ABU DHABI — Zayed International Airport, the bustling gateway formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is operating normally Wednesday with hundreds of flights scheduled, dispelling any rumors of a new opening while highlighting its innovative push to welcome non-travelers for shopping and exploration.

As of mid-morning May 13, 2026, the airport is handling arrivals and departures smoothly under clear skies, with Etihad Airways and partner carriers maintaining robust schedules to destinations across Europe, Asia and beyond. Live trackers show over 400 flights planned for the day, reflecting full recovery from earlier regional disruptions tied to Middle East tensions.

The facility, renamed Zayed International Airport in early 2024 to honor the UAE’s founding father, has emerged as one of the region’s most modern aviation landmarks. Its centerpiece Terminal A, which fully integrated operations in late 2023 after years of construction, continues to impress travelers with its vast scale, advanced technology and luxurious amenities.

Terminal A, a $3 billion masterpiece designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, spans over 700,000 square meters and features seamless biometric processing, state-of-the-art baggage systems and expansive retail zones. The terminal can accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually in its current configuration, with ambitious expansion plans underway to reach 65 million by 2032.

Abu Dhabi Airports recently launched a groundbreaking eight-week initiative allowing UAE residents and nationals to visit the terminal without a boarding pass. The “Shopping Pass” program, which began in mid-April, lets visitors register online for a digital QR code, granting up to four hours inside to browse duty-free luxury stores, dine at world-class restaurants and experience the airport’s architectural splendor.

This marks a first-of-its-kind move for a major Gulf hub, transforming the airport from a transit point into a lifestyle destination. Visitors can access high-end brands like Cartier, Chanel and Hermès at duty-free prices while enjoying the terminal’s soaring ceilings, art installations and comfortable lounges. Laptops and tablets are restricted during visits for security reasons.

The program responds to evolving post-pandemic travel patterns and aims to boost non-aeronautical revenue. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with families, shoppers and aviation enthusiasts flocking to the terminal during the trial period running through early June.

Zayed International Airport’s journey reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader aviation ambitions. Originally opened decades ago, the facility underwent a massive transformation with the Midfield Terminal (now Terminal A) project. Full transition of all airlines to the new terminal occurred by mid-November 2023, streamlining operations and elevating the passenger experience.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier based at the airport, has steadily rebuilt its network. Following temporary airspace restrictions in February and March 2026 amid regional geopolitical tensions, operations resumed progressively. By early May, the airport had returned to near-normal capacity with Etihad operating dozens of daily flights to around 80 destinations.

Modern features define the passenger journey. Biometric gates speed up immigration and security, while advanced digital signage and mobile apps provide real-time updates. Sustainability efforts include energy-efficient systems and extensive use of recycled materials, aligning with the UAE’s green aviation goals.

The airport’s resilience shone through recent challenges. Widespread airspace closures in late February and early March due to heightened security concerns disrupted flights across the UAE. Limited operations resumed in March, with full normalization by May following the reopening of regional airspace.

Today, passengers enjoy smooth processing. Arrival and departure halls buzz with activity, and retail outlets report strong sales. The non-traveler access program has added vibrancy, with visitors mingling alongside actual flyers in shared public zones.

Expansion remains on the horizon. Abu Dhabi Airports is developing a master plan for further growth, with construction potentially starting within two years. Plans include capacity increases and infrastructure upgrades to support Etihad’s fleet expansion and rising tourism numbers.

Connectivity benefits the wider economy. As Abu Dhabi’s primary international gateway, the airport supports tourism, business and cargo operations. Its strategic location enhances the UAE’s role as a global aviation hub between Europe, Asia and Africa.

For travelers today, standard procedures apply. Airlines recommend arriving with confirmed bookings and checking flight status amid any residual regional volatility. The airport’s website and app provide live updates, while dedicated staff assist with inquiries.

The non-traveler initiative underscores innovation in airport management. By opening doors to the public, Zayed International Airport positions itself as more than infrastructure — a community asset and experiential venue. Similar concepts could spread to other hubs seeking diversified revenue.

