data orchestration, visibility-driven with a smart AI agent platform, we are proud to empower their workforce, enhance collaboration, take smarter decisions, and deliver measurable impact.”

Emirates expands premium offerings to meet global demand

While flydubai focuses on operational efficiency, Emirates is responding to passenger demand for premium travel experiences. The airline has announced a significant expansion of its Premium Economy services across its fleet of retrofitted Boeing 777s, A350s, and A380 aircraft, covering more than 84 routes by July 1. The move coincides with an anticipated surge in summer travel and the airline’s broader strategy to deliver a consistent and elevated onboard experience.

Emirates’ network expansion includes new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town, offering additional frequencies and enhanced connectivity. Passengers on these routes can expect the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabins with extra legroom, upgraded dining, and refined amenities. These improvements also complement Emirates’ Business and Economy Class cabins, ensuring a seamless and premium experience across all classes, an Emirates media centre report conveyed.

The Copenhagen route now benefits from a second daily service from 1 June, while Phuket and Cape Town will see a third daily frequency starting July 1, all operated with the latest A350 aircraft. Emirates has carefully timed these flights to provide convenient onward connections to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, enhancing Dubai’s role as a global travel hub.

Divergent paths, unified goals

flydubai and Emirates exemplify two different approaches to innovation in aviation. flydubai’s strategy centers on digital transformation and AI-powered operational efficiency, ensuring aircraft depart on time, staff collaborate seamlessly, and passengers enjoy a smoother travel experience. By contrast, Emirates emphasises premium service expansion, investing in cabin comfort, upgraded amenities, and increased route frequency to meet rising demand for upscale travel.

Despite these divergent approaches, both airlines share a common objective: positioning Dubai as the world’s most connected and passenger-friendly hub. Operational excellence at flydubai complements Emirates’ luxurious onboard offerings, together strengthening Dubai’s appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

A broader trend in aviation

Industry experts note that these initiatives reflect a wider global trend. Airlines worldwide are increasingly turning to AI, predictive analytics, and digital platforms to enhance operational reliability. Simultaneously, passenger expectations are shifting toward personalised, premium experiences, with comfort, connectivity, and convenience as key differentiators. Dubai’s carriers are leveraging these dual trends to gain a competitive edge in a fast-evolving market.

“Technology and service enhancements are no longer optional, they’re essential for airlines seeking growth,” said an industry analyst.

“Flydubai’s AI-driven turnaround management reduces inefficiencies and delays, while Emirates’ expanded Premium Economy offerings cater to passengers’ desire for comfort and flexibility. Together, they illustrate how digital innovation and premium service can coexist to elevate an entire aviation ecosystem.”

Looking ahead: The future of Dubai aviation

flydubai and Emirates continue to expand and refine their networks. flydubai’s digitisation strategy is expected to reduce operational disruptions and improve connectivity across more than 135 destinations, while Emirates’ cabin upgrades and increased flight frequencies position the airline to capture surging demand across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Both airlines are also strategically deploying aircraft, including the A350, to optimise routes and enhance customer experiences.

As Dubai cements its role as a global aviation hub, the city’s airlines are setting benchmarks for the industry. The integration of AI-driven operations and premium cabin experiences reflects a broader commitment to innovation, connectivity, and passenger satisfaction. For travellers, this means faster turnarounds, smoother connections, and elevated comfort, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to remain at the forefront of global aviation.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a stretch of humid and changeable weather across the UAE from Friday, January 9 until Tuesday, January 13, with early-morning mist or light fog and isolated rainfall expected in parts of the country.

According to the NCM, humidity levels are set to rise during the early hours, particularly over internal and coastal areas, increasing the likelihood of mist or light fog formation.

Daytime conditions are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, while low cloud formations over eastern and northern regions could bring scattered rainfall at times, a WAM report said.

Winds are forecast to remain generally light to moderate, shifting between north-westerly, south-easterly and north-easterly directions. At times, wind speeds may freshen, reaching up to 35 km/hr. Sea conditions are expected to remain slight to moderate in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, easing periodically.

Read more-UAE weather: Dusty, windy conditions; light rain likely until Jan 8

The NCM added that a slight rise in temperatures is expected on Sunday, although overall conditions will remain variable between humid and fair through Tuesday, underscoring a weather pattern that could affect early-morning visibility and outdoor operations across multiple sectors.

General weather situation influenced by pressure systems

The broader weather pattern over the UAE is being shaped by the extension of a weak surface low-pressure system from the east and a high-pressure system from the west. This interaction is accompanied by an extension of a weak upper-air low-pressure system, resulting in generally stable atmospheric conditions with intermittent cloud formation.

This combination is expected to sustain relatively calm but variable weather, with humidity and cloud cover playing a key role in day-to-day conditions. Such patterns typically contribute to reduced visibility during early hours, particularly in inland and coastal zones, while maintaining moderate daytime temperatures.

Weather conditions on January 9

On January 9, weather conditions are forecast to be fair to partly cloudy across most regions of the country. Low clouds are expected to develop over some eastern and northern areas, with a chance of rainfall.

By night and into the early hours of Saturday morning, humidity levels are set to increase over some internal areas, raising the probability of mist formation. Winds will remain light to moderate overall, freshening at times but staying within manageable ranges.

Temperature and humidity levels across regions

Temperature and humidity levels will vary by region, reflecting the country’s diverse geographic conditions.

In coastal and island areas, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 23°C and 25°C, while minimum temperatures will fall between 14°C and 20°C. Relative humidity in these areas is forecast to range from 60 per cent to 80 per cent during the day and between 35 per cent and 55 per cent at night.

Internal areas are expected to see maximum temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, with minimum temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C. Relative humidity levels will be higher during the day, ranging from 70 per cent to 90 per cent, before dropping to between 20 per cent and 40 per cent at night.

Mountain regions will experience cooler conditions, with maximum temperatures between 12°C and 19°C and minimum temperatures ranging from 9°C to 11°C. Relative humidity in mountainous areas is expected to range between 50 per cent and 70 per cent during the day and 25 per cent to 45 per cent at night.

Across coastal, internal and mountain areas, winds will blow from northwesterly to southeasterly directions at speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr, occasionally reaching up to 35 km/hr.

Sea conditions are forecast to remain slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Oman Sea, providing relatively stable maritime conditions despite shifting wind patterns.

Four-day forecast signals continued variability

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Weather will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds forming over some eastern and northern areas and a continued chance of rainfall. Humidity is expected to increase at night and into Sunday morning over some coastal areas, with the possibility of mist formation. Winds will be light to moderate, blowing southeasterly to northeasterly at speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr, reaching up to 35 km/hr at times. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Fair to partly cloudy conditions will persist, with low clouds over eastern and northern areas and a slight rise in temperatures. Humidity will increase at night and Monday morning over internal and coastal areas, bringing a chance of fog or mist. Winds will shift from southeasterly to northwesterly, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/hr and reaching 35 km/hr. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Weather will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds over islands and some northern and eastern areas. Humidity will rise at night and into Tuesday morning over coastal and internal regions, with a probability of fog or mist. Winds will be light to moderate, southeasterly becoming northwesterly, at speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr, reaching up to 35 km/hr. Sea conditions will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Fair to partly cloudy conditions will continue, with low clouds over islands and some coastal areas. Humidity will increase at night and into Wednesday morning over coastal and internal areas. Winds will be light to moderate, blowing southeasterly to northeasterly at speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr, reaching up to 35 km/hr. Sea conditions will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by UK’s King Charles III in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales, has appointed Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, as CEO Champion of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Pathfinder Initiative, the organisation said on Thursday.

The initiative aims to accelerate the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is widely seen as the most viable near-term option for cutting aviation emissions. SAF can reduce flight emissions by up to 80 per cent, but currently accounts for less than 1 per cent of global jet fuel supply.

The SAF Pathfinder Initiative focuses on mobilising investment and demand signals to unlock production, advocating for harmonised global policies and incentives, enabling critical infrastructure upgrades, and driving collaboration across the aviation supply chain to address production and cost barriers.

Griffiths’ appointment comes as pressure mounts on the aviation industry to meet its long-term climate targets, including a sector-wide goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Paul Griffiths: ‘SAF is one of the most important levers … to decarbonise flight’

“I’m honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for our industry,” Griffiths said in a statement. “Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most important levers we have to decarbonise flight, and I’m committed to accelerating its availability and adoption across the sector.”

Griffiths said the work would align with the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by Dubai Airports, which aims to drive decarbonisation, innovation, and resilience across Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International.

Under Griffiths’ leadership, Dubai Airports has achieved Level 4 “Transformation” accreditation from Airports Council International, placing it among the top 5 per cent of airports globally.

The accreditation reflects measures including collaboration with partners, the use of biodiesel-powered ground fleets, and the rollout of green infrastructure projects at Dubai International Airport.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, chief executive of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said SAF could play a central role beyond aviation. “We view Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a powerful catalyst, not only for decarbonising aviation, but also for driving the global expansion of sustainable technologies and investment,” she said.