World Marathon Challenge
James Elliot-Square and Paris Norriss have completed the World Marathon Challenge, which saw them run in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Fortaleza, Madrid and Miami. All photos: Strides For Good
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Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Here you will find the perfect Greece holiday destinations
Greece, a perennial favourite for holidaymakers, offers far more than its famed sun-drenched beaches and picturesque islands. This sprawling nation, encompassing 110,496 square kilometres of mainland and 227 inhabited islands -- alongside thousands of uninhabited islets -- promises a depth of experience that invites endless exploration. Such is its breadth that even seasoned travellers find new discoveries with each visit, barely scratching the surface. While the Cycladic islands conjure the quintessential travel-brochure image of iconic sugar-cube houses against dramatic charcoal cliffs, Greece's diverse archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, from dense pine forests to stretches of golden sand. The mainland, often overshadowed by its island counterparts, holds its own treasures. Athens, a vibrant European capital, seamlessly blends millennia-old ruins with contemporary, bustling neighbourhoods, offering a cultural immersion unlike any other. Across its varied regions, the promise of classic Greek cuisine and warm, embracing hospitality remains a constant, ensuring a memorable experience whether exploring ancient sites or simply unwinding by the sea. Best for history buffs: Athens Greece's handsome capital is a must-do city break that works at any time of year - but if you go from May to October, you'll also find ferries from its Piraeus port, making it easy to tack on a beach or nature break. Tourists shield themselves with an umbrella as they walk in front of the Parthenon at the ancient Acropolis in central Athens. File/AP Most of the ancient Greek sites are based on and around the Acropolis Hill, so for very short breaks you should base yourself in central Monastiraki and Plaka so you can sightsee straight from your doorstep. If you have a bit more time to play with, you might want to stay in cooler Psyrri or Pangrati, where hole-in-the-wall restaurants and craft beer bars nudge up against concept stores and pavement cafes. Or Kolonaki, the upmarket "Knightsbridge of Athens", where you'll find the ritziest hotels. Best time for weather Outside of July and August to avoid soaring temperatures - breezy March and still-toasty October are loveliest. Cheapest time to go Winter, when flights are still running and few tourists are in town. In October, return flights start at around £80 return; in January that almost halves to around £45. Dodge the crowds November, January and February have the lowest hotel room rates and thinnest crowds. Best for glamour: Santorini This Cycladic icon is no secret - ever since the jet-set (and Instagram) found it, this has become the island that launched a thousand selfies. But when you go, you see why: the part-sunken edge of a long-dormant volcano rim, the island's western (caldera) side plunges down into the sea in a photogenic fashion. Uniformly pretty Cycladic-style hotels and houses are speckled along its tops, many with illuminated plunge pools and ribbons of hot-pink bougainvillea. Stay around Oia and Imerovigli, taking a sunset yacht cruise around the coast, and you'll feel like you're starring in a movie. Its breadth that even seasoned travellers find new discoveries with each visit, barely scratching the surface. Elsewhere on the island, affordable accommodation exists near flatter, black volcanic beaches and pretty hilltop towns; but if you're here for Santorini's unique looks, you want the caldera coast. It's not family friendly, due to the plunging cliffs and millions of steps connecting buildings. And everything here - from hotel rooms to dinners and drinks - is pricier than elsewhere in Greece. Cheapest choice? No way. Worth the cash? Absolutely. Best time for weather September - think highs of 25C by day, and a sea warmed up by months of summer heat. Cheapest time to go This is a holiday island, so most places shut up shop outside of spring, summer and autumn. Within that period, you'll get some of the best rates in April and October. Dodge the crowds In April, compromise on chillier evenings and the odd bit of drizzle for a chance alone with the best caldera views. May is also pleasantly quiet. Best for families: Corfu The buzzword here is "ease": not only does Corfu have the shortest flight time from the UK, but young families will also love the logical tourist scene. Fly into its east-coast airport, connected to hotels by a well-paved coast road, served by plentiful taxis. Most resorts are within half-an-hour's drive, with more secluded villas and lesser-known hotels slightly further away on the north and northeast coast. Many of the best-known hotels nail being both both chic and family friendly (try the Marbella, Ikos or Grecotel groups), with many more that are simply affordable and welcoming. A sprinkling of adults-only finds are a hit with couples. Though the tourist scene is accessible, tried and tested, this huge, forested island is also perfect for hiring a car and exploring. Visit the pretty old port, Corfu Town, the sand-fringed north and west coast, and hop on a boat to Paxos island. Best time for weather June to August has that blazing hot, bucket-and-spade weather you're dreaming of. Cheapest time to go May is still warm and breezy, with highs in the low 20s - weeks at self-catering apartment holidays come in at £500pp per week, rising to more like £800pp by mid July. Best time for weather September - think highs of 25C by day, and a sea warmed up by months of summer heat. Dodge the crowds Go for a more active holiday in Feb-March or late October-November; in the latter, you'll find few tourists, but locals still swimming in the summer-warmed sea. Best for foodies: Crete This island is a giant - it would take around five hours to drive nonstop from one end to the other - so even if you've seen one beach town or region, there's far more to explore. But one thing you'll find all over is exceptional food: Crete has a long farming tradition and a huge respect for produce, seasonality and provenance. It also has its own styles of salad, local cheeses and is a major producer of olive oil. Elsewhere in Greece, the most fashionable restaurants are often inspired by Cretan cuisine. You fly into one of two north-coast airports: Chania towards the west and Heraklion towards the east. They're more than two hours apart, so make sure you book the best for your accommodation. The joy of a big isle like this is choice and diversity: there are affordable, family-friendly beach towns, stylish port cities, ancient archaeological sites and secret-feeling coves only reached by boat. The trade-off? A fair bit of research and planning. Best time for weather June to August for peak summer sun, but Crete also remains balmy into September - great news for adults-only parties seeking peace and quiet. Cheapest time to go April is a sweet spot - you can bag a week in a five-star beach hotel from £730pp, rising to £1,100pp in June. Daytime temperatures will be around 17-21C maximum. Dodge the crowds It empties out from cooler November to March, when there are still plenty of active pursuits, foodie experiences and ancient sites to entertain you. The Independent
