Dubai Municipality Unveils Registration Process for 2026–2027 Winter Camping Season in Al Ruwayyah.
Dubai: Dubai residents preparing for cooler evenings and outdoor adventures will have more opportunities to enjoy desert camping this winter, as Dubai Municipality has officially opened registration for the 2026–2027 winter camping season in Al Ruwayyah.
The municipality has significantly expanded the camping facilities, increasing overall capacity by approximately 120% to accommodate 600 camps, offering visitors more space and a wider range of camping options.
According to an announcement made on Monday, the winter camping season will run from November 1, 2026, until April 30, 2027.
UAE nationals can now complete their registration and reserve designated camping plots through the municipality’s online booking system.
Larger Camping Plots and New Caravan Facilities
Campers will have access to different plot sizes based on their requirements.
Standard camping plots measuring 400 square metres will remain available, while larger plots of up to 800 square metres will also be offered for those seeking additional space.
For the first time, Dubai Municipality has introduced 50 dedicated caravan plots, expanding the options available to visitors who prefer camping with recreational vehicles.
The municipality has also added 10 fully equipped camps available for daily rental, allowing visitors to enjoy a desert camping experience without bringing or setting up their own camping equipment.
These ready-to-use facilities are designed to make short desert getaways more convenient for families, groups and visitors looking for a comfortable outdoor experience.
Seasonal Events, Markets and Family Activities
Beyond expanding camping capacity, Dubai Municipality is working to transform Al Ruwayyah into a more vibrant winter destination offering recreational and community experiences.
As part of the development, 10 designated spaces have been allocated for seasonal events and activities.
These areas will accommodate family gatherings, community programmes, entertainment activities, outdoor recreational experiences and winter markets.
The initiative aims to create a welcoming environment where campers and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the cooler months.
New Business Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs
Dubai Municipality is also introducing dedicated investment opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of the winter camping development.
The initiative will allow local businesses and entrepreneurs to offer food and beverage outlets, desert-based activities and recreational services to visitors.
These opportunities are expected to broaden the range of experiences available at Al Ruwayyah while encouraging local business participation in the seasonal tourism and leisure sector.
Al Ruwayyah Set to Become an Integrated Winter Destination
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, described the latest expansion as an important milestone in developing Al Ruwayyah into a comprehensive winter leisure destination.
He explained that the improvements introduced for the 2026–2027 season would establish a foundation for more varied recreational offerings and stronger community engagement in the future.
The municipality’s expanded camping facilities, new caravan spaces, daily rental camps and designated activity zones are intended to make Al Ruwayyah a more accessible and attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts during Dubai’s winter season.
How to Reserve a Winter Camping Plot in Dubai
Seasonal camping plots can be reserved for periods ranging from three to six months, allowing families to choose a duration that best suits their plans.
UAE nationals interested in booking a camping space for the 2026–2027 winter season can submit their applications through the official Dubai Municipality website, wintercamp.dm.gov.ae, or via the DubaiNow app.
Meanwhile, dedicated caravan spaces and fully furnished camps available for daily rental have separate reservation arrangements, subject to the relevant booking conditions and eligibility requirements.
Once the required permits have been approved and the boundaries of their allocated plots have been clearly marked, seasonal permit holders can begin arranging and equipping their camps according to their preferences.
However, all campers must comply with Dubai Municipality’s established camping rules and safety requirements.
These regulations include installing temporary fencing around designated camping areas and ensuring that the facilities are used strictly for family gatherings and recreational camping activities.
Dubai Municipality has also reserved specific areas for participating government entities, allowing them to establish dedicated camps within the Al Ruwayyah winter camping destination.
Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions: Over 7,800 Departures Cancelled or Not Operated
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has experienced widespread disruption, with more than 7,800 scheduled flights cancelled or not operated between October 8 and 25.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, 7,802 out of 17,299 scheduled departures across the Kingdom were affected, representing approximately 45.1% of all planned services during the period.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport recorded the highest level of disruption, with 4,071 of its 4,736 scheduled departures affected. This accounted for approximately 85.96% of the airport’s planned flights.
Other major Saudi airports also experienced significant operational difficulties:
- Dammam: 823 of 1,956 scheduled departures were disrupted, representing 42.08%.
