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UAE News
The Evolution of Souks: Dubai’s Blend of Tradition and Modern Retail

This article explores the transformation of Dubai’s souqs, delving into their history, their role in shaping culture, and how they’ve adapted to modern life. [...]

Dubai Hosts Over 60 Startups, Entrepreneurs at AI Connect

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) hosted the highly anticipated AI Connect event today, bringing together over 60 startups, entrepreneurs, government entities, and investment institutions to accelerate AI adoption in the public sector. [...]

Best Christmas Desserts to Make This Season

Indulge in festive cheer with these delightful Christmas dessert recipes, perfect for spreading sweetness and creating holiday memories! [...]

A Landmark Year for Dubai: Key Highlights from a Historic 2024

From futuristic urban developments and strategic legislative shifts to corporate milestones that fueled investor confidence, Dubai has cemented its reputation as a global powerhouse. Dive into the highlights that made 2024 an unforgettable year for the emirate. [...]

China Poised to Become the World’s Largest Aviation Services Market by 2043

This year, China’s aviation services market grew by 24%, reaching $23 billion, up from $18.6 billion in 2023. [...]

Thailand Introduces E-Visa Service for Travelers from Pakistan and Afghanistan

The new online platform will officially go live on January 1, 2025, offering greater convenience for travelers. [...]

Thailand Introduces E-Visa for Indian Travelers Starting January 2025

This move is expected to significantly enhance travel convenience for Indian citizens, aligning with the growing demand for seamless international travel. [...]

Thailand to Launch E-Visa for Bangladeshis on January 2

Thailand is set to simplify travel for Bangladeshis with the launch of its e-visa service on January 2, 2025, streamlining the visa application process for greater convenience. [...]

Dubai Metro Blue Line Set to Begin Operations in September 2029

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a Dh20.5-billion contract to three prominent Turkish and Chinese companies—Mapa, Limak, and CRRC—for the construction of the highly anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line. [...]

UAE: Here's Why Property Buyers Opting for Mortgages Should Prioritize Term Insurance

As Dubai’s off-plan property sales continue to dominate the real estate market, the demand for term life insurance is witnessing significant growth. [...]

ICBA Unveils 2024-2034 Strategy and New Corporate Identity

In a landmark event attended by global sustainability leaders and key stakeholders, the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) launched its ambitious 2024-2034 Strategy and unveiled a bold new corporate identity. [...]

Dubai Health Hosts Inaugural Dubai Health Research Conference 2024

Dubai Health successfully hosted the inaugural Dubai Health Research Conference 2024, drawing around 700 physicians, scientists, trainees, and healthcare professionals to the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) over three days. [...]

DHA and Roche Diagnostics Advance AI Integration in Dubai Healthcare

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in partnership with Roche Diagnostics Middle East, hosted the “NABIDH Elevate” workshop, emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and diagnostic integration in reshaping Dubai’s healthcare system. [...]

FTA Announces Milestone of 450,000 Corporate Tax Registrations

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), said that the number of companies registered for corporate tax has surpassed 450,000, demonstrating a strong commitment from the business sector to align with the new tax system. [...]

UAEV to Introduce Standardised EV Charging Tariffs, Innovative Features from January 2025

UAEV, the UAE’s first government-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has announced the adoption of standardised EV charging tariffs set by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, effective January 2025. [...]

Government News

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Economic News
Dubai-bound Indian tourists in for a shock as visa rejections surge

Dubai visa rejections surge, impacting Indian travelers with stricter documentation requirements. Travel agents report increased financial losses from non-refundable bookings. Rejection rates have climbed from 1-2% to 5-6%, even with complete documentation, causing travel disruptions and frustration among applicants. [...]

How safe is Dubai? Influencer leaves gold jewellery on car hood, no one even touched that. Watch viral video

A viral video shows an influencer leaving gold jewelry unattended on a Dubai street for 30 minutes, sparking debate about the city's safety. While some praised Dubai's strict laws and security, others questioned the video's authenticity, suggesting it was staged. Despite differing opinions, the video highlighted Dubai's reputation for safety [...]

Dubai home prices set to surge again in 2025, as foreigners keep flocking to the Gulf

Dubai home prices are expected to rise further next year after a 20% increase in 2024. There are signs of continued recovery in the market. Demand for property is booming due to the government’s pandemic handling and visa policies attracting foreign buyers. Knight Frank predicts developers will build 300,000 homes [...]

Lulu Retail seeks to raise up to $1.43 bn in biggest UAE IPO this year

Lulu Retail Holdings aims to raise up to 5.27 billion dirhams ($1.43 billion) in the UAE's largest IPO this year, offering a 25% stake through 2.582 billion shares at 1.94-2.04 dirhams each. The listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is projected for Nov. 14. [...]

