UAE News

12 months ago

UAE: Cafeteria Closed After Insects Found In Food Preparation Area

A cafeteria in Abu Dhabi is being administratively closed for posing “a significant risk to public health”, after insects were found in the food preparation area. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has issued the decision of closing Spot Karak Cafeteria in the emirate for violating Law No. (2) of 2008 regarding food in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its associated legislation. The authority has said that the establishment’s violation of food safety requirements and repeated high-risk violations have directly impacted food safety, especially as insects were found in the food preparation area. The authority has said that the order of administrative closure will continue to be in effect as long as the issue persists. The establishment can rectify the situation and fulfil all necessary requirements in order to resume operations.

12 months ago

Dubai Launches New RTA App With Parking Payment, Licence Renewal, Salik Purchase, NOL Top-Up And More

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released new upgraded version of its “RTA App”, designed to provide users with unparalleled ease of use and streamlined access to all RTA services. This significant upgrade marks a transformative shift towards a one-stop-shop solution, enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring quick access to essential services. The new version of RTA App introduces a personalised dashboard, revolutionising user experience by offering quick actions for essential services such as renewal of vehicle licences, driving licences, and purchasing parking tickets. Dubai RTA app This personalised dashboard empowers users with efficient access to vital services, saving time and effort. The features include Personalised Dashboard, a user-friendly interface offering quick actions for essential services such as renewal of vehicle licences, driving licences, and purchasing parking tickets. It also features multiple enhancements across the app, including SALIK online payments, voucher top-up, and NOL top-up via tapping directly on the app. The new version is designed to simplify parking services in Dubai, which is consolidated into one screen for seamless navigation and convenience. It enhances vehicle licence renewal and fine payment experience. A total overhaul of the user experience for renewing vehicle licences and paying fines, ensuring a hassle-free process. Meera Al Shaikh, […]

12 months ago

UAE: Indian Superstar Rajinikanth Gets Golden Visa

Indian actor and superstar Rajinikanth recently received the coveted UAE Golden Visa — but says it would not have happened without his “friend Yusuffali”, the chairman and managing director of LuLu Group. The actor also expressed gratitude to the government for the honour. “I am honoured to receive the prestigious Golden Visa of the UAE. My heartfelt thanks to the UAE government, and to my friend Yusuffali. Without him, this would not have happened. I am grateful to him,” Rajinikanth, known to his legion of fans as ‘Thalaivar’, said in a video For his part, Yusuffali said he played a “small part” in facilitating the 10-year residency permit for his ‘brother’. “I am happy to have played a small part in facilitating this. I hope and pray that my brother continues to excel in different roles for years to come.” The billionaire businessman hailed Rajinikanth for his mass appeal and philanthropy, and for elevating Indian cinema to the global stage. “Rajinikanth, a great actor, is a dear friend and a brother. He is a towering and multi-faceted personality and a versatile actor. Despite his stardom, he is a humble and down-to-earth person. He has turned every challenge into a stepping […]

12 months ago

Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi On Track For Completion In 2025

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has today reaffirmed that Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its cultural institutions, is on track for completion in 2025. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It is an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape. Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of the Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture and its innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, performing arts and educational programmes throughout the year. Additionally, Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression and is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture […]

12 months ago

UAE: Guggenheim Museum, Historical Landmarks To Be Completed In 2025

Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its under-construction historical and cultural landmarks like the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, is on track for completion in 2025. Apart from the highly anticipated museums, the architectural marvels taking shape on the island also include teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Over the years, the area has emerged as a beacon of cultural diversity with the establishment of the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi — the first universal museum in the Arab world, the Abrahamic Family House — a place for education, conversation, and religious observance, Berklee Abu Dhabi offering music, performing arts, and educational programmes, and Manarat Al Saadiyat serving as a centre for creative artistic expression and hosting popular events like Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. While visiting any of the existing cultural centres, community members can see the narrow glass atriums rising from the Zayed National Museum building resembling the wing tips of the falcon – a national symbol and emblem of the UAE heritage. The national museum will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin […]

12 months ago

Emirates Aircraft Damaged After Hitting Flamingos in India; Return Flight Cancelled

A Dubai-Mumbai Emirates plane was damaged after it flew into a flock of flamingos shortly before touchdown, leading to the death of several migratory birds, an airline spokesperson told sources on Wednesday. “The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury,” the spokesperson confirmed. “The aircraft was damaged in the incident and, as a result, the return flight EK509 scheduled to depart to Dubai on 20 May was cancelled,” the spokesperson added. Emirates said the Dubai-based airline is “cooperating with (Indian) authorities on the matter.” “All passengers and crew of flight EK509 were accommodated overnight and a replacement aircraft was arranged for all passengers, which departed Mumbai on Tuesday (May 21) at 9pm (India time).” At least 36 flamingos were killed in the incident, according to reports by Indian media, though wildlife experts said they feared many more might be dead. Aircraft bird strike is not uncommon. Mumbai airport recorded over 600 cases of aircraft bird strikes from January 2018 till October 2023, according to government statistics. The wetlands along Mumbai’s coast are famous for a large number of flamingos arriving around December for a few months. Pawan Sharma, from Mumbai-based Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), however, said it was […]

