First flight from Syria lands in Dubai marking resumption of service
It comes days after the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the resumption of flights to Syria.
In a statement posted on national news agency Wam, SyrianAir said it will operate flights between Damascus and Dubai on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Flights from Damascus to Sharjah will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, with plans to increase these to daily operations as well. Meanwhile, the Damascus–Abu Dhabi route will run twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Samih Arabi, Director-General of SyrianAir, who was on the flight, stated that the airline is working towards gradually increasing the frequency of flights due to growing demand for travel to and from the UAE.
SyrianAir confirmed it is intensifying efforts to resume operations to other Arab and regional destinations in the near future.
Flights to and from Syria were suspended due to the civil war in the country, with some international airlines restarting services to Damascus International Airport on January 9.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun visits Algeria in effort to bolster bilateral ties
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is on a two-day state visit to Algeria, in a move aimed at revitalising bilateral relations and reinforcing Lebanon's diplomatic engagement with the Arab world. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji and Information Minister Paul Morcos, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. It marks the first official visit by a Lebanese president to Algeria since Emile Lahoud travelled to the North African nation in 2002. In 2013, then-President Michel Sleiman made a brief technical stop in Algiers, where he was received at the airport by Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This week's visit is being framed as a strategic step intended to reinvigorate co-operation across sectors, particularly energy. Lebanese media have reported that several agreements are expected to be signed, including collaborations in oil and gas. The trip may also pave the way for establishing a direct flight route between Beirut and Algiers. Since taking office in January, Mr Aoun – a former commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces – has prioritised restoring Lebanon's ties with Arab nations as a cornerstone of his foreign policy. In his inaugural address, he underscored a commitment to strengthening alliances with Arab and Gulf partners, judicial and economic reform and consolidating the state's monopoly on arms. His diplomatic agenda has so far included high-level visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and most recently to Bahrain, where plans were finalised to establish a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut and expand bilateral co-operation. These successive visits reflect an effort to reset ties with the broader Arab world, re-establish confidence and secure crucial support as Lebanon grapples with a deep-rooted economic crisis that began in 2019 and the aftermath of a year-long war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The international community has tied major aid and investment to comprehensive reforms and the disarmament of non-state forces, chiefly Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. In February, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf visited Beirut, where met with Mr Aoun. Relations between Beirut and Algiers have experienced ups and downs. Algeria has offered Lebanon support in recent years. In 2024, it donated 30,000 tonnes of fuel oil – enough to generate 250 megawatts of electricity for about 20 days – after the country's only remaining operational power plant in Zahrani shut down because of fuel shortages. Lebanon's electricity sector has been crumbling for about three decades given a lack of investment and corruption, failing to provide round-the-clock electricity. The country has a complex history with Algeria's national state-owned oil company Sonatrach. In 2020, the company ended its fuel supply contract with Lebanon after a high-profile scandal exposed deep corruption and mismanagement within Lebanon's energy sector. The contract, signed in 2005 and renewed several times, had allowed Sonatrach's offshore unit to supply fuel oil for Lebanon's power plants. However, in early 2020, Lebanese authorities launched an investigation revealing that the supplied fuel was substandard and failed to meet required specifications. The scandal implicated several officials at Électricité du Liban (EDL), the Ministry of Energy and Customs, leading to a wave of arrests, including ministry staff and representatives from the local subcontractor. The deal, for which terms were kept secret for 15 years, was initially thought to be a state-to-state agreement. However, a Lebanese judicial investigation revealed that Sonatrach's subsidiary actually subcontracted the delivery to private companies, which were accused of falsifying laboratory results and bribery. Sonatrach denied any involvement in shipping tainted fuel. The Algerian presidency described the case as a 'Lebanese-Lebanese issue' in which Algeria was not involved.
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Wadi Al Helo, Mleiha top priorities for world heritage
Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) is working relentlessly and sparing no effort after the global achievement of Al Faya being included on the Unesco's World Heritage List, said Eisa Yousef, director general of SAA. He revealed future plans to highlight the exceptional value of other sites, most notably Wadi Al Helo in the Eastern Region and Mleiha archaeological site in the Central Region, both of which are on Unesco's tentative list. Yousef explained the success of Al Faya's nomination file with support from 13 of the 21 countries on the World Heritage Committee, which represents international recognition of the authenticity and importance of the site. He pointed out that this achievement brings strategic gains for the UAE and Sharjah since it highlights the region as a pivotal part of human history, encourages the attraction of specialised and sustainable cultural tourism and provides diverse job opportunities such as specialised tour guides. These goals are achieved through close institutional co-operation as embodied in the key role played by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) through the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority through the Jebel Buhais Geology Park and by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in promoting tourism destinations, he said. Recently, Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage both nationally and globally. She affirmed that the UAE is a key partner of the Paris-based organisation and a model to be emulated in this field. This praise came during an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Paris, where Miculescu expressed her appreciation for the UAE's recent success in inscribing the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the Unesco World Heritage List. Miculescu described this achievement as a powerful message reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to preserving shared human memory and recognising the value of heritage sites as bridges for dialogue and understanding between peoples. She emphasised that the UAE's role extends beyond its national borders, stating: 'The UAE not only protects its own national heritage but also takes the initiative to help safeguard global heritage. This reflects its civilisational vision and ethical responsibility toward all humanity.' Miculescu noted that the UAE is among Unesco's principal partners, having provided clear support for major international initiatives, including the rehabilitation of heritage sites damaged by conflict, particularly in the Arab region. Regarding the exceptional value of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu explained: 'Faya is not merely an archaeological site. It stands as evidence of early stages in human development and illustrates human interaction with the natural environment in an area of exceptional geological and cultural significance.' She highlighted that what makes the site distinctive is its direct connection to the first human migrations from Africa to Asia — a critical phase in human history that continues to be the subject of intense academic study. The documented discoveries at the site, she added, offer rich material for researchers and anthropologists. The Unesco official praised the efforts that led to this international recognition, saying: 'Its inscription on the World Heritage List is a highly significant step, made possible by meticulous scientific work and long-term efforts by the UAE in collaboration with international experts, all in accordance with Unesco's rigorous standards. The UAE's nomination file was comprehensive and compelling, and we highly value this level of professionalism.' She also applauded the UAE's approach to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development plans, emphasising that the country sets an example of how heritage sites can serve as a foundation for both cultural and economic development. This is achieved through investment in sustainable tourism and by involving local communities in the management and protection of these sites. She described the UAE's experience as a model for other countries in the region and around the world.