- Jeddah: 1,402 of 6,380 scheduled departures were affected, equivalent to 21.97%.
Across Saudi Arabia, the proportion of disrupted flights reached a peak of 60.21% on October 12.
The rate subsequently declined to 16.51% on October 24 before climbing again to 44.23% on October 25, coinciding with the reopening of Riyadh airport.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Saudi Arabia should confirm their flight status with their airline before departing for the airport, as operational schedules remain subject to changes.
UAE Flight Updates: Latest Cancellations and Delays
Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have reported delays and cancellations affecting selected international arrivals on Monday, October 26.
Travellers are advised to monitor official airport information and contact their airlines for the latest schedules.
Abu Dhabi: Delayed Arrivals at Zayed International Airport
Several incoming flights at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi were operating behind schedule on Monday, according to the airport’s published flight information.
The affected arrivals included services from Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Peshawar and Lisbon.
Latest Reported Arrival Delays
- Mumbai: Etihad Airways flight EY201, originally scheduled to arrive at 1pm, had its estimated arrival revised to 1:35pm.
- Bangkok: Etihad flight EY403, along with codeshare flights VN3725, UX2704, PG4016, MS8131, K65403 and DE5463, was initially expected at 12:35pm. The revised arrival time was 1:50pm.
- Kuala Lumpur: Etihad flight EY489 and codeshare services XY3489, MS8427 and DE5521 were rescheduled from 12:50pm to 2:25pm.
- Kathmandu: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight 3L044 and Etihad flight EY1385, originally due at 1:25pm, were revised to 2:25pm.
- Peshawar: Pakistan International Airlines flight PK217 was delayed from 5:50pm to 6:45pm.
- Lisbon: Etihad flight EY100 and codeshare TP6891, initially scheduled for 7:45pm, were revised to 8:50pm.
Passengers meeting arriving travellers or making onward connections should check the official Zayed International Airport website or contact the relevant airline for updated arrival information.
Dubai International Airport: Cancelled Arrivals on October 26
Dubai International Airport’s published arrival information also showed several cancellations affecting flights from destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Flights Listed as Cancelled
- 10:55am – Aktyubinsk: FlyArystan flight FS7809, Terminal 1.
- 11:15am – Riyadh: Riyadh Air flight RX241, Terminal 1.
- 11:30am – Basra: Iraqi Airways flight IA127, Terminal 2.
- 12pm – Riyadh: Saudia flight SV596, Terminal 1.
- 12:55pm – Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines flight ET660, Terminal 1.
- 3:25pm – Gassim: flynas flight XY205, Terminal 1.
- 7:30pm – Sulaymaniyah: Iraqi Airways flight IA105, Terminal 2.
- 10:15pm – Pune: SpiceJet flight SG051, Terminal 1.
- Madrid: Emirates flight EK142 to Dubai was also listed as cancelled.
These cancellations reflect continuing changes to international flight operations, particularly on routes affected by regional aviation restrictions.
Dubai International Airport: Delayed Arrivals
Several other flights were listed with revised arrival times rather than cancellations.
Flights Operating Behind Schedule
- Jeddah: Saudia flight SV566 was rescheduled from 9:45am to 10:27am.
- Jeddah: flydubai flight FZ832 was revised from 11:20am to 11:57am.
- Dhaka: US-Bangla Airlines flight BS343 was delayed from 12:40pm to 1:27pm.
- Chittagong: flydubai flight FZ564 was revised from 12:55pm to 1:39pm.
- Baku: flydubai flight FZ710 was rescheduled from 5:15pm to 5:59pm.
- Mumbai: SpiceJet flight SG5060A, originally expected at 6:25pm, was delayed until 3:12am on October 27.
- Manila: Philippine Airlines flight PR658 was revised from 6:45pm to 8:28pm.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight details regularly, particularly when arranging airport pickups or connecting journeys.
Etihad Airways Extends Saudi Flight Cancellations Until November 5
Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of several services connecting Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia through Thursday, November 5, amid continuing regional travel disruptions.
The affected routes include:
- Abu Dhabi–Dammam: All flights in both directions remain cancelled.
- Abu Dhabi–Riyadh: All services between the two cities remain suspended.
