Emirates has reached a major milestone in Czech aviation, celebrating 15 years of operating direct flights between Prague and Dubai.
Since its inaugural flight on July 1, 2010, the airline has transported over 3 million passengers across more than 8,000 flights, solidifying its role as a key player in connecting Czechia with the Middle East and beyond.
The route is currently operated daily by the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft and the only one of its kind in regular service at Václav Havel Airport.
With 615 seats – including 58 fully flat Business Class seats and an on-board lounge bar – the aircraft brings over 3,500 seats per week to the route, reflecting growing demand for travel between the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates.
Economic, tourism and business ties between the two countries have also expanded. Emirates employs 116 Czech cabin crew members, 9 pilots, and 259 ground staff across departments – all trained in state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai. Their training includes advanced simulators and development programs, contributing to high standards across the board.
We’re celebrating 15 years of @emirates flying between Prague and Dubai.
We appreciate this amazing partnership that connects millions to the world. As a special gift, the iconic Airbus A380 in a unique livery landed in Prague today.
pic.twitter.com/DJq2FtAr3s
— Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) July 1, 2025
Dubai isn’t just a destination – it’s a key transfer point for Czech and international travelers heading to Asia and the Pacific. Popular onward destinations include Japan, the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Australia.
At the same time, the route is bringing more international tourists to Czechia. According to CzechTourism, arrivals from the United Arab Emirates increased by 53% in early 2024, reaching nearly 25,000 visitors and over 69,000 overnight stays.
“This connection enhances not only UAE-Czech ties but access to broader markets across Asia, Australia and Africa,” said Jaroslav Filip, Director of Airline Business at Prague Airport. “We value our long-standing cooperation with Emirates.”
Flying in Style: What Passengers Experience
The on-board experience aboard the A380 is one of Emirates’ trademarks. Passengers enjoy spacious seating and the ICE entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels.
Business Class travelers also get access to the exclusive onboard lounge, where premium wines, cocktails, and snacks are served at 12,000 meters above sea level.
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In an unconventional approach to cleaner streets, Prague 3 has introduced its very own superhero — Exkreman — to remind dog owners of a simple responsibility: pick up after your pet.
Throughout June, residents of Žižkov began noticing stickers on pavements that read, “Exkreman sees you. Whoever doesn’t pick up — let them be ashamed!”
The slogan, paired with a bold “EE” logo, marks the arrival of a new public awareness campaign that’s both playful and pointed.
The brain behind the character is filmmaker František Loukota, while the costume was crafted by artist Olivia Dorůžková. Exkreman, with his unmistakable costume and satirical tone, is designed to promote cleaner public spaces in a way that’s hard to ignore.
“I often observe dog walkers, and I’d say 99% of them carry bags and clean up properly,” says Prague 3 Mayor Michal Vronský. “That certainly wasn’t the case five years ago. It shows that these types of campaigns do have an effect.” Vronský believes the superhero concept will resonate even more with the public. “I’m glad we’re continuing with this initiative in a fresh, original form,” he adds.
The city district has a long track record of blending humor and civic responsibility in its public messaging. Previous campaigns include the pun-driven “Žižkov is not Šiškov” and the quirky “Dog Miss” competition, both aimed at encouraging responsible pet ownership.
This summer, Exkreman will expand his mission beyond sidewalk signs. He’ll make appearances across Prague 3’s official social media platforms and digital channels, particularly during the high-traffic summer months.
The initiative also includes collaboration with Čistá Trojka, the municipal cleaning company, which plans to integrate the superhero into its outreach and operations.
Prague 3 currently maintains 330 dog waste bag dispensers, and in 2023 alone, locals used over 2.5 million bags provided through this system. But while most residents comply, a few still leave unpleasant surprises behind — and that’s where Exkreman steps in.
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Czech lawmakers are backing a plan to increase the nightly accommodation tax for short-term visitors to align Czech tourist destinations with other European cities.
A group of MPs has introduced an amendment to the tourism business law that would allow municipalities to raise the maximum nightly fee from 50 to 100 Czech crowns per person. The measure, if passed, would affect stays of up to 60 days and leave the final decision on pricing to local governments.
One of the amendment’s backers, Michal Zuna of the TOP 09 party, argued that the increase brings the Czech Republic more in line with its European peers. “It’s a 100 percent increase, from 50 to 100 crowns. Four euros — that’s a mid-range amount in the European context,” he explained.