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Zawya
UAE airports cement global leadership in sustainability, shape future of travel
ABU DHABI: Airports across the UAE are solidifying their position as global leaders in sustainability and innovation, driven by the implementation of ambitious projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental efficiency and elevating the passenger experience. In 2024, the UAE cemented its status as a leading global aviation centre with increased infrastructure investments, clean energy initiatives, and sustainability-focused endeavours, including expanded use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and sustainable ground operations. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport exemplifies this commitment. Achieving a 3 Pearl Estidama rating during construction highlights its adherence to stringent environmental standards in design and build. It became one of the largest buildings in the UAE to be awarded this prestigious rating. Spanning 480,000 square meters of meticulously crafted green spaces, the project redefines sustainable landscaping in the region and solidifies Abu Dhabi's reputation as a hub for innovation and environmental stewardship. Zayed International Airport was also named "Best Airport at Arrivals Globally" by the Airports Council International (ACI) World in 2024, and Abu Dhabi Airports won the "Airport Operator of the Year" award at the Aviation Achievement Awards 2024. Dubai International Airport (DXB) gained global recognition for carbon emission reduction, achieving a Level 4 "Transformation" accreditation from ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, placing it, as of September 2024, among the top 5 percent of participating airports worldwide to achieve this status. Strategic announcements in 2024 included the AED128 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport's passenger terminal, set to be the world's largest with a 260 million passenger capacity and 400 aircraft gates. Al Maktoum International Airport embodies the emirate's ambition for global leadership in travel, anticipating over 4 percent passenger traffic growth in the UAE. In October 2024, Dubai Airports launched the world's largest rooftop solar panel installation project at any airport, which will meet 6.5 percent of DXB's and 20 percent of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International's (DWC) energy needs with 62,904 panels across both airports. Sharjah Airport prioritises environmental responsibility and sustainability, renewing its carbon-neutral accreditation under ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The airport continues to develop integrated strategies for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and innovative policies to enhance its positive environmental impact.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah Eco. City.. Important global trade route project
Jeddah: Situated on the Red Sea near Jeddah International Center, the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is an important project aimed at boosting global trade and diversify the Kingdom non-oil income. The KAEC strategic location made it a unique due to the fact that around 13 percent of global trade would go through it, making one of the main gates linking markets in China through the Belt and Road initiative to developing markets in the African continent. The KAEC's initial seed was planted in 2006 by late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as part of the 2023 economic cities initiative and itآ's constructed on an area of around 60 square kilometers. The KAEC consists of an economic city, special economic zone, as well as the King Abdullah port. The KAEC attracts major world companies of added investment value due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business incentives. The special economic zone, for instance, provides tax exemptions and full foreign ownership with competitive prices for services, which allows companies in the region to increase operation capacity and focus on growth and creativity. As for the port, it is the second largest one on the Red Sea and was ranked by the World Bank in 2022 as the biggest container capacity port in the world. The city is aiming to become a leading investment hub in the Saudi kingdom via its offering unique investment opportunities and business in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Along with its business and investment atmosphere, the KAEC has housing projects, excellent hotels, entertainment facilities. The city's industrial valley hosts over 100 companies from across the globe, solidifying its status as a focal point for economy, investments, and major industries. Within the Saudi file to host the 2034 FIFA World, the KAEC would be home for a grand football stadium, which could hold 45,000 spectators, providing a unique experience. The KAEC is linked to the Haramain High Speed Railway, taking passengers to Holy Sites in Makkah and Madina in addition to Jeddah and King Abdulaziz International Airport. The King Abdullah Economic City aims to become a smart city via its advance infrastructure using fiber optics and advance telecommunication in addition to other technological advancements. On the industrial level, the KAEC established the very first full assembly for automotive parts in the Kingdom, attracting global vehicle companies. The Saudi leadership recently announced the KAEC's King Salman Automotive Cluster, which is deemed as an important component for diversifying the Kingdom's non-oil income. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
