Sharjah Airport gears up for more than 800,000 passengers over 15 days
Sharjah Airport has announced a significant increase in summer travel volume, with more than 800,000 passengers expected to fly in between July 1 and 15.
The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) said a series of operational measures have been outlined to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Teams will work round the clock to provide travellers with necessary support in using the airport's smart services and innovative technologies with ease.
Passengers are urged to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight to avoid any potential delays in completing travel procedures, and to check for flight updates via their airlines.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
21 minutes ago
- Arabian Post
Bhutan unveils nation‑wide crypto payment system for tourists
Bhutan has become the first country to integrate cryptocurrency payments across its entire tourism infrastructure, enabling visitors to use Binance Pay for everything from booking flights and paying visa fees to purchasing local goods in rural areas. The system, implemented in partnership with Binance Pay and fully digital DK Bank, supports over 100 cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin, Binance Coin and USD Coin —and is accepted at more than 100 merchants nationwide. Tourists can complete transactions via static or dynamic QR codes, with DK Bank instantly converting crypto payments into Bhutanese ngultrum, avoiding volatility for merchants and eliminating traditional card fees. Real‑time confirmations, two‑factor authentication, encryption, and zero gas fees ensure a secure and efficient experience. Department of Tourism director Damcho Rinzin emphasised that the solution 'empowers even small vendors in remote villages to participate in the tourism economy'. The initiative aligns with Bhutan's broader strategy of embedding digital assets into its economy, which already includes green Bitcoin mining powered by hydropower. With a cryptocurrency reserve worth over US$600 million and bitcoin holdings exceeding 12,000 BTC, Bhutan aims to leverage its carbon‑neutral energy for economic diversification and sustainable growth. ADVERTISEMENT Binance CEO Richard Teng described the partnership as 'setting a precedent for how technology can bridge cultures and economies', reflecting a vision that blends tradition and digital innovation. The kingdom's emphasis on Gross National Happiness underpins this move: by making tourism more accessible and inclusive, Bhutan hopes to reinforce community wellbeing and economic opportunity across all regions. Bhutan's payments infrastructure ties into existing efforts to tackle youth unemployment—estimated at between 16.5 % and 19 %—and brain drain by cultivating jobs in blockchain, AI, and fintech. Since 2019, the sovereign wealth fund Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. has mined cryptocurrencies using surplus hydropower, channelled gains into public salaries, and fostered youth training to build a future-proof economy. Initial adoption has drawn participation from boutique hotels, tour operators, and rural artisans. By enabling markets in Thimphu and remote mountain villages to accept digital payments without traditional banking hardware, the system extends financial inclusion where it has been limited. Analysts note that reducing transaction friction and foreign‑exchange costs is likely to enhance Bhutan's appeal to digital‑savvy travellers and boost tourism revenues. Bhutan's model emerges amid a global rise in crypto‑enabled travel. Nations such as Thailand and El Salvador have piloted tourism payments, but Bhutan's national‑level implementation is unprecedented. The country also plans major future investments, including expanding hydropower from 3.5 GW to an estimated 15 GW over the next decade and exploring smart‑city projects like Gelephu Mindfulness City to further embed digital and green infrastructure. Challenges remain. Regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies in Bhutan is still evolving, and full infrastructure rollout in remote areas will test logistics and connectivity. Moreover, sustainability will depend on maintaining the balance between technological advancement and the country's core value of environmental stewardship.
Zawya
27 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudia Cargo and China Cargo Airlines ink landmark agreement to elevate Asia-Europe air freight connectivity
Saudia Cargo and China Cargo Airlines announced the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement, significantly bolstering air freight connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This strategic partnership introduces additional routes across key trade lanes, reinforcing both companies' commitment to facilitating global commerce and supporting Saudi Arabia's ambitious transformation into a leading global logistics hub. This agreement outlines several key strategic objectives. It aims to significantly increase cargo flight frequencies between Riyadh and Shanghai, alongside boosting connections to various European destinations. A major highlight is the launch of the first-ever direct cargo route between Riyadh and Budapest; a pivotal move designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia's ties with European commercial centres and pave the way for future expansion into African markets. Additionally, the partnership will deliver comprehensive cargo solutions to clients, encompassing advanced cold chain services and efficient road freight connectivity. Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, said: 'This partnership with China Cargo Airlines is a pivotal moment for Saudia Cargo and a testament to our unwavering commitment to expanding our global reach and enhancing our service offerings. By strengthening our network between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, we are not only facilitating trade but also actively contributing to the Kingdom's vision of becoming a world-class logistics hub. The new Riyadh-Budapest route is particularly exciting, opening up new avenues for trade and connectivity.' 'This strategic partnership reflects both parties' shared commitment to innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and strengthening the efficiency of global supply chains. It also comes as an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties earlier this year, within the framework of their shared vision for enhanced cooperation in the air cargo sector," added Mashabi. About Saudia Cargo: Saudia Cargo stands as a leading national cargo carrier, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the strategic advantage of the country's location, it serves as a highly efficient aerial bridge connecting the East and the West, seamlessly bridging continents. Our extensive reach encompasses approximately 100 airport destinations and 250 customer destinations across four continents, establishing us as a pivotal player in the global air cargo industry. With a legacy spanning over seven decades and a commitment to a 'human-first' approach, Saudia Cargo has consistently upheld its esteemed reputation as one of the world's most dynamic cargo carriers. This reputation is underpinned by a rich history of innovation and resilience. Our robust alliance with SkyTeam Cargo, the world's largest consortium of air cargo carriers, connects us to an impressive network of 150 freighter destinations in addition to nearly 800 passenger destinations worldwide. Saudia Cargo's access to a modern fleet of Boeing freighter aircraft expedites the transportation of diverse cargo types, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, high-value shipments, hazardous materials, and perishables. The company's enduring dedication to humanity, reliability, and agility has been instrumental in driving its remarkable growth trajectory, which continues to expand significantly. For further information, please visit
The National
40 minutes ago
- The National
My 15 tips to embrace the UAE summer
Here is a piece of advice from a seasoned UAE resident: the summer is not your enemy. With the mercury rising, so does the worry from friends and colleagues about handling the sweltering temperatures. My answer to such pangs of anguish over the years is simple: be cool. I am not only referring to ramping up the air conditioner at home or in the workplace, but also to discarding the concerns and embracing the languid rhythms that summer presents. The relatively slower pace of UAE life over the next few months provides plenty of opportunities to recalibrate, reorganise, explore and, yes, also have plenty of fun. I did not realise this immediately, of course. Instead, I gradually adjusted over the 14 years I have called the UAE home. Each summer presented new opportunities to strengthen my bonds with the country, in addition to appreciating the calmer pace of life before the frenzied hustle and bustle returns in the cooler months. Here are some tips that helped me and, now, hopefully yourself in making this a summer to remember. 1. Embrace the morning If you ever aspired to be a morning person, this is your chance. This is a lesson passed on by my parents when I was living in Abu Dhabi as a child. My parents, both night owls, would switch up their routines. My dad would see his friends for breakfast while my mum and her crew changed their daily evening strolls to the morning hours. Our night-time visits to our Emirati friends also changed to the morning in order to have tea and a chat on the patio. That golden hour, beginning from sunrise, is also the perfect time to exercise. If you are lucky, you may get kissed by a cool breeze or two. 2. Check out some amazing indoor venues A decade ago, I used to exchange notes with friends on which malls had the most impressive air conditioning systems (Al Wahda Mall remains my go-to), and I would head there to roam aimlessly while keeping cool. Fortunately, the UAE now boasts a growing number of great indoor venues to visit that are not shopping centres. These include the majestic Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, the Museum of the Future in Dubai, and the mega House of Wisdom library in Sharjah. Not only are they beautiful to experience and engrossing for children, but their indoor temperatures are cool at all times, too. 3. Catch a concert, musical or comedy show There was a time when big pop concerts in the UAE summer felt like the stuff of pure fantasy. Fortunately this has transformed over the years with the arrival of first-class indoor venues such Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena, Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera and The Agenda. Not only has this made the UAE concert calendar open for all seasons but has allowed organisers to tap into the busy European summer festival market and bring high-profile acts to the UAE. Scan the UAE event listings between now and September. There is a show for everyone this summer. 4. Check out the various UAE theme parks While Disneyland Abu Dhabi is highly anticipated, the UAE already boasts an enviable number of family theme parks – many of which are situated in sprawling indoor spaces. Take the kids to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, while film buffs should visit Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. If you've watched F1 The Movie, you'll know Abu Dhabi played a big part in the film starring Brad Pitt - so make time to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, as it's an ideal spot to indulge in the splendour of the competition. Dubai is also home to its own suite of attractions, such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, featuring rides inspired by Marvel characters, and Motiongate, which showcases pavilions inspired by popular children's films, including Madagascar and Hotel Transylvania. Adventureland Sharjah is a family-friendly affair with rides, musical performances and dining options. 5. Book the hotel deal of a lifetime The summer is a time when even the most popular resorts experience a steep decline in room reservations. As a result, many launch eye-catching 'summer staycation deals' where you can stay at the most lavish hotels at a discounted price. If you have a bucket list of resorts you want to visit, now is the time to make those bookings. 6. Taste test Michelin-starred and newly opened restaurants Those who love to eat out also have a lot to look forward to during the hotter months. With the industry's 'off season' already underway, this is a time when you will find new venues quietly opening up as part of their soft launch phase. This is also a great time to embark on your very own UAE Michelin restaurant trail before you're faced with a waiting list during busy season. 7. Go on that great UAE road trip The UAE is blessed with seven distinct emirates, all accessible by car. This is what makes the country a perfect location for a family road trip. With the motorways less congested during these times, it is recommended to set aside a week or a number of weekends to visit the hidden gems, such as the coastal city of Khorfakkan in Sharjah and the UAE's oldest functioning mosque, the 100-year old Al Bidyah Mosque, in Fujairah. 8. Volunteer and thrive Such is the community and social benefits of volunteering that UAE authorities have designated it as a service that can qualify for a golden visa. There are plenty of official online portals and organisations where you can register your interest in volunteering as an individual, groups or organisation. These include the Emirates Red Crescent, which conducts numerous local campaigns and projects. Dubai Volunteering Centre and its Sharjah counterpart also provide opportunities in their respective emirates. 9. Do the things you have been putting off Summer is the ideal time to tick off personal admin work. A few friends of mine use the summer to undergo an annual health check in clinics, give cars a service, and declutter their homes and workplaces. It may not sound like much, but ticking off those important boxes will bring you satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. 10. Enrol in that class you always dreamt about It sounds simple, but sometimes we get so swept up with work and other commitments that we don't have time for new experiences. With most major entertainment and cultural festivals on ice until winter, you can use the weekend or post-work time to learn and take on new skills. The UAE has a thriving vocational sector and institutions offering classes for everything ranging from cooking to DJ courses to robotics for children. With more time on our hands, this is the opportunity to upskill and have fun along the way. 11. Chill with a pool pass The off-season in UAE resorts means more opportunities for local residents to savour the lavish sites. An ideal and cost-effective way to do this is to take advantage of the pool and beach pass offers at leading UAE hotels. The best part of all is that the cost of passes often includes redeemable food and beverage items. 12. Catch a summer film The UAE's cinemas are not only well air-conditioned but also increasingly creative with their programming. In the summer months, venues like Cinema Akil in Dubai often run themed film festivals or retrospectives, from global cinema to cult classics. Even multiplexes like Vox and Reel occasionally offer throwback screenings or discounted weekday showings. It's the perfect way to escape the heat for a few hours and discover a new favourite film – or revisit an old one. 13. Explore indoor wellness and fitness options While outdoor workouts can be limited in the summer, indoor wellness centres flourish. This is the time to sign up for trial classes at boutique studios offering yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling or even martial arts. Many gyms and studios run summer packages at reduced rates to attract new members. It's also an ideal season to book a day pass at a spa or try out wellness offerings such as salt rooms, cryotherapy, or hammam treatments. Places such as The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery run affordable 24-hour retreats during the summer months too, if you need more than just an hour-long session to unwind. 14 . Discover lesser-known cultural spaces Beyond the big-name museums, the UAE is also home to numerous hidden cultural gems. Visit the Etihad Museum in Dubai for a deeper understanding of the country's founding, or explore Alserkal Avenue's many contemporary art galleries and studios. Sharjah's Heart of Sharjah district offers a historical experience indoors, with traditional architecture and museums such as Bait Al Naboodah and Sharjah Calligraphy Museum. Many of these spaces also offer workshops, exhibitions and talks throughout the summer. 15. Finally … relax and be still There is always that temptation to fill your time in the summer by constantly travelling abroad. While many don't have the financial means to simply book a flight and leave, the reason to resist the urge is not only monetary but mental as well. In addition to the daily pressures of working in the peak season, UAE residents have also been blessed with a packed winter season of events and countless concerts, festivals and conferences. While fun and stimulating, all that action is exhausting. So take it easy, unwind and enjoy these quiet days of relative calm. Considering the heightened anxiety of our times, we surely need it. An earlier version of this story was first published on June 20, 2024