Challenges persist in a competitive landscape. Dubai International Airport remains larger, but Abu Dhabi’s focus on premium service and Etihad partnerships carves a distinct niche. Passenger numbers have rebounded strongly in 2026, with forecasts pointing to continued growth.

As evening approaches on May 13, the terminal will continue welcoming both flyers and curious visitors under the Shopping Pass scheme. Its gleaming halls, efficient operations and forward-looking programs affirm Zayed International Airport’s status as a world-class facility fully open and thriving.

No grand reopening occurred today, but the airport’s ongoing evolution — from architectural marvel to accessible destination — keeps it at the forefront of global aviation trends. For residents and international visitors alike, it stands ready to impress, whether for a quick shopping excursion or the start of a journey across continents.

In the modern housing market, where technology is at the forefront, it’s not uncommon for homebuyers to find their dream home on social media before ever making an appointment to view it in person.

While browsing through social media, homebuyers may come across dozens of listings, but only a few stand out from the rest. That is where short-form video reels come in handy.

With Pippit and its AI video generator, homebuyers can now become the stars of their very own video reels, making their home listings look dynamic and engaging. Instead of using images or written descriptions, homebuyers can use video reels to bring their homes to life in just a few seconds, giving them a better idea of what it’s like to be in their home.

The outcome is quite simple: homebuyers are engaging, interested, and ready to buy.

Why short-form reels are transforming real estate marketing

Homebuyers may find dozens of listings on the internet, but only a few stand out from the rest. While homebuyers are browsing through dozens of listings, video reels are giving them a better idea of what it’s like to be in their home, making them engage, interested, and ready to buy.

Short-form video reels help change this. By utilizing movement, music, and storytelling, video reels establish a connection with viewers that static photos cannot replicate.

What reels allow agents to show

• The flow from one room to another
• The change in lighting from room to room
• The outdoors from within the property
• Lifestyle shots that help buyers envision themselves in the property

These help build a more engaging experience for a listing property.

The power of the first three seconds

Real estate video reels must grab viewers’ attention from the very beginning. People consume a lot of content on social media sites, so they scroll through content fast. Therefore, the first moment of a video must be impactful enough for viewers to stop scrolling and watch the video.

A hook for a real estate video can be something as impactful as revealing a stunning room, such as a living room, or a stunning view from above the property, or a unique feature in a property’s design.

Examples of attention-grabbing opening scenes

• A fast reveal of a luxury kitchen island
• A seamless transition from the front door to the living space
• A drone shot focusing on the property’s surroundings
• A before-and-after renovation video

These moments immediately communicate value and excitement.

Turning property features into visual stories

Every property has unique features that may be used as storytelling in the reel. Rather than presenting these features individually, real estate videos may feature these as part of a story.

For instance, the reel may begin with a shot of morning coffee in the kitchen, followed by another shot of a well-lit home office, and then another shot of relaxing in the backyard.

Lifestyle moments that resonate with buyers

• Preparing coffee in a sunlit kitchen
• Working comfortably in a dedicated office space
• Relaxing in a cozy living room
• Enjoying the sunset from a balcony or garden

These are storytelling moments that turn property videos into experiences.

Why video content helps homes sell faster

Today’s home buyers are likely to look at properties online before reaching out to agents.

As the viewer interacts with the reel, it increases their chances of remembering the property and also sharing it with others. Moreover, social media algorithms favor videos, so these reels have greater chances of reaching a larger audience.

Thus, it increases their chances of receiving more inquiries and making faster sales.

How AI tools simplify real estate video creation

Previously, creating professional videos for properties involved using advanced video editing tools or hiring professionals to create videos for agents. However, with the introduction of AI tools, it is now much simpler.

Agents can use a free AI video generator tool to create videos by uploading images, videos, and property details, which will then create a draft video for the agent.

Agents no longer need to spend hours editing videos using these tools but can simply focus on capturing high-quality images for their videos.

From property photos to engaging real estate reels with Pippit

Pippit is another tool that simplifies creating engaging videos from property photos and videos for agents to use on social media platforms.

Step 1: input any property link, media, or photo

To begin, select “Video generator” from the left-hand side menu in Pippit. You can input your idea, paste a link to the property listing, or add media such as photos, a PDF, or a video tour of the home. Next, click “Generate.”

