Arab characters and locations that may inspire Disneyland Abu Dhabi
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Arabian Post
6 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UAE Air Taxi Frontier Takes Off in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as epicentres of a pioneering surge in electric air taxi trials, with two leading US firms—Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation—making significant strides toward establishing urban air mobility networks in the Emirates. Both pilots mark landmark achievements in eVTOL technology, underscoring the UAE's ambition to lead the field by the mid-2020s. Joby Aviation achieved a milestone in Dubai by completing its first manned transition flights. The aircraft executed full vertical take‑off, horizontal cruising and vertical landing sequences, signalling readiness for commercial operations as early as 2026. With a range reaching 160 km and cruise speeds up to 320 km/h, these flights demonstrate capability to transform journeys such as those between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah—cutting travel time from 45 minutes by road to around 12 minutes by air. Joby's entry follows a six-year exclusivity agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, aligned with infrastructure build-out including a vertiport at DXB. ADVERTISEMENT Almost simultaneously in Abu Dhabi, Archer Aviation conducted its inaugural test flight of the Midnight eVTOL at Al Bateen Executive Airport. The design, a carbon‑fibre‑skinned craft powered by multiple independent motors and battery packs, was evaluated under extreme climate conditions—high temperatures, humidity and dust—to validate UAE‑specific operational readiness. Emirati authorities, including personnel from the General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Airports, observed the flight, reinforcing the regulatory support behind the project. Archer is impressively backed by institutional investors and strategic partnerships, having raised nearly US$2 billion, including funding from Stellantis, United Airlines and Abu Dhabi's 2 Point Zero, positioning it well to deploy a 'Launch Edition' fleet of air taxis in Abu Dhabi in early 2026. Its Midnight aircraft can accommodate one pilot and four passengers, reach speeds of up to 240 km/h, and recharge rapidly between Flights. Dubai and Abu Dhabi's dual-hosting of these test flights underscores a competitive yet complementary approach to cultivating the UAE as a global urban air mobility hub. Joby holds exclusive Dubai rights, while Archer has pledged infrastructure investment in Abu Dhabi, including converting facilities like the Cruise Terminal helipad into dual-use vertiports. Both firms enjoy the government‑backed Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and its SAVI cluster as key enablers. Challenges persist: both operations require final regulatory approvals, sustainable vertiport rollout, and demonstration of consistent performance under harsh environmental conditions. Financial markets have already factored in execution risks; for example, Morgan Stanley moderated its price target for Joby amid aerospace supply-chain pressures. Yet ambitions remain bold. Joby is advancing FAA certification and aims to launch in other global markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, once Dubai begins operations. Meanwhile, Archer is linking global playbooks, forming networks with United Airlines and gearing for Olympic deployment in Los Angeles. As both eVTOL manufacturers drive testing deeper into summer, UAE regulators are working in parallel to issue flight clearances. Joby's vertiport in Dubai is set for Q1 2026 completion, while Aviation Authorities in both emirates coordinate type certifications. The nation's progressive embrace of air taxis represents a strategic leap in sustainable urban transit. Quiet, electric, zero-emission profiles align with broader UAE clean‑tech objectives. With ambitions to integrate these vehicles into daily commutes, airport shuttles and even rescue missions, policymakers are betting on airborne mobility becoming a normalised, accessible element of future transport regimes.
