In a promising development for Indian expats in the UAE, a new passenger ship service between the UAE and the southern Indian state of Kerala is on the horizon. The service aims to offer a cost-effective and convenient travel option, with ticket prices estimated at around Dh442. According to YA Rahim, President of the Indian Association Sharjah, the goal is to have the service operational before the December school break, allowing expats to visit their hometowns without incurring high airline charges. Delegates from the Kerala government are set to meet India’s central government ministers to seek approval for the project, with hopes for a trial run starting by November. The passenger ship will take approximately three days for the journey, accommodating up to 1,250 passengers at a time and allowing each passenger to carry up to 200kg of luggage. It is expected to sail to popular destinations such as Kochi and Beypore, with plans for a route to Vizhinjam in the future. Spearheaded by the Sharjah Indian Association in partnership with Ananthapuri Shipping and Logistics Private Limited, supported by the government of Kerala and NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs), this project is set to address the travel needs of non-resident Keralites and could become a reality soon, offering an affordable and efficient mode of travel between the UAE and Kerala.