Pippit will automatically generate video drafts based on the media added.

Step 2: Personalize your video

Pippit displays the chosen media and property details in a video format after generating the video using the media uploaded in the previous step. You can select your video style and customize settings such as avatar, voice, ratio, language, and length.

In the video editor, you can customize the video reel by adjusting video clips, text overlays that highlight features, transitions, visual effects, and background music.

Step 3: Save the video

When the video is ready, click “Export.” You can also publish the video reel directly to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram, or save it for later use. This way, agents can promote their listings on multiple platforms without needing to edit the video again.

Creative reel ideas for real estate agents

Some creative reel ideas that can be employed by real estate agents include:

1. Property walkthrough highlights

Short videos can be used to create quick transitions between rooms to show the overall layout of the property.

1. Neighborhood lifestyle clips

Videos can be used to show the lifestyle that is offered by the property’s neighborhood.

1. Transformation and staging reels

Videos can be used to show the transformation that is possible with the property.

1. Quick feature showcases

Videos can be used to show the features that the property has.

These types of videos can be used to keep the content fresh and interesting while catering to the interests of different types of customers.

Building a recognizable real estate video style

A big part of the success of any real estate video marketing campaign is the element of familiarity that is built into it. This is because, over time, the audience becomes accustomed to the style and is able to recognize it as that of the real estate agent.

By using the same style and type of video across multiple reels, the real estate agent is able to create a recognizable style that is associated with them.

Turning social media engagement into real buyers

Not only do engaging reels entertain, but they also inspire action. An engaging video on real estate can inspire potential buyers to learn more.

Adding a call to action in the video, such as asking the viewer to schedule a showing or visit the listing page, can also help convert potential buyers into actual buyers.

When engaging reels are informative, visually engaging, and easy to share, they can be great tools for attracting potential buyers.

Sell homes faster with engaging reels powered by Pippit

The real estate market is a dynamic industry, and video content is one of the most effective tools for capturing the attention of potential buyers in the market. Scroll-stopping reels are great tools for connecting with potential buyers instantly.

Pippit is here to make it easier than ever to turn your property photos, clips, and details into engaging video reels, perfect for the modern social media landscape.

Ready to turn your real estate listings into engaging video reels that capture the attention of potential buyers? Try Pippit today and start creating engaging reels that can help your listings sell faster.

Here’s a question worth sitting with: Does your team use AI, or does your marketing actually run on AI?

There’s a difference. A big one. And most brands, if they’re being honest, fall into the second camp — AI-adjacent, not AI-ready.

That’s not an insult. It’s just where most teams are right now. They’ve added a few tools, automated some emails, and maybe plugged in a chatbot. But the strategy underneath? Still manual, slow, and built for a world that no longer exists.

The team at Moindes Limited has spent a lot of time in the trenches of performance marketing and conversion rate optimization, watching how companies handle this gap. Some close it fast. Others keep buying new tools and wondering why nothing changes. The difference usually comes down to one thing: foundations.

What “AI-Adjacent” Actually Looks Like

AI-adjacent companies aren’t doing nothing. That’s the tricky part. They often look modern from the outside.

They might be using an AI copywriting tool to speed up content drafts. They’ve got an automated email sequence running. Someone on the team tried a predictive analytics dashboard once. There are widgets, integrations, and plugins.

But none of it is connected. None of it feeds into a decision-making loop. The AI is decorating the existing process — it’s not changing it.

The Symptom That Gives It Away

The clearest sign of an AI-adjacent setup? The team still makes the same decisions the same way. They just make them faster because a tool sped up one part of the process.

Moindes team claims that real AI-readiness looks different. Decisions get better because the system is learning. Campaigns adjust automatically based on what’s working. Creative testing doesn’t wait for a weekly review meeting — it runs and updates in near real-time.

This is a pattern the agency often points to: companies invest in AI tooling before they’ve sorted out their data. No clean data means no meaningful AI output. Garbage in, garbage out — except now it’s garbage coming out faster and looking more polished.

The Four Pillars Moindes Limited Uses to Assess AI-Readiness

When the specialists at Moindes work with brands to optimize performance, they ask four questions before recommending any AI integration. Think of it as a diagnostic, not a checklist.

1. Data Quality and Accessibility

Can the AI actually learn from what you have? This means: is the data clean, current, structured, and accessible across systems? Many companies have data — lots of it — siloed in six different platforms that don’t talk to each other.

Before automation can work, this has to be solved. IBM research found that poor data quality costs businesses an average of $12.9 million per year, which makes the “boring” work of data hygiene anything but boring. It’s unglamorous, but it’s the foundation.

2. Process Clarity

AI can optimize a process. It can’t invent one. If the current workflow is messy or undefined, automating it just makes the mess faster.

Moindes Limited’s approach here is to map out every touchpoint in a campaign, from first impression to conversion, before introducing automation. The clearer the process, the more leverage the AI can actually provide.

3. Team Fluency

This one gets skipped most often. Does the marketing team understand what the AI is doing well enough to catch it when it’s wrong?

AI tools make mistakes. They optimize for the wrong metric. They miss context. A team that doesn’t understand how the system works will just trust the output, and that’s where campaigns go sideways in interesting ways.

Experts at Moindes see this as a training gap, not a tech gap. The tools are usually fine. Humans need more time with them.

4. Testing Infrastructure

AI gets better when it has structured experiments to learn from. If a brand isn’t running consistent A/B tests or multivariate experiments, the AI is essentially guessing.

Conversion rate optimization and AI go hand in hand for this reason. CRO creates the test environment that gives AI something real to optimize against.

AI-Readiness vs. AI-Adjacent: A Side-by-Side Look

The table below captures what Moindes Limited typically sees when comparing brands at different stages of the spectrum.

The gap between the left and right columns isn’t just a technological one — it’s an organizational one.

Where the Real Leverage Is (and Where Companies Keep Missing It)

The Conversion Layer

Most brands focus AI efforts at the top of the funnel — content generation, ad targeting, and audience segmentation. That’s reasonable. But Moindes Limited notes that the biggest unrealized gains are usually sitting in the conversion layer.

Small changes to landing page copy, button placement, form structure, or email timing — when informed by behavioral data and tested systematically — move numbers far more than another round of ad spend optimization.

Automation That Earns Trust

There’s a version of automation that feels like spam and a version that feels like relevance. The difference is almost entirely in the data layer.

When an automated outreach sequence is built on real behavioral signals — what someone clicked, what they downloaded, how long they stayed on a page — it doesn’t feel automated to the person receiving it. It feels like the brand is paying attention.

The team builds campaigns with this in mind. The automation is in the engine. The experience should feel human.

The Honest Assessment Most Brands Need

Here’s what the team at Moindes Limited has found after working across dozens of performance marketing engagements: most companies don’t need more AI tools. They need fewer, better-used ones.

The instinct when performance dips is to add something. A new attribution tool. A different email platform. Another analytics layer. But adding more complexity to a system that’s already unclear tends to make things worse.

The smarter move — and the harder one — is to strip back to the essentials, get the data right, and define the process clearly. Every Moindes Limited omnichannel strategy rundown points to the same conclusion: AI works best when it’s the last layer added, not the first.

That’s AI-readiness. Not the number of tools in the stack. Not the sophistication of the dashboard. Whether the system is learning, adapting, and actually improving outcomes — that’s the only metric that matters.

A Practical Starting Point

For brands trying to move from AI-adjacent to AI-ready, Moindes suggests starting with one question: Where does the biggest decision bottleneck live in your current marketing process?

Find that bottleneck. Map what data exists around it. Clean that data. Define what a good outcome looks like. Then, and only then, introduce automation.

It’s less exciting than buying a new platform. It’s also what actually works.

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Q1: 2026-05-07 Earnings Summary

EPS of -$0.62 misses by $0.17

 | Revenue of $42.17M (-34.00% Y/Y) misses by $4.69M

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NEW YORK — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham turned up the heat on social media Tuesday, May 12, 2026, sharing striking new images from her debut Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 photoshoot that quickly went viral and sparked widespread conversation about the WNBA star’s growing off-court influence.

