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Mariam Al-Yazidi

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Specializing in Capital and Politics, Mariam Al-Yazidi has written for Yahoo Finance MENA. She blends economic reporting with a keen interest in environmental and social governance. Mariam holds a master’s degree in Media and Cultural Studies. Watching sunsets makes her happy.
Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby
  • Al Tayer Motors

Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby in the UAE, bringing a major new option for performance car buyers across the country. The move gives local drivers direct access to Shelby models through a trusted automotive group with a strong national footprint. For collectors and enthusiasts, this launch adds a simpler path to owning rare American performance cars with local support and service.

The new agreement links Al Tayer Motors with Shelby Middle East under an exclusive retail and service partnership. Through this deal, customers will gain access to Shelby-modified Ford performance vehicles across Al Tayer Motors showrooms and service centres. The first vehicles will begin arriving in September, with the Shelby Mustang Super Snake expected to lead the early rollout.

This matters because the UAE already has a strong demand for premium vehicles with heritage, identity, and strong road presence. Shelby fits that space well. The brand carries deep roots in American performance culture and holds lasting appeal among muscle car fans worldwide. With this launch, buyers in the UAE will no longer need to rely on difficult overseas routes to experience the brand.

“Shelby is an iconic name in high-performance motoring, and we are excited to bring these vehicles to motoring enthusiasts in the country,” said Ashok Khanna, Chief Executive Officer at Al Tayer Motors. “As a company deeply committed to delivering exceptional automotive experiences to our customers, partnering with Al Najdiyah General Trading to represent Shelby vehicles aligns perfectly with our vision.”

In the UAE market since 1982

Al Tayer Motors also brings a major advantage through its broad local network and experience in premium automotive retail. The company has served the UAE market since 1982 and represents major global automotive brands. Its reach across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah gives Shelby a stronger foundation from the start. That reach should help buyers feel more confident about ownership after the sale.

A major part of the value lies in after-sales support. Customers will receive access to genuine Shelby parts, certified Shelby performance upgrade programmes, and dedicated performance specialists. For many buyers, this support is as important as the vehicle itself. High-performance ownership becomes more attractive when service, maintenance, and technical guidance are available through a known local network.

The Shelby Mustang Super Snake will likely draw the most attention during the launch phase. The model already holds a strong status among enthusiasts who follow iconic American performance cars. Its mix of design, power, and name recognition gives it natural appeal in a market that values standout vehicles. The arrival of Shelby trucks should also create interest among buyers looking for a different kind of performance statement.

“Our partnership with Al Tayer Motors in the UAE marks the first step in our broader vision to establish and grow the Shelby brand across the Middle East,” said Yousef Alsulaiman, CEO, Al Najdiyah General Trading (Shelby Middle East). “This is more than introducing high-performance vehicles. It is about building a long-term presence. Our priority is not only to deliver the exceptional cars and trucks that define Shelby, but also to ensure our customers receive world-class service, full warranty support, and an ownership experience that reflects the strength of the brand.”

Al Tayer Motors brings trust, infrastructure, and customer reach

This launch also strengthens the market position of Ford performance vehicles in the UAE. Shelby vehicles are built on Ford platforms, yet deliver a more exclusive and more focused driving experience. That connection will likely resonate with enthusiasts who already appreciate Ford’s performance heritage and want something more distinctive.

For fans of UAE muscle cars, the timing feels important. Buyers want not only power, but also peace of mind. They want specialist support, parts access, and a clear ownership path. Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby with those needs in mind, which gives the partnership more depth than a simple showroom addition.

The broader significance is clear. The UAE performance segment continues to value strong brands with real legacy and local service credibility. Shelby brings emotional weight, collector appeal, and proven character. Al Tayer Motors brings trust, infrastructure, and customer reach. Together, they create a more complete offer for drivers who want bold American performance cars without compromise.

As I see it, this launch should attract both serious collectors and new buyers entering the segment for the first time. The mix of heritage, support, and product excitement gives Shelby a promising entry into the next stage of the UAE market. When the first vehicles arrive in September, many eyes will be on the Shelby Mustang Super Snake and the wider line-up that follows.

  • 4 min read
Etihad Airways flexible booking policy
  • Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways’ flexible booking policy gives travellers a simpler option when plans shift after booking. The new offer removes the first flight date change fee on eligible fares. This update helps passengers who want more travel flexibility during uncertain planning periods. You still need to watch the fare difference before confirming a new trip date.

Etihad Airways applies this offer to tickets issued on or after March 6, 2026. Travel under this rule stays valid through March 31, 2027, on selected fares. The waiver covers only the first flight date change on eligible discounted bookings. Refund fees, no-show charges, and other penalties still stay outside this offer.

Travellers should understand one important point before making any booking under this policy. A free change fee does not mean the new ticket price stays unchanged. When ticket prices rise, passengers must pay the fare difference during rebooking. This rule makes timing important for anyone planning future holidays or business trips.

Etihad Airways also says all changes must go through its own official channels. Passengers need to use etihad.com or call centres for any approved modification. This step matters because outside agents might follow different service steps or limits. Checking fare rules before payment gives you a clearer picture of each booking.

Etihad Airways includes taxes and fuel surcharges in promoted fares shown during booking. Final totals still change when airport taxes move before your payment finishes. From my standpoint, this makes careful review essential before you lock in any travel plan. Small details in airline ticket rules often shape the full cost more than headlines suggest.

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Etihad Airways’ flexible booking policy still comes with limits that travellers should review

Selected fares under this offer carry limited inventory and depend on seat availability. Some routes or travel dates might not support the waiver at booking. Weekend surcharges, peak period charges, and blackout dates might still raise total costs. Those limits mean a free change option still needs careful planning from travellers.

Valid visas and travel documents also remain the passenger’s own responsibility throughout travel. A changed ticket does not solve entry issues in any destination country. Travellers should match new dates with visa validity before making a flight date change. That step helps avoid extra stress close to departure or airport check-in.

This policy also fits a wider pattern across UAE airline updates this season. Airlines across the region have focused more on flexible support during schedule changes. That approach reflects a stronger demand for easier booking tools and clearer self-service. Passengers now expect faster rebooking options when plans change without warning.

An approach that helps you avoid surprise costs

Etihad Airways benefits from this move because travellers often compare flexibility before price. A cheaper fare looks less useful when the change costs feel too heavy later. Giving one free amendment improves confidence during the first booking decision for many. That confidence often matters for families, frequent flyers, and short-notice business travellers.

Still, this offer works best for passengers who read every rule before purchase. Travel flexibility sounds generous, though rules decide the real value in daily use. Anyone booking should review date limits, fare difference terms, and route restrictions first. That careful approach helps you avoid surprise costs and use the policy well.

For many passengers, the real benefit is peace of mind during uncertain scheduling periods. A first free change gives room to react when work or family plans shift. Yet smart travellers still compare total booking terms before choosing any discounted ticket. In practical terms, flexibility matters most when paired with clear costs and realistic planning.

  • 4 min read
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