As the relentless heat of the Arabian summer finally yields to the gentle embrace of winter, Dubai is undergoing its annual metamorphosis. From November through March, the city sheds its “indoor-only” persona, inviting residents and global travelers alike to step out from behind the glimmering glass of its skyscrapers and into a world of open skies, soft sunshine, and unexpected tranquility.

For those accustomed to Dubai’s reputation for high-octane luxury and indoor malls, the winter season offers a startlingly different rhythm. It is a time when the desert “exhales” and the city feels, perhaps for the first time all year, like a genuine home.

From the Dunes to the Clouds: Desert Adventures

Winter is arguably the only time to truly experience the majesty of the Arabian desert without the oppressive heat. For early risers, the Dubai Balloon at Atlantis offers a sunrise hot-air balloon experience that lifts travelers above the rippling, dawn-pink dunes. Often paired with mid-air falconry displays and an authentic Arabic breakfast on the sand, it is a serene alternative to the city’s usual speed.

As night falls, the desert transforms into a natural observatory. Luxury glamping sites like Sonara Camp and Terra Solis offer stargazing experiences, sandboarding, and archery under clear, crisp winter skies—a far cry from the neon lights of the Dubai Marina.

A Coastal Sanctuary

Dubai’s coastline also finds its glass-like calm in the cooler months. Kite Beach and the Palm Jumeirah have become hubs for gentle morning activities, with paddleboarding and kayaking being the preferred ways to greet the Gulf. For those looking for a “truly Dubai” wellness experience, floating rooftop yoga and Pilates sessions are now a seasonal staple, merging skyline views with mindful movement.

Beyond the shoreline, travelers seeking complete solitude are heading to the Hajar Mountains in Fujairah. New eco-stays like Parvara offer “digital detox” retreats—private pavilions designed for silence, ritual, and guided hiking, allowing visitors to disconnect entirely from the digital world.

The Heartbeat of Heritage and Culture

Winter also marks the return of Dubai’s most beloved open-air cultural landmarks. The narrow lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood come alive as visitors explore wind-tower architecture, hidden art galleries, and creekside views.

For those seeking a more festive energy, Global Village has reopened for its 30th season, featuring pavilions from over 90 countries and a record-breaking 9 million annual visitors. Meanwhile, the Madinat Jumeirah Winter Market provides a canal-side wonderland of wooden chalets and live music, bridging the gap between traditional Dubai and global winter festivities.

2026: A Year of Creative Momentum

Looking ahead to early 2026, the city’s creative calendar is already filling up. Dubai Design Week and the Downtown Design fair are set to showcase the region’s best architecture and innovation, while international music icons like Peggy Gou are scheduled to bring world-class house and techno to palm-lined outdoor stages.

“Winter in Dubai is not just about the weather; it’s about the community,” says Vama Kothari, a longtime resident. “It’s picnics on the beach, late-night walks on the Jumeirah corners, and the hum of conversation through open balcony doors. It’s when the city feels most like itself.”

With temperatures hovering between a pleasant 18°C and 28°C, the 2025-2026 winter season is proving once again that Dubai’s greatest luxury isn’t found in its malls, but under its gentle, open skies.

Source: lifestyleasia.com

The Board of Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Captain George Kamal as the Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, effective December 16, 2025. This move follows the departure of Allan Kilavuka, who is leaving after a six-year tenure that redefined the carrier’s resilience in the face of unprecedented global turbulence.

As the Board initiates a competitive search for a substantive successor, Captain Kamal—previously the airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)—steps into the role at a moment when “The Pride of Africa” is balancing a historic return to profitability with the complex operational demands of a post-pandemic recovery.

The Kilavuka Legacy: From Crisis to “Africa’s Leading Airline”

Allan Kilavuka’s exit marks the end of a stint characterized by grit and strategic pivots. Taking over in April 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic grounded global aviation—Kilavuka steered KQ through its darkest hours. Under his leadership, the airline launched Project Kifaru, a multi-year turnaround strategy focused on cost containment, network expansion, and customer obsession.

