Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have unveiled a groundbreaking codeshare partnership, coupled with a reciprocal loyalty agreement, marking a significant step in enhancing global connectivity. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Hong Kong, timed with the arrival of Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong International Airport. This collaboration allows passengers to book Hong Kong Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi under Etihad’s ‘EY’ code, while Etihad travelers can access Japanese destinations such as Fukuoka, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Osaka, and Okinawa via Hong Kong Airlines’ ‘HX’ code. The partnership ensures seamless travel with a single ticket, unified check-in, and automatic baggage transfer, positioning Abu Dhabi as a pivotal hub linking Greater China, Japan, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, members of Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club and Etihad Guest will enjoy reciprocal earn-and-redeem benefits across both networks, further enriching their travel experiences. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasized the partnership’s value in offering flexibility, expanded reach, and superior rewards to loyal customers. Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, highlighted the collaboration as a milestone in the airline’s resurgence in the international market, fostering trade, tourism, and connectivity between Hong Kong and the Middle East.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal visits Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab
In a spiritually significant start to his diplomatic mission in the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, the newly appointed Indian Ambassador, visited the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab. Accompanied by his wife, Dr Alpna Mittal, the Ambassador participated in special prayers and sought blessings on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru. The visit underscored the values of unity, faith, and the enduring teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Dr Mittal was warmly received by Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, and Dr Bubbles Kandhari, Vice Chairperson of the Gurudwara, along with members of the management committee and the Sikh community. As a gesture of respect and blessing, the couple was presented with a Saropa, a traditional robe of honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mittal expressed his gratitude for commencing his tenure with divine blessings and praised the unity and devotion of the congregation. He highlighted the importance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings and India’s cultural heritage, which are upheld with pride. The Ambassador also commended the UAE’s leadership for fostering an environment of tolerance and freedom, allowing people of all faiths to practice their beliefs harmoniously. Dr Surender Singh Kandhari emphasized the profound significance of the Ambassador’s visit on such a holy day, noting that the Gurudwara symbolizes peace, service, and unity. The event concluded with the traditional Ardas (prayer) and Langar (community meal), embodying Sikh values of equality, humility, and service. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, music, and a spirit of togetherness, resonating with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message: ‘Recognise all mankind as one.’
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Dubai RTA announces temporary closure on Airport Road near DXB
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary closure of Airport Road near Dubai International Airport (DXB) to facilitate expansion works at Terminal 1. The closure, effective from 2:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, will impact traffic heading to Deira, while traffic to Al Khawaneej will be affected from 2:30 AM on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Motorists are advised to plan their trips in advance, adhere to traffic signs, and use alternative routes via Al Garhoud to ensure smooth travel and timely arrival at the airport. The RTA emphasized the importance of these measures to minimize disruptions during the construction phase. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories through official channels. This temporary closure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and accommodate the growing passenger traffic at DXB, one of the world’s busiest airports.
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Why tech giants are offering premium AI tools to millions of Indians for free
In a strategic move to capture India’s burgeoning digital market, leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity AI have partnered with Indian telecom giants to offer free or subsidized access to their AI tools. Starting this week, millions of Indian users will gain one year of complimentary access to ChatGPT’s new low-cost ‘Go’ chatbot. Similarly, Perplexity AI has teamed up with Airtel, India’s second-largest mobile network provider, while Google has partnered with Reliance Jio, the country’s largest telecom operator, to bundle AI services with monthly data plans. Analysts view these initiatives not as acts of generosity but as calculated investments aimed at securing a foothold in India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, emphasized that the strategy is to familiarize Indians with generative AI before transitioning to paid models. India’s vast and youthful internet user base, exceeding 900 million, presents a unique opportunity for AI companies to gather diverse data and refine their models. However, this approach raises concerns about data privacy and the lack of robust AI-specific regulations in India. While the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023 offers broad protections, its implementation remains pending, leaving gaps in addressing AI accountability. Experts argue that India must strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding user data, especially as global AI companies leverage the country’s flexible regulatory environment to scale their offerings. As the AI landscape evolves, the focus will be on ensuring that India’s digital growth aligns with ethical and transparent practices.
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Summit urges joint efforts in shared digital future
The 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, held in Zhejiang province, brought together global leaders, experts, and tech executives to discuss the future of digital intelligence. With the theme ‘Forging an Open, Cooperative, Secure, and Inclusive Future of Digital Intelligence,’ the summit emphasized the need for joint efforts to build a shared digital future. Li Shulei, a senior official of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the importance of inclusive development, digital infrastructure, and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. He called for enhancing global digital literacy and bridging the digital divide to ensure that the benefits of digital development are shared worldwide. Wang Hao, Party secretary of Zhejiang, noted the province’s progress in integrating the digital economy with the real economy, with the digital economy accounting for over 50% of its GDP in 2024. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, praised China’s entry into the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index, attributing it to the robust digital economy. The summit also addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the digital economy. Wu Yongming, CEO of Alibaba Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to open-source AI models and the importance of technological inclusiveness. Liu Qiangdong, founder of JD.com, discussed the transformative potential of AI and robotics in reducing logistics costs and creating new job opportunities. The summit concluded with a call for global collaboration to harness the power of digital technologies for the benefit of all.
