Humans are a basically civilized species. We know not to go barefoot in restaurants, treat our friends living rooms like landfills or nap on the shoulder of our office cubicle mate. And yet, as soon as we step inside an airport or onto a plane, our manners seem to vanish. Perhaps it’s the delirium of travel or the belief that everyday rules do not apply to vacations, much like calories don’t count on holiday and foreign currencies aren’t real money. Or maybe there has never been a canon for proper passenger behavior – until now.

Etiquette is more important than ever these days. For most of this year, more than 2 million people have been streaming through security checkpoints each day, according to the Transportation Security Administration. One ill-placed limb on the arm rest or acrid hard-boiled egg can sour the air travel experience for many.

To help you become a model passenger, we compiled 50 rules that cover every step in the flying process, from arriving at the airport to exiting the aircraft. To reinforce these tenets, we inserted several pop quizzes. Ace these tests and adopt these behaviors and you will earn your wings – angels, not pilots.

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Pre-flight

1. Dress comfortably, but not too comfortably.

Going to the airport should look a lot like going to a doctor’s office. You’re out in public, surrounded by other people. You don’t have to impress anybody – were not insisting on going full suit – but consider shooting for a notch or two above the bare minimum.

And for the record, the best way to avoid getting kicked off your flight for wearing a controversial shirt is to skip the controversial shirt.

2. Don’t ask your friends for a ride to the airport.

No one likes fighting airport traffic. But if your best friend (or partner or parent) asks you to take them, do it.

3. Don’t show up late and expect to cut the line.

Living for the thrill of cutting it close means accepting your fate when it doesn’t work out. You don’t get to jump the line at baggage drop and check in, and you certainly don’t deserve to be rescued at security, either. If you’re late, prepare to wait.

4. Abandon your partner if they don’t have TSA PreCheck.

How many times have you reminded them to get TSA Recheck? And how many times have they let you down? Not this time, not again. Tell them you’ll see them on the other side.

5. Get your life together before getting in line at security.

If you’re not PreCheck, the stakes of the security line are higher. There are more moving parts to juggle, more opportunities to slow down the delicate flow of traffic, more opportunities to get yelled at. That is to say: lace-up knee-high boots are for your checked bag, not grinding the procession to a halt while you figure out how to de-boot. Have your jangly belongings out of your pockets, liquids dumped and outerwear off by the time you walk up to the X-ray, please.

6. Peanut butter is a liquid. Don’t even try.

Trying to sneak contraband in your carry-on slows down the line, an infraction that deserves a place among the Seven Deadly Sins. Save yourself and look up TSAs rules before packing something egregious, like a full-sized shampoo bottle. Remember that if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, TSA will likely chuck it if its over 3.4 oz.

7. Pack your snacks, but not a tuna sandwich.

To quell your hangry self, you will need a snack plan. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on Starbucks; those wraparound lines will only poke the beast. Carry a mix of foods that are portable but not pungent. If your cat likes it, consider it a no.

8. BYO water bottle.

Cabin air can be as dry as a desert, so you’ll need to hydrate. Bottled water sold at airports is either wildly overpriced or, if you’re flying out of Los Angeles or San Francisco, banned. Unless you’re a camel, bring a reusable water vessel that you can fill up after security. Stick with legal liquids: no booze.

9. Tip where tipping is due.

You can skip the tipping screen when you buy a pack of gum at Hudson News, but don’t forget the Uber driver, wheelchair porter, and curbside luggage valet and airport shuttle driver.

10. Leave the speakerphone gossip for home.

Believe it or not, you can take FaceTime calls with headphones, too.

11. And absolutely no calls in the bathroom.

Seriously, stop doing this.

12. We love your dog, but he needs to mind his manners, too.

The airport is not doggy day care, so don’t let your pet roam free. Use this opportunity to show off your pups leash skills, which are often better than toddlers on tethers.

13. The gate is not your living room.

You’ve seen gate campers – bags everywhere, limbs draped over chairs. Maintain some spatial awareness for those around you, and stop taking up two extra seats with your bags. If you do picnic, clean up your trash before boarding.

14. It’s not your bedroom, either.

See No. 14 re: spatial awareness. But we get it, we’ve been there. Sometimes you have to sleep at the airport. Just don’t do it at a busy gate.

15. Don’t be an outlet hog.

We all depend desperately on technology (can you even get on a flight without a smartphone these days?), so show your fellow traveler some empathy if you’re dealing with a crowded outlet situation. If you’re charging a laptop and a phone, consolidate those devices and charge your phone via that laptop instead of using two precious public plugs. Even better, pack a portable charger so you don’t have to enter the fray in the first place.

16. You can’t self-upgrade your boarding group.

It’s printed right there on your boarding pass (and yes, your mobile one, too). There’s no escaping your boarding group destiny, unless of course you’re one of the special groups announced by the gate agent. Avoid gate lice tendencies to crowd the area until you’re summoned.

17. Sorry, your cross body bag is a personal item.

Its two carry-ons per person, and they mean it. Don’t try to hide it under your coat. Consolidate before you board.

18. Accept your fate if you’re told to check your bag.

Gate agents sometimes require passengers to check their bags because of diminishing overhead bin space and time constraints. Don’t pout or kick the wheels of your roll aboard. Graciously accept the bag tag, roll your belongings down the jet bridge and use your free hands for greater good, such as helping another passenger.

The flight

19. Say hi to your flight crew.

Imagine the plane is a friend’s home. When you enter it, give the hosts – in this case, the flight attendants – a warm greeting. A cheerful welcome sets the tone for your flight, and it might even earn you some bonus points as the teacher’s pet.

20. Find your seat, and get out of the aisle.

Hopefully when you did that consolidating, you prepared yourself for a smooth landing once you found your seat. You should be able to toss your carry-on in the overhead space near you and be ready to go with a personal item – not bobbling around a bunch of bags, looking for your headphones, holding up the boarding process.

