UAE
UAE considering visa-free travel for Gulf residents
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering implementing a visa system that would allow residents to travel easily to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia. The proposed system aims to facilitate free movement within the bloc and could be introduced in the near future. Currently, foreign residents in the GCC countries often require visas to cross borders, while citizens of the bloc can travel freely.
3-day weekend in UAE: Free parking to toll announced on Prophet's birthday in Abu Dhabi
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi has announced that surface parkings, as well as parking spaces at the Musaffah M-18 truck parking lot, will be free during the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Holiday. The ITC Customer Centres will be closed during the holiday, but customers can still access services through digital platforms and contact the Service Support Centre.The Darb toll gate system will be free during the holiday but will resume charging on Saturday during peak hours.
Dubai's roads to have driverless taxis from next month
Dubai will begin trial runs of automated self-driving taxis next month along Jumeirah Road. The taxis, operated by US-based Cruise, will initially run without human passengers. Dubai plans to have full commercial operations of the driverless taxis by next year and aims for 25% of all trips in the city to be smart and driverless by 2030. If successful, Dubai will become the second city outside the US to operate Cruise self-driving vehicles commercially.
UAE: Want to plant a tree? Open a bank account or stay in a hotel room
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has announced its plan to plant a tree for every new customer who opens an account with the bank. DIB has partnered with Emirates Environmental Group and The Storey Group for this initiative. Customers will receive information about the trees dedicated to them. Rove Hotels has also pledged to plant one tree for every room booked during the COP28 conference.
UAE: What is behind the jump in heart attacks among young people?
Doctors in the UAE are seeing a rise in heart attacks among young individuals due to risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. Heart disease is the main cause of death from non-communicable diseases in the country, with a higher mortality rate compared to other nations. Experts emphasize the importance of raising awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle and conducting regular health check-ups.
3-day weekend in UAE coming up this month. Last long weekend of this year
The UAE government has declared September 29 as an official holiday to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Both the public and private sectors will receive equal leave entitlements. This decision aims to create a balance between the two sectors in terms of official holidays.
UAE-Kerala passenger ship service launch expected this year: Baggage limit, fare and travel time...
A passenger ship service between Kerala and the UAE could potentially start by the end of the year. This service aims to cater to the 22 lakh migrant workers from Kerala, with the goal of reducing fares and allowing for more luggage compared to plane services. The President of the Indian Association Sharjah expressed optimism that the service could begin in December.
Navigating the future of fintech: Exploring the buy now pay later
Rapid growth in the UAE and India is attributed to digitization, ecommerce expansion, and appeal to the younger generation.
Cleantech startups in Dubai: Pioneering a sustainable future
Dive into Dubai's cleantech startups, discover cutting-edge solutions, and learn about their crucial role in building a sustainable future.
UAE issues clarification for all phone users amid iPhone 12 radiation concerns
The UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has assured users that all mobile phones available in the UAE have undergone a rigorous approval process and comply with technical standards. The TDRA emphasized its commitment to upholding global security and safety benchmarks. Meanwhile, Apple has stated that it will issue a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to accommodate the testing protocol used by French regulators, as the country's radiation watchdog banned sales of the device due to breaches of exposure limits.
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UAE: New platform launched by Dubai Insurance to subscribe to mandatory job loss insurance scheme
Astra Tech, in partnership with Dubai Insurance Company, is offering the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance Scheme on the Botim app in the UAE. The scheme provides financial support to employees who lose their jobs due to reasons other than disciplinary action or resignation. To incentivize employees to subscribe to the scheme, Botim is offering its VIP Membership as an add-value for one month.
UAE: Children will not be allowed in schools if vaccination certificates not updated on AlHosn app
The UAE will use the upgraded AlHosn app to track children's vaccinations, and those without updated vaccination records will not be allowed in schools, a top health official said. The app includes comprehensive vaccination records for children from birth to 18 years and aims to achieve a higher percentage of child vaccination coverage nationwide. The UAE government is committed to leveraging smart technologies and applications to ensure optimal health coverage and sustain high vaccination rates.
Nipah virus alert in Kerala after two deaths. Causes, symptoms and treatment
The Kerala government is on high alert after two deaths due to Nipah virus occurred at a private hospital in Kozhikode. The Health Ministry has also directed for an isolation facility to be set up. Nipah virus is typically transmitted from animals to humans and can cause a range of illnesses, including acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. There is currently no treatment or vaccine available.
Dubai apartment prices jump most in a decade as home boom widens
Dubai’s real estate rebound comes after a seven year slump, fueled by an influx of newcomers — from crypto millionaires and bankers relocating from Asia to wealthy Russians seeking to shield assets. The government has also brought in a slew of reforms, relaxing visa laws and introducing visas for job seekers and freelancers.
Dubai's thriving food and beverage sector: A recipe for success
Sunjeh Raja, Director and CEO of the International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA), Dubai, spoke with Kabeer Sharma, Editor in Chief, Indiatimes, in a recent episode of the podcast series "Live, Work, and Play in Dubai," which explores how Dubai successfully cultivates an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
