Happy Monday everyone!

Emirates is extending the life of its iconic A380 fleet through the 2030s, defying industry trends and doubling down on luxury air travel. In a historic first, the UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais has been elected as the next Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, marking a milestone for Arab women in global leadership. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are joining forces to financially support Syria’s public sector, signaling deeper regional engagement post-conflict.

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Emirates To Keep A380 Flying Through 2030s Despite Global Phase-Out

What Is It About

• Emirates plans to keep its fleet of Airbus A380s in service until the end of the next decade, according to President Tim Clark.

• The Dubai-based carrier, which operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s, is preparing another first-class upgradefor the aircraft.

• Emirates is already investing billions into refreshing its A380 interiors with a four-class layout, including premium economy.

Why It Matters

• Emirates is the last major airline still heavily relying on the A380 after Airbus ceased production in 2019 due to weak demand.

• The carrier’s strategy underlines a lack of clear alternatives: Emirates hasn’t ordered the A350-1000 due to concerns about Rolls-Royce engines, and Boeing’s 777X has been delayed.

• With over 100 A380s, Emirates' long-term commitment stands in contrast to the broader industry shift toward smaller, more efficient widebodies like the A350 and 787.

What’s Next

• Emirates is designing a new first-class product, though details remain under wraps.

• The Boeing 777X is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in late 2026, but until then, the A380 remains the airline’s flagship.

• Challenges around engine parts availability may emerge as the aircraft ages, but Emirates has salvaged components from retired units to mitigate this.

Markets

UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais Becomes First Woman To Lead UN World Tourism Body

What Is It About

• Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais of the UAE has been elected as the next secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) — the first woman to hold the position since the body was founded in 1975.

• Chosen through a vote by 35 member states at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Al Nowais will begin her four-year term in 2026.

• She brings over 15 years of experience in tourism, hospitality investment, and asset management.

Why It Matters

• This is a historic breakthrough for women and for the Arab world in international tourism governance.

• Al Nowais’s election reflects the UAE’s growing global influence in international institutions, backed by the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

• Her strategic agenda focuses on responsible tourism, inclusion, innovation, sustainable financing, and transparent governance, aligning with global shifts in the travel sector.

What’s Next

• Al Nowais aims to make tourism a driver of resilience, equity, and climate action in the face of global disruptions.

• Her leadership will be watched closely as she steers the sector through ongoing transformation and sustainability demands.

• Her five-pillar roadmap could reshape UNWTO priorities and influence policymaking for years to come.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Pledge Joint Financial Support To Syria’s Public Sector Amid Warming Ties

What Is It About

• Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud announced in Damascus that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will jointly fund salaries for Syria’s state employees.

• The financial support will be disbursed over a three-month period, though the exact amount was not disclosed.

• This follows a $15 million joint Saudi-Qatari contribution in April to clear Syria’s arrears to the World Bank.

• The Saudi foreign minister is in Damascus with a high-level economic delegation to discuss expanded cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Why It Matters

• The announcement marks a major step in Syria’s reintegration into Arab diplomatic and economic circles following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

• It signals deepening Gulf engagement with Syria after years of isolation, aligning with broader regional normalization efforts.

• Saudi Arabia played a key role in advocating for the lifting of Western sanctions, including the recent U.S. and EU moves to ease restrictions.

• The financial aid to Syria’s public sector underlines Gulf willingness to stabilize the country’s fragile economy as part of a broader regional realignment.

What’s Next

• Saudi and Qatari investment teams are expected to visit Syria soon to explore opportunities in key economic sectors.

• Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit Kuwait to discuss bilateral cooperation, further cementing Syria’s Arab re-engagement.

• Gulf-backed financial and political support could be a lifeline for Syria’s reconstruction, potentially drawing in broader international investment if regional stability holds.

🔍From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dubai’s Viral Chocolate Bar Just Landed in $3,000/Night Hotel Rooms—But You Still Won’t Find It at Carrefour.

🔍In other news…

• UAE fuel prices reveal minor changes as diesel rates decrease in June 2025

• MENA Livestreaming Market To Reach Nearly $18B by 2030, Driving Digital Economy Expansion: TikTok

• UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates one million visitors in less than 2 months

• Gulf countries look east and west for trade agreements: Semafor

• Ardara, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is making multi-million-dollar investment in Aseer province in the south of the kingdom

• UAE-Serbia trade to accelerate as Cepa comes into effect

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