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Fragrance World unveils Street Origins, a new collection redefining modern perfumery
Fragrance World has unveiled its latest innovation, ‘Street Origins,’ a groundbreaking fragrance collection that redefines modern perfumery. Inspired by the vibrancy of urban culture and the essence of individuality, the collection blends artistry, authenticity, and innovation to create a new standard in contemporary fragrance design. Developed under the leadership of Safeer Moidu, Joint CEO of Fragrance World, Street Origins introduces a range of long-lasting, gender-neutral scents that emphasize originality, performance, and accessibility. The collection aims to challenge a market often saturated with imitations, offering a fresh perspective on authenticity. Street Origins draws inspiration from the dynamic energy of global cities, translating the rhythm of urban life into bold colors, graphic artwork, and collectible bottle designs. The collection is divided into two tiers: the ‘Origins Range,’ featuring 26 everyday scents inspired by city moods, and the ‘Icon Range,’ comprising 14 limited-edition releases with statement finishes and exclusive sleeves. Safeer Moidu describes the collection as a ‘creative rebellion,’ a return to originality in an industry that has grown complacent with imitation. Beyond its olfactory appeal, Street Origins serves as a creative platform, fostering collaborations across art, music, and design. Through its innovation arm, French Avenue, Fragrance World has partnered with renowned international perfumers, including Jordi Fernández, Shinichiro Oba, Pascal Gaurin, and Jean-Christophe Hérault. The launch of Street Origins further solidifies Fragrance World’s influence in shaping the narrative of Middle Eastern perfumery, characterized by artistry, experimentation, and storytelling. The collection is now available for purchase at www.shopfragranceworld.com.
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Technical glitch with air traffic system at Delhi airport resolved
A significant technical malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, caused widespread flight disruptions over two days. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the system was restored late Friday, but warned that normal operations would take time due to a massive backlog. The glitch, which began Thursday evening, delayed over 200 flights, including international carriers like ITA Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet saw their shares drop by 2% and 1%, respectively, as they warned passengers of ongoing disruptions. The AMSS, crucial for generating flight plans, forced air traffic controllers to manually process plans, significantly slowing operations. Delhi Airport, handling 78 million passengers in 2024, ranks as the ninth busiest globally. The incident follows a recent ransomware attack on European airports, highlighting vulnerabilities in aviation infrastructure.
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Guangxi FTZ strengthens global ties, creates new opportunities with ASEAN
The China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has emerged as a pivotal hub for international collaboration, leveraging its strategic location and institutional openness to foster global partnerships. At its 2025 special promotion conference in Shanghai on November 5, the zone showcased its commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN and beyond, attracting over 150 participants, including diplomatic representatives from Germany, the UK, South Korea, Canada, and Pakistan, as well as executives from more than 80 foreign enterprises. Notable attendees included DP World, a Middle East-based supply chain solutions provider, and Louis Dreyfus North Asia, a leading agricultural trader and processor. The event highlighted Guangxi’s ambitious plans for cross-border industrial and supply chain development, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, and smart home technologies. Lu Xinning, vice-chairperson of Guangxi, emphasized the region’s 10-billion-yuan ($1.4 billion) AI industry fund, which has already drawn interest from tech firms in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Yang Yihang of the China Investment Promotion Agency reaffirmed support for Guangxi FTZ, pledging to enhance its business environment for global investors. Jonathan School of AHK Greater China noted the alignment between Guangxi’s industrial focus and German expertise, signaling opportunities for targeted cooperation. The conference yielded tangible outcomes, including the release of two key lists guiding cross-border trade, new energy, and ASEAN-focused tech alignment. Agreements for healthcare, AI, and smart home projects were signed, advancing an innovative model where technology is researched in China’s major hubs, assembled in Guangxi, and applied in ASEAN. Since its inception six years ago, Guangxi FTZ has registered over 120,000 new enterprises and sustained double-digit economic growth. Post-conference, visits to AI enterprises in Shanghai will further solidify Guangxi’s role as a global connector and opportunity creator.
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More than just a horse race: What to expect at Dubai Racing Carnival 2025
The Dubai Racing Carnival, a hallmark of equestrian excellence, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025 with a grand season commencing on November 7. Spanning 17 races until March 28, 2026, the event promises a blend of high-octane competition and cultural festivities. Held at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, the Carnival transcends the traditional image of horse racing, attracting a diverse audience from all walks of life. Beyond the thrill of the races, attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of entertainment options, including carnival games, food pop-ups, and interactive activities. Ticket prices are designed to be inclusive, ranging from Dh10 for general admission to Dh695 for premium private suites. The season will feature four major event days, including Festive Friday, Fashion Friday, Emirates Super Saturday, and the grand finale, the Dubai World Cup. Among the attendees is Zainab A., a 75-year-old wheelchair-bound enthusiast from Sudan, who returns for her second Carnival, accompanied by her daughter Shahad Abdullah, experiencing the event for the first time. The Dubai Racing Carnival is not just a sporting event but a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring allure of horse racing.
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China to repeal suspension of some US imports
In a significant move to ease trade tensions, China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced on Friday the revocation of its earlier suspension on soybean exports from three US companies, including CHS Inc. The decision, effective from November 10, reinstates the export eligibility of these firms. This development follows a thorough evaluation of corrective measures implemented by the US, aligning with China’s domestic laws, regulations, and international phytosanitary standards. Additionally, the GAC declared the termination of the import suspension on US logs, also effective from November 10. These actions mark a positive step in bilateral trade relations, reflecting mutual efforts to address trade disputes and foster economic cooperation.