Samarkand has been added to the flight network of Turkish Airlines and becomes the 302nd destination offered by the carrier.
The city was recently designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
Samarkand, founded on the Silk Road and one of the most important transportation lines of world trade for centuries, is the second destination of Turkish Airlines to be operated in Uzbekistan after the capital city of Tashkent.
In a speech at the launch ceremony of the new route at the Samarkand International Airport, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said: “We have launched flights to Samarkand, one of the most important cities of our civilization, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will be able to fly to Samarkand from 121 countries through direct flights.”
He added: “I believe that this pearl city, which hosts numerous madrasas (schools), mosques, museums, tombs, observatories and architectural masterpieces, will progress in tourism in a short time. Also, we are glad to serve this city that is the eternal resting place of several historical figures and scholars.”
Ekşi underlined the strong ties between the two countries since the beginning of operations of the Turkish Airlines flights to Uzbekistan in 1992.
The carrier is operating flights to Tashkent seven times a week and will operate Samarkand flights twice weekly.
Round trip fares from Istanbul to Samarkand start from $364, including taxes and fees.
Turkish Airlines adds Samarkand to flight network
Turkish Airlines adds Samarkand to flight network
Meraas unveils Dubai Design District residential masterplan
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District, transforming the district into one of Dubai’s most desirable creative-led waterfront neighborhoods. The development will introduce contemporary canal-front living, cultural quarters, public green spaces and walkable urban streets, creating a fully integrated community where global talent can live, work and innovate.
Located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the enhanced masterplan spans 18 million square feet of land. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the neighborhood blends residential, cultural, retail and hospitality experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global center for design, innovation and culture, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The residential expansion also responds to increasing market demand, following the strong performance of recent launches and growing interest from both local and international buyers seeking design-led, well-connected waterfront communities.
A defining feature of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that seamlessly connects the entire district. Activated through public art, creative installations, community spaces and landscaped green corridors, it will support walkable, human-centric living while strengthening d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward urban neighborhoods. The masterplan is also targeting LEED Silver community certification, with sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity, energy-efficient design and integration with natural landscapes, including visual links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Five distinct areas will shape the character of the new neighborhood. Along the canal, the first will introduce contemporary residences and boutique hospitality set against an activated waterfront promenade. The urban core will unite residential offerings with curated retail and dining, integrated with d3’s established global creative ecosystem. A third area will become the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Another will offer a wellness-focused residential setting defined by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final area will become a center for creativity, with galleries, studios and loft-style spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity and artistic production.
Khalid Al-Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighborhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”
Momentum around the district continues to accelerate. Meraas’ recent residential releases at d3 have attracted exceptional demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful launch of The Edit, a three-tower development offering 557 design-led homes.
With its expanded vision, new residential offering and distinctive creative identity, the enhanced d3 masterplan will establish the district as one of Dubai’s most inspiring and globally relevant neighborhoods — a place where creativity shapes everyday life and where the world’s creative community can truly belong.
