Shoppers can join this program easily though kiosks at Lulu hypermarkets or online and benefit from various exclusive offers and redeemable points….reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi-based retail giant Lulu Group unveiled their most looked forward to reward programme “Happiness” in the UAE on Monday to coincide with the International Happiness Day.
Mr Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group and other top officials unveiled the “Happiness” reward programme at a ceremony organised at Lulu Hypermarket in Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi.
“This is another initiative by us to add more happiness to our customer’s daily shopping,” said Mr Yusuffali MA. “We are delighted to come out with this unique rewards programme today as the whole world is celebrating Happiness Day and the holy month of Ramadan is just round the corner.”
“I am sure ‘Happiness Rewards’ will surely bring in more value, savings and convenience to our loyal shoppers who have always supported us. This is our way of saying thank you” –MR YUSUFFALI MA, CMD OF LULU GROUP
“I am sure ‘Happiness Rewards’ will surely bring in more value, savings and convenience to our loyal shoppers who have always supported us. This is our way of saying thank you,” he added.
Once registered the shopper can use their “Lulu App” or registered mobile number to get rewards at the cash counters instantly.
Elaborating the various key features of this program V. Nandakumar, Director of Marketing & Communications, Lulu Group said: “We have focused on 5 key benefits for this program members i.e., Instant additional discounts, Reward points, Exclusive member prices, Privileges and offers from other brands and tenants. In short, Lulu shoppers can now look forward to an amazing array of promotions guaranteed to bring enhanced savings and happiness”.
Others top officials of Lulu Group present at the ceremony were Saifee Rupawala – CEO, Saleem VI – COO, Shabu Abdul Majeed – Retail Operations Director, Mohd Anish – CIO, EP Namboothiri – CFO, KK Prasad – Director of Audit, Santhosh Pillai – Retail Audit Director among others.
Shoppers can join this program easily though kiosks at Lulu hypermarkets or online and benefit from various exclusive offers and redeemable points. Initially the “Happiness” is available in UAE and soon will be rolled out across its 248 stores in the GCC.
The five-day events are held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence….reports Asian Lite News
The 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the 7th Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) opened in Abu Dhabi today with the participation of more than 1,350 companies.
The five-day events, under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
This year’s edition, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the launch of IDEX, is set to be the largest in the history of the event, attracting participants from all over the world to showcase the latest advancements in the international defence sector.
The current edition of NAVDEX will witness the participation of a number of naval vessels from seven countries, namely Pakistan, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, India and the UAE.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the visitors at IDEX and NAVDEX.
Pic credits Twitter @IDEX_UAE
He said that IDEX, since its launch in 1993, has been highlighting the UAE’s journey in the defence industry, and contributing to its growth.
“The high level of participation by a wide range of countries, leading companies, and decision-makers in IDEX & NAVDEX 2023 serves as a testament of the importance of the two exhibitions, and their role in strengthening the events sector, which has become one of the major contributors to the country’s national economy,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He said, “The previous editions of the exhibition, which started around 30 years ago, have supported us in keeping pace with the developments and innovations in the defence sector, and contributed to the rapid growth of the industry.”
“In addition to this, this year’s event will provide startups and SMEs with an unrivalled opportunity to present their innovative ideas, products and services, in the defence and naval defence sectors to industry leaders and experts,” he said.
“We are proud to have organised and hosted successful exhibitions in the fields of defence, aviation, security, technology, and more, which contribute to our country’s comprehensive development. We have also made a major leap forward in our defence industry, which forms a key pillar of our security strategies, economic diversification plans, and upskilling our human cadres,” he added.
Prior to IDEX and NAVDEX, Abu Dhabi hosted International Defence Conference (IDC 2023).
Pic credits Twitter @IDEX_UAE
The conference hosted a broad range of high-caliber speakers from the government and the private sector, addressing key issues in the defence and security space. To an audience of government, academia and corporates, the speakers discussed the potential economic and social consequences of several aspects of technology including the future of defence operations, latest updates and developing talent and managing human capital.
The inaugural session was on “Promise and Peril – the social and economic impacts and risks of widespread adoption of new technologies such as AI, neuro, & biotechnology and extended reality”.
This panel explored the social and economic impact and risks associated with the widespread adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, neuro and biotechnology. These technologies certainly offer new efficiencies and opportunities, but they are also introducing new social uncertainty, risks and tensions. That will in turn, create new missions, requirements and dilemmas for defensive security communities.
Pic credits Twitter @IDEX_UAE
So what are those technologies that will play an important and impactful role in the future? The human experience as a human society? Is it artificial intelligence? Is it gene biotechnology?
Each one of these technologies is going to bring new capabilities, but also new challenges.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, commented, “The limitations are the challenges you have with false positives. Ethical decision-making with a high level of competence is unfortunately not to the degree of a very well trained human being, but with time we’re going to see that as we feed the systems with more and more data, they’re going to be able to give us a better output compared to what we have today.”
AI offers a lot of in terms of efficiency, better decision-making, and perception. However, in the end, the man in front of the machine makes the final decision. Therefore, training people is key. According to John W. Nicholson Jr, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East, ‘AI is not about replacing human decision making but rather enhancing human decision making.’ Al is very good at detecting anomalies and this allows the human to come in and verify what needs to be done.”
Major General Al Mazrouei praised the leadership’s continuous guidance and directives and support in order to enhance the efforts of teams to protect lives..reports Asian Lite News
The Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Team held a meeting on Wednesday, chaired Major General Fares Khalaf Al Mazroui, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Team, in the presence of team members.
The developments of adverse weather conditions were presented according to the national directions by Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre and its impact on the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The representative of the National Center of Meteorology explained the developments of the situation in the country and the emirate, and the local response plan for approved weather conditions was reviewed.
The meeting concluded with a set of strategic decisions, and the Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Team has directed the state of readiness in the emirate to continue. The meeting also emphasised the importance of concerned authorities’ readiness, according to the local response plan for weather conditions, as well as taking the necessary preventive measures while preparing to raise the level of local emergency according to future developments of the situation, provided that the team holds its second meeting as needed.
Major General Al Mazrouei praised the leadership’s continuous guidance and directives and support in order to enhance the efforts of teams to protect lives and property, and to achieve targeted objectives in coordination with entities on local and federal levels.
He also emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts of emergency teams, following unified procedures to deal with emergencies, and enhancing capacities to deal with and respond to emergencies, and prepare for recovery based on national emergency ecosystems.
Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre will ensure the coordination of efforts of all relevant entities, and assure their preparedness to deal with adverse weather conditions.
The 40,000 square meter facility in Abu Dhabi could create 100 jobs and avoid the emission of 18,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually at full operating capacity….reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which will lay the groundwork for new plastic recycling facility in the UAE.
Under the plans, a 12,000 tonnes per annum polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling plant has been earmarked for Abu Dhabi. In line with the UAE’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and boost trade through the export of recycled materials, the plant will recycle PET, a plastic material that is used in food packaging, such as plastic water bottles.
The 40,000 square meter facility in Abu Dhabi could create 100 jobs and avoid the emission of 18,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually at full operating capacity.
The MoU to study the feasibility of the project, which involves Repeet, BEEAH Group, and Agthia, was signed in the presence of Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Director of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment.
Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT, said, “Collaboration is the key driver behind the shift towards a more sustainable industrial sector and a greener economy. Accordingly, the ministry focuses on facilitating partnerships between stakeholders, including financial institutions, national industrial companies, and global corporations, with the aim of supporting GDP growth as well as the UAE’s net zero strategic initiative.”
“As we approach COP28, the ministry will continue to amplify the important initiatives that fall under the national industrial strategy. For instance, we will utilize Make it in the Emirates to attract international investors and companies to engage with the UAE’s industrial sector to help us unlock the opportunities associated with industrial transformation, and circular economy. These opportunities will ultimately help to b/uild a more sustainable, efficient and competitive industrial sector, supporting not only the national economy, but also the global climate agenda,” Al Suwaidi added.
The MoU was signed between Veolia Middle East subsidiary Repeet, UAE-based sustainability pioneer BEEAH Group, and F&B conglomerate Agthia. In the frame of the project under study, Repeet would operate the recycling plant, while BEEAH Group would supply a seven-year feedstock of plastics. Meanwhile, Agthia would provide a seven-year offtake for products. The feedstock will be post-consumed PET bottle bales while the offtakes will be food grade recycled PET resin.
Following the signing, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said, “Aligning closely with the national vision and contributing to the UAE’s sustainability targets have been the driving force for our organisation as we develop and implement circular economy solutions through our waste management business. Through this agreement, we can now further support the UAE’s sustainability agenda and accelerate the circular economy. We are honoured to partner with MoIAT, Repeet and Veolia to tackle the important issue of plastic pollution and make a positive impact together on a larger scale.”
This partnership comes in line with MoIAT’s recent ministerial decree regulating the trade of recycled plastic water bottles. The move aims to facilitate the manufacturing of water bottles using recycled plastic in line with top public health and food safety standards. With time, more local water bottling companies are expected to embrace this circular economy journey and introduce more and more recycled plastic to produce their packaging. This is projected to reduce avoid 50,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, to enhance the national in-country value by AED150 million annually, and to create more than 1000 jobs.
MoIAT works closely with industrial stakeholders, including financial institutions, to leverage incentives and enablers that lead to a business-friendly environment that is attractive to investors.
As part of the UAE’s national industrial strategy, the ministry has introduced various programmes and initiatives that support the sustainable development of priority sectors, contributing to the nation’s economic diversification.
The ministry has a sizeable presence at ADSW, which takes place this week in the run-up to COP28.
ADSW provides an opportunity for the global community to turn ambition into action, by forging partnerships, committing investment, and launching technologies and solutions that can accelerate sustainable development around the world.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, today presented the priority themes of the forum….reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has announced Abu Dhabi as the host city of its 8th World Investment Forum, to be held from 16th to 20th October 2023.
Taking place under the theme “Investing in Sustainable Development”, the forum will bring together government leaders, global CEOs and other investment stakeholders to tackle the key challenges brought about by multiple global crises, including the need to invest in food security, energy, health, supply-chain resilience, infrastructure and productive capacity growth in the least developed countries.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, today presented the priority themes of the forum.
The forum will take place a few weeks ahead of the annual climate summit COP28, which will also be held in the UAE. The forum will enable policymakers and other stakeholders to find solutions and reach consensus on priority issues, and its outcomes will feed into COP28 negotiations.
Important opportunity
“At a time when much of the world is struggling with contracting markets and a post-COVID recovery that has yet to fully take hold, UNCTAD’s 8th World Investment Forum is an important opportunity to take a long-term perspective,” Dr. Al Zeyoudi said.
He said the challenges the world faces, whether systemic issues such as climate change, inequality and food security or mitigating the pandemic’s impact on trade, investment and supply chain resilience, require unity of purpose and action on an unprecedented scale.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi added, “It is fitting that the event takes place in the UAE, where we are continuously reinventing and remodelling our economy to anticipate future changes. Decades of UAE innovation are now generating a level of recognition and trust in our systems and processes, while various national initiatives have helped to attract unprecedented investment and talent, transforming our nation into a truly global business hub.”
From the host city Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, underscored the critical need to safeguard and build on the process of global reform, including the liberalisation of trade and responsible investment policies.
“Against the backdrop of a highly volatile global economic landscape, the international community shares a collective responsibility to address the challenges facing the multilateral trading and development system,” he said. “It is imperative that we continue to come together, cooperate and identify much-needed solutions and alternative ways for the prosperity of all countries and humankind.”
Al Shorafa said the UAE proudly embodies the ideals of openness, equality and sustainability, the pillars of its successful international business and trade doctrine. “We will continue to work with all countries towards alleviating poverty and supporting long-term growth for sustainable development. We have a clear vision on how to scale the solutions required to help move the world forward and achieve real progress.”
For her part, Trypans emphasised the vital role the forum plays in mobilising efforts by the international investment-development community to address global challenges, which have both multiplied and converged in recent years.
“I see how investors, firms and governments are, in increasing numbers, putting sustainability and long-term value at the core of their activities,” she said. “The World Investment Forum aims to bring them all together to make a positive contribution to addressing today’s most pressing issues, including through climate finance and investment. I sincerely thank our host country partners, the Ministry of Economy and the Government of Abu Dhabi, for offering to host the forum.”
Dr Gargash said the UAE remains a regional and global business center and a preferred place for young people to live, work and achieve ambitions.
A year has passed since the vicious terrorist attack on civilian facilities in the UAE, and the nation is more powerful and invincible and more determined to continue its development path, said Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.
Dr Gargash was speaking about the blasts in Abu Dhabi on January 17 last year, which left three civilians dead and six injured.
The attacks on an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah were condemned by world leaders. Several further attempted rocket and drone strikes were also intercepted.
عام على الهجوم الإرهابي الآثم على منشآت مدنية في دولة الإمارات، والوطن أكثر قوة ومنعة وأشد تصميماً على مواصلة مسيرته التنموية، هم أرادوا زعزعة الثقة ببلادنا إلا أنها اقوى من أي تهديد إرهابي، شامخة بعزيمة قيادتها وشعبها وبقدراتها على حماية مكتسباتها وانجازاتها ولحمتنا الوطنية 1/3
“They wanted to shake confidence in our country, but it is stronger than any terrorist threat, proud of the determination of its leadership and people and its capabilities to protect its gains and achievements and our national cohesion,” Dr Gargash posted on twitter.