His efforts bore significant fruit in early 2025 when Kenya Airways recorded its first net profit in 11 years, a staggering KSh 5.4 billion turnaround. This period also saw KQ reclaim its crown at the 2025 World Travel Awards, winning four top honors, including “Africa’s Leading Airline. The National carrier has also won at the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) two years in a row for its improving excellence in service delivery. Kilavuka’s tenure also pushed the boundaries of sustainability, overseeing Africa’s first intra-continental flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in October 2025.

Enter Captain George Kamal: The Operational Architect

In Captain George Kamal, the Board has chosen an executive with a deep, “frontline-to-C-suite” understanding of the industry. With over 29 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East, Kamal is an expert in aviation transformation and digitalization.

Before joining KQ as COO in March 2023, Kamal held high-stakes roles, including:

• Operations Director at Air Arabia, where he managed low-cost efficiency at scale.
• Chief Operations & Executive Officer at Iraqi Airways, leading the carrier through complex regional recovery.
• Captain and Type Rating Instructor at Etihad Airways and EgyptAir, bringing technical mastery to the executive table.

Kamal holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Aviation Management, specializing in “Aviation Management Transformation in the New Digital Decade.” His appointment signals the Board’s intent to double down on operational reliability and the integration of advanced aviation systems.

The 2026 Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities

Captain Kamal assumes leadership at a time of immense opportunity for Kenya Airways. Far from facing obstacles, the airline is positioned to capitalize on a series of strategic milestones that will cement its dominance in the region.

• Maximizing Fleet Potential: As global supply chain pressures ease by mid-2026, Captain Kamal is focused on the full restoration of fleet capacity. With the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners returning to service, KQ is set to meet the surging demand for its award-winning long-haul services.
• A Cornerstone of National Progress: Kamal will oversee KQ’s integral role in the KSh 5 trillion ($38 billion) national infrastructure fund. This includes the massive modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), set to begin in early 2026. This project is not just an upgrade; it is a declaration of Nairobi’s status as the commercial heart of Africa.
• Attracting Global Investment: Building on the airline’s newfound financial strength, Kamal will continue the search for a strategic investor. With a strengthened balance sheet and a clear path to sustainable growth, KQ is now one of the most attractive investment opportunities in global aviation.

A Seamless Transition

The Board has reiterated its unequivocal support for Captain Kamal, noting that his “frontline-to-C-suite” experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead this transition. As the airline prepares to host the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit in Nairobi, the mood is one of overwhelming optimism.

Kenya Airways is no longer an airline in recovery; it is an airline in ascent. Under the guidance of Captain George Kamal, the “Pride of Africa” is ready to reach new heights, fueled by innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to connecting Africa to the world.

While the African aviation sector has long battled structural “headwinds,” 2026 is increasingly being viewed by industry analysts as a critical year for reform. According to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) outlook, the continent is moving beyond the stage of “potential” and into a phase of active modernization. If the current trajectory holds, 2026 could be remembered as the year African aviation finally took flight on its own terms.

Fleet Modernization: The End of the “Aging Fleet” Penalty

One of the most significant shifts expected in 2026 is the gradual easing of aerospace supply chain bottlenecks. For years, African carriers have been forced to operate with an average fleet age of 15.1 years—roughly five years older than the global average. This “age penalty” has directly impacted profitability through higher fuel burn and escalating maintenance costs.

As global production rates for new aircraft are projected to accelerate by mid-2026, African hubs are beginning to see the arrival of more versatile, fuel-efficient models. The integration of the Airbus A220 for short-to-medium regional hops and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for long-haul routes is expected to significantly lower unit costs. These aircraft allow airlines to serve “thin” routes—those with lower passenger volumes—profitably, which is essential for connecting smaller African cities without routing through Europe or the Middle East.

Infrastructure Milestones: A Tri-Hub Transformation

Infrastructure has historically been a major hurdle, but 2026 will see the realization of several landmark projects across the continent’s most critical gateways. This era of development is anchored by a new “tri-hub” power dynamic involving Kigali, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, each pushing massive expansions to handle the next generation of African travelers.

• Kigali: Chief among these is Rwanda’s $2 billion Bugesera International Airport. Slated to become fully operational in 2026, the facility is designed to handle an initial 8 million passengers annually. The completion of Bugesera, in partnership with Qatar Airways, represents a fundamental shift in the continent’s aviation geography, providing a state-of-the-art alternative to traditional hubs.
• Nairobi: Kenya has announced a monumental KSh 5 trillion ($38 billion) national transformation plan, with the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the construction of an entirely new airport facility set to commence in January 2026. This expansion aims to double the city’s current capacity, positioning Nairobi as the premier business travel destination in East Africa and the host of the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit.
• South Africa: The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is moving into the peak of a R21.7 billion ($1.2 billion) infrastructure program. Starting in 2026, Cape Town International will undergo extensive renovations, including a new runway and terminal expansions. Meanwhile, O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg is prioritizing its “Mid-field Cargo” terminal to cement its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading logistics hub.

By providing these state-of-the-art facilities, these cities are positioned to become a central nexus for intra-African travel. These projects are no longer just local investments; they are the physical foundation supporting the goal of a truly connected continent.

SAATM and the “Visa-Free” Momentum

On the regulatory front, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) has reached a tipping point. With 38 countries now committed to the “Open Skies” agreement, the legal framework for seamless travel is finally being matched by political will.

This regulatory progress is being bolstered by a dramatic shift in visa policies. Today, 28% of intra-African travel is visa-free—a significant jump from just 20% a decade ago. Five nations, including Rwanda and Ghana, now offer full visa-free entry to all African citizens. This “liberalization from within” is dismantling the bureaucratic barriers that once made it easier for an African professional to travel to Paris than to a neighboring capital.

A Catalyst for Development

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, argues that the success of 2026 hinges on a fundamental shift in government perspective. For too long, aviation has been treated as a “luxury” to be taxed heavily. Al-Awadhi insists that for 2026 to be a true turning point, governments must treat the sector as a catalyst for development.

“The greatest value aviation brings to an economy is catalytic,” Al-Awadhi noted during a recent roundtable. By reducing punitive taxes—which can currently add $80 to a $100 ticket—and releasing the $954 million in blocked funds currently held by various governments, the continent can unlock unprecedented growth.

The 411 Million Passenger Vision

The long-term stakes are high. IATA forecasts that the African market will grow at an annual rate of 4.1%, reaching 411 million passengers by 2044. If 2026 successfully bridges the gap between policy signatures and operational reality, it will secure Africa’s place as the world’s third-fastest-growing aviation market, transforming the continent’s economic landscape for generations to come.

Africa is poised to outpace global air traffic growth next year, yet the continent’s airlines remain trapped in a cycle of thin margins and restricted earnings. According to the latest analysis from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African carriers continue to operate under the world’s most challenging conditions, capturing only a fraction of the economic value generated by the global aviation industry.

“Demand for air travel in Africa is rising faster than in many other parts of the world, but profitability is not keeping pace,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional VP for Africa and the Middle East. Speaking at a recent media roundtable, Al-Awadhi emphasized that addressing structural barriers is essential to ensuring that traffic expansion translates into true financial strength.

A Steep Cost of Doing Business

The IATA report highlights a stark disparity in operating costs. African airlines face fuel costs roughly 17% higher than the global average. Taxes and airport charges are 12% to 15% more expensive, while air navigation fees are approximately 10% higher. Additionally, maintenance and insurance costs exceed global benchmarks by up to 10%.

These financial pressures are compounded by a lack of regional integration. Only 19% of routes within the continent are direct, a fragmentation that forces passengers into long, expensive itineraries and limits the efficiency of local carriers.

