flydubai, described as Dubai's innovative low-cost airline, has reached yet another milestone, having become the first airline in the world to show high definition (HD) movies from all six major Hollywood studios.
The airline introduced its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in December 2010 with HD films from Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Now, two years later, the HD debut of The Bourne Legacy from NBCUniversal has brought the full spectrum onboard. flydubai also has HD titles from Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Ghaith Al-Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: "From day one, we have aimed to offer our passengers the best in-flight experience and the IFE is a significant part of this. The team has worked incredibly hard to forge relationships with these studios to bring the widest variety of entertainment to flydubai, ensuring our customers have unparalleled choice and viewing quality." As the launch customer for the 'Fiber-To-The-Screen (FTTS) system by Lumexis, flydubai became the first airline in the world to show HD movies simultaneously to every seat back. The feat was achieved thanks to the system's fiber optic technology, which provides a much higher bandwidth and faster data transfer than copper networks.
Doug Cline, CEO of Lumexis, said: "We have consistently worked with flydubai, our launch customer, to keep setting new benchmarks. The FTTS system is the most technologically advanced on the market and it brings us great pleasure to support this innovative airline in providing its passengers with the very best in movie quality and choice."
Flydubai offers 25 HD films including new titles The Bourne Legacy, The Dark Night Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man. In total, the airline has 198 movies from Hollywood, Bollywood, Russia and the Arabic film world, in addition to 162 TV episodes, 324 audio albums and 36 games, with more titles introduced every month.
Flydubai now features HD movies from all Hollywood studios
Flydubai now features HD movies from all Hollywood studios
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