He said the UAE remains a regional and global business center and a preferred place for young people to live, work and achieve ambitions.
“The UAE is more attractive and vibrant, a regional and global business center, an economy exceeding half a trillion dollars, a global center for innovation and investment, a preferred place for young people to live, work and achieve ambitions, and a source of inspiration for many looking for security, safety, opportunities for growth, development and a decent life.”
Dr Gargash said in the past year, the UAE has continued its regional and global leadership role.
“In general, the UAE is more influential and plays a balanced role through its balanced policy and wide network of relations. Our leadership’s vision for the future is ambitious and enlightened to dedicate the UAE’s position as a country of safety and business and a partner for brothers and friends in building a more stable and prosperous region,” he said.
A year has passed, and terrorism has only increased us in strength and honour, he added.
ADNOC maintained in 2023 its position as the UAE’s most valuable brand for the fifth consecutive year, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy.
ADNOC’s brand value increased by 11% year-on-year to reach $14.2 billion in 2023, an ADNOC statement said on Wednesday.
ADNOC Brand Strength Index increased from 79.1 points to 79.4 points, maintaining its “AA+” rating. Globally amongst all brands, ADNOC climbed 28 places to 138th place from 167th in 2022.
Within the oil and gas industry, ADNOC rose one rank to 8th place.
In terms of brand strength, ADNOC is now the 10th strongest oil and gas brand globally, up two places from 12th in 2022.
We will pilot ways of permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere in partnership with 44.01, winners of the 2022 Earthshot Prize for Climate. Peridotite rocks found in Fujairah have special properties that can mineralize CO2 when mixed with water. pic.twitter.com/u9vCvvbTIY
The continuous growth of ADNOC’s brand value aligns with the leadership directives, the support of the company’s board of directors, and the efforts and dedication of its employees. ADNOC is committed to making today’s energy cleaner, while investing in the clean energies of tomorrow and the company continues to strengthen its position as a reliable and responsible global energy provider.
According to Brand Finance, brand value is the net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market. Brand value is determined through a balanced scorecard of factors, including marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance.
e& named MEA’s most valuable portfolio
e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) has consolidated its position as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to the 2023 Brand Finance Global 500 Report released at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Highlighting its transformation efforts into a global technology and investment conglomerate, e& has achieved remarkable business growth and unwavering stakeholder confidence in 2022, with its portfolio of brands now exceeding a total value of US$14 billion.
Proud to announce that @BrandFinance has recognised us as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the #MEA with a Value of the Group #brand portfolio exceeding US$14 Bn. A true reflection of our commitment to deliver service excellence and of our teams incredible work. pic.twitter.com/6fVmtKButW
This reflects the success of the Group’s business strategy over the past year, which has introduced further improvements in customer service, more people-focused products and new digital services across its specialist business verticals.
etisalat by e&, the Group’s largest telecom brand, also retained its position as the strongest telecom brands across all categories in the MEA region, achieving a score of 89.1 out of 100 and an “AAA” rating, according to the report. It was also rated one of the top three telecom brands in the world, due to its market reach, operational capabilities, and outstanding customer service record.
Everyone across the UAE is invited to Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban community to learn about sustainability through a host of fun, family-friendly and educational activities….reports Asian Lite News
The Festival at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s community event, is returning to the Masdar City podium from January 20-22 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Everyone across the UAE is invited to Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban community to learn about sustainability through a host of fun, family-friendly and educational activities.
The Festival at Masdar City concludes Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, during which Masdar City is showcasing groundbreaking sustainable technologies from numerous local and international start-ups and enterprises.
At ADSW this year, 22 companies will take part in Masdar City’s Innovate platform, a global initiative providing small and medium-sized companies the chance to present to potential investors and company decision makers.
“Masdar City is dedicated to showing the world what urban sustainable development is all about,” said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director, Sustainable Real Estate. “We’ll be doing this with our local and global partners on the exhibition floor – and we’ll be raising awareness in our community when we welcome thousands of visitors to the Masdar City podium for an enjoyable long weekend of family entertainment with sustainability at its core.”
“We’re particularly excited to once again be staging The Festival at Masdar City, with the UAE hosting COP28 in November,” added Al Breiki. “There has never been a better time to learn about sustainability.”
Visitors to the Masdar City podium will be able to learn about and take part in a host of sustainability activities, including sustainable gardening and science experiments courtesy of a series of workshops being sponsored by TAQA, The Festival’s innovation partner.
They will even be able to build their own projects using upcycled materials in a dedicated crafting zone.