21. Don’t touch other peoples stuff.

You found a place to put your bag in the overhead bin but it’ll require a little Tetris to pull off. Because you never know who’s about to fly off the handle, ask around before moving someone’s stuff. Better yet, ask the flight attendant to help negotiate space.

22. Respect bin space.

Most crowded flights are pressed for bin space (see above), so keep your storage conservative. Overhead compartments are primarily for carry-ons that don’t fit under the seat. Everything else is extra and should be stored up top only when everyone has boarded and at least attempted to store those bigger bags first. Then you can stake more square footage.

23. No one wants to switch seats with you, so don’t ask.

Should you ever switch assigned seats? It depends on who you ask. Unless you’re offering someone the chance to swap their economy middle seat sadness for something better (an aisle in comfort plus? A window seat in business?), just sit where you’re booked.

24. Take a hint if your neighbour doesn’t want to chat.

Plenty of travelers are down to chat – and plenty more think doing so is akin to committing a crime. Look for signs to distinguish one group from the other. They can be obvious: headphones in, eye mask on, a T-shirt that says Don’t talk to me.

25. Flight attendants are the law.

Despite what you may think, a flight attendants job is to keep you safe, not serve you drinks. Listen to their briefings, respect their orders and please take your headphones off when they’re talking to you.

26. Don’t try to open the emergency door.

There are a zillion other ways to get attention; don’t go with guy who tries to open airplane door. First of all, it won’t open at cruising altitude. Secondly, even the attempt is a serious offense.

27. Keep your limbs to yourself.

As they say: Point knees ahead, and do not spread. (Okay, no one says that but maybe they should start.)

28. No reclining. No exceptions.

Okay, there are a few exceptions. You may recline on: redeye flights; if the seat behind you is empty, or inhabited by a small child; if you ask the person behind you and they don’t mind. But that’s it!

29. Middle seat gets both armrests. Period.

This rule is so important that it should be engraved on the doorway of the plane. Does the middle-seat passenger have to use the arm rests? No. But should they be made available to the cursed soul trapped in airplane purgatory? Yes. It’s not a conversation. It’s a given.

30. The aisle seat is the gatekeeper of the row.

You’ve chosen this life. If your neighbors need to use the bathroom, it’s your burden to bear to get up as many times as they need. It doesn’t mean your seatmates should abuse this privilege, though.

31. The window seat controls the shade.

Window seat: you’re the boss. Everyone else: If you wanted to gaze out the window, you should have booked the window.

32. Keep your shoes on.

Don’t forget your socks for the chilly cabin air!

33. Your seat is not a spa.

That means absolutely no nail clipping, nail filing or nail painting in your seat. Ditto for spraying perfumes and colognes, teeth brushing and shaving. Before you partake in any airplane grooming, ask yourself what’s the risk of [this product/my rogue DNA] landing on my neighbor? Respect innocent bystanders accordingly.

34. Watch what you’re watching.

Everyone can see your screen, so choose your content wisely. And while you’re at it, choose that content on your screen gently. There’s usually a head on the other side of that seat back screen you’re jabbing.

35. No headphones, no sound.

Listening to music or TV without headphones is an ick so offensive, airlines actually have policies against it.

36. Soup is not a plane food.

There are plenty of foods out there that do pair well for plane travel. There are plenty more that don’t, such as foods prone to splashing, wafting or crumbling into a million pieces when you bite into it.

37. No fighting.

Do we even have to say it? (Apparently, we do.)

38. Your neighbours shoulder is not your pillow.

You’re not watching a romantic movie with your sweetheart, so keep all of your body parts inside your personal space. If your head tends to loll, buy a neck pillow that will double as a buffer.

39. Respect the seat belt sign.

When the pilot switches on the seat belt sign, resist the urge to use the lavatory or visit a friend you have been ignoring since takeoff. Strapping in keeps everyone safe. In fact, even when the icon is not lit up, keep your belt on in the event of surprise bumps.

40. Vaping is considered smoking.

And neither is allowed on planes.

41. Don’t treat the bathroom like hotel room

Leave the lavatory in pristine condition. Fully flush the toilet, clean up any splashes or toothpaste gobs and toss your paper towel in the proper bin. Before exiting, check your shoes for any hitchhiking squares of toilet paper.

42. Don’t be a “call button bandit.”

Consider it the 911 call of the sky – something to use in case of emergency, not in case of thirst to quench.

43. Don’t yell at crying babies.

What is helpful: Showing the parent some compassion, or turning on your noise-canceling headphones and letting it go. What isn’t: Telling parents to make their baby shut up. Kids exist. There on planes, in airports. Get over it. You might even get a goody bag out of the deal.

Post-flight

44. If you clap when the plane lands, be prepared for side-eye.

Unless cheering is a cultural tradition, resist the urge to turn the cabin into a sports stadium. Save your appreciation for disembarkation. (See No. 50.)

45. Don’t crowd the aisle.

You hear the ding. You want to flee the aircraft. That’s understandable. But instead of giving into that Pavlovian response to make a run for it, respect the order of deplaning and wait until the row before you has exited. Bonus points if you let travelers with tight connections go ahead of you.

46. Just like national parks, leave no trace.

Just because you can leave your trash behind when you deplane doesn’t mean you should. Clean up after yourself, like an adult. And if your kid makes a mess, say by spilling popcorn everywhere, its your responsibility to clean it up. Flight attendants and cleaning crews already have enough to do in the mere minutes they have to turn a plane before its next flight.

47. You’ve got two hands. Lend one to your fellow travelers.

When retrieving your carry-on from the bin, offer to grab your neighbors belongings as well, especially if they are on the short or frail side. If someone’s bag is behind you, organize a fire brigade, so they don’t have to swim upstream.

48. Say bye and thank you to your crew.

Humanity, remember?

49. Don’t crowd the baggage carousel.

Baggage claim pickup can be a totally unremarkable experience, and it can also be a madhouse. Like when hordes of panicked travelers rush the carousel like its about to disappear. Civility goes out the window as pushy strangers vie to get their bag first in a contest that doesn’t exist. Don’t join the fray. Sit back, wait until you see your bag, then proceed to the conveyor belt like a professional.

