Indian travelers planning a trip to Dubai will now face stricter visa application requirements. The Dubai Emigration Department has updated its guidelines, making it mandatory for applicants to upload hotel booking documents with QR codes and a copy of their return ticket on the Emigration Department’s website when applying for a tourist visa. These changes…
Paytm, owned by One97 Communications (OCL), has announced the extension of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service to select international locations, allowing Indian users to make cashless payments while traveling abroad. The service is now available in popular destinations, including the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. With this update, Paytm users can conveniently…
Recent claims that gold prices in India have become cheaper than in the UAE are being strongly denied by UAE jewellers, who maintain that buying gold in the UAE remains more cost-effective. Import Duty Reduction in India India’s recent move to reduce gold import duty from 15% to 6% has narrowed the price gap, but…
The UAE is gearing up for the next big public holiday, with National Day just around the corner. You might have heard the upcoming celebration referred to as “Eid Al Etihad” – but don’t be mistaken, it’s simply the new name for the UAE National Day celebrations. This year, the country will enjoy a long,…
Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ), the newest free zone in the UAE, has attracted over 450 companies in less than two months. Located in the heart of Ajman, ANCFZ stands out for its fully digital business setup process, allowing investors to sign documents online without needing to print or download forms. Rishi Somaiya, CEO…
Indian residents living in Dubai, or elsewhere abroad, can now secure free hospitalization benefits for their aged parents in India, thanks to an expanded healthcare scheme run by the National Health Authority. If your parents are 70 years or older, they can receive free medical treatment in empanelled hospitals across India with health coverage of…
The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK) has unveiled a Golden Visa programme tailored to private school educators, granting self-sponsored, long-term residency to eligible professionals. This initiative underscores RAK’s commitment to enhancing the education sector and retaining top talent. Who Can Apply? The programme targets two categories: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the…
Dubai’s Gold Souk Extension is offering an incredible prize: a 24K gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck. This iconic electric vehicle, known for its futuristic design, is up for grabs in a raffle that could be yours with just a little shopping. From November 14 to December 29, shoppers who spend Dh500 at participating outlets in the Gold…
The Emirates ID is more than just an identification card. This simple card, embedded with an electronic chip, holds critical information about the cardholder and offers several benefits that make life in the UAE more convenient. Here are eight ways it can simplify your daily activities: 1. Seamless Entry and Exit from the Country Residents…
Indian investors have emerged as a key force behind the thriving real estate market in Expo City Dubai, ranking among the top three buyers of residential and commercial properties, according to Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai. In a recent episode of the State of Economy Podcast, Al Khatib highlighted…
Kerala has emerged as the state with the highest household debt in India, as revealed in the latest NABARD report, which surveyed over one lakh households across the country. The report, which covers the period from July 2021 to June 2022, highlights the financial challenges faced by households in the state, particularly in the wake…
Passengers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport are facing frustratingly long waits for taxis due to high demand and limited supply. With a surge in traveller numbers, many are finding themselves stuck in lengthy queues at the dedicated taxi stands. A viral video shared by Karnataka Portfolio on social media captured the scene, showing a long…