News

Dubai Duty Free Posts Record Dhs8.68 Billion Sales in 2025, Fueled by Strong Global Growth

Dubai Duty Free has marked an unprecedented milestone in its history, achieving a record-breaking annual sales total of Dhs8.680 billion (US$2.378 billion) in 2025. This represents a 9.85% increase over the previous year, solidifying its position as a key player in the global travel retail sector. The record-breaking performance was driven by ten outstanding months, capped off by an exceptional December, when sales reached an all-time high of Dhs922.77 million (US$252.81 million). Dubai Duty Free’s success in 2025 underscores the growing appeal of Dubai as a global travel hub for tourists and shoppers alike, particularly during peak travel seasons. The sales figures reflect a strong demand for luxury goods and exclusive products, bolstered by key regional growth, strategic marketing, and innovative retail concepts introduced throughout the year. Dubai Duty Free marked its best-ever sales year in 2025, with December alone setting a new monthly sales record at Dhs922.77 million (US$252.81 million). This surge in sales was partly driven by the 42nd anniversary celebrations, where the retailer offered 25% discounts on December 20, resulting in a shopping spree that brought in Dhs69.097 million (US$19 million) in just 24 hours.

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UAE Travelers Get New Health Insurance

Tbilisi has introduced a new health insurance requirement for UAE tourists starting in 2026, ensuring that travelers are fully covered during their stay in Georgia. This measure aims to enhance safety and provide peace of mind, ensuring that visitors are financially protected against any unexpected medical expenses. By implementing this rule, Georgia seeks to maintain a secure environment for all tourists while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Planning a trip to Georgia this year? If you’re traveling from the UAE, there’s an important new requirement to keep in mind. Starting January 1, 2026, travelers must present valid health insurance and accident coverage for the entirety of their stay in Georgia. The insurance should cover a minimum of 30,000 Georgian Lari (approximately Dh40,898). This new regulation aims to ensure that visitors are financially prepared for any unexpected medical expenses during their travels. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, may not boast the polished sheen of other global cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The city is effortlessly charming, with a lived-in vibe that feels authentic and grounded. The streets of Tbilisi invite you to explore, whether you’re wandering through the narrow alleys of the Old Town or resting on a bench in one of the many intimate courtyards. Here, life unfolds at its own pace—simple, serene, and often a bit unpredictable. What strikes you about Tbilisi is the blend of old and new. Its cobbled streets and ancient architecture coexist harmoniously with modern art galleries, quirky cafés, and vibrant street art. The city is filled with character, where remnants of Soviet history sit next to contemporary expressions of creativity. As you walk around, you’ll notice that the city’s very rhythm seems to have a life of its own. The proud, stoic buildings tell their stories, and the people carry the warmth of centuries of culture.

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Morocco, Egypt, Cape Verde, Gambia, Canary Islands and More Lead the Way as Top Affordable Travel Destinations

As the UK faces its winter chill, destinations like Morocco, Egypt, Cape Verde, Gambia, and the Canary Islands are emerging as the ultimate winter sun escapes, offering travelers an irresistible opportunity to bask in warm weather just a few hours away. With affordable flights and year-round sunshine, these locations provide perfect alternatives to the dreariness of January. Whether you’re seeking a quick beach getaway, vibrant cultural experiences, or a relaxing retreat, these top destinations are guaranteed to lift your spirits and recharge your energy, making them the go-to choices for those craving a sunny escape during the colder months. January can often feel like a tough month to navigate, with the post-Christmas lull and the cold, dreary weather that seems to stretch endlessly ahead. The promise of sunshine feels distant, but many of us start dreaming of warmer destinations. Luckily, there’s good news for those looking to escape the chill: many travel companies are offering New Year sales with great deals for sunny getaways. Whether you’re hoping to soak up some sun before summer arrives or need a last-minute winter break, there are several budget-friendly options just a few hours away from the UK. If you’re craving a beach escape, now is the perfect time to book. Many destinations are offering warm weather in January, with cheap flights and affordable vacation packages to make your escape from winter both easy and enjoyable. While prices may fluctuate based on availability, booking early can help you snag the best deals. Here are some of the top destinations to consider for your January getaway.

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United Arab Emirates Leads the Charge with Unmatched Travel Convenience

Emirates is gearing up for a significant surge in travel activity between January 2 and January 5, as the airline expects a dramatic increase in both departures and arrivals. To manage this peak in traffic and ensure a smoother experience for passengers, the airline has implemented a comprehensive strategy that focuses on convenience, early arrivals, and innovative check-in options. With increased road congestion, limited parking spaces, and higher terminal activity, Emirates is urging travelers to plan ahead and arrive at least four hours before their scheduled flight. By offering remote check-in services, promoting public transportation, and providing home check-in options, the airline aims to alleviate the pressure on airport infrastructure and provide passengers with an efficient and stress-free start to their journeys. As the year kicks off, Emirates is advising travelers to prepare for a busy period at airports, as the airline anticipates a significant increase in both departures and arrivals from January 2 to January 5. The post-holiday surge in travel is expected to place considerable pressure on airport infrastructure and airline operations, with travelers urged to plan ahead for smoother journeys. Emirates predicts that the first few days of January will see a marked rise in travel demand, with passengers returning from holiday breaks and others embarking on business and leisure trips. Due to this surge in air traffic, the airline is recommending that passengers arrive at least four hours prior to their scheduled departure times. This extra time will help accommodate the anticipated heavier road traffic, limited parking spaces, and increased activity in airport terminals.

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EasyJet Expands Its Presence in Spain

EasyJet is making a significant move in Spain with its ambitious 2026 expansion plans, highlighted by the launch of a cutting-edge digital hub in Barcelona and a strategic increase in flight capacity. This expansion underscores EasyJet’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Spain and enhancing its connectivity across Europe. By adding more routes and increasing its services in major Spanish cities, the airline is poised to meet the growing demand for travel while offering more seamless, customer-focused experiences. The establishment of the digital hub in Barcelona, a tech hub with a wealth of talent, further emphasizes EasyJet’s dedication to digital innovation, ensuring it can offer enhanced services to over 100 million passengers annually. With these efforts, EasyJet is well-positioned to further solidify its role as a key player in European air travel, driving growth and improving the overall customer experience.

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Mongolia Extends Visa-Free Access for Thirty Four Countries Until 2027

Mongolia has made significant strides to boost its tourism sector by extending its visa exemption policy for citizens of 34 countries. Originally set to expire on December 31, 2025, the policy has now been renewed for an additional year, allowing foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries to enter Mongolia without a visa until January 1, 2027. This decision reflects the Mongolian government’s commitment to maintaining an open and tourism-friendly policy. The visa exemption policy was first introduced in 2023 as a temporary measure to encourage tourism and improve international relations. With the success of the initiative, the government has decided to extend the policy, making it a more long-term feature of Mongolia’s tourism landscape. For international travelers, this announcement brings both opportunities and considerations. Let’s dive into the details of this extension, its impact on travelers, and what you need to know to make the most of this development.

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