There will be live music in a dedicated busking area, a photo-op zone decorated with stunning sustainability installations, a games’ area, arts and crafts, and theatre performances at The Festival’s main stage.
A supervised toddlers’ area will also be provided by Blossom Nursery, which recently opened in Masdar City.
Environmentally aware products will be on sale in a purpose-built retail zone, plus a variety of delicious food and snacks, not to mention thirst-quenching drinks.
PepsiCo’s Aquafina brand, The Festival’s official hydration partner, will be selling nano-filtered still and sparkling water and a variety of flavoured waters from specially installed water stations.
At these stations, visitors will be able to purchase reusable water bottles or refill their own, while choosing the temperature, carbonation level and flavour intensity of their drinks.
Day 1 of the forum featured several roundtables that covered a wide range of global issues, including protecting refugees and children, addressing the global food crisis, and combatting human trafficking…reports Asian Lite News
The Forum on “Engaging Faith Communities: G20 Agendas and Beyond” kicked off today in Abu Dhabi.
Scheduled to run on 12th and 13th December, the Forum, jointly hosted by the G20 Interfaith Forum Association and the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, brings together over 100 leaders from diverse faith communities to explore priority agendas and proposals looking to the G20 2023 process. The Forum serves as a bridge between the November G20 Summit in Indonesia and the launch of the 2023 G20 agenda, with India as 2023 host
The UAE’s hosting of the forum is part of its keenness to forward the vision of the wise leadership to promote intercultural dialogue and communication and build trust among the world’s nations, in an effort to enhance security and stability and drive sustainable development globally.
During the inauguration, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, addressed the attendees in a recorded video message, in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the UAE and President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Dr. Al-Tayeb affirmed that the most essential right for humans to have is the right to coexist and live peacefully, united despite our differences in religious views, income and social standings, adding that we must cooperate to ensure a better life.
The Forum was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople; Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), as well many religious leaders and representatives of participating international institutions and organisations.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah commented, “The significance of such global forums lies in their efficacy in spotlighting key issues that enhance the role of religious leaders,” noting that the efforts of UAE-based institutions in actively participating in the global dialogue to benefit humanity. He went on to offer recommendations to help bridge the divides between people different religions and promote commonalities to avoid conflict and advance the practice of positive human values.
Day 1 of the forum featured several roundtables that covered a wide range of global issues, including protecting refugees and children, addressing the global food crisis, and combatting human trafficking.
The discussions highlighted the need for enhancing international cooperation to protect underprivileged peoples and countries, and build active partnerships that ensure the protection of humans from the fallout of conflicts and crises.
The nine First Apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5″ long fully-flat bed…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it is reintroducing four of its A380s from the summer of 2023.
The move follows a surge in demand for air travel across the airline’s network and customer feedback for the return of one of the most remarkable commercial flying experiences in the sky.
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “It is wonderful to announce the return of this splendid aircraft. The A380’s reintroduction provides a further boost to Etihad’s capacity into the key UK market, with a knock-on effect for the wider GCC and Indian subcontinent that will bring more visitors to the city of Abu Dhabi.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We know this will be welcomed by our guests who love Etihad’s incredible A380 and its award-winning cabins. We have decided the time is right to return some of our A380s into the fleet to satisfy the demand which has made them financially viable once more. We look forward to welcoming our guests again on board this remarkable aircraft.”
Etihad’s A380s feature The Residence as well as three cabin classes on the double-decker aircraft, including 9 First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 405 Economy Smart Seats. This includes 80 Economy Space seats with a seat pitch of up to 36 inches.
The nine First Apartments set across a single-aisle, offer a private living space with a large leather lounge chair and an ottoman which opens up to become a separate 80.5″ long fully-flat bed. The First Apartment is one of the most spacious in its class and also offers a 24″ swiveling LCD TV monitor and personal vanity unit. For the first time, Etihad plans to eventually offer The Residence as an optional extra for guests to further enhance their First experience.
The Lobby, available to guests in First and Business class, is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the two cabins, featuring leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with a USB connection.
Etihad expects to return four of its A380s to the fleet in the summer of 2023, with plans to operate to London Heathrow, freeing up capacity for increased frequencies on existing routes and the launch of new destinations.
The A380s’ return will be supported by the addition of five of their smaller A320 siblings.
Etihad is currently preparing the aircraft to fly again, and part of this preparation includes the recruitment and training of A380 teams, including pilots, cabin crew and technical ground staff.
Those wishing to fly on Etihad’s superjumbo are advised to visit etihad.com or the Etihad app for the latest fares.