50. Don’t ask someone to pick you up.

It’s way worse than drop-off.

Source: Read Full Article

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Manila: Were you one of the 32,000 Filipinos “offloaded” in 2022? Disallowed to board your outbound flight due to extra quizzing by airport immigration officers in the Philippines?

So you’ve been marked as being a potential human trafficking victim. The worst part: reimbursing the full value of your ticket, as a “no-show”, is next to impossible, as per most airline rules.

Ticket refunds generally depend on the ticket class you’re holding. A more rigid no-refund, no-date-change rule applies to most cheap tickets. In short, after offloading, it’s mostly money down the drain.

Glimmer of hope

But don’t worry, there’s a glimmer of hope.

The Philippine Senate’s latest initiative to compensate individuals who were offloaded from flights due to extended questioning by immigration officers in their commitment to combat human trafficking might offer these affected passengers a chance to recover their expenses.

How?

It will be part of the 2024 General Appropriations Act, which Filipino legislators are now deliberating on.

Senator Francis Escudero, a Filipino lawmaker, is one of the proponents of the move.

On Monday, he expressed confidence that a committee tackling line-by-line harmonisation of two versions of the 2024 General Appropriations Bill — one approved by the Senate, and another by the House of Representatives — will accept an “insert” made by the Senators that will allow reimbursement of Filipino passengers who were offloaded.

The General Appropriations Act (GAA) is the government’s annual budget approved by legislators (from both chambers), who are empowered by the Constitution to have control over the country’s purse-strings.

The provision Escudero is referring to refers to an item in the proposed GAA that will allow reimbursement of Filipino passengers who were off-boarded.

Off-loaded because of credit-card debt?

Having a credit card debt per se is not among the reasons listed by the BI for offloading. The decision is made according to certain indicators — such as travel history.

Where will the funds for refunds come from?

Senator Escudero, a comeback senator who served as governor of his home province of Sorsogon, has proposed the special provision in the 2024 budget.

The offloading funds will be added to budget of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

During the budget deliberations at the Senate, the Harvard-educated legislator, who is also lawyer, said it is only appropriate that the government pay back the people who had been offloaded in 2022 alone.

How many people were offloaded?

Bureau of Immigration (BI) records in 2022 show that a total of 32,404 Filipino passengers were not allowed to proceed with their flights last year, of which 472 were found to be victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment.

Besides, he pointed out that the proposed payment will not need more budgetary requirement since the money will be charged against the BI’s earnings from collections.

My expectation is firm that bicam (bicameral conference committee, a joint body from both the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives) will accept this because the fund will be coming from the 10 percent of the Bureau of Immigration's collections which is just being returned to National Treasury every year.

“My expectation is firm that bicam (bicameral conference committee, a joint body from both the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives) will accept this because the fund will be coming from the 10 percent of the Bureau of Immigration’s collections which is just being returned to National Treasury every year,” Escudero said in Filipino, as reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Will it affect the salaries of immigration officers?

No. Escudero assured that immigration officers’ overtime pay and other expenses will not be affected in his proposal.

Is the proposed reimbursement retroactive?

Yes. “To be clear,” said Escudero, “this is a retroactive provision. All those who were offloaded in the past can claim. It is up to the BI on what they will require the passengers.”

What are the rules for reimbursement?

It is unclear at this point.

What is a bicameral committee?

A Bicameral Conference Committee, also knownas “Bicam”, is formed to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the House and Senate versions of the bill. If there are certain differences, the Bicam is called to reconcile conflicting provisions of both versions of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. Conference committee submits report on the reconciled version of the bill, duly approved by both chambers.

Would the proposal pass screening by the bicam committee?

Escudero hopes it would pass the Bicam level and gets approved by both chambers. He also expressed optimism that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not veto the aforementioned provision, considering that the allocated amount of Php200 million is a minor fraction of the government’s 5.7-trillion-peso ($103.07-billion) budget for 2024.

Updated IACAT guidelines: What to know

In August, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) released updated guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad to enhance citizen protection against human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

The new rules, effective since September 3, 2023 have sparked concerns among Filipinos, who argue that the requirements are excessively burdensome and may infringe on their right to travel.

Despite public unease, officials clarified in a press briefing that the revised protocols did not impose additional burdens on departing travellers.

Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano told local media about the need for clear departure protocols to deter potential traffickers.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reassured the public that the guidelines, in place since 2012 and recently refined by IACAT, primarily list requirements for various categories of departing Filipinos.

Should tourists worry about the revised guidelines?

Tansingco emphasised that departing tourists need not worry about the revised guidelines. The decision to revise guidelines followed a series of complaints from travelers who reported missing flights or being offloaded due to questioning by BI officers.

What are the basic requirements?

The basic travel requirements, applicable to over 95% of travelers, include:

• A passport valid for at least six months from departure,
• A boarding pass,
• An appropriate visa (if required), and
• A confirmed return or roundtrip ticket when necessary

Additional requirements may apply to first-time travelers, particularly those intending to seek employment abroad.

What proof of financial capacity should I prepare?

Regarding proof of financial capacity, Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty clarified that immigration officers generally do not request such documentation unless red flags or uncertainties about the traveler’s purpose of travel arise. Ty highlighted that travelers going to visa-required countries, like Europe, might have already established financial capacity through the visa application process.

I am a first-time Overseas Filipino worker (OFW), what documents should I present?

First-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) might be asked to show the following:

• An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or OFW clearance,
• A valid employment visa or work permit, and
• An employment contract.

I am a first-time traveller, what documents should I have on me?

While seasoned travelers with a track record of uneventful trips may only need basic documents, officials suggested that first-time travelers, especially those seeking employment abroad, prepare supporting documents such as proof of financial capacity or a certificate of employment.

In addition to basic travel documents, immigration officers may request supporting documents based on the traveler’s category.

Self-funded travelers might need to provide the following:

• Proof of accommodation,
• Financial capacity, and | or
• Source of income.

