Etihad Airways has said it will seek legal advice over its options following an independent commission’s findings against Manchester City over breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The Abu Dhabi airline, which has been a commercial partner and sponsor of Manchester City since 2009, “categorically rejected” any suggestion that it had been involved in improper commercial arrangements.

A commission this week accused Manchester City of arranging contracts that it said misrepresented the true agreements with several commercial partners.

Manchester City has rejected the findings and maintains that it is innocent of the accusations made against it. The club has said it will pursue the appeal avenues available to it.

In its response, Etihad said: “Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.”

The airline also criticised the way the findings had been communicated publicly, saying this had created “damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings”.

Etihad said the Premier League had not approached or engaged with the airline during the process associated with the commission’s opinion.

“Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline,” it said.

The airline added that it was “deeply concerned” about the public communication surrounding the case.

“The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision,” it said.

“The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.”

Etihad reiterates Manchester City commitment

Etihad has maintained a commercial relationship with Manchester City for more than 15 years, with the airline’s name appearing on the club’s shirts and its home ground, the Etihad Stadium.

The carrier said its commitment to the partnership remained strong.

“Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City,” it said.

“Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong.”

Etihad added that it stood with the club as Manchester City challenges the commission’s conclusions through the available processes.

The airline concluded: “Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.”

Manchester City said this week that it was “disappointed and surprised” by the commission’s findings and maintained that it was “innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League”.

Registrations have opened for the 10th edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which will run from October 31 to November 29 and encourage residents and visitors to complete 30 minutes of exercise a day for 30 days.

Launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Defence, the initiative has attracted more than 16 million participants across its first nine editions, organisers said.

The 2026 programme will include four flagship mass-participation events, beginning with Dubai Ride on November 1, followed by Dubai Stand-Up Paddle at Hatta Dam on November 7 and 8, Dubai Run on November 22 and Dubai Yoga on November 29.

Dubai Fitness Challenge brings back popular events

Dubai Run, which allows participants to run along Sheikh Zayed Road and through Downtown Dubai, has grown from about 70,000 participants in 2019 to more than 307,000 in 2025.

Dubai Ride attracted more than 40,000 cyclists last year, more than double the number recorded when the event was launched in 2020, according to organisers.

The wider programme will include three free Fitness Villages, more than 23 Community Fitness Hubs and thousands of free classes and activities across the city.

Several international sporting events will also take place during the challenge, including the Dubai Premier Padel P1 from November 8-15, the DP World Tour Championship from November 12-15, the Dubai T100 Triathlon from November 13-15, the Dubai Sail Grand Prix on November 21-22 and the Emirates Dubai 7s from November 27-29.

“For a decade, Dubai Fitness Challenge has supported our ambition to make Dubai one of the healthiest, most active cities globally,” Saeed Hareb, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council, said.

He said the initiative’s 30×30 format was intended to make physical activity accessible to people of different ages and abilities.

The challenge is organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Sports Council, with support from government entities and private-sector partners.

The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “What’s Your 30×30?”, with organisers seeking to encourage individuals, families and communities to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines.

Focus on longevity

In other news, Sheikh Hamdan approved the strategy and operating budget of the Dubai Longevity Authority, moving the organisation from its establishment phase towards implementation.

The authority, created under Law No. 17 of 2026, is tasked with regulating the longevity, wellness and advanced health sector across areas including research, clinical trials, manufacturing, healthcare delivery and commercialisation. Dubai said the strategy is intended to support investment, innovation and regulatory development while strengthening the emirate’s position in healthy longevity.

Showing it support for the overall vision, Aster DM Healthcare also launched its “Bridging the Longevity Gap” initiative in Dubai, bringing together Wellth and Thrive by myAster to focus on preventive and personalised healthcare.

The company also showcased Thrive by myAster, which it described as the UAE’s first DHA-certified health assessment covering more than 100 biomarkers, with results delivered through the myAster app alongside expert interpretation and personalised guidance.

The programme included discussions around prevention, nutrition, movement, recovery, sleep, genetics and the use of health data, as well as longevity-focused assessments and therapies.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said the Dhs2.85bn first phase of the Mid-Island Parkway project is scheduled for completion in 2027, creating a new road link between Saadiyat Island and the Umm Yifeenah Island Central Interchange.

The first phase includes an eight-lane dual carriageway connecting the northern Saadiyat interchange on the E12 highway with the southern end of the island and onwards to Umm Yifeenah Island.

The department said the new connection is expected to cut journey times to Reem Island or Abu Dhabi Island to about 10 minutes from 25 minutes.

