UAE residents were left checking their passports, Dubai was linked with a surprise bid for Man Utd and Saudi Arabia shook the world with a football victory.
It has been another event-packed week in the Middle East.
Missed any of the biggest stories? Don’t worry, Arabian Business has it covered. Check out our pick of the 10 talking points for this week.
Primary and secondary names needed in UAE passports
New passport rules for passengers travelling to the UAE have been introduced.
Under new guidelines all visitors travelling in to and out of the UAE must have both a primary and secondary name in their passport to be permitted to travel.
People without the standardised naming procedure will be banned from entering the country. It led to confusion and concern for many passengers with airlines sending guidance to travel agents and consulates offering advice.
UAE employees earning less than $8k offered salary support
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, has announced the increasing of support for Emiratis in the private and banking sectors.
As part of the scheme, all Emiratis working in the private and banking sectors who receive a salary of less than AED30,000 ($8k) will be given a financial allowance.
The highest monthly financial allowance for those with a high school diploma will be AED5000, AED6000 for diploma holders and AED7000 for university degree holders, as long as their monthly salaries do not exceed AED30,000.
Dubai rent shake-up
Proposed changes currently under discussion are for Dubai’s rental index to be based on the quality of individual buildings rather than the neighbourhood they are in, according to media reports. The mulled updates come as rents in Dubai have surged 27 percent this year.
Currently, rents are calculated on area over property type.
US citizens renounce US citizenship for UAE
More than 150,000 Golden Visas were issued since 2019. Passport Legacy, a Swiss boutique firm has observed a surge in the number of expatriate high-net-worth individuals who are renouncing their US citizenship, obtaining alternative citizenship and migrating to the UAE.
A reported 2,872 HNWI expatriates renounced their US citizenships in the first three-quarters of 2022, exceeding the number throughout the previous year which was 2,421.
A recent poll found that American expats are reaching their wit’s end; 4 percent are planning to relinquish their US citizenship, while 18 percent are seriously considering it. A vast majority of American citizens do not think that they should have to pay US taxes while living abroad and feel like they are not represented fairly by the US government.
Dubai linked with Man Utd deal
Following a tumultuous 17-year ownership, characterised by fan protests and diminishing on-field success, the Glazer family are “exploring strategic alternatives” for the club.
Any potential investment in Man Utd could include a minor share offer or a full-sale of the club. Reports in England said that a complete sale of the club would be valued at $10.6bn.
Dubai Police share World Cup rules
Dubai Police have issued a guide for fans celebrating the Qatar World Cup in the city.
It provides a detailed breakdown on the rules that must be observed by fans looking to enjoy the football and entertainment as Dubai expects to see a surge in visitors during the tournament.
Among the rules Dubai Police are highlighting for visitors is the ban on possessing and drinking alcohol in public places, a request to preserve public property and an insistence on the avoidance of public displays of affection.
Dubai Pearl demolition begins
The project, first announced in 2002, included a 73-storey building, but has been put on indefinite hold since 2009, due to lack of investors in the residential skyscraper.
However, the UAE site could potentially see redevelopment, with the Pearl project returning in a different form, or another development altogether. The Dubai Pearl $6bn mega-project, which overlooks the Palm Jumeirah, is also currently the potential location for the Dubai Moon, as proposed by Moon World Resorts Inc.
Flooding in Saudi Arabia
Heavy rainfall in Jeddah led to severe flooding in the west of Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Private schools and universities in Jeddah were closed and flights were delayed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the west coast city.
Videos shared by residents showed Jeddah struggling with the aftermath of the rainfall as severe flooding shocked the area. Cars were swept away, streets were engulfed and property was destroyed by the floods.
World Cup kicks off, Saudi triumphs
There is the small matter of the World Cup in Qatar. It kicked off with a sensational opening ceremony and much fanfare.
Saudi got off to a flying start, defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1. Wednesday was declared a public holiday for all employees and students in Saudi Arabia after the national team’s historic victory.
King Salman approved a suggestion made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to celebrate the national team’s victory with a holiday. All public and private sector employees and students at all educational stages were given a holiday.
UAE National Day Holiday announced
The UAE National Day and Commemoration Day 2022 holiday was been officially announced for the public sector, private sector and schools. The break will be from Thursday, December 1, to Saturday, December 3.
With Sunday, December 4 already a weekend holiday in the UAE, employees and students are set to return to schedule after a four-day break on Monday, December 5.
“The three-day official paid holiday is in implementation of the UAE Cabinet resolution on public holidays for the public and private sectors for 2021 and 2022,” the MoHRE statement said.
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