UAE tax updates, public holidays in the Gulf and jobs in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM development made the headlines this week.
With UAE Corporate Tax due to come into effect in just a matter of days there have been several updates and clarifications from authorities to keep up with.
Elsewhere in the country there was celebration as Sheikha Latifa announced the birth of a baby girl. Dubai residents were also pleased with the news that three beaches have been converted to offer night swimming and 24-hour opening.
Across the Middle East public holidays for the rest of the year have been announced, with Eid Al Adha coming soon and various national days to look forward to.
In Saudi Arabia, the NEOM megadevelopment is recruiting. Scroll down to find out how to apply for jobs in the region.
It has been a busy week in the Middle East, check out the top 10 news stories of the week.
Every public holiday in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait in rest of 2023
Public holidays in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and across the GCC are a mixture of religious observances and days of national celebration and recognition.
Several holidays have already happened so far in 2023, with all Gulf countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr in April.
Check out the Arabian Business guide to all of the the public holidays expected in the rest of 2023.
UAE announces major tax rule update for residents
The new rules, announced on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 confirm that business owners in the UAE will only be liable to pay Corporate Tax if the turnover from the business activity is more than AED1m ($272,000) per year.
Furthermore, any individual’s income from real estate and personal investment will not be considered as taxable income.
UAE drug bust: Sharjah Police seize six narcotics plants growing in flat
The incident unfolded when the building’s supervisor, while conducting routine maintenance on the air conditioning units, noticed plants resembling those typically associated with drug cultivation.
The supervisor promptly alerted the authorities, who swiftly responded to the scene.
Dubai opens 3 new night-swimming beaches
Dubai has opened three new beaches for night swimming.
Dubai Municipality has further expanded its beach tourism offering in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.
The 800-metre-long night-swimming beaches feature lighting systems, which enable residents and tourists to swim around the clock, and electronic screens that display content aimed at increasing safety awareness among beachgoers.
UAE Royal Family: Sheikha Latifa announces birth of baby girl
UAE royal Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the birth of a baby girl.
Sheikha Latifa, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the announcement on social media on Sunday.
Sheikha Latifa married Sheikh Faisal bin Saud bin Khalid Al Qasimi in 2016 and the couple already have two children.
UAE warning over $136,000 fine for swearing
In a post on official social media accounts public prosecutors said jail terms and fines can be given for swearing and slander when using an information network, means of technology and information systems.
The punishments can extend to use of language on social media and messaging channels.
NEOM: How to apply for a job at Saudi Arabia’s $500bn gigaproject
The gigaproject’s TROJENA is said to be the host for the Asian Winter Games in 2030, and is signing on new partners. Recently NEOM also announced that the Port of NEOM is now “open for business”.
NEOM is currently hiring candidates across various sectors from the world over. Sectors include food, warehousing, strategy office, compliance, technology and science, nature reserve and more. Arabian Business compiled a quick guide to help candidates applying for a job at futuristic urban development project.
Dubai singles ditch Tinder, Bumble as speed dating makes comeback
Endless swiping and superficial conversations that almost never end up in in-person meetups have left singles feeling more disillusioned and disconnected than ever. With a growing longing for forging more genuine connections, Dubai residents are now seeking alternative avenues to meet potential partners and regain a sense of authenticity in their romantic pursuits.
Born from a need to socially interact with others in person after the month-long COVID lockdown in 2020 which was then followed by other virus-related restrictions, Mingle Dxb launched in Dubai almost two years ago and has since seen interest in its monthly dating events grow exponentially.
Dubai: Nakheel evicts restaurants from The Pointe in Palm Jumeirah ahead of major redevelopment
Established five years ago, the mixed-use development is situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, opposite Atlantis The Palm hotel.
Known for a record-breaking fountain and numerous beachside dining outlets it is a popular attraction in Dubai. Now, however, restaurants in the development have been given 12 months to vacate or relocate.
Dubai Metro service hit by technical issues, bus replacement offered
The Dubai Metro was hit by technical issues leading to disruption on Wednesday.
The Roads and Transport Authority issued an alert to passengers on Wednesday evening, informing them of disrupted travel.
To accommodate passengers the RTA has provided buses to transport passengers to their destination. The situation has been resolved.
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