Lulu Retail kicks off one of UAE's biggest IPOs this year

Lulu Retail Holdings has started an initial public offering, anticipated to be the largest in the UAE this year. It is offering over 2.582 billion shares during a time of increased retail spending. The IPO runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, with shares set to trade on the Abu [...]

IGJS will help boost exports by 20% to the UAE in 2024, says GJEPC

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) expects the International Gem and Jewellery Show (IGJS) Dubai to boost India's exports to the UAE by 20% in 2024. The event, supported by the India-UAE CEPA agreement, has seen strong participation and rising demand from the Middle East, countering challenges in [...]

India reduces local remedies exhaustion period to 3 yrs for UAE investors

India has reduced the local remedies period for UAE investors from five years to three years under the new BIT, effective August 31. This treaty includes portfolio investments and protects investors from expropriation and other injustices. It aims to boost bilateral investments, offering an independent forum for dispute settlement via [...]

India, UAE investment promotion, protection treaty comes into effect from Aug 31: FinMin

The bilateral investment treaty signed between India and the UAE, enforced from August 31, 2024, ensures investment protection continuity following the expiration of the previous agreement. It sets provisions for arbitration, defines investment protections, and balances investor rights with state regulations, promoting increased bilateral investments. [...]

Expats paying $33,000 school fees fuel rise of Dubai billionaire

GEMS World Academy in Dubai offers premium education with facilities like iPads for kindergarteners and a planetarium. With fees up to $33,000 by grade 12, GEMS caters to various price points. The growing expat population in Dubai drives demand, leading GEMS to plan expansion and add 30,000 new school places. [...]

India-UAE IMEEC gets a leg up during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visit

The launch of the India-UAE virtual trade corridor and MAITRI interface aims to streamline trade under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The Virtual Trade Corridor will reduce administrative processes, logistics costs, and enhance ease of doing business. MAITRI integrates Indian and UAE portals to optimize efficiencies and regulatory compliance. [...]

Our ties with UAE are the envy of the world, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the growing partnership between India and the UAE as a defining bond of this decade at the UAE-India Business Forum in Mumbai. He emphasized innovation, investment, and sustainable development as key pillars. Nine memoranda of understanding were signed, including an agreement to jointly [...]

UAE, India tie up for critical minerals supply chains

India and the UAE have signed an MoU to secure critical mineral supply chains. The agreement involves cooperation in mineral exploration in third countries, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience. This initiative is part of broader efforts under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor framework. [...]

India, UAE ink pact on operating nuclear plants in Gulf nation

India and the UAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the operation and maintenance of nuclear plants. The agreement was signed by officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin [...]

UAE supermarket introduces UPI payments across outlets countrywide

A UAE-based business conglomerate, Al Maya Group, has begun accepting India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) across its outlets. The first UPI transaction took place at Al Maya Supermarket, attended by Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai, Yatin Patel. Kamal Vachani, Group Director, emphasized that UPI will enhance convenience for [...]

UAE considers building a second nuclear power plant

The country of some 10 million people has become a proponent of nuclear power, a low-carbon energy source, as it seeks to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. Its first plant started commercial operations in 2021. [...]

Dubai crown prince named UAE defence minister

Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has appointed his son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as the UAE's defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. Sheikh Hamdan, 41, is the second son of Sheikh Mohammed and has held the title of crown prince of Dubai since 2008. [...]

Indians can now pay via UPI in Qatar

Indians visiting Qatar will soon benefit from the convenience of making payments via UPI, thanks to an agreement signed between NPCI International Payments (NIPL) and QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa. This initiative aims to simplify transactions for the large number of Indian tourists in [...]

Prominent Indian businessman Ram Buxani dies at 83 in UAE

Prominent Indian businessman Ram Buxani, known for his leadership in the UAE's Indian community, passed away at 83. He was chairman of ITL Cosmos group and renowned for his philanthropy. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir, expressed deep sorrow, calling Buxani a guide and role model. Known for his [...]

UPI payments will now be available in UAE, as NPCI International joins hand with Network International

The introduction of UPI payments in UAE through NPCI International and Network International aims to provide seamless payment experiences for Indian travelers and NRIs. The initiative reflects the growing global acceptance of UPI, with partnerships established in various countries for faster digital payments. [...]

Demand for skilled blue-collar workers from India goes up by 25 pc in UAE: Report

The report by Huntr is based on quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews with 1,00,000 blue workers enrolled on the platform from May 2023-April 2024 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. It further stated that the UAE's thriving industries, such as technology, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and logistics, are [...]