What if a relative sponsored my travel?

Travelers sponsored by relatives may be required to present the following

• Original birth or marriage certificates,
• Copies of the sponsor’s passport, and
• Valid work visas or residence permits.

Non-relative or juridical entity sponsors may necessitate a notarised affidavit of support and guarantee along with documentation establishing the relationship, according to Tansingco.

Source: Read Full Article

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Dubai: Passengers from UAE to India who had been deferring their travel plans because of high airfares can now breathe easy.

After three months of high fares, booking aggregators and travel agents have confirmed that return ticket prices from UAE to India are set to decrease by 15-30 per cent from summertime highs of Dh1,800 to Dh2,600.

Rates are expected to soften after September 14 and remain in the Dh794 to Dh952 range until November 1. These fares will remain consistent on flights to major cities in India. Following this, fares are expected to stay elevated until the second week of January 2024, coinciding with the festival season as well as the New Year rush, say travel agents. Moreover, Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates will introduce Premium Economy services to Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 29, coinciding with the beginning of the winter peak season.

Basheer Mohammed, General Manager of Europe Travel and Tours, said, “After an expensive summer, especially for average middle-class families, fares are finally stabilising in the India-UAE sector.” He added, “Currently, fares to the Mumbai and Delhi sectors are from Dh900 to Dh1,200. Fares to South Indian destinations are also in the same price range.”

Sweet respite in airfares

Many Indian expatriates returning to the UAE after the summer holidays had to delay their travel plans due to a more than 200 per cent increase in fares compared to off-season dates.

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However, fares for round-trip travel have now significantly dropped. For instance, an Economy class ticket from Dubai to Mumbai was initially priced at Dh890-Dh1,200 for travel from September 4 to 9 but has now been reduced to Dh845-Dh928 for travel from September 14 to 21. Similarly, Delhi-Dubai flights were priced at Dh1,073 for late August to early September travel, but they now average Dh908 for later this month.

On the hyper-busy South India sector, especially Kerala, fares had surged to Dh1,288-Dh2,277 in late August. However, off-peak fares for September and October now average Dh600-Dh1,000 per traveller. Dubai to Kochi fares stand at Dh922 (compared to return fares of Dh1,427), and Dubai to Chennai is Dh914 (compared to peak-summer highs of Dh1,718).”

Uptick in inbound travel

The inbound UAE share has seen a marked increase from 28 per cent to 39 per cent, indicating strong interest from international travellers to explore UAE’s offerings, said Atish Thapa, Head of Business and Marketing Middle East, Cleartrip.com.

Stay trends, according to Thapa, indicate that Indian travellers stay longer in the country. “About 24 per cent of the visitors are staying for four weeks, compared to the 23 per cent choosing to stay for one week,” he explained. About 15 per cent stay for five weeks. “This reflects a healthy blend of short-term tourists seeking a brief getaway and longer-term visitors, including those visiting friends and relatives,” Thapa added.

Busy season ahead

According to Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com and Musafir Business, as Q4 draws near, the UAE’s travel landscape is set for a massive change. “A convergence of many factors, including pleasant weather and a busy event calendar, is expected to cause a surge in inbound travel” especially from India, which remains UAE’s leading source market for inbound travellers, said Gadoya.

According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai welcomed 1,223,000 travellers from January to June this year, a 43 per cent hike compared to the same period last year. With mega events like the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to COP28, this sector will see a substantial rise in inbound travel, said Gadoya. “We also predict several travellers to blend business with leisure activities,” he added.

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A group of German guests toppled a 150-year-old statue at a villa in northern Italy. A Danish woman exposed herself while riding a motorbike in Bali. A Polish man climbed a closed, sacred temple at Chichn Itz in Mexico. Americans harassed bears at Yellowstone National Park.

These are just some of the latest examples of tourists behaving badly:

Tourists always get a bad rap, but governments are pushing back more forcefully than ever on unruly visitors, deploying a range of tactics to control misbehavior while putting future tourists on notice.

In the past few months, a number of countries have passed laws with punishments such as hefty fines and even jail time.

READ MORE

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“The old city of Dubrovnik is not a discothque,” says Jelka Tepi, deputy mayor of the historic Croatian city. People actually live there, she says. “They want to have a good night’s rest.”

In Bali, locals have a new hotline they can use to snitch on visitors, and the country has deported more tourists so far this year than it did all for all of 2022.

Tepi says tourists need to be reminded that they’re in a UNESCO World Heritage site and that certain behavior is inappropriate: sitting around eating and drinking on the steps of historic buildings, zooming through pedestrian-only zones on a bike or scooter, walking around town in just a bathing suit. “This is not the beach,” she says.

The city released a video in June to remind tourists of what they should and shouldn’t do. The video, Respect the City, is playing on cruise ships, on flights and at airports, part of a larger project that began in 2018 to clean up the city’s image as overcrowded.

Then there’s the dreaded noise: the click-click-click of a wheeled suitcase being dragged over the limestone streets by tourists who have a few hours to kill before they head to an airport. “It’s very, very noisy,” Tepi adds. “Dubrovnik has thousands of steps.” Don’t be surprised if you get stopped by police: They’ve been put in charge of telling visitors to correct course when they spot undesirable behavior.

In Italy, tourists who stop their cars and clog the roads overlooking Portofino’s downtown scenic bay will face fines up to 279 euros ($306). A town ordinance passed in April prohibits people from obstructing traffic at its most popular spots between the Piazzetta and the Molo Umberto I pier from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months through October. Visitors can still stroll these areas and take all the selfies they want in front of the iconic square lined with brightly colored facades.

“The goal is not to make the locality exclusive but to allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of Portofino,” Mayor Matteo Viacava told local media.

Italy keeps ratcheting up legal penalties for bad behavior, including fines of up to 60,000 euros and possible jail time for defacing the country’s historic monuments, according to a bill that passed in April. That follows numerous incidents involving climate activists as well as tourists scribbling on the walls of Rome’s Colosseum.

