Author: Akbar Travels ME

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. Below, we break down the key facts, including passenger details, aircraft model, and flight disruptions. Flight Overview Flight Number: AI171 Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, registration VT‑ANB Route: Ahmedabad → London Gatwick Takeoff Time: 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC) on June 12, 2025 Passenger & Crew Breakdown A total of 242 individuals were on board the aircraft. This included 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals. 53 passengers were from the United…

The United Arab Emirates is about to take a major leap in sustainable and efficient transportation. With the launch of the Etihad Rail passenger train service set for 2026, travel across the UAE is being reimagined. This revolutionary rail network promises faster connections, improved infrastructure, and a seamless passenger experience—making it a landmark achievement in the country’s vision for modern mobility. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, commuter, or tourist, here’s everything you need to know about the Etihad Rail passenger train network, including stations, travel times, amenities, and its benefits for the UAE. What is Etihad Rail? Etihad Rail is…

With the summer heat settling in across the UAE, many travelers and residents are searching for indoor experiences that are both engaging and air-conditioned. This International Museum Day, the UAE is making cultural discovery more accessible than ever — offering free entry to several top museums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Whether you’re a local art enthusiast, a history buff, or a tourist exploring the Emirates, these museums provide a perfect indoor escape paired with rich educational value. From immersive art collections to heritage displays, here is a complete guide to must-visit museums across the UAE – all offering…

Eid Al Adha is more than just a festive occasion; it’s a perfect time to unwind, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories with loved ones. With a long holiday weekend on the horizon, there’s no better opportunity to plan your next summer getaway. Akbar Travels brings you a handpicked collection of Eid Al Adha holiday packages departing from the UAE – designed to fit every travel style and budget. From scenic mountain retreats to cultural capitals, here are the top destinations you can travel to this Eid Al Adha with Akbar Travels. 1. Georgia – A Perfect Summer Retreat…

Dubai has long been celebrated as a beacon of tourism in the Middle East. As we step into 2025, the Arabian travel market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with Dubai firmly positioned at the center of this transformation. From cutting-edge infrastructure to visionary tourism policies, Dubai is not only attracting millions of global tourists but also setting the benchmark for travel and hospitality excellence in the Arabian Peninsula. With major events like the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 drawing thousands of global attendees, now is the time to plan ahead. If you’re visiting Dubai for ATM or any other…

Starting May 1, 2025, all travelers heading to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their journey begins. This new mandatory process is part of Thailand’s efforts to streamline entry procedures, improve security, and offer a more seamless travel experience for international visitors. Whether you are visiting Thailand for tourism, business, or transit, this is a crucial step you cannot afford to miss. Below, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), how to complete it, and why it’s important for your travel planning. What is the Thailand…

Global Village, Dubai’s award-winning multicultural park and entertainment destination, has officially announced the closing date of its current season. The last day of Season 29 will be May 11, 2025, marking the end of another spectacular chapter of cultural celebration, international shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. For anyone who hasn’t visited yet or wishes to return one last time, this announcement offers a final window of opportunity to experience the magic of Global Village before it closes its gates for the summer. What is Global Village Dubai? For over two decades, Global Village Dubai has remained one of the UAE’s most…

Looking for a better flying experience? Emirates is making it easier than ever to travel in style with the expansion of its refurbished A380 aircraft and Premium Economy cabins. The latest destinations to join the list are Manchester (UK) and Milan (Italy) – bringing more comfort and luxury to travelers around the world. Whether you’re heading to Europe for business or leisure, now is the perfect time to book Emirates flight ticket and enjoy a premium journey like never before. Here’s everything you need to know What’s New? Emirates A380 now flies to Manchester with Premium Economy Milan becomes the…

Planning to perform Umrah this year? If you’re a UAE resident with Umrah on your mind, take note – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has officially announced the final entry and exit dates for pilgrims as the Kingdom begins preparations for the upcoming Haj season. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and blessed Umrah journey. Final Dates to Enter and Leave Saudi Arabia for Umrah Last Date to Enter for Umrah: April 13, 2025 Last Date to Exit Saudi Arabia: April 29, 2025 After April 13, entry into the Kingdom for Umrah will be…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially introduced a new currency symbol for the dirham (AED), marking a major milestone in the country’s economic journey. The sleek and modern symbol is designed to align the UAE dirham with global currencies like the US Dollar ($), British Pound (£), Euro (€), and Japanese Yen (¥). At Akbar Travels, we keep you updated with the latest travel-related news from across the UAE. Whether you’re planning a holiday, booking a visa, or shopping in the Emirates, here’s what you need to know about this exciting development. What Is the New UAE Dirham Symbol?…