Egypt is expected to receive a $1.2bn disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month as part of an $8bn programme with the international lender, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said on Sunday.

Last month, the IMF said it reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt on the fourth review of the 46-month Extended Fund Facility arrangement, potentially unlocking the $1.2bn disbursement.

“The (IMF’s executive) board will convene in January and, God willing, we will receive the amount in January,” Kouchouk told ON TV in an interview, adding Egypt had not requested an increase to the $8bn loan.

Egypt, grappling with high inflation and shortages of foreign currency, agreed to the expanded IMF programme in March. A sharp decline in Suez Canal revenue caused by regional tensions over the last year compounded its economic woes.

Kouchouk also said Egypt is targeting about $3bn in the remainder of the current fiscal year, which runs until the end of June, through “diverse issuances” to investors without elaborating further. His comments came in response to a question about whether Egypt plans to offer new bonds to foreign investors this year.

Read: IMF grants Egypt initial approval of $1.2bn on fourth review

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aborted take-off at Melbourne Airport on Sunday after a landing gear malfunction led to smoke and damage to two of the aircraft’s wheels, the airline said.

Flight EY461, carrying 271 passengers, was accelerating for departure to Abu Dhabi when the flight crew opted to reject take-off owing to a technical issue, Etihad said in a statement.

“The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway and emergency services attended as a precaution,” the airline said, adding that all passengers disembarked safely.

Footage from the scene showed fire crews surrounding the aircraft, with foam applied to the landing gear as a precautionary measure.

Etihad said it was assisting passengers with alternative travel arrangements and apologised for the disruption. “The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority,” it said.

The airline did not specify the nature of the technical issue or the extent of the damage to the aircraft. Melbourne Airport operations were briefly affected but later resumed normal service.

According to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s 2024 Performance Report, the emirate experienced a 9 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals for the first 11 months of 2024, with a total of 16.79 million visitors between January and November, up from 15.37 million during the same period in 2023.

November saw 1.83 million international tourists, while January and February attracted 1.77 million and 1.9 million tourists, respectively.

Other months showed equally strong performance, with October reaching 1.67 million visitors.

Regional breakdown

Western Europe remained the top source region for international visitors to Dubai, contributing 20 per cent of the total arrivals with 3.3 million tourists. South Asia followed closely, accounting for 17 per cent of the total, with 2.86 million visitors.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ranked third, contributing over 2.5 million tourists, or 15 per cent of the total, while the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe saw 2.35 million visitors, accounting for 14 per cent.

Other regions also made notable contributions: the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) accounted for 12 per cent with 1.93 million tourists, while Northeast and Southeast Asia contributed 10 per cent with 1.62 million.

Visitors from the Americas, Africa, and Australia made up 7 per cent, 5 per cent, and 2 per cent of total visitors, respectively, with figures of 1.12 million, 791,000, and 319,000.

Hotel industry performance

Dubai’s hotel sector has mirrored the tourism growth, with the total number of hotel rooms reaching 153,390 by the end of November, an increase from 149,685 at the end of 2023.

The growth of hospitality establishments was also reflected in a 3 per cent rise in hotel room bookings, which exceeded 39.19 million during the first 11 months of 2024, compared to 38.01 million in the same period the previous year.

The average length of stay for guests was recorded at 3.6 nights, suggesting continued demand for both short-term and extended stays.

The breakdown of hotel room categories shows a clear dominance of higher-end properties. Five-star hotels accounted for 35 per cent of the total rooms, with 53,977 rooms in 168 establishments.

Four-star hotels followed, with 43,345 rooms across 194 properties. Budget accommodations and mid-range hotels also contributed, with 29,701 rooms across 278 establishments in the one- to three-star category.

Also, Dubai’s luxury hotel apartments comprised 13,944 rooms in 80 establishments, while mid-level hotel apartments numbered 12,423 across 108 properties.

Dubai’s hotel sector has also benefited from rising rates. The average daily rate (ADR) for the first 11 months of 2024 was Dhs520, a 2 per cent increase from Dhs510 in the previous year.

The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) showed a 3 per cent rise, reaching Dhs405 compared to Dhs394 in 2023.

At a glance: Dubai’s 2024 tourism performance

• Total international visitors (January-November 2024): 16.79 million
• Monthly breakdown: November – 1.83 million, October – 1.67 million, January – 1.77 million
• Top source regions: Western Europe (3.3 million), South Asia (2.86 million), GCC (2.5 million)
• Hotel rooms available (end-November 2024): 153,390
• Hotel bookings (January-November 2024): 39.19 million room nights
• ADR: Dhs520 (up 2 per cent YoY)
• RevPAR: Dhs405 (up 3 per cent YoY)

Dubai Municipality has awarded contracts for the second phase of Al Mamzar Beach Development Project.

The project, with a total cost of Dhs400m, aims to complete both phases by the end of 2025.

The development will enhance beach infrastructure, seamlessly connecting Al Mamzar Creek with the corniche to create a world-class beach tourism destination.

Focused on sustainability, the project will feature cutting-edge recreational, sports, and commercial facilities, along with a dedicated women’s beach for privacy and safety, including amenities for night swimming.

Spanning 125,000 square metres, the beach will also include a 1,000-meter network of running, walking, and cycling paths linking Al Mamzar Creek Beach and Al Mamzar Park.

Additional features include green spaces, a 5,000-square-metre area for seasonal events, a 2,000-square-metre skateboarding park and restrooms.

Smart technologies, including AI-supported surveillance and crowd management tools, will enhance visitor experience. The development also includes waterfront restaurants, food outlets, and recreational areas to support local businesses.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Public Facilities Agency, highlighted the project’s role in Dubai’s future economic and tourism goals.