Some politicians say even fines and the threat of imprisonment aren’t enough. In late July, yet another individual stepped into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, climbed up one of the sculptures and dove into the water amid a crowd of cheering onlookers. After that, a city councilor suggested closing off the fountain.

Bali is also taking a more punitive approach to tourist misconduct. As of Aug. 6, the Indonesian island has deported 198 tourists, more than the total number for 2022, a Bali official told CNN Indonesia. New task forces are working on cracking down on disrespectful tourist behavior as well as visitors illegally overstaying their visas. “Community participation is certainly very much needed in supervising and taking action against unruly tourists,” one of the task force’s announcement reads, referring to the dedicated local hotline to report bad foreign tourist behavior.

Then there are the rules around behavior issued in June, among them: No entering holy places, unless to worship in modest clothing. No badmouthing, either directly or on social media.

As for Amsterdam’s battle to clean up its city center by removing undesirable behavior, its most recent campaign video resembles a police reality TV episode, with images of smashed beer bottles in the street and male visitors being arrested against a backdrop of flashing blue and red lights.

“Coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away,” the message reads. Or face fines, an arrest record and “fewer prospects,” the warning continues. The results of the campaign are expected in September, a spokesperson for the city told Bloomberg.

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The wines were individually selected by Oceania’s culinary team and are sourced from around the world, including from Italy, France and South America. 

The wines have been added to the menus throughout the fleet. Highlights include Moet & Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon from Epernay, France; Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, a Super Tuscan from Tuscany, Italy; Mascot from California’s Napa Valley; and the Vina Errazuriz Kai Carmenère from Aconcagua Valley, Chile. 

The wines will be available to order at restaurants, bars and from suites. Bottles range from half size to magnum. 

Oceania has also introduced three new dining experiences and five new pairing menus on the Vista, a ship that debuted in May. Guests can join a two-hour exclusive Cellar’s Wine Luncheon in the Ember restaurant with the head sommelier for a tasting. Each dish in a five-course menu is paired with a premium wine.

The expansion of the wine menu follows Oceania’s April announcement of a partnership with Chapter 7, which created a 20-year-old small-batch cask of Scotch whisky to celebrate Oceania’s 20th anniversary.

With the holidays, long weekends and summer break coming up, you may be wondering why airfares are skyrocketing like mad.

Customers naturally seek the lowest price; airlines look for ways to fill every seat and maximise revenue.

So where do we even have cheap flights? And why is it that when you check a ticket online, airfares go up a day — or even few moments — later?

Airfares should be priced similarly everywhere, right? 

Wrong.

It’s no magic. It’s so by design. There’s a luggage full of reasons why ticket prices vary significantly even for the adjacent seats in the same class, and on the same flight.

Fasten your seatbelt…

Big data

Airfare pricing is a complex process. Algorithms and machine learning play an increasing role, but human decision is a key factor, too. By pouring through old and past repeatable patterns, for example, algorithms make predictions based on the likelihood of those patterns working again.

But how do airlines know which country, or locality, you’re booking from? There are certain ways to find out, but it all boils down to the IP (internet protocol) address. It can also be done through mobile tracking or your Wi-Fi connection and your location (from your browser data).

In turns out that your online footprint, part of the so-called “big data”, is the new currency. For example, booking platform Hopper claims the company’s airfare predictive tool is trained on 75 trillion itineraries and eight years of historical price data.

The data includes “cookies” (built specifically for web browsers to track, personalise, and save information about your session), customer geolocation, device type, and browsing behaviour. 

Why did I pay more than my seat mate on the same flight?

It’s due to the what is known as the “fare bucket” system. In the airline business, it’s a common practice for a group of seats to sell at one price. Once all sold, another “bucket” opens up at a different price.

So you have a situation where, the passenger sitting in 22C has paid hundreds of dollars more for their trip than the passenger in 22D.

That’s one role algorithms, and increasingly AI (artificial intelligence) play in aviation.

Automated systems also form part of this nebulous equation: if a rival airline lowers its fares on a particular route, another airline may catch up on the change — and promptly respond — by lowering its own prices.

Due to the difficulty of foreseeing what another system or airline will do, most data scientists would readily admit it’s not always easy to predict fares with a decent rate of accuracy.

However, for those developing price-prediction algorithms, the outcomes are typically predictable when based on historical data. That’s why your browsing and search history are valued by aviation data miners.

In a study published in the Journal of King Saud University – Computer and Information Sciences (also on Science Direct) in May 2021, authors led by Juhar Ahmed Abdella, explained trends in airline ticket pricing and demand prediction.

The researchers said that instead of relying on these computational techniques such as demand prediction and price discrimination, which they found “inadequate “, they proposed that external factors such as social media data and search engine query be considered for ticket/demand prediction, too. If so, this could add a layer of complexity to the process.

Why do airlines cut prices at the last minute?

It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game. And one that could favour a potential customer who is patient and a smart shopper (more on this below).

Oleksandr Kolisnykov, who works for software firm Altexsoft which develops price-prediction tools, admitted to Wired that it’s hard to predict an airline’s reasoning behind and variables that impact the current price.

However, data on price history can be tracked, upon which predictions for the future can be made.

Why did Google Flights limit its “predictive insights”?

Google Flights is known for helping customers track down the least expensive tickets for their preferred routes and dates. In the summer of 2019, Google Flights launched its “predictive insights ” — forecasts of when prices are likely to go up or drop.

However, since the Spring of 2020, the heightened volatility of airfares forced the platform to significantly cut down on the number of “predictive insights” it offers in searches. “Predictive Insights” guaranteed fares for some specific itineraries and would send flyers refunds if the price dipped before takeoff.

In general, Google Flights aims for 90 per cent prediction accuracy, Eric Zimmerman, the director of travel products at Google, told Wired. But reaching that high level of confidence has become difficult, especially in the pandemic months.

 As the industry stabilises, the project may be revived, Zimmerman says.

Is it still possible to get cheap airfares? If so, when?

