Saudi Arabia hit the headlines this week as it announced a dress code for women performing the Umrah pilgrimage.
The country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah outlined the suitable clothing for female pilgrims visiting holy sites.
Meanwhile, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority called on businesses to pay value-added tax before the end of the month to avoid major fines, and the Ministry of Interior announced arrests made in residency and labour operations.
In the UAE, dates were confirmed for a public holiday this month and astronomical predictions forecast when Eid Al Fitr will occur in 2024.
Elsewhere this week, Kuwait announced flexible working hours for employees, Abu Dhabi Airport called for volunteers to aid security testing in Terminal A and Emirates shared news on new in-flight meal ordering services for passengers.
Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories of the week, selected by Arabian Business editors.
Saudi Arabia announces Umrah dress code for women
The Ministry said women are entitled to wear clothing of their choosing, considering they adhere to certain guidelines.
In a statement on social media, the Ministry said: “Females are permitted to wear any clothing of their choice for pilgrimage or Umrah, as long as the following conditions are met:
- “The clothing should be wide and loose-fitting
- “It should not have any decorative elements
- “The clothing should cover the entire body”
UAE announces private sector holiday, 3-day weekend confirmed
The UAE has announced a holiday for private sector employees.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that Friday, September 29th 2023 (1445 AH) will be a paid public holiday for private sector employees to mark the Prophet’s birthday.
This came in a circular issued by MoHRE, which aligns with the Cabinet Resolution regarding the approved public holidays for the public and private sectors in 2023.
Saudi Arabia issues new tax warning
Saudi Arabia has warned businesses to pay owed tax or face major fines in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has called on commercial sector establishments subject to value-added tax (VAT) and whose annual revenues on goods and services exceed SR40m ($10.7m) to submit VAT statements for August by September 30.
ZATCA urged facilities to submit their tax statements via the zatca.gov.sa website or to pay via ZATCA smartphone application promptly, in order to avoid a fine of a minimum of 5 per cent and a maximum of 25 per cent of the tax value owed.
Emirates announces major boost to in-flight meals
Emirates has announced a major expansion to its in-flight meal ordering service for some passengers.
After the successful launch of the Emirates inflight meal pre-ordering initiative on UK routes and the positive feedback received from passengers, the service is now being extended across routes to and from more European cities.
The initiative will be rolled out across more global routes in the coming months. The new service allows passengers in Business Class to preselect their main course between 14 days and 24 hours in advance of their flight departure, ensuring they get their preferred choice every time as well as helping to reduce food wastage.
Schengen Visa application time slashed as EU announces new digital processes
European Commission Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Anitta Hipper, highlighted the positive effects of this development, and said that it will eliminate long waiting periods for visa decisions, according to a report by SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Hipper elaborated on the changes, adding that with the full transition to online visa applications, physical document submissions will no longer be necessary.
Saudi Arabia arrests over 15,800 in residency and labour operations
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Interior in a social media post identifying 15,812 arrests between September 7 and September 13.
The Ministry said the arrests were made by multiple security agencies in the Kingdom during the past week.
Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A seeks volunteers to get first look inside and test boarding, departure, security and luggage facilities
As part of the ongoing operational readiness trials for the new Terminal A ahead of its opening in November, Abu Dhabi Airports is conducting its largest live trial and testing exercise to date, with more than 6,000 volunteers selected from the community in Abu Dhabi.
The operational trials involve playing an essential part in robust simulations that are designed to stress-test equipment, staff and procedures, in key operating areas of the terminal.
UAE Eid Al Fitr 2024 expected dates revealed
Emirates Astronomy Society chairman said this week that the Islamic month of Rabi Al Awwal was expected to begin on Saturday, September 16. Following astronomical predictions, it is possible to forecast likely dates for Ramadan and also the Eid Al Fitr holidays in 2024.
The astronomical predictions mean that:
- Ramadan 2024 will begin Monday, March 11
- Ramadan 2024 will end on Tuesday, April 9
- Eid Al Fitr 2024 will begin on Wednesday, April 10
Kuwait announces flexible working hours for employees, allows workers to arrive late or early
The move was granted by Kuwait’s Civil Service Council.
The authority said that the new rules allow employees to work flexible hours, with the morning attendance period between 7am and 9am, followed by the dismissal period between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Dubai Police and car rental agencies discuss major traffic law change
The meeting explored the implications of Decree No. 23 of 2023, which contains amendments to several provisions of Decree No. 29 of 2015 regarding the impoundment of vehicles in the emirate.
The discussion focused on unifying and coordinating efforts to support the car rental sector, which plays a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism industry, one of the main pillars of Dubai’s economy.
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