Supply Chain and Maintenance Crisis

IATA identifies aircraft parts availability as a critical constraint, with Africa being the most severely impacted region globally. Supply chain bottlenecks are estimated to cost the global industry over $11 billion in 2025 alone.

As the average fleet age in Africa climbs to 15.1 years, airlines are struggling to maintain older aircraft. While IATA is pushing manufacturers to increase the availability of spares in the region, African carriers are also working to expand their own maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity to mitigate delays.

The $954 Million Blocked Funds Barrier

One of the most significant hurdles cited by IATA is the issue of “blocked funds”—airline revenues that governments prevent from being repatriated. Africa currently accounts for a staggering 79% of the world’s blocked funds, totaling $954 million.

Six African nations rank in the global top ten for withheld revenue, with Algeria, the XAF Zone, and Mozambique leading the list. These restrictions, often tied to foreign exchange shortages or bureaucratic delays, severely hamper an airline’s ability to pay for fuel, parts, and international leases.

Looking Toward a 411 million Passenger Future

Despite these immediate headwinds, IATA’s long-term forecast remains optimistic. Africa’s market is expected to grow by 4.1% annually, reaching 411 million passengers over the next 20 years—the third-fastest growth rate in the world.

To realize this potential, IATA is calling on African governments to stop viewing aviation as a source of tax revenue and instead treat it as a catalyst for economic development. “Realizing this potential will require focused reforms to reduce barriers, improve affordability, and expand connectivity,” Al-Awadhi concluded. “With the right policy support, aviation can be a powerful driver of economic transformation across Africa.”

Source: travelnews.co.za

Africa stands at a decisive moment in its journey toward economic integration. While regional trade agreements and large-scale infrastructure projects frequently lead diplomatic discussions, the continent’s aviation sector remains a significant bottleneck. Despite the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the daily reality for the aviation industry is defined by fragmentation, exorbitant costs, and bureaucratic hurdles that stifle commerce and tourism.

On the ground, the operational environment is often punitive for professionals. Flight crews and airlines frequently encounter technical barriers, such as denied diversions or entry blocks at borders due to minor technicalities in their registry. These actions not only disrupt schedules but also contravene international aviation norms, creating a stark contrast between the “seamless integration” discussed at high-level summits and the challenging reality of crossing African borders.

This fragmentation is most visible in the continent’s air traffic patterns. Despite a population exceeding 1.4 billion, only about 19% of intra-African air services are direct flights. This lack of connectivity forces travelers into long, expensive itineraries that often require routing through hubs in Europe or the Middle East to reach a destination within their own continent. This phenomenon serves as a de facto tax on African mobility, making it occasionally cheaper to fly from Lagos to London than to a neighboring regional city.

Beyond logistics, the financial burden of flying in Africa is steep. Carriers must contend with fuel prices, navigation charges, and insurance premiums that far exceed global averages. These high operating costs result in razor-thin profit margins for airlines and prohibitively expensive tickets for passengers. Furthermore, a lack of regulatory harmony persists; while open-skies agreements exist on paper, their implementation is slowed by inconsistent visa regimes and varying bilateral service agreements that discourage new market entrants.

Infrastructure also remains a critical gap. Many airports require urgent modernization of their facilities and air traffic management systems to support projected growth. Addressing these deficiencies will require billions of dollars in investment over the coming decade.

For Africa to reach its economic potential, the consensus among industry stakeholders is that the transformation must be systemic. This requires moving beyond symbolic signatures toward practical enforcement of open-skies policies. Proposed reforms include the creation of unified digital permit systems, the consistent recognition of regional travel documents, and a significant reduction in airport fees. Only through political will and coordinated policy reform can the continent achieve a sky that is as accessible and connected as any other region in the world.

Source: vanguardngr.com

Rogue travel operators and unlicensed agents have long taken advantage of peak festive seasons such as Christmas, when demand for travel surges and consumers are eager to secure last-minute deals. Each year, complaints ranging from fake bookings and abandoned travellers to substandard services resurface, exposing gaps in regulation and enforcement within Kenya’s tourism industry.

