Dubai International Film Festival to Resume in 2027 with Focus on Middle Eastern Cinema

The airline British Airways has announced plans to resume flights to Dubai starting November 3, 2026. Regarding Abu Dhabi, service there will be suspended until the winter season of 2027–2028.

The airline stated in a release to Khaleej Times that these schedule changes in the Middle East are occurring against the backdrop of the ongoing regional situation. The British national carrier specified that the adjustments have been made to provide greater clarity for passengers.

British Airways emphasized that it is constantly monitoring the situation and maintaining direct contact with affected customers, offering them various assistance options. According to the airline's information, after resuming flights to Dubai, they will initially operate once a day during the winter period, and then increase to two daily flights in the summer season.

However, flights to Abu Dhabi will only commence during the winter season of 2027–2028. The British flag carrier suspended flights to the UAE and Gulf countries following the US attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, and has since consistently postponed the resumption of flights due to the regional situation.

British Airways also noted that since the disruptions began, the company has helped thousands of customers return home, organized relief flights, and increased capacity on important long-haul routes. The airline added that it will continue to assess conditions and introduce additional flights where possible, striving to restore full connectivity with the UAE.

Global Village has announced the opening dates for its 31st season. This family center will begin operations on October 14, 2026, and will run for over seven months, until May 2027. As part of an operation called 'A More Wonderful World,' it will once again feature attractions for entertainment, dining, and shopping.

The upcoming season will present a range of exciting new additions designed to motivate visitors to come back and discover Global Village in unique ways.

With thirty years of successful experience, Global Village has become an integral part of Dubai's cultural and entertainment calendar. Since 1997, it has welcomed millions of guests from both the UAE and other countries. Through immersive pavilions, live performances, high-class dining, and unique shopping finds, this venue continues to evolve every season, bringing the world together under one roof.

Global Village concluded its landmark 30th season on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following a three-week extension held to cover the Eid al-Adha holidays. The 30th season faced an unusual break as the park was closed for over 51 days due to regional tensions before resuming operations on April 20, 2026.

Before the start of the new season, Global Village opened registration for food service businesses. Applications are accepted in two categories: 'Restaurants and Cafes' and 'Food Kiosks and Carts.' The deadline for applications is September 16, 2026. Registered vendors receive comprehensive support, including custom setup, visa assistance, customs procedures for imported goods, warehousing, and electronic payment terminals. Global Village often serves as a testing ground for new culinary concepts, allowing kitchens to sample their dishes and international eateries to launch local branches.

The 30th season of this popular destination was a milestone. It featured 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, more than 3,500 retail outlets, and over 250 dining options. Visitors enjoyed 40,500 performances by 450 international artists, as well as more than 200 rides and games at Carnaval.