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  • Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 150 Airbus aircraft worth Dh88 billion

    Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 150 Airbus aircraft worth Dh88 billion

    In a landmark move at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Flydubai, Dubai’s smallest carrier, has inked a monumental agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 150 A321neo aircraft, valued at $24 billion (Dh88 billion). This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in diversifying Flydubai’s narrow-body fleet and bolstering its long-term expansion strategy. The aircraft are slated for delivery starting in 2031, aligning with the airline’s vision for sustained growth and operational efficiency.

    The deal was formalized during a signing ceremony attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Flydubai, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. Also present was Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of Flydubai. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that this agreement represents a pivotal milestone in the airline’s journey, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the aviation sector.

    Christian Scherer highlighted the A321neo’s advanced features, including its range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, which align with Flydubai’s operational goals. The aircraft, part of the A320neo Family, incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as new-generation engines and Sharklets, delivering over 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reductions compared to older models.

    This deal is the second major aircraft order announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, following Emirates’ $37.8 billion (Dh139 billion) order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Flydubai’s expanded fleet will further cement Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub, with the airline currently serving over 135 destinations across 57 countries. The new aircraft will also play a crucial role in supporting the expansion of Dubai World Central, enhancing the city’s connectivity and economic growth.

  • UAE: Etihad Airways to buy 32 Airbus aircraft; first deliveries start in 2027

    UAE: Etihad Airways to buy 32 Airbus aircraft; first deliveries start in 2027

    Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced a significant fleet expansion with the acquisition of 32 Airbus aircraft. The deal, unveiled on November 18, 2025, includes a combination of A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330-900s, sourced through direct orders and lease agreements. The first deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027. This move follows Etihad’s earlier agreement in 2025 to purchase 28 Boeing widebody aircraft, bringing the airline’s total new widebody orders for the year to 60 across both Airbus and Boeing. The Abu Dhabi-based airline emphasized that this expansion is a strategic step to accelerate its growth and solidify its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers. With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate a comprehensive widebody fleet, including the A380, A350 family (including freighters), and A330neo. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the significance of the deal, stating, ‘These agreements reflect our confidence in Abu Dhabi’s aviation future and our commitment to positioning the emirate as one of the world’s leading hubs.’ He added, ‘With 60 new widebody aircraft ordered this year across Airbus and Boeing, we are building one of the most modern, efficient, and flexible long-haul fleets in the world.’ The announcement underscores Etihad’s ambition to enhance its global connectivity and operational efficiency.

  • First two Tests key to England’s Ashes hopes, says Broad

    First two Tests key to England’s Ashes hopes, says Broad

    As England prepares to face Australia in the highly anticipated Ashes series, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has highlighted the pivotal importance of the first two Test matches. Speaking on the ‘Odds Law’ podcast, Broad stressed that England must assert their dominance early in the series to avoid another disappointing outcome Down Under. England’s last Ashes victory in Australia dates back to 2011, with Australia securing clean sweeps in their last three home series. Traditionally, the Ashes opener has been held at The Gabba in Brisbane, a venue where England last triumphed in 1986. However, this year’s series will kick off in Perth, a change Broad views as a slight advantage for England. ‘England have to win the first Test to stand a chance of winning the Ashes,’ Broad asserted. ‘If England don’t get anything out of the first two, then that’s a major problem because in Australia, the energy, the flow of the whole country will build up, and then you’re fighting a bit of a losing battle.’ England’s squad boasts one of their fastest bowling lineups in years, featuring Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse, with captain Ben Stokes also expected to contribute with the ball. While Wood and Archer are expected to lead the attack, Broad singled out Atkinson as a potential key player. ‘Gus could be the one who becomes a mainstay of the attack,’ Broad said. ‘He could do really nicely in Australia and be that consistent bowler that Stokes can lean on to bowl a lot of overs.’ The first Test begins on Friday, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested series.

  • Germany and Netherlands lock up World Cup spots in style

    Germany and Netherlands lock up World Cup spots in style

    Germany and the Netherlands showcased their footballing prowess as they secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with commanding victories in their final European qualifying matches. Germany delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig, while the Netherlands overcame Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam. Both teams needed only a draw to qualify but opted for an attacking approach, leaving no room for doubt about their World Cup ambitions. Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann praised his team’s relentless effort, stating, ‘Every player played well today and worked like a dog.’ The Netherlands, under Ronald Koeman, entertained their home crowd with high-tempo play, leaving Lithuania struggling to keep up. Slovakia and Poland secured second-place finishes in their respective groups, earning a spot in the European play-offs. Croatia and the Czech Republic also celebrated victories, with the latter demolishing Gibraltar 6-0. The road to the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues to unfold with thrilling performances and unexpected twists.

  • Dubai: Gold prices plunge nearly Dh5 as 22K slips below Dh450 per gram

    Dubai: Gold prices plunge nearly Dh5 as 22K slips below Dh450 per gram

    Gold prices in Dubai experienced a significant decline on Tuesday, with 22K gold slipping below Dh450 per gram, marking a drop of nearly Dh5. The global spot gold price also fell by 1.5% to $4,011.8 per ounce, driven by a stronger US dollar and diminishing expectations of US interest rate cuts. In Dubai, 24K gold opened at Dh483.5 per gram, down from Dh485.75 on Monday, while 22K gold decreased to Dh447.5 per gram from Dh449.75. Other variants, including 21K and 18K, opened at Dh429.25 and Dh368.0 per gram, respectively. The decline in gold prices reflects broader market uncertainty, exacerbated by delayed US economic data releases following a government shutdown. Analysts, including Fadi Al Kurdi of FFA Kings, noted that missing economic indicators have heightened market sensitivity, with potential weaknesses in upcoming reports possibly bolstering the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts. However, cautious remarks from Fed officials, such as San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, have tempered expectations of further easing. Persistent geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to support gold demand, providing some stability amidst the volatility.

  • US House expected to approve resolution to release Epstein files

    US House expected to approve resolution to release Epstein files

    The US House of Representatives is poised to pass a resolution demanding the Justice Department release the so-called ‘Epstein files,’ a collection of documents gathered during investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson anticipates strong bipartisan support for the measure, which is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday. This development follows former President Donald Trump’s recent reversal of his stance, now urging Republican lawmakers to back the resolution. However, the release of the files remains uncertain, as the measure must also clear the Senate. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse are expected to testify on Capitol Hill in support of the resolution. On Monday evening, the advocacy group World Without Exploitation projected images of survivors onto buildings in Washington, accompanied by the message: ‘Congress, release all of the files.’ Lawmakers from both parties believe the documents could implicate influential figures in Epstein’s crimes. While some Epstein-related materials have been made public in recent years, including thousands of emails released last week by the House Oversight Committee, the full scope of the files remains undisclosed. Trump, who initially opposed the resolution, now claims he would sign it into law if approved by Congress, though he cautioned against excessive public discussion. Critics, including Representative Robert Garcia, argue that Trump has the authority to release the files immediately. Meanwhile, concerns persist that the Senate may alter the resolution, potentially delaying its passage. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also initiated federal investigations into several high-profile individuals mentioned in the released documents.

  • US to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, Trump says ahead of crown prince’s visit

    US to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, Trump says ahead of crown prince’s visit

    In a significant development in US-Saudi relations, President Donald Trump announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump praised Saudi Arabia as a ‘great ally,’ emphasizing the strengthening of bilateral ties. This meeting marks the Crown Prince’s first visit to the White House since the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, an incident linked to Saudi agents. While a US intelligence report implicated Prince Mohammed in the operation, he has consistently denied involvement. The leaders are expected to discuss defense and civilian nuclear power agreements, building on the $142 billion arms deal signed in May 2023, described as the ‘largest defense sales agreement in history.’ However, the potential sale of F-35s has raised concerns among US defense officials and Israeli leaders. Critics fear Saudi Arabia could share sensitive stealth technology with China, while Israel worries about its military edge in the region. Additionally, Trump is expected to advocate for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though Saudi officials have linked this to progress on Palestinian statehood—a condition rejected by Israel’s current government.

  • UN Security Council adopts US resolution on Trump’s international ‘board of peace’ in Gaza

    UN Security Council adopts US resolution on Trump’s international ‘board of peace’ in Gaza

    The United Nations Security Council has adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resolution, passed on Monday, authorizes the establishment of an international stabilization force and a transitional governance body known as the ‘Board of Peace.’ This body, chaired by Trump, will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery while ensuring demilitarization by decommissioning weapons and dismantling military infrastructure. The plan includes a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal, previously agreed upon by Israel and Hamas last month. However, the resolution has sparked controversy in Israel due to its reference to a potential future Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority has expressed support for the resolution, while Hamas-led factions have opposed it, viewing it as a step toward foreign control over Gaza. Russia, a Security Council member with veto power, abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state and vowed to demilitarize Gaza by any means necessary.

  • After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote

    After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote

    In a significant political development, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on the release of investigative files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move follows President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal of his long-standing opposition to the disclosure. Trump’s change of stance came after a House petition garnered sufficient support to force a vote, marking a rare instance of House Republicans defying the president’s wishes.

  • Priority US visa appointments announced for Fifa World Cup ticket holders

    Priority US visa appointments announced for Fifa World Cup ticket holders

    In a significant move to streamline visa processes for international football fans, FIFA and the United States government have introduced a priority visa appointment system for ticket holders of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative, announced on Monday, follows a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. The new FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass) aims to simplify visa acquisition, ensuring smoother entry for global fans and enhancing attendance at the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States across 16 cities, will feature 48 teams, marking an expansion from the traditional 32-team format. Despite concerns over stricter US immigration policies under the Trump administration, ticket sales have remained robust, with over a million tickets sold during FIFA’s initial rollout in October. Infantino emphasized the US’s commitment to welcoming fans worldwide, stating, ‘Football unites the world, and we are preparing to ensure this tournament reflects that spirit.’ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the prioritization of visa interviews to facilitate fan participation in what is anticipated to be the ‘greatest and safest World Cup in history.’