The proposal has broad cross-party support and is signed by MPs from several parties, including STAN, ODS, and TOP 09. They argue that the current cap, set in 2021, is outdated and fails to reflect the financial demands posed by modern tourism, especially in areas dominated by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
Supporters of the hike say municipalities are struggling to fund infrastructure and public services in the face of mass tourism, especially from visitors using platforms that are harder to regulate.
“Cities like Vienna, Paris, and Amsterdam charge far higher tourism fees than we do, yet their tourism sectors remain vibrant and competitive,” the proposal states. “This shows that higher fees don’t deter visitors, especially when the money is used to improve local services and the quality of the tourist experience.”
Tourism businesses and local officials in smaller cities have voiced concerns that abrupt price increases could backfire. Recently, the city council in Jihlava opted for a more modest rise, increasing its own accommodation tax to 25 crowns per night. In Prague 1, however, the most sought-after tourist area in the capital, district mayor Terezie Radoměřská wants to hike the tax fourfold to 200 crowns per night.
Last year, Prague collected nearly 900 million crowns (€36.5 million) in tourist fees, which were directed toward public maintenance, transport, and infrastructure repairs.
According to Prague’s mayor, Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS), raising the fee could generate over 3 billion crowns (€121.5 million) annually. “Generally speaking, the revenue is reinvested in tourism, as well as transportation and roads,” he said, describing the increase as necessary to cope with rising infrastructure and maintenance costs.
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A 70-year-old man from Prague has fallen victim to an elaborate online romance scam, losing more than six million Czech crowns—and eventually even his home.
The victim first connected with the fraudster through a social media platform, according to police spokesperson Kristýna Zelinková.
What started as friendly online chats soon evolved into a full-blown virtual romance. The scammer, posing as the American actress Sandra Bullock, promised marriage, a personal visit, and even a shared future in the United States.
Despite all communication happening entirely in Czech, the victim never questioned the reality of the situation.
Over time, the perpetrator deepened the deception, frequently asking for money under various pretexts. “In most cases, it involved buying and sending gift cards,” said Zelinková.
The victim didn’t just part with his savings. In desperation to fulfill the scammer’s demands, he began selling his personal property and eventually lost his house.
The man contacted the local police department in Prague 4 in the first half of June.
Prague police are now investigating the case as fraud. If caught and convicted, the scammer could face up to eight years in prison.
Authorities are again urging the public to exercise extreme caution when forming online relationships with strangers. “If you’re planning to meet someone online, never send money and always insist on meeting in person first,” warns the police.
Investigators say such scams often target lonely individuals, manipulating them with promises of love, marriage, and a new life abroad.
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The European Union’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in May 2025, holding at 5.9 percent, according to seasonally adjusted data released by Eurostat.
This marks no change from April’s figures, though compared to May last year, the rate dipped slightly by 0.1 percentage point.
Among EU member states, Malta and the Czech Republic posted the lowest unemployment rates, at 2.7 and 2.8 percent respectively. Both countries saw a modest increase of 0.1 percentage point compared to the previous month.
By contrast, Spain and Finland reported the highest unemployment levels within the bloc. Spain’s jobless rate reached 10.8 percent, while Finland followed with nine percent.
Across the eurozone, which covers countries using the single currency, the situation slightly worsened. The unemployment rate climbed to 6.3 percent, up from 6.2 percent in April, but still better than 6.4 percent recorded in May 2024.
In total, Eurostat estimates there were approximately 13.05 million unemployed people in the EU during May. Within the euro area, that figure stood at 10.83 million. Month-on-month, the number of jobless individuals in the EU rose by 48,000, with the eurozone contributing 54,000 to that increase.
On a year-on-year basis, however, unemployment numbers declined by 23,000 in the EU and 168,000 in the euro area.
The report also highlighted an uptick in youth unemployment. For individuals under 25 years old, the jobless rate rose by 0.1 percentage point, reaching 14.8 percent in the EU and 14.6 percent in the eurozone.
Eurostat’s methodology follows the International Labour Organization (ILO) standard, counting as unemployed those who have been actively looking for work in the past four weeks and are available to start within the next two weeks.
The Czech Republic’s unemployment figures, as published by Eurostat, are based on data from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). This differs from the data released by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic, which uses the number of registered job seekers.
