New UAE visa rules; alcohol tax; Emirates ID guide; camels on Sheikh Zayed Road – 10 things you missed this week

This week, Dubai residents learned how they are now able to sponsor friends and family by applying for 90-day visas to visit the city.

Meanwhile, residents of Qatar had an update on the laws surrounding the sale of alcohol.

In Saudi Arabia there were updates on employment opportunities at NEOM.

Among it all there have been Dubai real estate updates, news on a name change at an iconic Abu Dhabi hotel, camels on Sheikh Zayed Road and a new Al Baik Chicken store opened in the UAE.

Check out our pick of the top 10 stories on Arabian Business this week.

New UAE visa rule: Dubai residents can now sponsor friends, family for 90 days

Dubai residents can now sponsor their friends or family in the country by applying for a three-month visit visa, according to media reports.

The host is required to pay a refundable deposit of AED1,000 for the visa, the reports said, adding that it could come up to AED1,770 inclusive of typing charges.

The report added that individuals must apply for the 90-day visa online on the GDRFA website, via the mobile application or through an Amer typing centre, citing a travel agent.

Qatar alcohol rules: 100% tax, appointment only, minimum salary

Alcohol in Qatar is solely distributed by the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). However, the purchase of alcohol requires a number of conditions and criteria to be met.

Alcohol is only sold to non-Muslim expats with a permit and in licensed establishments, all purchase is subject to available appointment times and 100 percent tax.

Qatar has imposed a 100 percent tax on alcohol sold at the QDC. According to the general tax authority, the country has imposed tax on the following:

• Tobacco products – 100% tax rate
• Carbonated drinks (non-flavoured aerated water excluded) – 50% tax rate
• Energy drinks – 100% tax rate
• Special goods – 100% tax rate

UAE: Now you can get an Emirates ID in just 24 hours, here’s how

UAE residents can now get their Emirates ID within 24 hours thanks to an urgent service provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

According to information provided on the official UAE government portal, the service, titled “Fawri” is available for all age groups for UAE nationals and GCC nationals officially residing in UAE and can be obtained for: 

• First time registration
• Renewal of expired cards
• Lost or damaged cards

However, expatriate residents who are not GCC nationals are only entitled to the urgent service in case of a replacement of their identity cards.

Camels on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in viral Twitter video

A video emerged on Twitter, on Monday, showing camels running down the stretch of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road among skyscrapers and passing cars. The edited video was shared by Meta Camel Racing Club, a platform that brings the sport of camel racing to the metaverse.

In a world’s first, the company brings “a well-known Middle East sport – camel racing – to the Metaverse, connecting the cultural heritage of the Middle East and blockchain technology,” the website reads.

Races take place in “Hippodromes”, which resemble football stadiums. “Each location’s size, racetrack shape, decorations, complexity, and structure differ,” Initially, there will be a supply of 100 hippodromes, with 10 available for sale prior to the launch of the game.

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel gets new name 18 years after opening

One of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings is getting an official new name after a rebranding ceremony.

Emirates Palace Hotel has officially rebranded as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

The move will signal a new golden era says the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

UAE announces visa support for all passport and residency issues and fines

The UAE is offering to support visitors and residents facing visa problems in the country.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) has created a pop-up at Deira City Centre where it will invite any person facing visa issues or problems to come forward.

Officials and staff from the will be at Deira City Centre from February 25 to February 27 and are asking people to come forward if they have issues or questions about visa status.

NEOM jobs: Fresh graduates, architects, marketing experts wanted in Saudi Arabia

NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic city which is taking shape in Saudi Arabia, is looking to hire talent from the world over, ahead of its opening.

With the megaproject being the host for the Asian Winter Games in 2030, to signing on new partners, among many such advancements, NEOM is currently recruiting and hiring candidates across various sectors.

This includes architecture, engineering, marketing, finance, sports, technology, public safety, and more.

Dubai real estate: 64% of property owners planning to sell up and move

Almost two-thirds of Dubai property owners (64%) plan to sell their unit to take advantage of current market conditions and 52% would do so in the next 12 months in return for a good premium according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Metropolitan Homes.

According to the same survey, which polled UAE property owners during the first half of January, 90% of Dubai property owners would purchase another property in the emirate if they sold their existing one at a good premium.

83% said they made significant improvements since they bought their property with 15% of respondents spending more than AED500,000 ($136,000) to renovate their property.

Al Baik opens fourth Dubai branch

Al Baik made its debut in the UAE with its first branch in Dubai Mall, which opened in 2021. Since then branches have opened across the city in Expo City and Mall of the Emirates, following its success in the region, a new branch is set to open in Al Nahda.

The fast food chain that has become an iconic symbol of Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene. Founded in 1974, headquartered in Jeddah, Al Baik has been serving customers for almost five decades.

The restaurant currently has a trade name in 80 countries.

Ramadan in UAE: Schools to remain shut for two weeks

With less than 30 days to go for Ramadan, students in several schools across the UAE are set to receive a break of up to two weeks, as per local media reports.

Spring break, could reportedly fall during the Holy month, giving students the opportunity to spend time with their families and observe the religious practices of the month.

Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23 and end on April 21, subject to the sighting of the moon. During this time, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset for up to 14 hours a day, abstaining from food and drink.