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Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Airport Trials Self-Driving Baggage Tractors – Here Is How They Work
Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is now using self-driving electric tractors to move baggage. Aviation services company dnata has launched a fleet of six autonomous vehicles at the airport, representing an investment of Dh6 million, it said on Tuesday. The tractors, which can tow up to four baggage containers at a time, will initially operate with minimal human oversight, with plans to transition to full self-driving capability by early 2026. dnata said it now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model, developed by TractEasy – at DWC. dnata stated that the move will enhance efficiency and safety, enabling staff to be reassigned to more complex tasks. The deployment is part of a push towards automation as Dubai World Central expands to become the world's largest airport. Trials of similar technology are underway in over 15 countries, but dnata claims this launch marks a significant step in bringing autonomous vehicles into regular airport operations. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata stated that it would utilise this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine various operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout, especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gained will help shape how automation is built into the core of future airport operations at DWC, it said. 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure,' he said. Autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) has become a key focus area for innovation in recent years. According to the IATA, such trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, although most remain in early testing phases or are restricted to small-scale pilots. 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
dnata rolls out autonomous vehicles in airport operations
15 July 2025 13:38 DUBAI (WAM) dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next-generation technology in ramp now operates six electric tractors - the EZTow model developed by TractEasy - at baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the Dh6 million ($1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early rollout follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The parties have been working together to create a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments, which remain largely undefined at a global its day-to-day role, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine different operating models for autonomous ground aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout, especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at data, Jaffar Dawood, said, 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.''Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO. 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.'
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: UAE families spend thousands to return from CIS countries
UAE families stranded in CIS countries pay over Dh6,000 for rerouted flights via Istanbul, Doha, and Delhi amid Israel-Iran conflict flight cancellations (Image generated by AI for illustrative and creative purposes only) As regional tensions between Israel and Iran escalated into a four-day exchange of missile and drone strikes, UAE expatriates holidaying in several Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, found themselves scrambling to return home, often at exorbitant costs. Following the outbreak of conflict, which began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and escalated into retaliatory attacks that killed three in Israel, several airlines either suspended or rerouted flights across affected airspace. This has left many travellers stranded or forced to secure alternative, often indirect and expensive, flight options. Families Caught Off Guard and Facing Financial Strain Limnaz Musthafa, a long-time UAE resident working in Sharjah's facility management sector, had sent his family on their first-ever trip to Baku, Azerbaijan. They arrived on June 12 via Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, but by June 13, just a day later, news of an Air India crash and intensifying conflict led to rapid flight closures. 'If I knew this would happen, I would've cancelled their trip,' Limnaz Musthafa told Gulf News , adding that he has been a UAE resident since 1986. By June 15, all return flights were cancelled. His six-member family, including an infant, was forced to book new tickets with Turkish Airlines for at least Dh6,000($1,635), in addition to the original Dh3,800($1,035) they had already spent. 'The fear is there, due to the political situation our safety is compromised,' he told Gulf News from Baku, adding that airfares had 'skyrocketed.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investire è più facile che mai BG SAXO Scopri di più Undo Similarly, Kamarudheen Arakkal, 43, faced stress when his son Rayan, a 25-year-old student in Birmingham, was stranded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, after attending a football camp. Scheduled to return last Friday, the sudden closures meant his father had to secure a new flight via Qatar. 'This caught us by surprise,' said Arakkal. The new ticket cost $1,000 (approximately Dh3,670), more than seven times the original Dh500 ticket. Travel Agents Respond to Sudden Demand for Rerouting UAE-based travel agencies are working around the clock to rebook affected passengers using longer but safer routes. Raheesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer of speaking to Gulf News, confirmed that travellers were turning to multi-leg flights via Istanbul or Doha to bypass closed or dangerous airspace. 'People were caught off-guard,' said Babu, noting that the post-Eid travel boom to CIS countries due to affordable fares contributed to the scale of the issue. According to Babu, about 20 customers are currently booking alternative routes out of affected CIS regions. Afi Ahmad, Chairman of Smart Travels, said that most impacted tourists are stranded in Armenia and Azerbaijan, with others affected in Iran. Fortunately, he noted, the number of travellers returning immediately after Eid was not overwhelming due to a general dip in demand. 