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United Arab Emirates Ramadan 2026 Travel & Visa Update for Indians

Ramadan 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, promises travellers from India and beyond a distinctly different rhythm of life—calmer mornings, reflective afternoons, and vibrant nights shaped by community gatherings and festive meals. For visitors planning a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, understanding how Ramadan travel rules, dining customs, visa processing schedules, and public etiquette shift during the holy month can transform the journey into a richer cultural experience. This Dubai, United Arab Emirates And India Travel Advisory For Ramadan 2026 explains how tourism continues smoothly across the emirate while daily routines adapt to fasting hours. From Iftar feasts in Downtown Dubai to extended mall timings and adjusted government office hours, the city remains welcoming—but with meaningful changes. Travellers who prepare in advance, especially Indian passport holders applying through the fully digital UAE visa system, can enjoy a seamless and culturally immersive stay. Understanding Ramadan In The UAE: Why Timing Changes Matter For Travellers Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed across the United Arab Emirates with fasting from dawn to sunset. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around mid-February, subject to moon sighting, and will last approximately 29–30 days. For tourists, this means daytime activity in public spaces becomes more subdued. Government departments, banks, and corporate offices operate on reduced schedules in line with UAE federal labour guidelines. While tourism services continue, travellers may notice shorter working hours at official counters and certain attractions

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India Plans 50M Alternate Airport Capacity by 2030

India is on track to boost alternate airport capacity to fifty million passengers by 2030, driven by a significant increase in air travel demand fueled by the country’s booming economy and expanding middle class. As major airports in metro hubs like Delhi and Mumbai reach their operational limits, alternate airports in regions such as the Delhi NCR, Mumbai MMR, and Goa are being strategically expanded to manage the growth. This surge in capacity will not only alleviate congestion at existing airports but also ensure future-proof infrastructure, providing passengers with unparalleled connectivity and seamless travel experiences across the country. With projections showing passenger traffic will rise substantially by 2030, India’s investment in alternate airports is critical to accommodating this growth and ensuring a smooth, accessible travel future for all. India’s aviation sector is poised for a significant transformation, with alternate airports across key regions expected to accommodate a growing number of passengers in the coming years. By the end of the current fiscal year, the country’s alternate airports are projected to handle approximately 40 million passengers annually. This is the result of strategic expansions aimed at easing the strain on older metro hubs, where airports are currently operating at or near full capacity. In response to rising air travel demand and congestion at major hubs, India has turned its attention to expanding alternate airports. These include key regions such as the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and Goa. These airports will play a critical role in meeting India’s surging air traffic needs. By FY2030, combined annual capacity across these alternate airports is expected to rise to between 45 million and 50 million passengers.

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Thailand Targets 2.55M Indian Visitors in 2026

Thailand is eyeing 2.55 million tourists from India with increased air connectivity and focus on lifestyle and wellness travel, the country’s tourism authority said on Thursday. Last year, 2.48 million Indians visited Thailand, a growth of 16.8 per cent over 2024. In first two months of 2026 nearly four lakh Indians have visited Thailand — the most after China, Malaysia and Russia. Healing journeys “India remains one of Thailand’s top source markets, driven by Millennials and Gen Z travellers who increasingly seek personalised and healing journeys. Key segments include families, health and wellness travellers, weddings, golfers, female travellers, seniors, and emerging niche segments focused on rejuvenation, restoration and adventure,” Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a statement. Beyond established destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, tourism authority is also promoting lesser-known destinations to encourage repeat visitations and deeper encouragement. While 10 airlines operate flights between India and Thailand, capacity between the two countries has increased by 15 per cent over last year. More flights are expected as Thai Airways will increase frequencies to existing destinations and open new routes from Bangkok to Amritsar, Jaipur and Kochi. “We have ambitious plans to put more capacity in India,” Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri told businessline recently.