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE travel: Long flights could increase blood clot risks, doctors warn
As summer travel peaks, doctors have urged residents with pre-existing health concerns to get medical clearance before flying, and also watch for post-flight symptoms like chest pain or leg swelling. A UAE resident, who returned from an eight-hour flight from the UK, ended up in the ICU after developing a serious blood clot in his lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE). The man arrived at RAK Hospital's Emergency Department with persistent chest pain that had lasted three days, was quickly diagnosed and treated. Doctors say the case is a stark reminder of the potential health risks linked to prolonged immobility during air travel. The patient was diagnosed with acute PE through CT pulmonary angiography and admitted to the ICU. He received anticoagulant therapy and was discharged in stable condition. But medical experts say the incident could have been life-threatening if left untreated. 'Pulmonary embolism often starts as a blood clot in the leg, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can travel to the lungs and block blood flow,' said Dr Suha Alsheikh Suleman, specialist pulmonologist at RAK Hospital. 'Long-haul flights increase this risk significantly, especially in people who are obese, pregnant, have respiratory or cardiac issues, or a history of clots.' Doctors across the UAE are now urging travelers to take simple but crucial precautions during flights, and to take any unusual post-flight symptoms seriously. Who's at risk? According to Dr Marian Malak Eshak Morkos, specialist family medicine at Burjeel Day Surgery Center in Al Shahama, travelers with the following conditions should consult their doctor before flying long distances: Heart disease or recent surgery Chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma Uncontrolled diabetes Recent illnesses like pneumonia or COVID-19 High-risk pregnancy (especially third trimester) History of blood clots "A proper pre-travel consultation helps determine whether oxygen support or preventive medication is needed,' said Dr Marian. Stay safe in the sky Dry cabin air, cramped seating, and reduced mobility during long-haul flights can combine to increase clotting risk, especially when travelers skip hydration or remain sedentary for long hours. "Cabin air is extremely dry, and people forget to hydrate,' added Dr Marian. 'When you combine that with sitting for six hours or more, and possibly drinking alcohol or caffeine, it's a perfect storm for clot formation.' Doctors recommend: Getting up and walking every 1–2 hours during the flight Drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking Wearing compression stockings if advised by a doctor Avoiding sedatives that might reduce mobility For high-risk patients such as those with cancer or known clotting disorders, a dose of blood thinner like low-molecular-weight heparin may be prescribed before flying, based on individual risk. Don't ignore these symptoms Symptoms of a blood clot can appear during the flight or days after landing. Doctors highlighted the importance of recognizing warning signs early: 'These are not just signs of jet lag or fatigue, they may be life-threatening,' said Dr Suha. 'If ignored, PE can result in lung damage, heart strain, or even sudden death.' What to do mid-air? If symptoms arise during a flight, travelers are advised to notify the cabin crew immediately. 'Most airlines are equipped for in-flight medical situations,' said Dr Marian. 'If oxygen is available, it may help those with breathing difficulties. If leg swelling becomes noticeable, try to elevate it and reduce pressure, but follow up with a doctor as soon as you land.' Doctors mentioned that PE is preventable, and that simple awareness and preparation can save lives. 'People don't think of air travel as a health hazard,' said Dr Marian. 'But for some, it can trigger serious complications. A short check-up can make all the difference.'
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE stakes claim as global capital for digital nomads
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Once known primarily for its oil wealth and gleaming skyscrapers, the UAE is now carving out a new global identity as a magnet for digital nomads, according to a report published by the state news agency WAM. Rising to second place globally in the 2025 VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index , the UAE has become one of the world's most attractive destinations for remote workers, trailing only Spain and leapfrogging previous contenders such as the Bahamas, Hungary, and Montenegro. This quiet but steady ascent reflects a broader strategy by the UAE to diversify its economy and position itself at the crossroads of global talent, technology, and mobility. Rather than merely responding to the rise of remote work, the Gulf nation has anticipated it, building infrastructure, rolling out targeted visa programmes, and marketing its lifestyle offerings to a global audience of mobile professionals. UAE rates highly with digital nomads for various reasons According to Immigrant Invest , the UAE earned high marks across a wide range of indicators including internet quality, tax benefits, healthcare, cost of living, and, crucially, unmatched levels of safety and stability. Remote work, once a niche privilege, has now ballooned into a global economic force valued at around $800bn a year. Nearly 40 million people globally identify as digital nomads, a number projected to swell to one billion by 2035. If it were a country, the global digital nomad community would rank 41st in population, according to the report. Recognising the shift early, the UAE launched its one-year renewable Remote Work Visa in 2021, making it one of the first countries to tailor immigration policy to remote professionals. The move was swiftly followed by Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme , reinforcing the country's intent to turn digital nomadism from a pandemic-era trend into a permanent pillar of its knowledge economy. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now ranked first and fourth respectively among the world's top cities for remote work by RemoteWork360 . While infrastructure and visa policies provide the backbone, lifestyle remains a key selling point. From the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah to the art districts of Sharjah, the UAE is promoting itself as more than just an office in the sun but a place to live, explore and thrive. Read:
