Air Arabia launches its new route to Sochi in Russia
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa's first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, inaugurated its new route to the Russian city of Sochi with a frequency six weekly flights.
The new service marks the sixth Russian city to be served directly from Sharjah, alongside Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg, further expanding Air Arabia's network in the country.
Commenting on the launch, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said, "We are glad to inaugurate our non-stop flights to Sochi, further strengthening our connectivity with Russia. This expansion not only provides our customers with a convenient and affordable air travel option between the UAE and Russia but also further strengthening tourism and trade ties between both nations. Sochi complements our growing network in the country and reflects our ongoing commitment to offering more travel opportunities to our customers."
"Today, Sochi is actively developing as an international hub, attracting more and more foreign tourists and offering extensive travel opportunities for Russian citizens. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top destinations served by the airport. The Emirate of Sharjah will become the third city in the UAE connected to Sochi Airport's route network, once again confirming the growth and strengthening of ties between our countries. Thanks to Air Arabia's wide route network, travelers will benefit from convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, significantly expanding their international travel options," Alexey Starostin, CEO Aerod, managing company of Sochi airport.
With the addition of Sochi to its network, Air Arabia now serves Russia from three airports in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. This expansion highlights the airline's ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week
From UAE petrol price changes and new credit rules to real estate innovations and millionaire savings plans, the Gulf is seeing rapid shifts in finance and lifestyle. Meanwhile, smart city projects, public sector reforms, and Ramadan 2026 forecasts are helping shape the months ahead. Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE petrol prices to change for July 2025 The UAE is set to announce petrol prices for July 2025 in the next few days. Petrol prices have remained virtually unchanged for the past three months, following two months of freezes to the cost of filling up at the pump. Despite the current stability, it is currently significantly cheaper to fill up a tank than year ago, with all categories becoming more affordable, despite prices fluctuating throughout the past 12 months. Saudi Arabia announces new credit card rules The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced updated credit card rules. The updated regulations will be for credit card issuance and operation, targeting cost reduction for customers whilst increasing disclosure and transparency levels, and will take effect within 30 to 90 days. Under the updated framework, credit card issuers must notify customers of fee changes via SMS, with customers permitted to terminate their agreements within 14 days of receiving such notices. E-wallet top-ups via credit cards will no longer incur charges. The regulations establish new fee structures for cash withdrawals. For amounts below SR2,500, fees are capped at 3 per cent of the transaction value. Dubai residents can now instantly check credit scores online Dubai residents can now check their credit reports and scores directly through the DubaiNow app, thanks to a new integration with the Etihad Credit Bureau. The collaboration between Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) and DubaiNow, the UAE's leading unified government services app, allows users to access their personal Credit Report and Credit Score in real time with a single click—simplifying financial planning and enhancing digital accessibility. DubaiNow offers more than 300 integrated services from both government and private sector entities. With the new feature, users can log in to the app and instantly view their credit insights—supporting informed financial decisions and streamlining access to key personal data. UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239bn (approximately $65bn) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. Indian Aces 2025: Meet the Gulf's most powerful Indian business leaders The Indian business community remains an indispensable pillar of the United Arab Emirates' economic architecture. These entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries – many of whom are celebrated in our Indian Aces 2025 power list – have transformed industries across the Emirates. From retail and healthcare to technology and construction, these business leaders have created enterprises that form the backbone of the region's economic landscape. Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545 – tokenization explained Dubai is reshaping access to real estate with a new government-backed platform that lets investors own a slice of the city's booming property market for as little as AED 2,000. By turning property into digital tokens, the initiative introduces a new model of ownership that aims to make real estate investment faster, more flexible, and more accessible — all within a regulated blockchain ecosystem. But, what exactly is Dubai real estate tokenization and how does it actually work? Ajman reduces work hours and launches remote work Fridays from July1 Ajman has unveiled a new plan with reduced hours and remote work on Fridays. The 'Balanced Summer' initiative for government employees is aimed at promoting work-life balance, family cohesion, and environmental sustainability during the summer months. The plan was approved during a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council chaired by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. Under the initiative, 100 per cent remote work will be in effect every Friday from July 1 to August 22, 2025. In addition, working hours from Monday to Thursday will be reduced to seven hours, running from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm across all government entities. UAE Ramadan and Eid 2026: Expected dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha announced Expected dates for Ramadan 2026 in the UAE have been announced by the Emirates Astronomy Society. The Emirates Astronomy Society forecasts Ramadan will begin on February 18, 2026, with Eid Al Fitr likely on March 20 and Eid Al Adha on May 27. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, shared expected dates for holidays and events next year. UAE residents need nearly $1,800 monthly to become millionaires in 10 years, financial experts reveal The UAE's wealth creation ecosystem has produced some of the world's fastest-growing millionaire population, with specific strategies emerging for building seven-figure wealth. Anchored by zero personal income tax, 100 per cent foreign ownership rules, and $817 billion in non-oil trade, the nation has transformed into a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking to drive their way to millionaire status But, how much can one build and save to hit AED1 million in the UAE? UAE Leave Guide 2025: Every type of holiday you're entitled to explained UAE workers will enjoy a public holiday on Friday, June 27, to mark the Islamic New Year — giving many a long weekend. But did you know there are nine official types of leave you're entitled to in the UAE? From annual holidays and sick leave to study breaks and maternity support, here's your full guide to every type of leave under UAE Labour Law in 2025.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 75,000 students to learn saving, budgeting under 'young investor programme'
UAE companies have launched an initiative to embed essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age. The programme aims to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE. It was launched by National Bonds, UAE's leading Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment. The 'Young Investor Programme' blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance. Initially targeting students in Grades 5 and 6, the curriculum introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified yet impactful manner. Older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefit from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters. These sessions delve into critical topics including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind the scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career exposure. The curriculum is structured around six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial Planning. Beyond these fundamentals, the program integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities. New modules are continuously being introduced, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management practices. During its successful pilot phase, the 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai. The participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St. Mary's Catholic High School. Currently, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. Building on this success, the initiative is now expanding beyond Dubai, entering Sharjah through the Masar initiative. National Bonds recently collaborated with the Masar initiative, launched by the Sharjah Capability Development Authority, which aims to empower Emirati university students and recent graduates through a blend of hands-on training and professional mentorship. This partnership ensures continuity in financial education, extending from middle school students in the Young Investor Programme to young adults preparing for the workforce through Masar. Specialised financial literacy workshops help young adults focus on essential concepts such as savings, financial planning, investment awareness, and risk management. National Bonds recently announced a three-year strategic expansion plan for the 'Young Investor Programme', aiming to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE through scalable delivery models and regional activations. Beyond traditional classroom learning, students will be challenged to conceptualise real-world investment or business projects, with some receiving feasibility reviews, support, and recognition. Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO at National Bonds, commented on the program's impact: 'The success of the 'Young Investor Programme' reflects our belief that financial education should start early, and in a way that resonates with young minds. By equipping students with the basics of saving and planning, we are helping them build habits that last a lifetime.' Lootah added, 'This initiative is more than just a programme; it's part of a larger movement aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy. As we expand into more emirates, we are proud to be giving the next generation the confidence and tools to navigate their financial future with purpose.'
Crypto Insight
3 hours ago
- Crypto Insight
Legal strategy matters more than ever for your crypto startup in the UAE
Opinion by: Irina Heaver, crypto lawyer. Founders who treat regulatory structuring as a central part of their go-to-market strategy are the ones who thrive in the UAE. Unfortunately, many founders view licensing as an afterthought. The UAE is not a place where you can cut corners. It is, however, a place where thoughtful, well-prepared founders are rewarded with speed, clarity and access to a highly supportive ecosystem. Contrary to some founders' beliefs, regulators are not the problem — confusion, poor planning and lack of readiness are. The crypto licensing landscape in the United Arab Emirates can be hard to grasp, so much so that even experienced venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs and global law firms often misunderstand the regime. Let's bring some clarity to the situation. One country, two legal systems The UAE is a federal country comprising seven emirates, operating under two distinct legal systems. The mainland legal system, known as the 'onshore' regime, covers the entire UAE territory and includes over 45 economic free zones. These jurisdictions fall under the UAE's civil law and are governed by the UAE's court system. The financial free zones, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), operate independently under English common law. They also maintain their own regulatory bodies and court systems, separate from the mainland's judicial system. Understanding this bifurcation is crucial because the regulatory authority governing your crypto activities depends mainly on the legal framework under which you choose to operate. One country, five crypto regulators Five separate authorities regulate crypto and related activities, each with its own jurisdiction, mandate and licensing framework. On the mainland side, the three relevant regulators are: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): regulates activities involving AED-denominated stablecoins, crypto payments and remittances, and approves foreign stablecoins. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA): regulates crypto exchanges, broker-dealers and token offerings that resemble securities or commodity contracts. The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): regulates most virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating in Dubai, excluding those in the DIFC. In the financial free zones, there are two separate regulators: The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): the financial watchdog for ADGM, which developed one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks for digital assets back in 2018. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): the regulator for DIFC, with a cautious but evolving approach to crypto assets. This unique framework can be both a blessing and a challenge. Choosing the wrong regulator or failing to understand the scope of each authority can result in wasted time, missed opportunities or, in some cases, complete licensing failure. Choose the right regulator The right jurisdiction depends entirely on your specific business model. Here are a few common scenarios: Launch a crypto exchange Planning to become the next Binance? Be prepared to navigate a rigorous licensing path. VARA, SCA or ADGM are potential homes for you. Each has its own requirements, and none are for the faint-hearted. Issue a stablecoin If you're thinking of rivaling Tether in AED, then welcome to the grown-up table. You'll be dealing with the Central Bank of the UAE. Build a tokenized RWA platform Want to turn luxury real estate, fine art or a warehouse of whiskey into blockchain-based assets? VARA's newly introduced regime for asset-backed tokens is a must-read. And no, slapping 'utility token' on a white paper won't cut it here. Start a crypto fund Got capital to deploy and a vision to back the next crypto unicorn? It's time to become best friends with ADGM's FSRA. It's one of the most advanced digital asset frameworks out there, but make no mistake, they expect real compliance chops. Launch a payment app Are you looking to make big money moves? The Central Bank will be watching you closely. Don't expect a light-touch approach when handling customer funds. Trying to do it all Don't. Founders often want to build the entire offering in one go, which can be a recipe for regulatory burnout. It is much better to start narrow — get one license, create traction, then scale. More best practices Founders who prioritize regulatory structuring as a core element of their go-to-market strategy are the ones who succeed in the UAE. Success demands a thorough regulatory assessment from the outset, alignment of a business model with the right jurisdiction and authority and collaboration with legal experts who truly understand the local landscape. In the UAE, cutting corners is not tolerated. Founders who plan carefully and engage proactively with regulators are rewarded with speed, clarity and access to a highly supportive ecosystem. Opinion by: Irina Heaver, crypto lawyer. Source:
