UAE residents can look forward to another public holiday and long weekend in a matter of days.
After that, there may be a wait of weeks before time off is taken again, it was revealed as expected holiday dates in the country were revealed.
Elsewhere in the country the petrol prices for July have been revealed and companies were given a final warning over hiring Emiratis, before a fine was introduced.
It has been a busy week in the Middle East after an extended break for the Eid Al Adha holidays. The region’s airlines were rated among the best in the world, new traffic laws were introduced in Dubai and details emerged over driving licence deliveries.
Further afield the EU announced major developments about Schengen visa applications and details emerged about the final hours of the tragic final hours of passengers aboard the ill-fated Titanic submarine.
Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories you may have missed this week.
UAE holidays 2023: All the upcoming long weekends revealed
As per astronomical predictions, the new Hijri year, 1445 AH, will begin on Wednesday, July 19, leading to a day off across the UAE.
Following Hijri New Year, UAE residents will also see a long weekend during Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday which falls on Friday, September 29. The UAE will also celebrate National Day, which falls on December 2 and December 3, giving residents an expected long weekend.
UAE firms given final jobs warning ahead of $11,400 fine deadline
Friday, July 7 was the deadline for private sector companies with 50 employees or more to meet the semi-annual Emiratisation targets, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said.
“Starting from July 8, we will review compliance with Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2023, which call for a 1 per cent growth in the number of Emiratis working in skilled jobs in private sector companies,” MoHRE said in a statement.
2023 World’s Best Airlines Qatar, Emirates, Etihad and Saudia Skytrax
Often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, the World Airline Awards are an independent and impartial ranking of the world’s leading aviation companies.
Top spot was taken by Singapore Airlines, with Qatar Airways collecting three awards. Qatar’s national carrier further underlines the strength of its Business Class offering, with three category wins
- World’s Best Business Class
- World’s Best Business Class Lounge – Al Mourjan Lounge
- World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining
UAE petrol prices go up in July 2023
The UAE has announced an increase to petrol prices for July 2023.
Special 95, Super 98, and E-Plus will all go up, while diesel prices will also be higher. The current cost of refilling a petrol tank in the UAE has increased following a small reduction last month.
From July 1, the cost of filling up vehicles in the UAE will be:
- Special 95 – AED2.89 litre from AED2.84 in June
- Super 98 – AED3.00 a litre from AED2.95 in June
- E-Plus – AED2.81 a litre from AED2.76 in June
- Diesel – AED2.76 a litre from AED2.68 in June
New Dubai traffic laws: $27,000 fines and deportation as stricter penalties introduced
Dubai has introduced new penalties and stricter rules for motorists in the city.
According to local media reports, fines of up to AED100,000 ($27,600) and deportation for expat motorists are among the new penalties.
The amended traffic laws came in to effect from Thursday, July 6 and involve violations including jumping a red light, overly tinting windows and racing cars without prior permission.
EU announces major Schengen visa update
New laws are in the works to make it easier to apply for a Schengen visa, as well as remove the need for passport stickers and physical applications. Instead, a digital system is planned. The plans would reduce costs for applicants and streamline the process.
As well as the new law would streamlining the entire visa application procedures in the Schengen area by moving from physical visa stickers and applications to a digital system it would harmonise the process throughout Europe, said the Committee in a statement.
Dubai driving licence: Two-hour delivery, international service, cost revealed
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced a new service that delivers renewed driving licences within two hours. Additionally, those who use Apple devices can also access their driving licences in their Apple wallet using the official RTA app.
There are numerous delivery options offered by RTA upon licence renewal including standard delivery, same day delivery, delivery within two hours and international delivery.
Delivery fees for Dubai driving licences
- Standard delivery – AED20
- Same day delivery – AED35
- Delivery within two hours – AED50
- International delivery – AED50
Titanic sub victims spent final moments watching sea creatures pass by: Report
The final moments of the passengers on board the ill-fated Titanic submersible have brought to light some heart-wrenching details about the end part of the voyage.
A report in The New York Times, based on the harrowing experience of Christine, the wife and mother of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, who were among the doomed passengers, described the excitement, the preparations and the usual warnings about the deep-water voyage.
The Dawood family’s obsession with the Titanic wreckage began in 2012 after visiting a Titanic exhibit in Singapore. Find out more.
UAE courts fine woman $136,000 and jail her for 5 years over social media video
A woman has been jailed for five years in the UAE and fined AED500,000 ($136,000) for inciting hate on social media.
She will also be deported upon completion of her prison term.
The accused, identified by the initials M.R.A., was found guilty of posting a video online, which incited hate speech. As well as the fine, prison term and eventual deportation the court also ordered that the phone used to commit the crime be confiscated and the offending video clip be deleted and social media account closed.
Dubai Marina journey time slashed by 67%
Completed road improvements will boost traffic flow and cut down the travel time it takes to exit the Marina area via Al Seba Street to Sheikh Zayed Road, from 30 minutes to just 10 minutes.
The RTA urged the public and residents to use the new exit towards Sheikh Zayed Road to enhance the accessibility of their destinations.
Follow us on