According to the Labour Office, Czechia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent in May, down from 4.3 percent in April, marking the lowest level recorded this year.
The CZSO, however, uses a labor force sample survey, making its figures more comparable at the EU level. This approach tends to report a lower unemployment rate than the Labour Office data, which only tracks those officially registered as job seekers.
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Imagine the iconic Cotton Club, but transported into the orbit of Saturn, where burlesque meets space, jazz collides with acrobatics, and fantasy blurs with reality.
This is the essence of The Saturn Revue, a cabaret show set to debut on September 4, 2025, at the New Spirala theatre in Prague.
Bringing together art deco, retrofuturism, and vintage burlesque, this production offers a one-of-a-kind spectacle unprecedented in the Czech Republic.
Unlike traditional linear storytelling, The Saturn Revue is a kaleidoscope of dance, fantasy scenes, and performances designed to evoke feelings rather than convey a direct narrative.
The evening is framed by a narrator—alternating between Czech actors Jan Cina and Kryštof Krhovják—and a guiding character played by Jasmína Houf. The show unfolds in a 360° experience, surrounding the audience and filling the space above and around them.
Produced by Deep Side Production (David N. Jahn aka Sonny Vargas and Terézia Bělčáková aka Miss Cool Cat) in collaboration with Nová Spirála, The Saturn Revue brings together leading Czech and international cabaret artists.
More than 26 artists will share the stage, including the “Zodiac Dancers” ballet ensemble, singers, acrobats, and international guests.
Nová Spirála: Prague’s Futuristic Stage
Reopened after 22 years, Nová Spirála stands as one of Central Europe’s most advanced theatre spaces. Its rotating and vertically adjustable stage combined with a circular auditorium lets the production fully realize its visual and technical ambitions.
Cutting-edge lighting, sound, and mapping technology create a dreamlike atmosphere, fitting the show’s out-of-this-world theme.
Practical information
- Premiere: September 4, 2025
- Location: Nová Spirála, Výstaviště Prague
- Performances: 1× per month until autumn 2026
- Tickets: www.novaspirala.cz
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Visitors to Prague are being warned about extremely high prices in some shops and taxis around the city center.
A recent investigation by tvnoviny.sk, a Slovak news website, shows how easily travelers can pay far more than the usual rate for everyday items and short taxi rides.
The reporters started their test at Prague Main Station, looking for a taxi to Wenceslas Square. According to local taxi apps, the trip should cost around 120 CZK.
However, one driver refused to take such a short trip, while others offered the ride for at least 500 CZK, more than four times the normal price.
When asked for a receipt, one driver became nervous, lowered the price, but still refused to give any proof of payment. After the journalist revealed she worked for the media and started speaking Slovak, the driver returned the money and quickly left the scene.
900 CZK for Bottled Water, 150 CZK for Beer
The investigation also looked at prices in small shops near Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
In one store, a six-pack of bottled water was selling for 900 CZK. A single can of beer was priced at 150 CZK.
When the journalist asked why the water was so expensive, the shop assistant blamed the city center location. However, just a few streets away, the same products were available at much lower prices in regular grocery stores.
Journalist Janek Rubeš, who has spent years reporting on tourist scams in Prague, said the problem with taxi drivers and overpriced shops has been going on for more than a decade.
“I dealt with taxi drivers ten years ago,” Rubeš told tvnoviny.sk. “Unfortunately, it’s still something we’re dealing with.”
Travelers are advised to use official taxi apps, check prices in advance, and be cautious when shopping in the city center.
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Czech Railways has begun testing high-speed satellite internet provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink network on its InterPanter trains in an attempt to improve onboard internet access for passengers across the country’s rail network.
The test phase will run for approximately three months, after which the state-owned company will assess the results and consider a broader rollout.
The announcement was made at a press conference on Tuesday by Transport Minister Martin Kupka. “We want Czech Railways to offer the best possible service for passengers. And I firmly believe that this is another step that will help it in the future,” Kupka said.
Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of Czech Railways, explained the motivation behind the project. “We believe that satellite internet can be the answer to the question of how to provide our passengers with a stable and fast internet connection even where there is no quality signal from mobile operators available in the vicinity of the line. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of such white spots on the domestic railway network,” he said.
“Thanks to it, we will have a faster internet connection during the journey. We can work on the train, watch videos, or play games — just as a mobile office should be,” he added on X.