A 10 per cent savings can be realised by choosing the cheapest week to fly, according Skyscanner, citing historical data. Skyscanner’s Savings Generator noted that this is the week starting from August 19 (the last week of school holidays), because that’s when most people (families, especially) are already done travelling, and are busy preparing for the new school year.

On the other hand, the first two weeks of summer/school holidays are the most popular travel weeks (end of June) — which is when fares could be at their craziest.

Why are summer flights now getting more expensive?

A report by American Express Global Business Travel, citing tens of thousands of client transactions on international flights to and from Asian destinations, found that flying will be far more expensive this summer.

Example: a typical New York-to-Hong Kong flight in economy class cost more than twice as much this 2023 as in 2018/2019, and almost a third more than in 2017.

Some helpful tips (to nail cheap airfares)

Now that we know how airlines and booking platforms work (sort of), how do you get cheap flights anyway?

It turns out, less pricey tickets do exist. It takes some patience and good timing. Here are some helpful tips from travel experts and booking platforms themselves:

#1. Use “incognito browsing”, clear cookies, browsing history:

This is a key step. It’s no secret that certain travel websites track your search history and increase prices based on “demand”. To avoid this, use incognito browsing mode or clear your cookies before searching for flights.

If you end up checking the same site multiple times, you’re marked. This is called algorithm-based pricing — you will find a ticket price jumping the next minute. Clearing your data or browsing history will help avoid this. It is best to use incognito mode when browsing for air tickets, so you prevent this from happening again.

#2. Use flight comparison sites:

There a number of platforms that offer price comparisons, including Google Flights, Kayak and Expedia. As long as it’s reliable and valid, it should offer some decent, up-to-date discounts as well. Airlines generally monitor competitors’ fares to remain competitive. By utilising flight comparison websites, or online travel agencies, you can compare prices across different airlines. These platforms allow you to easily compare fares, enabling you to choose the most affordable option.

#3. Plan ahead, book in advance:

Know the best days to book, and best day to fly: Expedia, a travel booking platform, cites data that shows planning ahead (by at least six months) can help you grab good deals, especially for international travel. Don’t try to book too far ahead. Some experts suggest a “sweet spot” of between 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your planned travel date. In general, airlines often offer lower prices for tickets booked well in advance. As the departure date approaches, prices tend to increase. In aviation industry parlance, it is called “dynamic pricing” algorithm based on real-time factors — booking trends, time to departure, seat availability and competitor analysis. As the departure date approaches, prices can rise due to higher demand or decrease to fill remaining seats. High demand may result in higher prices.

What if you haven’t planned that far ahead? Here’s one Expedia tip: Make sure you book your flight on a Sunday. While Sunday is the best day to make the booking, Expedia said the best day to actually depart or travel is Wednesday. Tuesday mornings can also give you cheaper fares, according to viatravelers.com, since airlines release their fares on that day. Mid-week travel, most of these reports concur, offer the cheapest flights but don’t wait until mid-week to make that booking.

#4. Be flexible with dates and times:

Choose off-peak days or times for travel if your trip plans are flexible. Flights are typically less expensive on weekdays, early mornings, or late nights since there is less demand. According to these booking platform surveys, the easiest approach to obtain the lowest rates is to have flexible travel dates.

#5. Consider nearby airports, connecting flights:

This is an important aside to being flexible: See if there are any additional airports close to the cities of your departure or destination. Flying to or from a neighbouring airport can occasionally be less expensive, and the savings may exceed the added expense of transportation. You may check connecting options because they might offer cheaper prices. Just make sure you have adequate time for the connection, and take into account any layover-related visa or entry requirements.

#6. Sign up for price alerts:

To learn about special offers, discounts, or flash sales, sign up for price alert services or follow airlines on social media. You can keep up with pricing changes or promotional offers in this way.

#7. Be open to budget airlines:

When flying short distances, think about using a low-cost airline. These airlines may not provide as many amenities, but their costs are typically less than those of full-service carriers.

#8. Use frequent flyer programs and rewards:

Join the frequent flyer program of the airline or alliance (SkyTeam, Star Alliance and Oneworld) you use frequently for travel. When you amass miles or points from your travels, you can use them later to redeem for cheap — or free — flights.

#9. Be patient and wait for seat sales, then act fast:

Some airlines run specials and promotions on certain occasions. Some offer cheap fares on regular basis. You can wait for these sales to purchase discounted air tickets if your vacation plans are flexible. To avoid missing out on desired flights or availability, do not wait for too long, i.e. act fast — when you do find a cheap air ticket, be ready to act on the spot.

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Dubai’s largest experience resort just got better. With three unique five-star properties to stay at, 25 restaurants and bars and more than 40 experiences for the entire family, JA The Resort is the perfect destination for your family holiday.

Choose from beach chic suites at JA Beach Hotel, tech-savvy rooms at JA Lake View Hotel, some with a private pool, or enhanced beach villa suites at JA Palm Tree Court all spread over one million square metres of natural space.

With an 800-metre private beach, seven swimming pools and a Just Splash park for kids over 100cm there’s endless beach and pool fun for everyone.

Satisfy foodie cravings across award-winning restaurants with cuisines from South East Asia at White Orchid, authentic Italian at Sette, delightful tapas at Taperia and Indian with a twist at Kinara by Vikas Khanna.

There’s also something for everyone when it comes to experiences ranging from horseriding, padel tennis, a nine-hole golf course and JA shooting club to an Animal Discovery Zone, mini golf, Pirates and Mermaids kids club, kayaking, SUP boarding, e-foiling, beach volleyball, badminton, gymnasium and lots more.

Book the Summer Escape offer now and enjoy up to 40 per cent off with up to Dh200 credit back towards dining and experiences. Best of all, kids go free.

For bookings visit JAresortshotels.com or call 04 814 5500

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Gulf News is offering a special flat 50% discount on all digital subscriptions, for the 3-Day Super Sale.

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We’re talking to globe-trotters in all of our luxury fields to learn about their high-end hacks, tips, and off-the-wall experiences. These are the Distinguished Travel Hackers.

