Saudi Arabia announced a major visa update this week, which will change the way many people will travel to the country.
The Kingdom has expanded its e-visa service for visitors and now offers passport stamp-free travel to passengers from 63 countries.
It is part of ongoing travel updates in Saudi Arabia, which have also included a massive expansion of bus travel across the country and an airport move for national carrier, Saudia.
The aviation industry throughout the region has been making headlines, with Abu Dhabi revealing the opening date for its new Terminal A facility and Qatar Airways announcing free high-speed Wi-Fi for passengers on its planes.
Meanwhile, a Dubai venue has postponed concerts in the city and the UAE revealed details of a new speed limit on a major road in the country.
Catch up on 10 stories you may have missed this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
Saudi Arabia announces major visa change, passport rules changed for 63 countries
Saudi Arabia has announced it will grant e-visas to six new countries.
The Ministry of Tourism said it will grant an e-visa to visitors from Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles and Mauritius.
The visa is for leisure, business and religious (Umrah only) travel, bringing the total number of countries granted visitor e-visa to 63.
Dubai venue postpones live concerts
Amr Diab, Sean Paul and T.I. were expected to perform at the venue on Friday and Saturday. However, the Coca-Cola Arena did not specify the reasons behind the change and new dates are yet to be confirmed.
“The Amr Diab and Sean Paul & T.I. concerts scheduled for this weekend at the Coca-Cola Arena will be postponed. Over the coming days we will work closely with the authorities, promoters, and artist management to secure new dates,” the arena’s statement read.
Saudia announces move to Red Sea International Airport
The decision aligns with the commencement of the Al Wajh Airport development project, which was announced by the Red Sea International Company.
To ensure a smooth transition for Saudia passengers, Red Sea International will offer complimentary frequent bus services between Al Wajh Airport and the Red Sea International Airport.
Saudi Arabia launches massive $853m bus service to link 200 cities
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser launched the bus transport services project aimed at linking 200 cities and provinces.
The project operates through three international alliances in three concession areas, utilising a state-of-the-art fleet of buses equipped with advanced technological features to establish connections across 76 routes within the designated cities and provinces.
WhatsApp to allow 2 accounts on 1 phone
WhatsApp will soon allow users to operate two WhatsApp accounts on a single phone.
The long-awaited feature was announced by Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg and confirmed in an official company blog post. He said: “Soon you’ll be able to have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone within the app”.
Currently, people wanting to operate two WhatsApp accounts, for example a work and personal account, have either needed to log in and out of accounts or carry separate phones.
Abu Dhabi announces Airport Terminal A opening date
Abu Dhabi has announced the opening date of its new airport terminal.
Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A will begin operations on November 1, 2023 bringing a major increase to passenger capacity in Abu Dhabi and strengthening the emirate’s standing as a global aviation hub. Etihad Airways’ ceremonial flight will take place on October 31, ahead of opening to the public on November 1.
The new terminal will enhance travel experiences through state-of-the-art facilities for passengers and airlines in the region.
UAE police announce speed limit change on major road starting November 1
Police in the UAE have announced a reduced speed limit on a key road will begin on November 1.
Abu Dhabi Police said the speed limit will be reduced to 80kmph on Sheik Khalid bin Sultan Street in Al Ain. The Abu Dhabi Police General Command said the speed reduction will apply to traffic in both directions between Al Ghail Roundabout and Al Sarooj Roundabout.
The current speed limit is 100kmph and will be reduced to 80kmph.
Qatar Airways announces free high-speed Wi-Fi for passengers
The airline will roll out complimentary high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity experience onboard specific aircraft and routes.
Once the service is active, passengers will be able to enjoy ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 350 Megabits per second which can be used for a variety of internet-based services such as video streaming their favourite entertainment and sports videos, gaming, enriched web-browsing and much more.
UAE gratuity: How to calculate end of service payments and pensions
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) explained ways by which insured individuals working in government and private sector entities can calculate their retirement pension and end-of-service gratuity as per the UAE Federal Pension and Social Security Law.
Saudi Arabia announces massive new airport
Saudi Arabia has announced plans for a major new airport in the Kingdom.
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, has announced the launch of the master plan for the new Abha International Airport.
The new Abha airport will see its terminal area expand to 65,000sq m in a first phase planned for 2028.
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