The UAE, Oman and Kuwait this week announced dates for upcoming Islamic New Year holidays.
The break will be an opportunity for public and private sector workers to enjoy time away from work and follows the recent Eid Al Adha holidays.
Elsewhere in the UAE there have been updates on visa-free travel to an increasingly popular Eurasian destination and an important clarification from a visa application centre in the country.
Prosecutors in the country ordered the arrest of a man for making an “arrogant” social media video, which was said to ridicule Emirati society.
Meanwhile, details emerged of a 37% cut to petrol prices, a reported “earthquake” shook Dubai, Qatar made major changes to mortgage rules in the country and more.
Catch up with 10 must-read Arabian Business stories from the past week.
UAE orders arrest of man over ‘arrogant’ social media video filmed inside luxury car showroom
According to a report by state-run news agency WAM, the video insults and ridicules Emirati society and incites harmful public opinion of citizens. In the offending video an Asian man in Emirati dress is seen attempting to buy a $545,000 car while been flanked by people carrying large sums of money.
The Federal Prosecution for Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes ordered the detention of a resident of Asian nationality pending investigations after being accused of abusing the internet in posting exciting propaganda that stirs up the public opinion and harms the public interest.
VFS issues ‘important notice’ for visa applicants
“VFS Global has no affiliation whatsoever with any agents (e.g. travel companies, typing offices, agents for flight bookings and travel insurances) in the United Arab Emirates for the provision of any visa-related advice or services to applicants,” said a new notice released by the centre.
The notice explained that the office is an authorised partner for the “provision of non-judgemental services of accepting and processing visa applications.” It was further explained that any decision to issue or refuse a visa including the processing time is solely based on the diplomatic missions in the UAE, “VFS Global has no role or influence in the outcome of a visa application.”
Islamic New Year 2023: UAE, Oman and Kuwait announce holiday dates
The dates for Islamic New Year holidays have been announced across the Middle East.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.
This week Government departments in the UAE, Oman and Kuwait have all announced dates for holidays in their respective countries.
UAE and Azerbaijan offer visa-free travel
The UAE and Azerbaijan have struck a deal to allow visa-free travel between the two countries.
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can now travel to destinations such as tourism and business capital Baku without a visa.
The news was announced by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media. The period of visa-free stay in the territory of both countries is 90 days.
Dubai opens major new road, slashes journey times
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a major new road in the emirate.
The announcement comes after a significant road improvement project, which has seen new bridges and a road-widening operation.
As well as boosting capacity on a city road, the RTA said it will slash journey times from 20 minutes to seven minutes.
Dubai shakes in possible earthquake
Unconfirmed social media reports suggested that Dubai experienced a minor earthquake.
The tremors were felt across Dubai Media City offices around 9:57AM on Monday.
Those in the area claimed it to be a result of the demolition of Dubai’s The Pearl, saying the ground tremors felt were the result of work in that area.
Dubai’s RTA issues parking warning
The alert was issued via social media on Thursday, the caption read, “Parking your vehicle in the wrong area, stopping abruptly or on the side of the road may affect the comfort and safety of road users in #Dubai!
“Use public parking spaces to park to ensure your comfort and contribute to enhancing the flow of movement in the Emirate. #RTA”
UAE petrol prices drop 37%, diesel down 42% in a year
The price of petrol and diesel in the UAE has plunged by up to 42 per cent in the space of a year.
As of July 2023, the cost of E-Plus 91 is AED2.81 per litre, a reduction of 36.7 per cent on the same month last year when it was AED4.44.
The cost of diesel in the UAE has fallen even further. This month it costs AED2.76 per litre for diesel at the country’s fill-up stations, compared to AED.276 in the corresponding period last year.
Qatar announces major mortgage rule changes
Qatar has introduced major changes to regulations for real estate financing in the country.
New rules define the amount of money residents and citizens can borrow to purchase property.
They also provide guidelines on the amount of time given to pay back mortgages in the country.
Dubai’s Emirates announces new on-demand flights for short trips in GCC
The service will be available from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Flights will be operated using the airline’s Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft that can make trips to and outside Emirates expansive network of destinations with quick turnarounds to points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and within the UAE, subject to prevailing operating conditions.
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