12 months ago

UAE Pension Authority Mandates Immediate Employee Registration for Insurance Benefits

Emirati employees should immediately register with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) upon employment to ensure their insurance benefits, the regulator said. Ensuring timely monthly contributions from the first month onwards and tracking retirement pensions, end-of-service gratuities, or compensation dues are the other crucial steps for ensuring Emirati employees insurance benefits, GPSSA said. Failure to register with the GPSSA disqualifies Emiratis from receiving insurance benefits, it said. While entities are responsible for GPSSA registration, employees must verify that the process is completed within 30 days of joining. If registration or contributions are delayed, employees should immediately notify the GPSSA to protect their rights, the regulator said. To qualify for GPSSA registration and contributions, the insured must be Emirati nationals aged 18 to 60 with a medical fitness certificate. This requirement applies to all Emiratis working in the federal, government, or private sectors in the UAE, except government and private sector employees in Abu Dhabi and government sector employees in Sharjah. Emiratis in the private sector who want to benefit from the NAFIS programme must also register and contribute monthly to the GPSSA. The authority and NAFIS share an electronic link to monitor employer compliance with registration and contribution requirements.

12 months ago

Supermarket in Abu Dhabi shut down over live poultry sale from storage area

A supermarket has been closed in Abu Dhabi for selling live poultry in a storage area within the outlet, alongside preserved food. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) issued a decision to administratively close the store, named High Quality Foodstuff Trading, due to the establishment’s violation of food safety requirements. “Its practices pose a significant risk to public health,” ADAFSA posted on its X account. “The Authority also affirmed that the administrative closure order will remain in effect as long as its causes exist. The establishment may resume operations after rectifying its situation and fulfilling all the necessary requirements for practicing the activity, and removing the causes of the violation.” ADAFSA appealed to the public to report any violation observed in any food facility or when there is any doubt about the contents of a food item, by calling the Abu Dhabi Government toll-free number 800555, so the Authority’s inspectors take the necessary action.

12 months ago

Abu Dhabi to ban single-use Styrofoam products from June 1

Single-use styrofoam products will be banned in Abu Dhabi from June 1, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development announced on X. The ban will be applicable to cups, lids, plates, beverage containers, and food receptacles for immediate consumption. Exempt items Items exempt from this ban include: The initiative to ban single-use Styrofoam is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy, and supports the aims of the Year of Sustainability. The Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy was launched in May 2020. Under the policy, a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bags across all retailers came into effect from June 1, 2022, leading to a 95% drop in the use of these bags. Other emirates in the UAE have also enforced similar bans on single-use plastic products. In Sharjah, the ban was initiated on January 1, 2024 and the emirate announced on April 22 that the municipality has stopped manufacturing single-use plastic bags. Dubai also announced a ban on single-use plastic from January 1, 2024, imposing up to a maximum penalty of Dh2,000 fine for violations. These bans came in the wake of the announcement made by the federal government in January 2023 about the pan-UAE ban […]

12 months ago

UAE: June 30 deadline for private companies’ Emiratisation target, ministry reminds

UAE companies employing 50 or more workers must meet their half-yearly Emiratisation target by June 30, authorities said in a reminder on Tuesday. These firms should have expanded their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent before the deadline, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) said. Starting July 1, the ministry will monitor companies’ compliance and impose fines. Private companies in the country are required to increase the percentage of their Emirati workforce by two per cent every year to reach at least 10 per cent by 2026. This target is divided into two: 1 per cent in the first half and another 1 per cent in the second. So far, more than 97,000 Emiratis are working in more than 20,000 private companies in the country, Mohre said in a recent report. “(This) underlines the effectiveness of the government’s Emiratisation decisions, policies, and initiatives, most notably the Nafis programme,” said Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Early this year, Mohre has also started implementing the UAE Cabinet decision to expand the scope of Emiratisation to include firms with 20 to 49 employees. More than 12,000 companies with 20-49 employees, operating across 14 specific economic sectors, are now […]

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UAE: Cafeteria Closed After Insects Found In Food Preparation Area

Dubai Launches New RTA App With Parking Payment, Licence Renewal, Salik Purchase, NOL Top-Up And More

UAE: Indian Superstar Rajinikanth Gets Golden Visa

Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi On Track For Completion In 2025

UAE: Guggenheim Museum, Historical Landmarks To Be Completed In 2025

Emirates Aircraft Damaged After Hitting Flamingos in India; Return Flight Cancelled

UAE Pension Authority Mandates Immediate Employee Registration for Insurance Benefits

Supermarket in Abu Dhabi shut down over live poultry sale from storage area

Abu Dhabi to ban single-use Styrofoam products from June 1

UAE: June 30 deadline for private companies’ Emiratisation target, ministry reminds

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