The UAE, Saudi Arabia and countries across the world are preparing for Eid Al Adha, meaning people are able to start planning holidays with holiday dates being announced in the region.
With time off work incoming UAE residents and citizens are keeping a close eye on the weather. While temperatures are soaring, there is still the possibility of rain, with showers forecast for the weekend.
Meanwhile, this week, Dubai Mall announced plans for a major expansion with an extra 240 stores planned.
In aviation news in the past week an independent airline reviewer announced the world’s best low-cost airlines and Emirates gave a first look at its new uniform for cabin crew as iconic red shoeswere given an update.
Dubai residents looking for affordable rents have been checking out a guide to the 10 cheapest places to rent a home in the city and the Land Department fined real estate agents for breaking off-plan property rules.
Catch up with 10 of the biggest news stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Eid announced in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has announced a five-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors in the Kingdom. The announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MoHRSD) followed an official statement confirming the dates of Eid Al Adha.
The Supreme Court announced that Friday, June 7 will be the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, as the crescent moon of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah was sighted on Thursday. The Supreme Court said that standing at Arafat shall be on Saturday, the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah for this Year, 1445 AH, corresponding to June 15, 2024, and the blessed Eid Al-Adha shall be on the following day, Sunday.
Following the announcement by the Supreme Court the MoHRSD confirmed dates for private sector workers in the Kingdom. In a social media post the MoHRSD said there will be four days of holiday from Saturday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 18.
UAE weather: Rain expected this week
UAE weather forecasters are predicting rain to fall in parts of the country this weekend.
Despite rising temperatures, which could reach as high as 47 degrees in the coming days, rains are expected on Saturday and Sunday.
The National Centre of Meteorology has also suggested there could be gusting winds of up to 40kmph blowing sand and dust in the UAE.
Dubai Metro: How can companies name metro stations, cost – everything you need to know
The initiative allows interested companies and organisations to purchase the naming rights to select stations on the Red and Green lines for a set period in exchange for a fee.
Not all 49 stations are part of this initiative.
Dubai Mall announces MAJOR expansion, 240 new stores added as part of $408m project
Dubai Mall has announced a major AED1.5bn ($408m) expansion.
Emaar Properties has announced the “monumental” expansion of the Mall, which will include 240 new luxury stores and food and beverage outlets. The project represents an investment of AED1.5bn ($408m) and the contractor is already mobilising on-site.
Announcing the enhancement, Mohamed Alabbar said: “The new Dubai Mall expansion is a great addition to one of the most visited sites in the world. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed guests and loyal customers, as well as our partners, retailers, and government authorities for their unwavering support”.
Dubai’s Emirates unveils new shoe and uniform options for cabin crew
New options will be offered to female crew members who can now choose from 15 styles of Spanish leather shoes in different heights, widths and designs.
The iconic red leather shoes will remain but crews will receive two pairs each year – flats and medium or high heels. Male crew will still get new brown leather shoes every nine months. In another change, the red colour of female crew shoes and handbags will be brighter than before.
GCC leader says unified tourist visa plan has made significant headway
Jasem Al-Budaiwi said on Thursday that the unified GCC tourist visa project has made much headway, pointing out new Gulf projects ahead.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Acency, Al Budaiwi said the Gulf tourist visa project, which was adopted during the 44th GCC summit in Doha, would contribute to promoting tourism in the member states.
World’s best low-cost airlines 2024 revealed: Flydubai tops Middle East ranking
Malaysia-based carrier AirAsia Group was named the world’s best low-cost airline.
UAE-based flydubai was named the best low-cost carrier in the Middle East.
Dubai Land Department fines real estate developers $408,400 for breaking off-plan property rules
The escrow account is a bank account designated for a real estate project, where the funds collected from buyers of off-plan units are deposited before the project completes.
This account aims to regulate the construction process of the units sold, ensuring the protection of investor rights in the city.
Revealed: Dubai’s 10 cheapest areas to rent a home
Dubai’s thriving real estate market features a diverse range of residential options, including apartments, villas, and townhouses.
These properties are spread across various neighbourhoods, with rental prices varying significantly based on factors such as location, proximity to public transport, nearby landmarks, available amenities, and more.
Check out the 10 cheapest areas to rent a home in the city.
Emirates boss Tim Clark slams Heathrow as a ‘Second World War’ airport with ‘a dismal experience’
Sir Tim singled out the experience for passengers in Terminal 3, which is used by Emirates.
He said “travelling from Terminal 3 is a dismal experience” and the building needs reconfiguring to improve the customer journey. I was at Heathrow the other day and walking out of our lounge the ceiling height is awful. It looks like a utilitarian structure, post-Second World War. It is just not good enough,” Sir Tim said.
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