'Unless it is an emergency, people don't want to travel,' said Ahmad, highlighting the financial and emotional stress among stranded passengers. In one example shared by travel agents, a family managed to return to the UAE from Azerbaijan via Delhi, a longer and more expensive alternative. Airlines Adjust Routes, Travellers Worry Ahead of Summer Break Despite the immediate disruptions, analysts say mass cancellations are not inevitable, provided airlines continue to find viable rerouting options. Saj Ahmad, Chief Analyst at StrategicAero Research, said that although a degree of reluctance to fly is expected, it may be balanced by broader geographic travel options and rerouting capabilities. GCC airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia, can reroute westbound flights to Europe and North America via Egypt and the Mediterranean, and eastbound flights over Oman to the Arabian Sea. However, these detours can significantly increase travel time. Geopolitical Background: Conflict Escalates in the Middle East The urgency and confusion stem from an escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran. Over a four-day period, Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory barrage of missiles and drones from Iran that killed three people in central Israel, including in Tel Aviv. Israel responded with a series of mass airstrikes, which, according to international reports, resulted in the deaths of several senior scientists and military generals within Iran. This violent exchange has ignited fears of a wider regional conflict and triggered urgent travel alerts and advisories from the UAE, Saudi Arabia , and other GCC nations.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Inaugural World Franchise Day celebrates sector's growing potential
11 June 2025 22:08 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The pivotal role of the franchise sector in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs came to the fore during a forum held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to mark the inaugural World Franchise Day, to be marked annually on June 11. Titled "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us", the forum was organised by the Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen event, held at the Abu Dhabi Chamber's headquarters, brought together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private sector entities involved in or interested in the franchise her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, reaffirmed the franchise sector's role within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture. She emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional Tamimi said: "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum."The franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded Dh100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed Dh6 trillion, according to the Abu Dhabi the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over Dh120 billion. Globally, the sector encompasses more than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting economies and promoting entrepreneurship, it a recorded speech presented during the forum, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, stressed that World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape and raises awareness of the franchise sector's role in shaping modern economies. UAE a Global Franchising Hub Speaking to Aletihad, Al Tamimi stressed the UAE's growing influence as a global franchising hub."The UAE naturally is the most suitable host for this, because of the ease of doing business, the support our leadership provides, and the national focus on diversifying beyond the oil sector. Today, we have surpassed $30 billion as a market size for franchising - and there is still room for further expansion."Explaining the vision behind the Emirates Franchise Association, she noted that their main goal is to enhance the franchising ecosystem in the UAE and make it a global powerhouse for further highlighted the enabling environment already in place, pointing to Abu Dhabi's position as a global centre for franchising and innovation."Abu Dhabi today is a franchise-friendly environment. Take Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, for example - it supports SMEs with funding specifically to help them scale through franchising. If you apply and meet the criteria, you can receive a grant to prepare your brand and business for the franchise model. And that is just one of many initiatives both the Khalifa Fund and Emirates Franchise Association provide to support growth." 'A Golden Platform' Mona Saqr Al Matrooshi, Board Member of the Ajman Businesswomen Council and Director General of the Ajman Society of Social & Cultural Development, told Aletihad that events like International Franchise Day offer real value for aspiring entrepreneurs."Many people do not have enough background in franchising," she said."This event is a true investment opportunity - where they can meet franchise owners, exchange ideas, and grow their businesses. It is a golden platform for those who know how to seize opportunities.""With the UAE's open economy, every citizen or resident should have their own project. What matters is knowing when and how to seize opportunities."Entrepreneur Mohammed Al Nuaimi said "franchising is a shortcut" for those who want to start a business without sufficient experience."The brand provides you with the readiness-from the basic structure to the complete business manual. The entrepreneur only needs to study the brand's suitability for the local market, whether in the UAE or the Gulf Region, and then start operating in record time. However, if they want to establish a project from scratch, they need to conduct a feasibility study, analyse the market, and identify the target group. They can then choose the appropriate sales model." 'Gaining Financial Freedom' Also speaking to Aletihad, Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder and CEO of Forever Rose, highlighted the potential of franchising in shaping the UAE's business future."Franchises offer people the opportunity to gain financial freedom, take responsibility for their careers, and run their own businesses. It is a ready-made platform. I see this as a launchpad for more billionaires and millionaires in the future.""From cafés to restaurants, franchising is everywhere. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth, and the UAE has the potential to be a franchise hub for the entire Middle East. Anyone seeking a franchise in the region will look to the UAE as their go-to destination," Al Samadi Al Saigal, Founder and Partner of Rolling Wheels Entertainment, told Aletihad that franchising is a smart path for rapid, efficient expansion."My advice to anyone with a project they believe in is to adopt the franchise model. It saves time, effort, and money. Instead of spending 7 million on 7 branches, I invest 1 million in one location while others expand the brand under the same system. As the founder, I benefit from franchise fees-both upfront and monthly."However, she urged patience and preparation. "Do not rush into franchising. You need at least two to three years of stable operations, with fully documented processes, before expanding. Let your business mature first - then grow with confidence." Meeting of Minds The forum included a dialogue session called "Meeting of Minds," bringing together leading franchise owners in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry experts. They discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises, along with the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable program also featured an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association's achievements and showcasing successful Emirati brands that have expanded locally and internationally through franchising. The event also included several accompanying activities, most notably the "Franchise Walk," which showcased a selection of local and international brands. In addition, the Association organised advisory sessions in collaboration with several consultancy firms, offering specialised professional guidance on the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of the franchise model.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Are you an influencer or filmmaker in Dubai? Here's how much you need to pay for a media licence
Professionals across all media sectors in Dubai now face mandatory licensing with clearly defined fees under the new law. (Representational image) The UAE has officially released a detailed fee structure for media-related licences under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025, just days after implementing a sweeping new media law that introduces fines of up to AED 1 million (USD 272,000) for violations such as spreading fake news or insulting religious beliefs. The updated decision outlines mandatory licensing costs for a wide range of professionals and entities operating in the country's media landscape, including influencers, digital creators, film distributors, journalists, publishers, event organisers, and video game producers. The move is part of a broader effort to formalise, regulate, and ensure accountability in the UAE's growing media sector while promoting transparency and compliance. These licences are now legally required to operate media services or distribute content in the UAE, with specific categories and renewal fees clearly specified. Digital Creators and Influencers Influencer permit (for paid content): Dh1,000 (USD 272) annually Renewal: Dh1,000 (USD 272) Visitor influencer permit: Dh500 (USD 136) for every 3 months Digital platform/media outlet licence (e.g., podcast, blog, streaming): Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) Renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) Press, Journalism, and Foreign Media Sponsor a foreign journalist not registered in the country: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632) per sponsorship Temporary media coverage permit: Dh300 (USD 82) Foreign journalist or reporter not registered in the country licence: Dh500 (USD 136) Renewal: Dh500 (USD 136) Cinema and Film Production Open a cinema (6+ screens): Dh100,000 (USD 27,200) initial, Dh50,000 (USD 13,600) annual renewal Open a cinema (up to 5 screens): Dh60,000 (USD 16,320) initial, Dh30,000 (USD 8,160) annual renewal Film distributor licence (animation, documentary, cartoon): Dh35,000 (USD 9,520) initial, Dh18,000 (USD 4,896) renewal Film production licence (same genres): Dh18,000 (USD 4,896) initial, Dh8,000 (USD 2,176) renewal Screening a film in the UAE: Dh1,000 (USD 272) per film Screening a trailer: Dh500 (USD 136) Poster display approval: Dh500 (USD 136) Ticket sales permit: Dh500 (USD 136) Age classification: Dh500 (USD 136) Urgent classification service: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632) Commercial content shown inside cinemas: Dh1,000 (USD 272) Licence to design and produce advertising content: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) Renewal: Dh2,500 (USD 680) Events and Single-Use Permits Screening a film or event for 1 day (e.g., football match): Dh500 (USD 136) Self-monitoring digital platform permit: Dh2,000 (USD 544) Video Games and Entertainment Platforms Video game sales licence: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720) Game production licence: Dh4,000 (USD 1,088) Renewal: Dh2,000 (USD 544) Game rental (via platform): Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) annually Artistic Production and Services Audio-visual production studio licence: Dh15,000 (USD 4,080) Renewal: Dh8,000 (USD 2,176) Theatre or artistic performance licence: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720) Renewal: Dh6,000 (USD 1,632) Licence to design, implement, and install advertising billboards: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720) Renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) Books, Printing , and Publishing Licence to practice printing-related businesses: Dh10,000 (USD 2,720) Annual renewal: Dh5,000 (USD 1,360) Licence to establish a printing press: Dh25,000 (USD 6,800) Annual renewal: Dh15,000 (USD 4,080) Licence to publish a daily newspaper: Dh100,000 (USD 27,200) Renewal: Dh50,000 (USD 13,600) Reprint foreign daily newspapers: Dh50,000 (USD 13,600) Foreign media office licence: Dh3,000 (USD 816) Sell/distribute more than 10 copies of foreign books: Printed: Dh15 (USD 4) per book Digital: Dh10 (USD 2.72) per e-book Library or bookstore licence: Dh3,500 (USD 952) Licence Changes, Cancellations, and Modifications Cancel licence: Dh200 (USD 54) Transfer of ownership: Dh100 (USD 27) Request to amend media activity licence data: Free Also read: Posting Without Official License Could Cost Dh1 Million in UAE The fee structure under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025 is now legally binding and applies to all individuals and entities engaging in media activities within the UAE. Licences are required for operating platforms, producing or distributing content, and hosting media-related events. The decision also complements the recently enacted media law, which imposes penalties of up to Dh1 million (USD 272,000) for violations, including the spread of misinformation and offensive content.