- Abu Dhabi–Jeddah: Flights EY601 and EY603 from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah are cancelled, along with return services EY602 and EY604 from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi.
Travellers holding reservations on these routes should visit Etihad Airways’ official website to review their booking status and available rebooking or refund options.
Emirates: Saudi Arabia Services Continue to Face Disruptions
Emirates continues to report cancellations affecting selected flights between Dubai and Saudi Arabia as regional aviation operations remain disrupted.
Riyadh
Services connecting Dubai and Riyadh remain among the affected routes, with passengers advised to check Emirates’ latest flight status information before travelling.
Travellers should verify their individual bookings directly with the airline, as cancellations and operational changes may vary by flight and travel date.
Emirates: Latest Saudi Arabia Flight Cancellations
Emirates continues to report cancellations affecting several routes between Dubai and major Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah.
Riyadh
The following Emirates services are listed as cancelled:
- Dubai to Riyadh: EK813, EK815, EK817 and EK819.
- Riyadh to Dubai: EK814, EK816, EK818 and EK820.
Dammam
Cancellations have also been reported on services connecting Dubai with Dammam.
- Dubai to Dammam: EK821, EK823 and EK827.
- Dammam to Dubai: EK824, EK828 and EK822.
Jeddah
Several Emirates flights operating between Dubai and Jeddah are also affected.
- Dubai to Jeddah: EK801, EK803 and EK805.
- Jeddah to Dubai: EK802, EK804 and EK806.
Medina
Unlike the affected routes above, Emirates services between Dubai and Medina are currently listed as scheduled.
- Dubai to Medina: EK807 and EK809.
- Medina to Dubai: EK808 and EK810.
Passengers should confirm the operating status of their individual flights directly with Emirates before travelling, as schedules may be revised without prior notice.
Emirates Suspends Tel Aviv Codeshare Services
Emirates’ codeshare flights operated in partnership with flydubai between Dubai and Tel Aviv remain suspended until further notice.
The suspension took effect on October 5, 2026, amid continuing regional security concerns.
Affected passengers can contact their travel agents or Emirates’ customer service centre for assistance with alternative arrangements.
Travellers can also review their reservations through the airline’s official website.
Emirates Madrid-Dubai Flight EK142 Cancelled
Emirates flight EK142 from Madrid to Dubai has been listed as cancelled.
The service is expected to operate under flight number EK8144 on October 26 because of an operational issue.
According to the airline, affected travellers are being rebooked to their final destinations and will receive updated travel itineraries.
Passengers can check their revised flight arrangements through Emirates’ Manage Your Booking service.
flydubai: Saudi Arabia Flight Status for October 26
flydubai’s published flight information for Monday, October 26, shows a combination of scheduled, estimated, completed and operating services between Dubai and selected Saudi Arabian destinations.
However, flight-status details were unavailable for several other routes, making it important for passengers to verify their individual bookings.
Saudi Routes With No Flight-Status Information
flydubai’s website did not display flight-status information for Dubai departures to the following destinations on October 26:
- Abha (AHB)
- Dammam (DMM)
- Gizan (GIZ)
- Hofuf (HOF)
- Jouf (AJF)
- Nejran (EAM)
- Neom (NUM)
- Qaisumah (AQI)
- Riyadh (RUH)
- Taif (TIF)
- The Red Sea (RSI)
- Yanbu (YNB)
Important: The absence of flight-status information does not automatically indicate that a service has been cancelled.
Passengers should contact flydubai directly or consult the airline’s official website to confirm whether their flight is operating.
Dubai-Gassim Flights
- Dubai to Gassim: FZ871 — Scheduled.
- Gassim to Dubai: FZ872 — Arrived.
Dubai-Ha’il Flights
- Dubai to Ha’il: FZ925 — Estimated.
- Ha’il to Dubai: FZ926 — Scheduled.
Dubai-Jeddah Flights
- Dubai to Jeddah: FZ831 — Arrived; FZ909 and FZ829 — Estimated.
- Jeddah to Dubai: FZ832 — In flight; FZ910 — Estimated; FZ830 — Scheduled.
Dubai-Madinah Flights
- Dubai to Madinah: FZ897 — Estimated; FZ827 — Scheduled.
- Madinah to Dubai: FZ828 — Arrived; FZ898 — Estimated.