“The development of infrastructure projects for tourist and beachfront facilities is a key strategic objective of Dubai Municipality aimed at building a sustainable and attractive city that offers advanced tourism and recreational facilities. This enhances Dubai’s appeal, elevating the quality of life for all, and solidifies the emirate’s position as a leading global tourist destination.,” he said.

Al Mamzar Beach Development Project: Phase One highlights

The first phase of the project, which began in June 2024, is already 45 per cent complete.

This phase includes the construction of a 200-metre pedestrian pontoon bridge to connect both banks of Al Mamzar Creek, a 300-metre-long night swimming beach, and a five-kilometre walkway with dedicated running and cycling tracks.

Visitor facilities such as play areas, jet ski marinas, toilet blocks, and parking spaces are also being built, with 1,400 car parking spaces already included.

The UAE’s Department of Health has made a groundbreaking move by incorporating genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme, reflecting the nation’s commitment to advancing public health.

This initiative, which takes effect in January this year, aligns with the UAE’s dedication to utilising cutting-edge medical innovations to improve health outcomes.

In an age where prevention is increasingly prioritised over treatment, genetic testing is becoming a key tool in personalised and preventive healthcare. It provides individuals with invaluable insights into their genetic predispositions, enabling them to mitigate health risks before they escalate into chronic conditions.

AEON Clinic: Focused on a proactive approach

At the heart of this transformation is AEON Clinic, a leading healthcare provider located within the luxurious Atlantis The Royal.

Under the guidance of Dr Sabah Habibollah, Clinical Scientist in Genetics and Longevity, AEON Clinic is leveraging genomics to revolutionise healthcare, offering individuals a proactive approach to longevity and health optimisation.

Why genetic testing matters

Genetic testing is much more than a diagnostic tool; it is a proactive strategy for disease prevention.

By analysing an individual’s DNA, genetic testing identifies genetic variations and mutations that could increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurological disorders.

Unlike traditional methods that detect diseases after symptoms arise, genetic testing uncovers potential health risks years before they manifest, allowing for early interventions, personalised treatment plans, and lifestyle adjustments.

“Genetic testing empowers individuals with knowledge about their unique health blueprint. This information allows us to tailor strategies for disease prevention and health optimisation, ensuring individuals are equipped to lead longer, healthier lives,” explained Dr Habibollah.

UAE’s vision: A healthier generation through prevention

The UAE’s decision to integrate genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme is a visionary step toward reducing the prevalence of hereditary diseases. By making genetic screening a prerequisite for marriage, the programme aims to:

• Identify genetic risks early: Detect inherited conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, helping to prevent them from being passed to future generations.
• Empower informed decisions: Couples can make educated decisions about family planning with counselling based on their genetic compatibility.
• Reduce disease prevalence: Early detection and management of genetic risks will help mitigate the spread of diseases, ultimately leading to better public health outcomes.

This initiative is not only a safeguard for future families but also a crucial part of the UAE’s strategy to promote a healthier, more resilient population.

Genomics at AEON Clinic: A complete approach to precision healthcare

AEON Clinic is setting the bar for comprehensive healthcare by integrating genetic testing with a full spectrum of precision health services.

Here’s a look at the advanced offerings available to clients:

1. Genetic counselling
   AEON’s certified specialists provide personalised counselling to help individuals and families understand their genetic risks and conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and future.
2. Genetic testing and interpretation
   Advanced genetic testing uncovers mutations linked to chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. AEON’s expert team interprets the results, offering actionable health strategies for prevention or treatment.
3. Prognostic genetics and health risk assessment
   AEON provides personalised health risk evaluations based on genetic assessments, enabling patients to adopt lifestyle modifications or medical interventions to prevent disease onset.
4. Integration of genomic data into clinical care
   AEON pioneers the integration of genomic insights into clinical treatment plans, ensuring that genetic data serves as the foundation for effective, long-term wellness strategies.
5. Pharmacogenomics
   AEON uses pharmacogenomic testing to tailor treatment plans and optimise medication efficacy, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
6. Preconception and prenatal genetic counselling
   AEON offers genetic counselling for couples before conception and during pregnancy to assess carrier status and identify potential genetic risks for their children.
7. Reproductive genetics
   AEON’s reproductive genetic services assess fertility-related factors and hereditary conditions to ensure healthier outcomes for future generations.
8. Cancer genetics
   AEON’s cancer genetics testing identifies hereditary mutations linked to cancers like breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, helping patients take preventive measures.
9. Cardiovascular genetics
   AEON uses genetic testing to detect inherited heart conditions, allowing patients to adopt preventive strategies and reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases.
10. Epigenetic analysis
    AEON helps individuals understand how lifestyle, environment, and behaviour impact gene expression, offering personalised recommendations to optimise health.

“At AEON Clinic, we bridge the gap between science and health. Genomic insights allow us to address health risks at their root, enabling personalised strategies that enhance longevity and quality of life,” said Dr Habibollah.

Embrace the power of genetic testing at AEON Clinic

AEON Clinic, located within Atlantis The Royal, offers advanced genetic testing and personalised genomics services for individuals seeking to take control of their health. By combining world-class expertise with cutting-edge technology, AEON helps clients unlock the secrets of their DNA and chart a path toward a healthier, longer future.

Contact Information:
Address: Atlantis The Royal, Level P, Sunrise Tower, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
Phone: +971 04 518 5777
Email: info@theaeonclinic.com
Website: www.theaeonclinic.com