From its 1985 launch, just as Dubai shifted from oil-centric to tourism and trade-led growth, to today’s network spanning over 153 destinations across 80 countries, Emirates symbolises ambition in motion. The anniversary lands in a year of transformation: new aircraft, expanded services and a “Fly Better” promise that defines its long-haul leadership. As Dubai’s global gateway flourishes, Emirates proudly flies that journey — four decades strong and soaring higher than ever.

Emirates at 40 — tracing UAE’s rise through its skies

World’s largest international carrier marks this milestone in full flight on October 25

These perfectly timed moments reveal nature’s humour and heart, proving that the wild can make us smile as much as it can inspire awe. Winners are announced December 9. Above, photographer Stefan Cruysberghs captured this whimsical moment of a red squirrel mid-leap, appearing to surrender with arms outstretched in mid-air. Shot from a wooden hide in a forest once teeming with squirrels, the image blends humour and agility — a playful tribute to nature’s tiny acrobats and fleeting forest moments.

Wildlife’s funniest moments of 2025 – in pictures

An FSO Warszawa from Poland stands among other vintage cars at a private sculpture park in Germany’s Neanderthal Valley — where nature reclaims nostalgia as moss and maple leaves embrace the rusting classics.

Rustic charm: Where classic cars go for a long nap

Bright lamps and glowing smiles define Diwali celebrations, as families gather to light diyas, exchange sweets, and share festive cheer from India to the UAE and beyond.

In pictures: Diwali shines bright around the world

Shoppers pick vibrant garlands and décor items as preparations for Diwali gather pace in the UAE.

Spirit of Diwali unites UAE and world in festive joy

Gulf News reader Dr Naveen Aggarwal captures the amazing fireworks during the grand opening of Global Village 2025.

Reader photos: UAE shines from fireworks to sunsets

Jewellery stores across Dubai and other emirates witnessed heavy festive crowds as residents queued up to buy gold for Dhanteras and Diwali. Many took advantage of price dips, festive promotions, and the auspicious timing for gold purchases.

Dubai’s gold markets shine bright ahead of Diwali

A beautiful then-and-now glimpse of Diwali in the UAE — from intimate gatherings and oil lamps of the past to today’s grand celebrations glowing across cities with lights, music, and togetherness.

UAE glows with Diwali spirit: Then and now

A brown hyena roams the eerie, sand-filled streets of Kolmanskop, a long-abandoned diamond mining town near Lüderitz, Namibia. Captured by South African photographer Wim van den Heever using a night-time camera trap, the haunting image titled Ghost Town Visitor won both the Urban Wildlife and Overall titles at the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.

Ghost Hyena wins Wildlife Photographer award

A spectacular parade and excited crowds mark the opening of Global Village Season 30.

Inside Global Village parade: Fireworks, drums & shows

Photo by Grand Prize winner Thomas Vijayan shows a penguin chick nestled within the warm embrace of its devoted parents amidst the icy expanse of the Antarctic.

Dubai photographer’s penguin family image gets award

Relive the high-stakes FIFA World Cup clash as Qatar edges past UAE 2-1 in thrilling action.

Photos: UAE vs Qatar – World Cup Qualifiers highlights

Dubai is buzzing as Gitex Global 2025 kicks off at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with global leaders and tech enthusiasts descending on the city. Above, visitors at E& pavilion on the opening day of Gitex Global 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Gitex Global 2025: Crowds flock to Dubai tech showcase

Gaza-Israel hostage release: A day of emotions captured in photos

Gaza-Israel hostage release: A day of emotions

One of Dubai’s most stunning sights, Business Bay bridge reflects beautifully in the water below, creating a dreamlike scene—Gulf News reader photo by Dr Naveen Aggarwal.

Readers capture UAE’s beauty — landmarks and landscapes

Opposition activist María Corina Machado of Venezuela won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The former opposition presidential candidate in Venezuela was lauded for being a "key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided - an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government," said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee. Above, María Corina Machado arrives at a Caracas polling station on July 28, 2024.

Nobel Peace Prize: María Machado’s inspiring journey

Dubai’s First Interchange, once the iconic Defence Roundabout on Sheikh Zayed Road, was redeveloped by the RTA into a $168 million three-tier junction completed between 2006 and 2011 to ease growing traffic.

From Defence Roundabout to Dubai’s First Interchange

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), built at a cost of Rs196.5 billion ($2.36 billion), will make Mumbai one of the few global cities with more than one international airport.

India’s next-gen Navi Mumbai Airport takes off

Since launching in 1997 with a few kiosks in a Dubai Creek car park, Global Village has grown into one of Dubai’s top seasonal attractions. Starting with 10 countries and 500,000 visitors, it has since moved locations, finally settling in Dubailand in 2005. Now spanning 17.2 million square feet, it features over 90 pavilions, offering a vibrant mix of food, shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences. In 2025, it continues to draw millions each season. With the current season nearing its end, visitors have just weeks left to enjoy this global celebration.

See: How Global Village has transformed over the years

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