The 29-year-old sharpshooter, known for her confident persona both on and off the court, posted a series of beachside shots captured during the magazine’s annual athlete feature in Fort Myers, Florida. Posing in form-fitting bikinis against turquoise waters and golden sands at South Seas Resort, Cunningham exuded confidence and athletic poise in images that blended athleticism with glamour.

Cunningham, who joined the Indiana Fever in free agency and has embraced an expanded role as a player, analyst and now model, captioned her Instagram post with playful enthusiasm. The images, some in classic white string bikinis and others highlighting her toned physique, drew immediate praise from fans and fellow athletes while generating millions of views across platforms within hours.

The photoshoot, photographed by Katherine Goguen, marked Cunningham’s first appearance in the iconic SI Swimsuit issue. She joined other athletes including Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier for the 2026 edition, filmed in early April at the Captiva Island resort. Behind-the-scenes footage released earlier showed the group enjoying the location’s natural beauty while embracing empowerment themes central to the brand’s modern direction.

Cunningham has never shied away from self-expression. Earlier in the offseason, she posted personal beach vacation photos in cutout bikinis that also drew attention, but the professional SI shoot represents a significant career milestone. The latest drops, shared amid the WNBA season, include Polaroid-style candid shots that fans described as raw and authentic.

On the court, Cunningham brings sharp shooting and vocal leadership to a Fever roster featuring Caitlin Clark. Her transition to Indiana after time with other teams has positioned her as a veteran presence. Off the court, her modeling pursuits and media work, including podcast appearances and analyst gigs, have broadened her platform significantly.

The response to her latest post mixed admiration with typical online discourse. Supporters celebrated her body confidence and the visibility it brings to women’s basketball. “Sophie is owning every moment,” one popular comment read, reflecting sentiment among many in the WNBA community. Critics, as often happens with high-profile female athletes, offered mixed opinions on timing during the season, though the majority focused on empowerment.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day has emphasized featuring strong, multifaceted women. Cunningham’s inclusion aligns with recent editions highlighting athletes from various sports. The 2026 issue continues the tradition of blending fashion, fitness and storytelling, with Cunningham’s feature showcasing both her athletic background and personal style.

This isn’t Cunningham’s first brush with viral beach content. In late March, she shared offseason vacation photos in a black two-piece that highlighted natural tan lines, sparking similar buzz. A TikTok video of her floating in a string bikini while lip-syncing to a happiness-themed audio also gained traction, showcasing her playful side.

Her SI debut comes as the WNBA experiences unprecedented growth. With rising viewership, sponsorships and cultural relevance, players like Cunningham leverage personal brands to expand opportunities. Modeling provides financial and visibility benefits while challenging traditional notions of what a professional athlete looks like.

Cunningham has spoken openly about balancing basketball with life outside the lines. In interviews, she expressed excitement about the SI experience, describing it as empowering and fun. The shoot’s location at South Seas Resort offered scenic backdrops, from ocean dips to resort amenities, allowing for varied creative directions.

Fans reacted swiftly to the Tuesday posts. Hashtags related to her name and the swimsuit issue trended, with shares from sports accounts amplifying reach. Some compared her comfort in front of the camera to past athlete-models, noting her natural ease. Others praised the photos’ aesthetic quality and lighting that highlighted her features.

The Indiana Fever opened training camp recently, and Cunningham’s timing in sharing additional images demonstrated her ability to manage multiple roles. Teammates and league peers offered supportive comments, underscoring camaraderie within the WNBA. The league itself benefits from such moments that humanize players and attract new audiences.

Cunningham’s journey reflects broader shifts in women’s sports. Athletes increasingly control their narratives through social media and brand partnerships. Her move into modeling follows successful examples set by stars in basketball and other disciplines, proving marketability extends far beyond game performance.

Photographer Goguen captured moments ranging from dynamic poses in the surf to relaxed beachside portraits. Makeup by Roberto Morelli and styling choices emphasized Cunningham’s natural beauty and athletic frame. The white bikini featured in several images became a particular fan favorite for its classic yet bold appeal.