Dubai-Tabuk Flights
- Dubai to Tabuk: FZ881 — Estimated.
- Tabuk to Dubai: FZ882 — Scheduled.
Dubai-Addis Ababa Flights
flydubai also published the following flight statuses for services connecting Dubai with Addis Ababa:
- Dubai to Addis Ababa: FZ641 — Arrived; FZ647 — Scheduled.
- Addis Ababa to Dubai: FZ642 — Arrived; FZ648 — Scheduled.
flydubai Check-In Reminder
flydubai advises travellers that airport check-in counters generally close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, unless passengers receive alternative instructions through SMS or email.
Travellers should check their latest flight information before leaving for the airport and allow sufficient time to complete check-in and security procedures.
Air Arabia: Flights Cancelled on October 26
Air Arabia has reported cancellations affecting several services operating from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on Monday, October 26.
The affected flights cover destinations across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Passengers are advised to check Air Arabia’s official flight-status information before travelling, as operating schedules remain subject to change.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: Cancelled Flights
Yerevan, Armenia
- Abu Dhabi to Yerevan: 3L441.
- Yerevan to Abu Dhabi: 3L442.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Abu Dhabi to Dhaka: 3L063.
- Dhaka to Abu Dhabi: 3L064.
Egypt
- Abu Dhabi to Alexandria Airport: 3L401A.
- Abu Dhabi to Cairo-Sphinx: 3L383.
- Cairo-Sphinx to Abu Dhabi: 3L384.
- Abu Dhabi to Sohag: 3L413.
- Sohag to Abu Dhabi: 3L414.
Kuwait
- Abu Dhabi to Kuwait: 3L020.
- Kuwait to Abu Dhabi: 3L021.
Oman
- Abu Dhabi to Salalah: 3L267.
- Salalah to Abu Dhabi: 3L268.
Air Arabia Sharjah: Latest Cancelled Services
Air Arabia has also listed several cancelled flights departing from and arriving at Sharjah International Airport.
Saudi Arabia
Abha
- Sharjah to Abha: G9195.
- Abha to Sharjah: G9196.
Dammam
- Sharjah to Dammam: G9160, G9163 and G9167.
- Dammam to Sharjah: G9161, G9164 and G9168.
Riyadh
- Sharjah to Riyadh: G9151 and G9154.
- Riyadh to Sharjah: G9152 and G9155.
Kuwait and Qatar
Kuwait
- Sharjah to Kuwait: G9068 and G9124.
- Kuwait to Sharjah: G9069 and G9125.
Doha
- Sharjah to Doha: G9081.
- Doha to Sharjah: G9082.
Oman
Salalah
- Sharjah to Salalah: G9390.
- Salalah to Sharjah: G9391.
Egypt and North Africa
Cairo
- Sharjah to Cairo: G9583.
- Cairo to Sharjah: G9584.
South Asia
Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Sharjah to Chattogram: G9520.
- Chattogram to Sharjah: G9521.
Europe
Athens
- Sharjah to Athens: G9818.
- Athens to Sharjah: G9819.
London Gatwick
- Sharjah to London Gatwick: G9267.
- London Gatwick to Sharjah: G9268.
Moscow Domodedovo
- Sharjah to Moscow: G9950 and G9956.
- Moscow to Sharjah: G9957, G9959 and G9951.
Yekaterinburg
- Sharjah to Yekaterinburg: G9960.
No return services from Yekaterinburg to Sharjah were found in the available flight-status information.
Middle East
Amman, Jordan
- Sharjah to Queen Alia International Airport: G9337.
- Amman to Sharjah: G9338.
Damascus, Syria
- Sharjah to Damascus: G9363.
- Damascus to Sharjah: G9364.
Africa
Entebbe, Uganda
- Sharjah to Entebbe: G9691.
- Entebbe to Sharjah: G9692.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
- Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur: G9802.
Moscow and Yekaterinburg: Additional Flight-Status Information
Apart from the listed Moscow cancellations, Air Arabia flight G9805 from Sharjah to Moscow Domodedovo was shown as not yet departed.
This status does not necessarily mean the flight has been cancelled.
Similarly, no return flights from Yekaterinburg to Sharjah appeared in the available flight-status information.
Passengers should verify these services directly with Air Arabia before making travel arrangements.