However, new regulatory measures by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) are now set to fundamentally change how travel agents and tour operators conduct business, placing mandatory membership to recognised professional associations at the heart of licensing and compliance.

Under the Tourism Enterprises Regulations, 2025, tourism businesses applying for or renewing a licence will be required to demonstrate valid membership to a registered tourism sector association representing their category of service. The regulations further empower TRA to verify the authenticity of such membership before granting or renewing licences, effectively locking out unregulated and fly-by-night operators.

The rules go a step further by making it an offence for a tourism enterprise to operate without a valid association membership where applicable, giving the regulator authority to take administrative action against non-compliant businesses. The move is aimed at bringing structure, accountability, and professional standards to an industry that has grown rapidly but unevenly.

Industry observers say the requirement signals a shift from reactive enforcement to self-regulation backed by law, where associations play an active role in monitoring conduct, maintaining member registers, and reporting breaches of standards to TRA.

KATA’s Central Role in Industry Order

Within this framework, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has emerged as a central pillar of compliance and professionalisation. Once viewed primarily as a networking body, KATA has steadily positioned itself as one of the most influential industry players, representing licensed travel agents, advocating policy reform, and promoting ethical business practices.

KATA’s growing influence is reflected in its expanding membership base and its active engagement with regulators. The association works closely with TRA on licensing matters, capacity building, and industry standards, providing agents with a structured pathway to compliance.

By belonging to KATA, travel agents gain more than regulatory eligibility. Membership offers credibility with consumers, access to training, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and a collective voice in shaping national tourism policy. For regulators, KATA provides a trusted partner capable of enforcing discipline within its ranks and escalating unethical conduct.

Protecting Consumers and Legitimate Businesses

The regulations also place obligations on registered tourism sector associations to maintain up-to-date member registers, promote adherence to prescribed standards, and report unethical conduct. This shared responsibility between regulator and industry bodies is intended to curb rogue behaviour while protecting compliant businesses from unfair competition.

As Kenya continues to position itself as a premier travel destination, stakeholders say that order within the domestic travel trade is just as critical as destination marketing. Mandatory association membership, backed by regulatory enforcement, is expected to improve consumer confidence, particularly during high-risk festive travel periods.

For travellers, the message is clear: deal only with licensed agents who belong to recognised associations. For travel agents, the direction is equally firm: professionalism, accountability, and association membership are no longer optional, but essential for operating legally in Kenya’s tourism sector.

With KATA now firmly positioned at the centre of this new regulatory ecosystem, the travel industry appears poised for a more structured, transparent, and trustworthy future – one where rogue operators find less room to operate, and legitimate businesses are rewarded for doing things the right way.

^{By Felix Wakiuru}

The ongoing strategic partnership between Kenya Airways (KQ) and Qatar Airways is increasingly reshaping travel options for passengers while creating new commercial opportunities for travel agents across Africa and beyond.

The agreement, which came into effect in October, allows the two airlines to operate under a codeshare arrangement that opens access to 19 destinations across their combined networks. While the partnership was launched earlier, its impact is now becoming clearer as agents leverage the expanded connectivity to offer more seamless travel solutions to clients.

Under the arrangement, Kenya Airways passengers can connect via Doha to a wider range of international destinations served by Qatar Airways, while Qatar Airways travellers can access additional African cities through Nairobi. The collaboration strengthens Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub and enhances Doha’s role as a global transit gateway.

What the Partnership Means for Travel Agents

For travel agents, the continued implementation of the codeshare agreement translates into simplified booking processes, improved route flexibility and more competitive itineraries. Agents are able to issue tickets on a single booking reference while combining flights from both airlines, reducing complexity for travellers and increasing confidence in multi-sector journeys.

The expanded network enables agents to serve clients travelling for business, leisure, education and diaspora visits with more routing options, shorter connection times and access to destinations that were previously harder to reach using a single airline.

Industry players note that the partnership is particularly beneficial for agents serving long-haul markets in Asia, the Middle East and Southern Africa, as well as inbound travellers seeking access to multiple African destinations through Nairobi.

Increased Frequencies and Network Strength

The partnership is supported by increased flight frequencies between Nairobi and Doha, providing a strong backbone for onward connections. This allows agents to better manage peak travel periods, offer alternative schedules to clients and reduce the risk of missed connections.

With both airlines operating modern fleets and aligned service standards, the collaboration also improves the overall customer experience—an important selling point for agents competing in a price-sensitive market.

Commercial and Strategic Impact

Beyond passenger travel, the partnership is expected to support growth in tourism, trade and cargo movement, while opening the door for future cooperation in areas such as loyalty programmes, cargo services and joint marketing initiatives.

For agents, this presents opportunities to bundle air travel with accommodation, tours and ancillary services, particularly for clients transiting through Doha or Nairobi.

A Shift Toward Strategic Airline Collaboration

The continued Kenya Airways–Qatar Airways partnership reflects a broader trend in global aviation, where airlines increasingly rely on strategic alliances rather than network expansion through fleet growth alone.

As the partnership matures, travel agents are expected to play a central role in translating the expanded connectivity into tangible business growth, positioning themselves as key intermediaries between airlines and travellers seeking efficient, flexible and well-connected journeys.

As Dubai continues to attract millions of international visitors each year, authorities are reminding tourists to familiarise themselves with local laws and cultural expectations before arriving. The city is widely known for its modern lifestyle, safety and hospitality, but it operates within a legal and cultural framework that visitors are expected to respect.

Dubai’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth in 2025, driven by seasonal travel, global events and its reputation as a family-friendly destination. To ensure a smooth and trouble-free visit, travellers are advised to observe the following key rules.

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Respectful Dress in Public Spaces

Dubai embraces cultural diversity and generally allows visitors to dress comfortably, especially in private resorts, hotels, beaches, pools and waterparks, where swimwear is acceptable. However, modesty is encouraged in public areas such as shopping malls, parks and traditional neighbourhoods.

Tourists are advised to avoid clothing that is overly revealing. When visiting mosques or religious sites, both men and women are expected to dress conservatively, covering shoulders and legs. Women may also be required to cover their hair at some places of worship.

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Public Behaviour and Social Etiquette

Public behaviour in Dubai is guided by values of respect and decency. While the city is relaxed compared to many regional destinations, public displays of affection should be kept minimal. Holding hands or brief gestures are generally acceptable, but intimate behaviour in public places is discouraged.

Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of local families, cultural sensitivities and community norms in shared spaces, including beaches, malls and public transport.

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Alcohol Consumption Rules

Alcohol consumption in Dubai is regulated. It is only permitted in licensed venues such as hotels, bars and private clubs, and strictly restricted to individuals aged 21 and above. Drinking alcohol in public places or being intoxicated in public is illegal and can result in serious penalties.

Tourists who wish to purchase alcohol for private use must do so from licensed outlets and follow the applicable regulations. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited under a zero-tolerance policy.

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Photography and Privacy Laws

The UAE has strong privacy protections, and tourists must be cautious when taking photographs or videos. Capturing images of people without their consent is not allowed, particularly if the images are shared on social media or other public platforms.

Photography of sensitive locations such as government buildings, military installations and private property is also restricted. Violations of privacy laws can result in fines, legal action or other penalties.

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Bringing Medication into Dubai

Visitors travelling with prescription medication are advised to check regulations before arrival. While many medicines are readily available in local pharmacies, some drugs are restricted or controlled under UAE law.

Tourists carrying prescription medication should have a valid doctor’s prescription and supporting medical documentation. Controlled medicines are generally permitted only for personal use and within limited quantities, provided proper approval procedures are followed.

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A Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Dubai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. By understanding and respecting local rules on dress, behaviour, alcohol use, photography and medication, visitors can enjoy a safe, comfortable and culturally enriching stay.

Source: gulfnews.com