In the winter of 1956, The Times correspondent David Holden arrived in Bahrain, then a British protectorate. What he found in the Gulf—from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Oman—was a region steeped in remnants of British India. From servants called bearers and dhobis to soldiers in Hyderabadi uniforms, traces of the Raj were everywhere. The…
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has officially opened registration for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, which will be held on Saturday, June 21, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event is free to attend and open to all community members….
The UAE has officially enforced a sweeping new traffic law designed to improve road safety, streamline traffic management, and ensure responsible driving behaviour across the country. Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024, which came into effect on March 29, 2025, introduces significant amendments to licensing requirements, enforcement measures, and vehicle regulations. Driving Licence Now Available…
Effective June 1, 2025, Mastercard and Visa are changing how UAE travellers access airport lounges. The updates include mandatory app registrations, spending requirements, and visit limits based on card type. Mastercard: App Registration & Visit Limits Visa: Digital Access & Spending Thresholds What UAE Travellers Should Do These changes are aimed at streamlining access and…
Looking for your dream home in India or planning your next big real estate investment? Don’t miss the UAE-India Property Show, happening this weekend at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Organized by Gulf News, the two-day event brings together over 20 leading developers from India and the UAE, offering unbeatable deals,…
The UAE has launched a new 180-day multiple-entry visa for individuals applying for the Blue Residency — a 10-year long-term visa for those making outstanding contributions in environmental protection, sustainability, and renewable energy. Announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), this visa allows eligible applicants from outside the UAE…
Kuwait has expanded its electronic visa (e-visa) system to allow more expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply, under newly clarified rules. The initiative aims to modernize entry procedures while ensuring security and compliance. Who’s Eligible? Expatriates in GCC countries can apply for a Kuwait e-visa if they meet these conditions: Who’s…
Indian expats in the UAE traveling to India should be aware of important changes to ATM transaction fees that came into effect on May 1, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its ATM fee structure, raising charges for transactions beyond the free monthly limit. The number of free withdrawals has also been…
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Australia, the U.K., and others actively invest in Indian mutual funds to diversify their portfolios. India, being the fastest-growing major economy, continues to attract NRIs looking for better wealth creation opportunities. Mutual funds remain a preferred investment option for NRIs due…
Akshaya Tritiya is nearly here, and if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to buy gold — this is it. Despite rising gold prices, Dubai’s iconic jewellery markets are buzzing with exciting offers and deals. Whether you’re making a festive purchase or thinking long-term with investment-grade gold, Dubai has something special for everyone. Here’s…
Indian expats travelling from the UAE can now expect a smoother arrival in India, as the Delhi High Court has ruled against routine jewellery checks and harassment by customs officials. The decision comes after over 30 petitions revealed that many passengers—especially NRIs—were being stopped for wearing personal or inherited jewellery. The court stated that unless…
Indian travelers eager to visit the United States face a major hurdle: exceptionally long visa wait times at U.S. consulates in India. With appointments stretching beyond a year, many are turning to international consulates where they can secure a visa slot in just days. Fastest International Destinations for a U.S. Visa Appointment Several U.S. consulates…