Indian expats in the UAE can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) without needing an Indian mobile number, marking a major step in digital financial inclusion for the global Indian community. Thanks to a recent development following an agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, NRIs can…
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has suspended ticket sales for flights from Abu Dhabi to Belgrade, Sarajevo, and several other destinations, as part of a significant restructuring of its route network from the UAE capital. The airline’s final flight to Belgrade is scheduled for July 19, while the last service to Sarajevo will operate on August…
The UAE’s Golden Visa program offers long-term residency to professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. Designed to attract top-tier individuals across various sectors, the visa allows holders to live, work, and invest in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. Benefits include tax-free income, multi-entry access, extended stay durations, and the ability to sponsor family…
Dozens of investors have been left devastated after Gulf First Commercial Brokers, a Dubai-based brokerage firm, abruptly shut down operations, vanishing with millions of dirhams in client funds. A police complaint has been filed against Gulf First and its associated entity, Sigma-One Capital. The firm’s once-bustling offices at Capital Golden Tower in Business Bay now…
REDTAG has unveiled its latest store at Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, bringing its popular fashion and homeware collections to one of the UAE’s most family-friendly cities. Known for combining style with affordability, REDTAG offers something for everyone—whether you’re updating your wardrobe or refreshing your home. The new store features a wide selection of clothing…
Starting September 1, 2025, Emirates NBD will implement a Dh26.25 fee for certain international money transfers made via its DirectRemit service when initiated through the bank’s mobile app (ENBD X) or online banking platform. DirectRemit currently offers instant, zero-fee transfers to partner banks in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom,…
The Ministry of Interior has issued a fresh warning urging residents in the UAE to stay vigilant as online scams grow more sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media and messaging platforms. In a newly released awareness video, the ministry highlights the case of a civil engineer who lost Dh42,000 in a scam that began…
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,…