If Wes Anderson could have scripted someone’s life, it would be Jack Carlson’s. The 35-year-old grew up between Boston and London and pursued a passion for rowing on both sides of the Atlantic. He was the coxswain of the US national rowing team, and was also a member of the Boat Club at Oxford University, where he earned a PhD in archaeology.

Rather than working in academia, though, Carlson opted for the rag trade and is the founder of the six-year-old preppy outfitter Rowing Blazers, which he named after the book he wrote on oarsmen’s classic style. The brand produces clothing for many rowing clubs and teams and has become a cult favorite with offerings such as a reissue of Princess Diana’s famous “black sheep” sweater.

Carlson logs about 150,000 miles in the air each year and is unimpressed by most commercial flights. “They all suck,” he says, before granting a rare exemption to Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines. “You can have the window open when you’re flying, and in the past, I was somehow exactly the right weight that they would always stick me in the co-pilot seat.”

It’s the supersonic age, though, rather than puddle jumpers that get Carlson excited: “I only flew Concorde once, on one of the last flights before they stopped, and I have this rose-tinted view of the past, but it set the bar high for a flying experience. I love having my Concorde luggage label on my bag.” Here are his travel tips.

The one thing you should always eat, anywhere, on the road:

No matter where I’m going, I try to find Neapolitan pizza. It may not be good at all, but more often than not, it’s this fallback for me. I love the art and science of making it. They have this guild, the AVPN, or Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, so that no matter where they’re making it – Japan, South Africa, Italy – it certifies them as making authentic Neapolitan pizza. They have inspectors and a website where you can go and see, country by country, city by city, who is certified. I’ve been doing that for 10 years. I’m fascinated by it, and it’s almost a mini community.

Don’t assume the best Roman ruins are in Italy:

In university, I was spending my summers doing archaeological digs, basically. And some of the best, most well-preserved Roman archaeology in the world is in Turkey. I did a great father-son trip with my dad, where we drove down from Istanbul, down the coast and went to dozens of Roman sites.

Start with Troy – the flashiest name on this list in literary terms, but for me the least impressive site to visit – then hit Hamaxitus to see the Temple of Apollon Smintheion, Pergamum and Ephesus, then head inland to see Laodicea ad Lycum and Aphrodisias. My supervisor at Oxford was the site director there, so I’m a bit biased, but there’s this spectacular monumental sculpture there that you don’t even get in Italy, for the most part. The most important thing is to end up back on the coast in Turkbuku; stay at the Macakizi there.

When trekking in Antarctica, Carlson suggests erring on the side of a heavier backpack:

I was going to Antarctica with my brother-in-law, my sister, my dad – he’s a 72-year-old meteorologist, and it’s been a childhood dream for him to go to the South Pole – along with one of the most accomplished living polar explorers of our time, Vincent Colliard, who thinks about this a lot differently than you or I might. People do really intense things to save extra weight, like breaking their toothbrush in half or ripping all the labels out of the necks of their clothing.

When we were packing, I threw a couple of rolls of toilet paper into my sleeping bag, which is how you carry everything, basically. He said, “You’re not going to want to pull all that weight. Just rip off two squares for each day we’re there – 10 days, that’s 20 squares.” I listened to him, and I absolutely wish I had not. My brother-in-law, who was happy to be carrying more weight than anyone else. Everyone was borrowing toilet paper and wipes from him.

Carlson says this ancient site in Asia is the greatest wonder of the world:

I studied both Roman and Chinese archaeology, so I love Pompeii and all the triumphal arches and the Forum and so on, but the biggest archaeological site I can recommend is in Xi’an: the Terracotta Army. It’s one of those things everyone has heard of, but I can’t think of anyone who isn’t in archaeology that has made the trip. People will go to Shanghai and Beijing, but this is just a quick trip from there. Truly, when you think about the wonders of the world, this has got to be No. 1. It’s the sheer scale of the army, the rows and rows of soldiers in this building that’s the size of an airport.

Wherever you’re going, always pack this one item:

I went to school in the UK when I was a little kid, and so I had to wear a blazer every day, and I just kind of got used to it. I always pack a navy blazer, no matter where I’m going, even if it’s skiing to the South Pole or climbing a mountain. My own family mocks me occasionally, but you never know when a navy blazer will prove useful.

You can wear a navy blazer in almost any context: if the dress code is formal wear, you could just about get away with it instead of a tuxedo. At a baseball game, you won’t look out of place. It’s a passport to all these different kinds of experiences, and it’s such a simple thing to pack with you. I discovered that the Explorers Club in New York has a reciprocal club in Punta Arenas on my recent trip, too, and of course I had to check it out – and that’s when a navy blazer, and a tie, come in handy.

Fed up with the crowds in Lake Como? Consider this alternative:

I was sent to Slovenia when I was the cox on the US rowing team. The world championships are held in different place each year, often very beautiful places, but the rowing community will tell you how nice Bled is – it’s like an international fellowship, the people who’ve raced there.

Lake Bled is like a much smaller, more fairytale-like Lake Como. It almost looks not real, something you could imagine AI coming up with. This stunning crystal-blue lake, surrounded by the Julian Alps. And there are no motorboats allowed. There’s a little island with a church, and you can either take rowing boats out there or you can swim – that was a magical experience, and you just have to be in okay shape to do it. We stayed at the Hotel Park, which was by far and away the nicest sort of team accommodation we had.

When it comes to souvenirs, follow the two-buck rule – never spend more than that on anything:

Get the tchotchkes, the trinkets, the woven patches, the vinyl stickers, and the magnets, the lapel pins, the little flags, the bottle openers. They don’t weigh a lot in your bag when you’re taking them home. In the tourist shop or the bazaar, look for things from the 1970s or from the 1920s, the classics. These are the myriad things that “spark joy” in my home and they cost [little] – in some cases, literally – nothing.