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
Cisco unveils CX predictions: AI, personalization, and proactive engagement take center stage
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Cisco has shared its predictions for a fundamental transformation in customer service. Advancements in artificial intelligence, hyper-personalization, rich communication services, and unified data are expected to enhance customer loyalty and address rising expectations in the Middle East and beyond. For many organizations, delivering an outstanding CX remains a challenge; a global study conducted by Cisco showed that many customers feel let down by the experiences they receive from brands. Only 25% of customers globally said they were very satisfied with their last service engagement—and 94% have abandoned interactions due to poor experiences. To meet growing customer expectations, businesses in the Middle East are leveraging AI, data analytics, and integrated platforms to improve efficiency, drive customer satisfaction, and support sustainable growth. Ahmad Zureiki, Director of Collaboration Business, Cisco Middle East and Africa, commented: 'As customer experience leaders evaluate their investments, it is important to anticipate what's around the corner, assessing how future developments may impact CX strategy and execution. Leaders in CX are approaching AI technology with a clear, strategic focus – one that prioritizes customer impact, agent empowerment, and operational efficiency. The widespread adoption of AI will enhance customer experiences and redefine engagement benchmarks, solidifying its role as a vital component of customer service in the region.' AI agents will revolutionize self-service AI agents will redefine self-service by enabling more intelligent, human-like interactions across voice and digital channels. Unlike traditional virtual assistants, these advanced AI-driven agents will engage customers in natural conversations. They ensure faster and more effective resolutions, while freeing human representatives to handle complex or high-value cases. Brands will increasingly tailor these kinds of agents to reflect their unique values, creating more authentic and emotionally resonant experiences. Additionally, the rise of low-code and no-code tools will make AI more accessible, allowing non-technical employees to deploy and refine artificial intelligence solutions easily. With AI adoption accelerating, leading companies are already leveraging AI agents at a significantly higher rate than their competitors, emphasizing its role in shaping superior customer experiences. In fact, Cisco's global study showed that 79% of 'CX Leaders' (companies with the highest business performance) have an AI virtual agent, whereas 7% of 'CX Laggards do' (companies typically slower to adopt new ideas, technologies, or trends). Hyper-personalization will become mission critical for CX AI will revolutionize personalization by helping organizations extract valuable insights from customer data to anticipate needs, tailor experiences, and drive upsell opportunities. Businesses will leverage AI to create hyper-personalized journeys that seamlessly transition between automated and human-assisted interactions, enhancing CX and fostering long-term loyalty. A key element of this transformation is proactive communication. Brands that engage customers with timely, automated messages will reduce friction, resolve issues before they arise, and strengthen relationships. As AI adoption grows, these proactive, personalized experiences will set new customer expectations, with CX leaders already leveraging AI at a significantly higher rate than their competitors. It is notable that 61% of CX Leaders deliver proactive communications using AI. Rich Communication Services (RCS) adoption will skyrocket Rich Communication Services (RCS) will see a surge in adoption as its support on both iPhone and Android expands its global reach. With its ability to deliver rich media, interactive messaging, and two-way engagement, RCS is poised to become the industry standard for business communication. Brands will leverage its advanced features for promotions, reminders, and seamless interactions while benefiting from improved security through end-to-end encryption and verified sender profiles. As businesses recognize its value, RCS will play a crucial role in building customer trust and elevating digital engagement. CX data will have to become unified Unifying customer data will be essential for delivering AI-driven, hyper-personalized experiences across multiple channels, including RCS. While large organizations face challenges in consolidating data from disparate sources, achieving a holistic customer view will be fundamental to optimizing CX. By integrating data from various systems, businesses will empower AI and human agents with real-time insights, enabling faster resolutions and more seamless interactions. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of customer needs will maximize AI's potential, allowing brands to anticipate issues, proactively engage customers, and provide trust. With unified data, organizations can identify trends, reduce friction points, and refine experiences at every touchpoint. As the CX landscape and customer expectations continue to evolve, Webex by Cisco is helping to bridge the digital divide with an AI-powered, self-learning contact center that delivers unmatched self-service, empowers agents with essential tools, and connects data to drive real business results. By equipping agents with real-time insights, journey data, and context for each customer, organizations can strive to not only meet but exceed expectations, delivering the best experience, every time.