The project includes two kilometres of reclaimed land protected by 150,000 square metres of rock covering to reduce erosion. A further 1.5 kilometres consists of an underground channel, including a 600-metre underwater section running 11 metres below Khor Laffan.

Engineers used precast concrete roof panels manufactured off site to reduce construction time, alongside on-site construction and scaffolding.

The works build on an existing highway across Saadiyat Island that links destinations, including Saadiyat Lagoons, Saadiyat Marina District and New York University Abu Dhabi.

The first phase also includes four kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, creating a continuous 12-kilometre route across Saadiyat Island and onto Umm Yifeenah Island.

DMT said the project uses locally sourced and recycled materials, 23,000 linear metres of energy-saving lighting and 14,000 linear metres of irrigation infrastructure supporting native and drought-resistant landscaping.

Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, director general of infrastructure development at DMT, said the wider project was designed to improve connectivity while supporting Abu Dhabi’s liveability and economic sectors including tourism, trade and logistics.

Mid-Island Parkway phase 2

Phase two will extend the corridor by 14.5 kilometres, linking Umm Yifeenah Island through Bilrimaid and Samaliyah islands to Sas Al Nakhl, Al Raha Beach and Khalifa City.

The second phase will also have four lanes in each direction and is expected to reduce travel times across the mid-island corridor to about seven minutes. It will include walking and cycling tracks, marine bridges, elevated flyovers and an underwater road tunnel.

DMT said the submerged crossing has been designed to reduce disruption to mangroves, salt marshes and coastal sabkha habitats while maintaining natural water channels.

Once the wider Mid-Island Parkway is fully operational, journeys between Saadiyat Island and Zayed City are expected to take just under 15 minutes, the department said.

DMT also showcased a planned 37-kilometre coastal route linking Al Hudayriyat Island with the E11 at Al Nouf.

The road will have three lanes in each direction and include one tunnel, seven kilometres of marine bridges and four kilometres of causeways. It will connect Al Dhafra with Al Hudayriyat Island and Abu Dhabi Island through Halat Al Bahrani, Al Futaisi and Al Aryam islands.

The planned route is intended to provide a coastal bypass around central Abu Dhabi and will accommodate both commercial freight and commuter traffic.

Read: Abu Dhabi rises eight places in JLL global real estate transparency ranking

Saudi authorities have released preliminary findings into the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, saying an initial investigation found that the co-pilot assaulted the captain during an altercation in the flight deck.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior said the findings followed investigations by local authorities in coordination with a security team from the UAE, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The altercation resulted in injuries to both the captain and co-pilot, according to the ministry.

The findings represent Saudi Arabia’s initial account of the incident. A separate investigation by UAE authorities remains ongoing, with officials examining the circumstances and motives surrounding what happened aboard the aircraft.

Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, when an inflight emergency was declared and the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities authorised an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, where the aircraft landed safely at 9.45am. There were 174 passengers and eight crew members on board, according to the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

The ministry said all passengers and crew received the necessary logistical and medical care following the landing.

Passengers continued their journey at 5.40pm on a replacement flydubai aircraft, while other members of the flight crew returned to Dubai on a separate flight operated by the airline.

The captain and co-pilot were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Following medical clearance, both pilots departed Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 1, accompanied by the UAE security team, the Saudi ministry said.

UAE investigation

The latest Saudi statement comes as UAE authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of an investigation team comprising specialised members of the Public Prosecution, according to an update published by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday.

The team is working in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant UAE authorities to gather evidence, establish the facts and determine the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident.

MoFA further said the UAE’s judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and bears its flag. Under the applicable legislation, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft even when they occur outside the country’s territory.

In the statement, MoFA said the UAE expressed its appreciation to Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.

Al Shamsi has stressed that investigations remain ongoing and urged the public to refrain from speculation or circulating unverified information until authorities have completed their work. He also called on the public to avoid drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed and to rely on information issued by official sources.

An Emirates flight from Dubai to London Heathrow was diverted to Frankfurt on Thursday after a passenger suffered a medical emergency on board, the airline said.

Flight EK31 landed safely at Frankfurt Airport after cabin crew provided assistance to the passenger during the flight and medical support was arranged on arrival.

The passenger disembarked in Frankfurt to receive further medical attention, Emirates said.

The airline said the aircraft was expected to resume its journey to London Heathrow at about 1800 local time in Frankfurt.

Emirates did not provide further details about the passenger’s condition or the nature of the medical emergency.