There’s an art to sprinkling them throughout one’s home and one’s life in a tasteful way. An ashtray or two, discreetly placed, is a sign of a happy home. Little things that first appear mundane, cheap and corny in the fluorescent light of a tourist kiosk in Cannes or Bodrum or Angkor Wat often prove themselves years later to be among my most cherished treasures. I have a crazy jacket that’s just patches all over that I’ve picked up on my travels, which makes it a walking reflection of where I’ve been.

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Abu Dhabi: In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued an Emiri decree appointing Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Read more

• UAE president appoints Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President
• Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun appointed Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President issues Emiri decree to restructure Abu Dhabi Executive Council

In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness has also issued two Emiri decrees appointing Hazza bin Zayed as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Tahnoun bin Zayed as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Profiles of newly appointed leaders

• Sheikh Khaled: Rise of the leader over the years
• Sheikh Mansour: Profile of new UAE Vice-President
• Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hazza began his career at State Security Department
• Sheikh Tahnoun: Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: With the approval of the UAE Federal Supreme Council, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a resolution, appointing Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, as the country’s second Vice President, to serve alongside His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice -President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

READ MORE

• UAE President appoints Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
• Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun appointed Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President issues Emiri decree to restructure Abu Dhabi Executive Council

In his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE President issued two Emiri decrees appointing Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed also appointed Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi by an Emiri decree issued in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Profiles of newly appointed leaders

• Sheikh Khaled: Rise of the leader over the years
• Sheikh Mansour: Profile of new UAE Vice-President
• Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hazza began his career at State Security Department
• Sheikh Tahnoun: Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi:  In his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE President has issued two Emiri decrees appointing Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi.

Prior to this appointement Sheilkh Tahnoun was National Security Adviser. Sheikh Hazza was vice chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. 

• UAE President appoints Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
• UAE president appoints Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President
• UAE President issues Emiri decree to restructure Abu Dhabi Executive Council

In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE President also issued an Emiri decree appointing Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Profiles of newly appointed leaders

• Sheikh Khaled: Rise of the leader over the years
• Sheikh Mansour: Profile of new UAE Vice-President
• Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hazza began his career at State Security Department
• Sheikh Tahnoun: Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Khaled was born on January 8, 1982 in Abu Dhabi. He is an eldest son ofUAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

SheikhKhaled graduated from the American University of Sharjah (BSc, International Relations) and from King’s College London with a PhD from the Department of War Studies in 2014.

Sheikh Khaled was appointed as Chairman of the National Commission for the security of electronic management in 2015. He was appointed as chairman of the State Security Department, with the rank of Minister in 2016.

READ MORE

• UAE President appoints Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President names Sheikh Khalid Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mansour as Vice President
• UAE president appoints Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President
• Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun appointed Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President issues Emiri decree to restructure Abu Dhabi Executive Council

Sheikh Khaled was appointed as Deputy National Security Adviser, with the rank of minister on January 16, 2017.

Sheikh Khaled was appointed a member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office in 2019. He was appointed as Board of Directors of Adnoc in 2021.

He was an author of the Three Islands mapping the UAE-Iran dispute a book detailing the Seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs which was published in 2013.

Sheikh Khaled has witnessed the signing of the agreement between the Abu Dhabi Government and the XPRIZE Foundation, the global leader in incentivized prize competitions, in the presence of a number of government leaders and strategic partners. The contract is the major authority corporation until today for XPRIZE.

Shaikh Khaled has inaugurated newly renovated Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, most prominent cultural landmarks. The Cultural Foundation’s new spaces include a 900-seat theatre and the all-new Abu Dhabi Children’s Library.

Shaikh Khaled was involved in the launching of the Saadiyat Grove in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain.

Sheikh Khaled has launched the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative along with Prince William at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu dhabi in February 2022. Sheikh Khaled and Prince William also discussed their work on globally impactful sustainability initiatives, and were briefed on the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s ongoing work to protect the environment and enhance biodiversity.

He has named and inaugurated the street formerly known as Al Sough Street, after late urban planner of Abdul Rahman Makhlouf. Renaming the street after the former Director of the Urban Planning honours his role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s early urban development during the 1960s and 1970s.

SheikhKhaled has launched the Abu Dhabi IPO Fund to act as a catalyst to strengthen Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)’s position as a leading stock market in October 2021.

He inaugurated the new coding school that offers tuition-free, peer-to-peer learning – 42 Abu Dhabi is the first GCC campus of the internationally renowned 42 Network of coding schools in October 2021.

In December 2008, he was married to Sheikha Surour Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan and has a son and two daughters.

Abu Dhabi: Born in Abu Dhabi in 1970, the newly-appointed UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan completed his high school education in Abu Dhabi before pursuing further studies in the United States.

In 1993, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.

In 1997, Sheikh Mansour took up the role of Chairman of the Office of his late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a position he held until Sheikh Zayed’s passing in November 2004.

• Sheikh Khaled: Rise of the leader over the years
• Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun appointed Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President appoints Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
• UAE president appoints Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President

That same month, Sheikh Mansour was appointed Minister of Presidential Affairs, a role created after merging the Office of the President and the Presidential Court into the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. In May 2009, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

In July 2022, Sheikh Mansour became Minister of the Presidential Court, following a Federal Decree issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

In addition, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed assumes many key local and federal posts.

An accomplished equestrian and athlete, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed actively participates in and supports a range of traditional and modern sports. 

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The post Sheikh Mansour: Profile of new UAE Vice-President appeared first on My Travel Leader.

Abu Dhabi: In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued an Emiri decree appointing Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Read more

• UAE president appoints Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President
• Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Tahnoun appointed Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi
• UAE President issues Emiri decree to restructure Abu Dhabi Executive Council

In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness has also issued two Emiri decrees appointing Hazza bin Zayed as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Tahnoun bin Zayed as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Profiles of newly appointed leaders

• Sheikh Khaled: Rise of the leader over the years
• Sheikh Mansour: Profile of new UAE Vice-President
• Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hazza began his career at State Security Department
• Sheikh Tahnoun: Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Source: Read Full Article

The post UAE President appoints Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi appeared first on My Travel Leader.