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Indian Railways to Cut Jammu–Srinagar Travel Under 5 Hours

Indian Railways is set to revolutionize travel in Jammu and Kashmir by reducing the journey time between Jammu and Srinagar to under five hours with the Vande Bharat Express. The high-speed train service will be extended to Jammu Tawi station and upgraded with 20 modern coaches, cutting travel time significantly compared to the eight-hour road journey along the often disrupted Jammu-Srinagar highway. Running on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, the service will provide a reliable, all-weather alternative for passengers, with stops at key towns including Katra, Reasi, and Banihal, making rail travel faster, safer, and more convenient across the region. Currently, the Vande Bharat Express runs between Katra and Srinagar, providing passengers with a modern, semi-high-speed travel option. With the planned extension to Jammu Tawi, the train will also see an expansion from eight to 20 coaches, allowing more travelers to enjoy the service comfortably. The move addresses a long-standing demand for faster, reliable rail connectivity across the region. The launch from Jammu Tawi had initially been planned for March 1 but has been temporarily postponed due to operational considerations. A final date for commencement is expected to be announced soon. While the full redevelopment of Jammu Tawi station is still underway, the essential infrastructure needed for Vande Bharat services has already been completed, including track readiness, platform alignment, and signaling upgrades, ensuring the train can operate safely and efficiently.

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Carnival Cruise Line Refreshes Carnival Encounter in Singapore

The cruise travel industry is constantly changing. Ships must evolve to meet new traveller expectations. Carnival Encounter is doing exactly that. The ship has recently completed a planned dry dock programme in Singapore. This upgrade marks a new phase for cruise holidays across Australia and the South Pacific. For travellers, this is not just routine maintenance. It is a complete refresh aimed at comfort, fun, and relaxation. The upgrades prepare the ship for year-round sailings from Brisbane. These journeys connect guests to some of the most beautiful island destinations in the world. This transformation signals a strong push to improve onboard experiences while keeping cruising accessible and enjoyable for all age groups. A Wellness-Focused Upgrade Designed for Modern Travellers One of the most noticeable changes onboard is the focus on wellness. Modern travellers want relaxation built into their holidays. Carnival Encounter now offers enhanced spa spaces designed for calm and recovery. New thermal wellness areas allow guests to relax between busy shore days. These spaces include heat rooms, steam environments, and peaceful relaxation zones. They are designed to reduce stress and improve wellbeing during long voyages. For travellers exploring tropical regions, this addition makes a difference. After excursions in warm climates, guests can enjoy cooling and calming spa experiences onboard. This reflects a wider tourism trend where wellness is no longer optional. It is expected.

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Riyadh Air Unveils Boeing 787-9 for Cairo Route

Riyadh Air has unveiled its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet for the highly anticipated Riyadh-Cairo route, ensuring an enhanced passenger experience and operational efficiency. The advanced Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and long-haul capabilities, will serve as the backbone of the airline’s inaugural flights between Riyadh and Cairo, a key corridor with strong demand. This modern aircraft will not only provide passengers with superior comfort and cutting-edge technology but also support Riyadh Air’s long-term goal of establishing a global network. By choosing the Boeing 787-9, Riyadh Air aims to meet the increasing travel needs between Saudi Arabia and Egypt while setting the stage for future expansion across the Middle East and beyond. Riyadh Air has officially announced its plans to launch daily flights between Riyadh and Cairo, marking one of the busiest international travel routes in the Middle East as part of its initial commercial network. The airline intends to use this route to connect the Saudi capital with Egypt’s vibrant capital, offering significant growth potential in both regional and intercontinental travel. The new service will be operated with Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a key part of the airline’s fleet strategy. These aircraft are known for their fuel efficiency and ability to cover long distances, making them perfect for the medium- and long-haul routes that Riyadh Air plans to establish in its early operations. The flights will begin shortly after the carrier completes its operational readiness program and takes delivery of its first aircraft, which is expected in the coming weeks.

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