As the WNBA season progresses, Cunningham’s focus remains on contributing to the Fever’s success on the court. Her expanded public profile, however, ensures she remains a topic of conversation year-round. The SI feature will appear in the full 2026 issue release, promising more images and possibly an interview detailing her experiences.

Industry observers note that such crossovers enhance the league’s appeal to fashion and lifestyle brands. Cunningham’s growing follower count across Instagram and other platforms translates to engagement that benefits sponsors and the WNBA’s marketing efforts. Her authenticity resonates particularly with younger fans navigating similar identity questions in sports.

While some online chatter veered into unnecessary personal critiques, the dominant narrative celebrated Cunningham’s confidence and the joy evident in the photos. She has consistently responded to attention with humor and self-assurance, traits that endear her to supporters.

Looking ahead, Cunningham’s multifaceted career appears poised for further growth. Whether draining threes for the Fever or turning heads in editorial shoots, she continues to redefine possibilities for WNBA athletes. The latest beach photoshoot serves as both a personal milestone and a cultural moment in the league’s rising era.

For now, the images continue circulating, reminding fans and newcomers alike of the vibrant personalities driving women’s basketball forward. Sophie Cunningham’s latest display of confidence reinforces her status as one of the league’s most compelling figures, on and off the hardwood.

Veteran-led small businesses are about to find the door to international trade rather easier to push open.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, has today unveiled a partnership with specialist broker Finance for Forces designed to plug an awkward gap that has long frustrated former service personnel turning their hand to enterprise: getting the right finance, at the right moment, to chase orders overseas.

For the thousands of veterans who have built businesses since leaving uniform, the appetite to export is rarely in doubt. The cash flow to underwrite that ambition, however, has been another matter. Under the new arrangement, Finance for Forces, founded by Russell Lewis MC and Paul Goodman, will be able to introduce qualifying clients to UKEF’s suite of short-term products for smaller exporters, including working capital guarantees, bond support guarantees and export insurance policies. UKEF, in turn, will refer veteran-led firms back the other way where the fit is right.

It is a neat piece of joined-up government, and one that comes with a clear strategic backdrop. The collaboration is explicitly designed to support the Government’s Veterans Strategy, launched in November 2025, which framed the ex-service community as a national economic asset rather than a welfare line item, citing the leadership, discipline and operational nous that translate, with surprising frequency, into commercially robust SMEs.

Beyond the referrals plumbing, the two organisations will run information sessions and networking events aimed at demystifying export finance, an area that even seasoned founders can find labyrinthine. For veteran entrepreneurs, many of whom are scaling for the first time, that hand-holding is likely to matter as much as the products themselves.

Chris Bryant, Minister of State for Trade, said the partnership was about converting service into commercial reward. “Our veterans have shown extraordinary bravery and dedication in service to the nation, and their skills should be matched by real commercial opportunity,” he said. “This partnership will help turn entrepreneurial ambition into export success, helping veteran-led businesses reach international markets with the backing and confidence they deserve.”

Tim Reid, chief executive of UKEF, said the agency’s small business remit was central to the move. “Supporting small businesses to export and grow is central to UKEF’s mission. By partnering with Finance for Forces, we can reach more veteran-led businesses and help them access the finance they need to win international contracts, enter new markets and scale up with confidence.”

Paul Goodman, co-founder of Finance for Forces, was perhaps the bluntest on the practical problem the deal is meant to solve. “Veterans bring leadership, resilience and a mission focus to business, but navigating commercial finance can be challenging,” he said. “This partnership with UKEF will help veteran-led firms understand their options and access the backing they need to develop exports and accelerate growth.”

For UKEF, the announcement sits within a broader push to shed any lingering reputation as a facility primarily for the corporate heavyweights. The agency has spent recent years recalibrating towards SMEs in every corner of the country, promising faster response times and more targeted support irrespective of location, size or ownership. Bolting on a dedicated channel for the veteran business community, a constituency with a particularly strong record on resilience and follow-through, looks, on the face of it, like a sensible bet.

Whether the partnership translates into a meaningful uplift in veteran-led export volumes will depend, as ever, on awareness and execution. But for founders who have spent years wondering whether the export financing system was really built for businesses like theirs, the answer just got a little more encouraging.

Paul Jones

Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.