Weekend Digest: Russian cave woman, Asghar's mysterious death, 10-day marrage leave, Priya death sentence reprive and more

This week, the New Manila Airport nears completion, Wizz Air exits Abu Dhabi, and UAE tourists from 50+ countries can now drive with their licenses. Sam Chui weds mid-flight, a Russian woman is found living in an Indian cave, and Nimisha Priya’s execution is halted. Dubai announces marriage leave; Emirates ID gains new uses.

Catch up quickly with our top stories roundup—you won’t want to miss a thing. Scroll down for all the highlights!

New Manila International Airport, where airports go, investors follow

Manila’s second airport is kicking things up a notch. With 80% of the land prepped — especially the seaside stacking near Manila Bay — the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan is nearly ready for takeoff. Read more...

How a Russian woman survived in cave with kids after visa expired in 2017

In a remarkable tale of survival and spiritual devotion, a 40-year-old Russian woman, Nina Kutina—also known as Mohi—was discovered living with her two young daughters in a remote cave on the forested slopes of Ramatirtha Hill near Gokarna in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. Read more...

UAE aviation influencer Sam Chui marries aboard Boeing 747 in sky wedding

It was quite literally love in the air when aviation influencer Sam Chui married fellow aviation professional Fiona Pang aboard a chartered Boeing 747-400 soaring over the UAE on July 12. Read more...

Wizz Air will soon stop all Abu Dhabi flights to control costs

Wizz Air will stop all Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights starting September 1, 2025, due to ongoing engine problems, regional tensions, and regulatory hurdles. These issues have made it harder to keep costs low for the Hungary-based carrier, so it is shifting its focus back to its main markets in Europe. Read more...

Will UAE National Day holiday 2025 be a five-day break?

UAE residents have just two major public holidays remaining in 2025, according to the official holiday calendar announced by the UAE Cabinet. In May 2024, the Cabinet released the full list of public holidays for 2025, outlining both Gregorian and Islamic dates. With most holidays already observed, here’s what to expect for the rest of the year. Read more...

7 unexpected ways to use your Emirates ID

Your Emirates ID is not just for proving your identity and residency in the UAE. It can also simplify your daily life, from paying for petrol to travelling. Here is how you can utilise your Emirates ID to access exclusive benefits. Read more...

Humaira Asghar tried reaching out to 14 people before her death

As the investigation into the mysterious death of model and actress Humaira Asghar Ali unfolded, police have uncovered chilling details pointing to her final, unanswered attempts at contact before vanishing from the public eye. Read more...

Marriage leave of 10 days announced in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, issued Decree No. (31) of 2025 regarding marriage leave for Dubai government employees. Read more...

Who’s behind the last-minute reprieve for Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya?

As the clock ticked toward July 16, the date set for Nimisha Priya’s execution in Yemen, most believed all hope was lost. Then, almost against the odds, came a reprieve. Read more...

Over 50 nationalities can drive in UAE with home country licenses

The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced that residents of over 50 nationalities are permitted to drive vehicles in the country using their national driving licenses during their visit, without the need for theoretical or practical testing — provided they are not residing in the UAE. Read more...