Passengers will be able to access the Starlink-powered internet for free via the ČD Wi-Fi network, with it expected to deliver speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second.
The trial will take place on routes such as the Svitava line between Brno, Česká Třebová, and Prague, and the Moravan line between Brno, Přerov, and Olomouc.
The technology was installed on the roof of one of the train’s front cars and integrated into the existing onboard Wi-Fi and multimedia systems. It features a heated, weather-resistant antenna capable of functioning in extreme conditions.
České dráhy testují satelitní internet Starlink od SpaceX
Stabilní a rychlé připojení k internetu je dnes součástí základního cestovního komfortu. Právě proto jsme dnes zahájili pilotní testování satelitního internetu Starlink ve vlaku InterPanter. Jedná se o špičkovou… pic.twitter.com/Ku1TBON64Q
— Michal Krapinec (@MKrapinec) July 1, 2025
The project is being carried out in cooperation with Škoda Group, which managed the installation, along with AMiT Transportation, ČD-Telematika, and the Czech Telecommunication Office. These partners will evaluate key metrics such as stability, speed, and service quality, while also comparing Starlink’s performance with that of traditional mobile networks.
Czech Railways has already begun replacing outdated Wi-Fi routers across its fleet and is not alone in the push for better onboard internet. Other operators, such as Leo Express and RegioJet, are investing in 5G technology to enhance connectivity.
Starlink began implementation five years ago with the aim of delivering high-speed internet globally through a constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth. The system currently accounts for roughly 60 percent of the approximately 7,500 artificial satellites in orbit and is the only functioning high-speed satellite internet service available in Czechia.
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Summer in Prague isn’t just about sightseeing and crowded tourist spots. The city offers a wide range of free cultural events where both locals and visitors can enjoy theater, history, and music without spending a crown.
Here are five top picks for July 2025.
Puppets and Circus at Strossmayerovo náměstí – Every Wednesday
From July 2 to August 27, the space behind the Church of St. Anthony on Strossmayerovo náměstí will transform into a lively open-air stage. Starting at 4 PM every Wednesday, families can enjoy a series of puppet shows and creative performances. Expect everything from circus acts and vegetable ballets to magical cabarets and forest fairy tales designed for children but entertaining for adults too.
A Rare Glimpse Inside the Liechtenstein Palace – July 5
For one day only, on July 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM, the usually closed Liechtenstein Palace on Kampa Island will open its doors to the public. Normally reserved for government and diplomatic events, the historic 16th-century building will offer guided tours throughout the day.
Visitors will hear stories about the palace’s famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Emperor Akihito of Japan. No registration is required, but tours are conducted in organized groups.
Prague Street Theatre Festival “Za dveřmi” – July 9–15
The Behind the Door Festival (Za dveřmi) returns for its 17th edition, bringing street theater, circus, and artistic performances to multiple locations across the city, including the Holešovice Market, Mariánské náměstí, Holport, and Štvanice Island.
Expect a mix of interactive shows, puppet fairy tales, improvised performances, and even workshops. One highlight is the traditional theater parade through Prague’s city center. All shows are held outdoors, and entry is voluntary donation-based, keeping the festival accessible to all.
Underground Secrets at the Folimanka Bunker – July 12
For those interested in Prague’s Cold War history, July 12 offers a chance to tour the Folimanka underground shelter, the largest civil defense bunker in Prague 2.
Open from 9 AM to 3 PM, the shelter is maintained, lit, and heated, making it suitable for families with children and seniors. Guided tours will explain the site’s history and strategic purpose, once kept hidden for decades. No reservations are needed.
Summer Festival at Střelecký Island – July 18–20
Rounding off the month is a three-day summer event at Střelecký Island. From July 18 to 20, visitors can enjoy live music, local wines, and a variety of street food in a relaxed, riverside setting.
The event runs on Friday from 2 PM to 9:30 PM, Saturday from noon to 9:30 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM. Perfect for soaking up the summer atmosphere without spending a fortune.
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On Saturday, July 5, we celebrate the arrival of the Slavic evangelists Cyril and Methodius in the Czech lands, and on Sunday, July 6, we commemorate the Day of the Burning of Master Jan Hus.
On March 1, 2016, a law restricting sales in areas of more than 200 square meters was enacted. It typically applies to large shopping centers and supermarkets, excluding small convenience stores, “večerky,” gas stations, and pharmacies.
