A recent report by Indiaspora, in collaboration with The Boston Consulting Group, underscores the Indian diaspora’s significant contributions to the UAE’s socio-economic landscape. With an estimated population of 3.9 million, Indians in the UAE have played a pivotal role in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and business, despite facing ongoing challenges, particularly among…
A brand-new cultural landmark is set to open in the UAE capital. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will officially launch on April 18, 2025, as announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Miral, and the renowned Tokyo-based art collective teamLab. Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, the innovative museum spans over 17,000…
Dubai motorists now have a more convenient way to manage their parking with the launch of the new Parkin app. Developed by Parkin PJSC, the emirate’s largest operator of paid public parking, the app introduces several user-friendly features, including a ‘park now, pay later’ option, real-time parking locator, and digital dispute resolution for fines. Key…
Dubai residents can now renew their visas within minutes, thanks to a new AI-powered digital platform introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The platform, called Salama, streamlines the renewal process, eliminating paperwork and long wait times. Once users log in, AI automatically retrieves their details, displays their dependents’ visa status,…
Are you an expat looking to learn Arabic? The Zayed House of Islamic Culture (ZHIC) offers Arabic language courses for non-native speakers, available both remotely and in person. Registration is done through Tamm, Abu Dhabi’s official government services platform. Course Structure ZHIC’s Arabic courses are structured into different levels: Classes are available in both online…
Are you a writer, filmmaker, influencer, photographer, or digital storyteller looking for a long-term base? The UAE now offers content creators a Golden Visa, granting up to 10 years of residency without needing a national sponsor. This initiative provides stability and flexibility, making Dubai an ideal hub for creative professionals. What is the UAE Golden…
Indian expat and ultra-marathoner Aakash Nambiar, popularly known as the ‘Barefoot Mallu,’ completed a grueling 115km barefoot run from Hatta to Dubai’s Mushrif Park to promote ocean conservation. The 36-year-old Keralite, a passionate advocate for environmental causes, undertook this challenge to highlight the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. “The UAE has made remarkable progress in…
Indian expat Suresh Pavaiah received the ultimate birthday gift when he won the Dh3 million DSF Grand Prize in the latest Dream Dubai campaign. Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, the 45-year-old has been residing in the UAE since 2006. With his newfound fortune, he now plans to fulfill his long-time dream of launching a technical…
Starting February 13, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will offer visa-on-arrival to Indian nationals holding valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six additional countries—Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Previously, this privilege was limited to Indian travelers with valid documentation from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European…
The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, has introduced a subtle but significant change in the residential status clause under Indian tax laws. Previously, Indian citizens who moved abroad “for the purpose of employment” were granted relaxed tax residency provisions, requiring them to stay in India for less than 182 days in a financial year to…
The Income Tax Bill 2025 has retained the existing tax residency criteria, providing relief to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Earlier reports speculated that NRIs earning Rs 15 lakh or more in India while not paying taxes elsewhere would be reclassified as residents instead of Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR). However, under the proposed bill, such…
The UAE is gearing up for a potentially record-breaking gold exchange programme in the coming days, coinciding with three major trade events—Gulfood, Dubai International Boat Show, and the IDEX defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Despite gold prices holding at a steep $2,900 per ounce, just shy of the February 10 peak of $2,940, industry insiders…