Malaysia Airlines has announced a strategic partnership with Mumbai Indians, India’s most successful and widely followed cricket team, taking on the roles of Associate Sponsor and Official Global Airline Partner. This collaboration is part of the airline’s broader initiative to accelerate sports-driven brand and commercial growth in key global markets, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to India, one of its most important growth markets.

To celebrate the launch, 100 Wau Bulan kites were released at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai during Makar Sankranti, India’s annual kite festival. The event symbolised the coming together of cultures through sports and travel. Mumbai Indians’ Head Coach, Mahela Jayawardene, also joined the ceremony alongside club representatives.

With a global fan base exceeding 55 million, Mumbai Indians offer Malaysia Airlines a significant platform to connect with audiences across India and internationally, extending its renowned Malaysian Hospitality to a diverse community of cricket fans.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said, “India remains a cornerstone of our international network. With 80 weekly flights connecting 10 major Indian cities, Malaysia Airlines serves as a vital link between India and the world. Our partnership with Mumbai Indians is a strategic investment, allowing us to engage an immense, highly active audience, drive brand preference, and foster loyalty. By combining the excitement of world-class cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality, we are creating unique experiences while supporting tourism and trade between our nations.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “We are proud to partner with Malaysia Airlines, a brand that shares our dedication to excellence, global reach and meaningful fan engagement. This collaboration allows us to connect our fans with new travel experiences while celebrating the shared passion for sport, culture and hospitality. Together, we aim to create memorable moments for fans both on matchdays and beyond.”

Under this partnership, Malaysia Airlines will offer exclusive fan touchpoints, including on-ground engagements, co-branded experiences, special merchandise, and player-led appearances, connecting cricket enthusiasts with the airline outside of matchdays.

The airline will continue promoting its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, enabling international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to explore an additional Malaysian destination at no extra fare, excluding taxes. Travellers can select from eight domestic destinations, experiencing Malaysia’s cultural, natural, and heritage attractions in a single journey.

As Malaysia’s national carrier, Malaysia Airlines will also support Visit Malaysia 2026 in collaboration with government and industry partners, aiming to enhance connectivity and position Malaysia as a must-visit destination for travellers from India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India on Monday on an official visit and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi later this evening. The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical churn in West Asia, including developments related to the next phase of the Gaza Peace Plan being advanced by the United States.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and builds on the momentum of recent high-level engagements between the two countries. These include the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in September 2024, and the visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai, in April 2025.

Sources indicate that the UAE President’s visit will be brief, lasting approximately two hours, with focused discussions scheduled in the national capital. This marks Sheikh Mohamed’s third official visit to India since assuming office as President of the UAE and his fifth visit to the country over the past decade, underlining the depth and frequency of bilateral engagement.

The visit coincides with unfolding developments in West Asia, where the United States is preparing to initiate Phase 2 of the Gaza Peace Plan. As part of this phase, Washington is seeking to constitute a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, with India having been invited to be part of the proposed peace framework.

India and the UAE have witnessed a steady intensification of engagement across political, defence, and strategic domains in recent months. Earlier this month, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the UAE to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to the UAE in December to co-chair the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and the Strategic Dialogue.

Bilateral discussions between the two nations span trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, culture, education, and people-to-people ties. The relationship is further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, Local Currency Settlement system, and strong energy cooperation.

According to the MEA, the UAE President’s visit will provide an opportunity for both leaders to chart new frontiers under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, where the two countries share a high degree of convergence.

Rebel Foods, the master franchise holder for Wendy’s in India, has announced the launch of two new Wendy’s dine-in restaurants in Gujarat, located in Ahmedabad and Anand. The move further strengthens the brand’s footprint in the state, which continues to emerge as an important growth market for organised quick service restaurant brands.

The newly opened outlets are designed to cater to both dine-in and takeaway customers, offering modern and welcoming spaces that reflect Wendy’s bold and flavour-forward brand identity. With this expansion, Wendy’s brings America’s Most Loved Burgers closer to consumers in Gujarat, aligning with the growing demand for global food experiences in the region.

Customers at the new Gujarat locations can enjoy Wendy’s globally popular Frosty dessert, along with a diverse menu that offers one of the widest flavour ranges in the Indian gourmet QSR segment. The menu features global inspirations such as Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korean fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and Mexico’s Nachoburg, offering a truly international burger experience under one brand.

Commenting on the expansion, Ankush Grover, co-founder & global CEO of Rebel Foods, said, “Gujarat continues to be a strong growth market for us, driven by a young consumer base and increasing demand for global food experiences. The launch of dine-in restaurants in Ahmedabad and Anand reflects our commitment to expanding Wendy’s presence in Gujarat while offering formats that align with evolving consumer preferences.”

As Wendy’s continues to scale across India, the brand remains focused on Gen Z and Millennial consumers who seek bold flavours, authenticity, and globally relevant dining experiences. Through flavour-led innovation, contemporary store formats, and strong cultural relevance, Wendy’s is well positioned to grow across both urban centres and emerging markets.

Rebel Foods is steadily expanding Wendy’s presence in India through a hybrid model that combines traditional dine-in restaurants with cloud kitchens, supported by a technology-driven operating platform. In just over five years since entering the Indian market, Wendy’s has grown to over 200 locations nationwide, strengthening its presence across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.