The UAE has announced new 5-year residency visa regulations aimed at expatriates aged 55 and above. The initiative seeks to provide greater flexibility and attract retirees who wish to settle in the country. Eligibility Criteria for the 5-Year Visa To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet specific requirements: Application Process for the Residency Visa…
Dubai residents can now enjoy “bus pooling” by sharing minibus rides through a new booking system on smart apps, announced on Wednesday. Initially available in Deira, the service connects areas like Business Bay, Dubai Mall, Mirdif, and Dubai Festival City. Plans are in place to gradually expand the service across the city. The fare for…
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced the world’s first VAT refund system for e-commerce retail purchases by tourists. This innovative, entirely paperless platform allows visitors to claim VAT refunds seamlessly during their stay in the country. A Fully Digital System Developed in collaboration with Planet, the system offers a digital, real-time solution for…
Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal will visit Dubai on December 19 to promote his highly-anticipated directorial debut, Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure. The fantasy 3D film is slated to release in UAE cinemas on December 26, making it one of the most awaited festive releases this year. This milestone marks Mohanlal’s first venture as a director…
India’s consulate in Dubai has pledged assistance to the families of nine Indian nationals killed in a bus crash in Sharjah’s Khor Fakkan on Sunday night. Three others remain critically injured. The accident occurred when a bus carrying 83 workers from a construction company in Ajman overturned near a roundabout due to brake failure. The…
Haji Jamaluddin, a 90-year-old Indian expatriate, continues to actively oversee the operations of Crescent English High School in Dubai, which he founded in 1984. His mission was simple: to provide affordable education for low- and middle-income families who would otherwise have limited access to quality schooling. Over the years, Crescent has become one of the…
Indian tourists may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with this new arrangement potentially coming into effect in spring 2025. In June, Russia and India held consultations on a bilateral agreement to ease visa restrictions, specifically focusing on implementing visa-free group tourist exchanges. Since August 1, 2023, Indian travelers have been eligible for e-visas to…
Experts advised non-resident Indians (NRIs) investing in India to focus on the bigger picture rather than reacting to short-term events or market fluctuations. Speaking at the 42nd annual international conference organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Dubai chapter, industry leaders emphasized the importance of patience and long-term vision when investing in…
Mangaluru is set to establish its first Southeast Asian air link with a direct flight to Singapore, marking a significant milestone for the coastal city. Starting January 21, Air India Express will operate a nonstop service between Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) and Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN), with flights scheduled twice a week. This long-awaited connection…
Weeks before welcoming his first child, Vinod Puthiya Purayil’s life took a joyous turn as he won $1 million in the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire raffle. The 29-year-old, originally from Kannur, Kerala, called the win a “gift from above” for his growing family. Purayil, an equipment operator at Dnata, won with ticket number 1880, purchased…
Dubai will reintroduce a 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales from January 1, 2025, as confirmed by retailer African + Eastern. The tax, initially lifted in January 2023 as part of a 12-month trial, was extended until the end of December 2024. However, the Dubai Municipality has now announced the tax’s reinstatement, requiring all hospitality…
Indian expatriates in the UAE can now surprise their loved ones in India through Swiggy, the popular on-demand platform. UAE residents can log into the app using their local phone numbers and place orders for food, gifts, and even restaurant bookings in India. “We deliver to almost 700 cities across India. People from here [in…