What Air Arabia Passengers Should Do
Travellers affected by cancellations should consult Air Arabia’s official website or contact the airline’s customer service team for information about refunds, rebooking and alternative flights.
Passengers are also advised to verify both their outbound and return services, as changes may affect either part of their journey.
Saudi Arabia Airline Updates: Latest Suspensions and Planned Resumptions
Several international carriers have extended flight suspensions or adjusted schedules for Saudi Arabian destinations amid continuing regional disruptions.
The following updates reflect the reported information for October 26, 2026. Travellers should confirm the latest arrangements directly with their airlines.
Etihad Airways
Etihad has cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam through November 5, 2026.
Passengers holding affected reservations should check the airline’s latest rebooking and refund arrangements.
Emirates
Emirates had previously announced suspensions affecting Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah services through October 25.
Selected cancellations were still listed on October 26, making it important for passengers to verify their individual flight numbers.
flydubai
flydubai has suspended services to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until October 29, 2026.
Travellers should check for further updates before their scheduled departure dates.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has cancelled services connecting Sharjah with several Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Taif.
No confirmed resumption date was included in the available information.
Air India and Air India Express
Air India and Air India Express have extended flight suspensions affecting Saudi Arabian routes.
- Riyadh and Dammam: Services remain suspended until November 7, 2026.
- Jeddah: Flights remain suspended until October 31.
Eligible passengers with tickets issued on or before October 24 may request flexible rebooking or a full refund.
Depending on the carrier, route and booking conditions, some passengers may also qualify for a one-time complimentary rebooking to operational destinations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain or India, subject to seat availability.
IndiGo
IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah through October 31, 2026.
The airline is notifying affected customers, who are encouraged to check their booking status before travelling.
Akasa Air
Akasa Air has extended its flight suspensions on two Saudi Arabian routes:
- Jeddah: Flights suspended until November 10.
- Riyadh: Flights suspended until November 30, 2026.
Affected passengers can request a full refund, which the airline says will be returned to the original payment method within seven days.
Alternatively, eligible travellers may reschedule their flights without additional charges.
Customers who booked through travel agents should contact their respective agents for assistance.
Other International Airlines: Saudi Flight Updates
Several additional carriers have reported suspensions or planned resumptions affecting Saudi Arabia.
- Oman Air: Riyadh services remain suspended until October 31.
- SalamAir: Flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam are cancelled through October 31.
- Pakistan International Airlines: Riyadh services have been temporarily suspended since October 9, with no confirmed resumption date.
- Philippine Airlines: Riyadh flights PR654 and PR655 remain suspended until November 29.
- Delta Air Lines: The planned launch of Atlanta-Riyadh flights has been postponed until March 2027.
- Lufthansa Group: Riyadh services remain suspended until November 18, while Dammam flights are suspended through November 30.
- Eurowings: Jeddah flights are scheduled to restart on November 12.
- Scoot: Singapore-Jeddah services remain cancelled until December 2.
- KLM: Cancellations affecting Riyadh and Dammam have been extended through October 31.
- British Airways: Limited Riyadh services are scheduled to resume on November 3, initially operating one daily flight.
- Malaysia Airlines: The airline previously announced the restoration of Jeddah and Madinah services from October 18, although passengers should verify current operations.
- Air France: Its previously announced Riyadh suspension extended through October 24. Travellers should check whether services have resumed or further restrictions have been introduced.
Travel Advisory: What UAE Passengers Should Know
With airline schedules continuing to change across the Middle East, travellers should take additional precautions before heading to the airport.
- Verify flight status: Check directly with the operating airline to confirm whether your service is scheduled, delayed or cancelled.
- Review booking arrangements: Confirm any revised itinerary, alternative flight or rebooking option.
- Check refund eligibility: Passengers affected by cancellations should review their airline’s refund and ticket-change policies.
- Confirm baggage requirements: Rebooked journeys may involve different airlines or routes, potentially affecting baggage allowances.
- Follow official announcements: Monitor airline websites, airport flight-information pages and official travel advisories for updated information.
This report reflects flight information and regional developments reported for October 26, 2026. As aviation schedules can change at short notice, passengers should rely on the latest updates issued by their airline or departure airport before travelling.