Will the shops be open this year? The answer is yes, for most. These public holidays are not subject to the Retail and Wholesale Sales Hours Act, which came into force on 1 October 2016.
According to this law, stores over 200 square meters must be closed during designated public holidays. In addition to stores, second-hand stores, pawnbrokers and similar shops must remain closed.
The law also divides public holidays into two categories according to whether or not the stores are closed.
Public holidays when stores must be closed:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 1 – Easter Monday
May 8 – Liberation Day
September 28 – Statehood Day
October 28 – Independence Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (after 12:00 pm)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – 2nd Day of Christmas
Public holidays when stores can be open:
March 29 – Good Friday
May 1 – May Day (or International Worker’s Day)
July 5 – St. Cyryl and St. Methodius Day
July 6 – Jan Hus Day
November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (until 12:00 pm)
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Prague’s public transport network is set for a major upgrade in passenger comfort.
Over the next six years, the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) will install air conditioning in 123 Škoda 15T trams that currently lack this feature.
The city has already issued a public contract for the work, with an estimated value of CZK 431.5 million (excluding VAT), according to DPP spokesperson Daniel Šabík.
At present, 127 of Prague’s 15T trams are air-conditioned, out of roughly 770 trams operating across the city. In addition, all new Škoda 52T trams, currently being tested on Prague’s tracks, will come equipped with air conditioning from the start.
“In the summer, tram travel will become much more comfortable,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport (Pirates party).
“In the coming years, we expect to have up to 450 modern, air-conditioned, and barrier-free trams operating in Prague. Passenger comfort matters because public transport isn’t just about punctuality, but also about making the ride pleasant.”
The DPP plans to sign a six-year framework agreement with the winning contractor. Under the contract, the supplier will upgrade at least 20 trams annually. When evaluating bids, DPP will base 80 percent of the decision on price and 20 percent on the warranty period offered.
Originally, the Škoda 15T trams were delivered with air conditioning only for drivers, leaving passengers with basic ventilation. However, this proved insufficient. The design of the 15T, with its large glass surfaces, causes interior temperatures to rise quickly, even on moderately warm days.
Following passenger complaints and growing pressure, DPP struck a deal with the manufacturer in 2014 to include air conditioning in newly delivered units from that year onward.
New 52T Trams: More Comfort and Modern Features
The new generation 52T trams will also feature air conditioning as standard. DPP plans to purchase up to 200 of these units over the next few years, at a total cost of CZK 16.6 billion. The first 52T is already undergoing test operations on line 12, marking an important milestone for Prague’s tram modernization efforts.
According to DPP, around 66 percent of Prague’s 1,200 buses already have air conditioning installed for passengers. All newly introduced trolleybuses will also offer this comfort feature.
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Prague locals and tourists were met with an unusual sight on the Vltava River over the weekend.
As part of a global promotion for the upcoming third season of Netflix’s Squid Game, two large inflatable dolls—resembling the show’s infamous Red Light, Green Light doll—floated down the river, drawing curious onlookers and dozens of pedal boat crews.
The figures, drifting past landmarks like the Charles Bridge, quickly became a photo magnet. Dozens of people on pedal boats steered closer to get selfies with the oversized dolls, which towered several meters above the water surface.
The Prague installation is part of a wider Netflix global marketing campaign for the new season of Squid Game. Similar pop-up events have appeared in recent weeks across cities including Tokyo, New York, Bangkok, Berlin, Rome, Jeddah, and Jakarta, according to Netflix’s official website.
One of the biggest gatherings took place in Seoul, South Korea, where thousands of fans assembled for a large-scale event. Although Prague’s floating dolls didn’t involve such crowds, the stunt still grabbed social media attention, with photos and videos circulating widely.
Poland’s capital Warsaw also joined in, showcasing Squid Game dolls and photo zones for fans. Meanwhile in Australia, viewers got the chance to play the notorious Red Light, Green Light game.
As reported by Netflixer.cz, Netflix is reportedly planning a dedicated Squid Game zone at the event, though full details have yet to be announced.
“Squid Game” will not be returning for another season. Series director, writer, and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk, in a letter to fans, had said Season 3 would be the series’ last.
Seasons 2 and 3 of the South Korean thriller were filmed back-to-back, hence the short six-month wait compared to the three-year hiatus between Seasons 1 and 2.