Gulf Air receives ‘Five-Star Major Airline’ rating

Zayed R. Alzayani, chairman of Gulf Air Group
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Updated 19 November 2023
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Gulf Air receives ‘Five-Star Major Airline’ rating

Zayed R. Alzayani, chairman of Gulf Air Group, received the “Five-Star Major Airline” award presented to Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, by the Airline Passenger Experience Association during Dubai Airshow 2023, held from Nov. 13-17. It is the second time the airline has received this accolade.

The milestone is a testament to the success of Gulf Air’s ongoing enhancements to its products and services, which further solidifies its position as one of the world’s leading airlines.

Alzayani said: “Gulf Air is honored to be one of 35 global airlines to receive the ‘Five-Star’ award out of more than 600 airlines worldwide. I thank all Gulf Air’s workforce for their hard work to make this happen again. We reiterate our commitment to the highest quality levels and exceptional services offered to our passengers on every flight.”

The APEX Official Airline Ratings are created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights. Using a five-star scale, nearly 1 million flights were rated by passengers around the world. Airlines are categorized into four groups by the APEX Official Airline Ratings, and they are independently certified by a professional external auditing company.


31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences

Updated 12 December 2025
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31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences

The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, launched with an unforgettable opening weekend, with dazzling live performances, shows and events. 

Running until Jan. 11, the DSF extravaganza is transforming Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals,  and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.

Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend saw high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, which set the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.

e& DSF Nights

Adding style and glamor to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi dazzled audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show wowed fans on Dec. 6, at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue showcased stunning fireworks complementing an evening of cultural vibrancy and celebration. 

As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event featured interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.

Hatta mountain experiences

DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.

Candlelight Concerts by Fever

Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for 70 dirhams ($28). Kids eight years and below are welcome to join the children’s concert taking place on Dec. 13 for free.

Dinner in the Sky

This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 meters above ground, experience a stunning dinner for 300 dirhams.

Breathtaking shows 

Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerizing technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with color and creativity, symbolizing Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronized drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.

Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via Platinumlist.net. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.