2 years ago
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has announced the launch of the “Advanced System for Proactive Financial Planning” project under the name of Wafra, which aims to raise the level of financial knowledge among the groups covered by pension laws. This will be done through the implementation of training programmes, educational workshops and awareness campaigns focused on raising awareness of the principles of proactive financial planning, and the culture of savings and early investment and their impact on achieving financial and social stability for the insured and their families after retirement. The project focuses on raising the level of financial literacy and sustainability amongst members covered by the pension laws to create a culture of proactive savings. Through taking part in various training programmes, educational workshops and awareness campaigns, participants will embrace a culture of financial proactivity, rather than solely relying on pension. Embarking on transformational projects reflects the UAE government and its prudent leadership’s vision to adopt qualitative innovative governmental models that are catered towards future, thereby enhancing the nations competitiveness. They are also characterized by achieving a significant impact in all sectors within short time spans through various mechanisms that keep pace with global development, and […]
2 years ago
Emirates has announced plans to operate a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Bali from September 1 to October 26, 2024, responding to increased travel demand during the peak season. The airline will upgrade flight EK398/399 from a Boeing 777 to an Airbus A380, complementing its existing A380 service launched on 1 June 2023. This move will add over 2,600 weekly seats to the route, supporting Bali’s tourism sector and offering travellers more options to connect through Dubai to Emirates’ global network. The double-decker aircraft features Emirates’ Onboard Lounge and the ‘ice’ inflight entertainment system, which offers over 6,500 channels. Emirates began non-stop daily flights to Bali in 2015, adding to its Jakarta service which started in 1992. The airline currently operates double daily flights to both Indonesian destinations. Emirates serves more than 144 destinations across six continents. Tickets for the new service are available through the airline’s website, sales offices, contact centre, and travel agents.
2 years ago
Dubai carrier flydubai announced that it has revised its flight operations to Beirut, Lebanon, amidst escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah. “Flydubai has revised its flight schedule to Beirut Airport (BEY) and will operate two daily flights until August 2. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” a flydubai spokesperson said in a statement to sources. An Emirates flight to Beirut, originally scheduled to depart today at 7.30am, was also cancelled. The cancellation was due to “operational reasons,” an Emirates spokesperson confirmed. Lebanon was on alert on Tuesday after the Golan attack over the weekend. Tel Aviv blamed Hezbollah for the attack on the soccer field in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. Hezbollah denied any involvement in the attack. Flydubai was previously operating three flights a day to accommodate the busy summer travel period. Many countries around the world have asked the two parties to reduce tension and avoid conflict. Foreign missions in Lebanon are hurrying to pull out their staff from the Arab country. Many other airlines have also cancelled or delayed their flights to Beirut. Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines, Eurowing’s flights have been impacted so far. Flydubai has advised passengers to regularly check their flight status.
2 years ago
The licences of four Haj operators in the UAE were cancelled by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. On Tuesday, the authorities announced that 19 other facilities were fined for violating laws. Decisions were based on the pilgrims’ complaints during the last Haj season (2024) by the Licensing Committee of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. Haj operators must adhere to contracts signed with pilgrims. The quality of services must be upheld as promised and agreed upon in the contract, as negligence towards pilgrims contradicts the values and the approach of the country, the Authority stressed. The Authority also called on operators to innovate their services to attract pilgrims to join Haj.
2 years ago
Many Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) airlines have announced ticket sales for travel in the coming months. Oman’s SalamAir has introduced a new strategy to offer lower fares across its network, until July 31. The sale, which began on July 24, allows passengers to book discounted tickets from Oman to the destination of their choice between September 16 and December 15. Fares begin at 19OMR (AED180) flights between Muscat and Salalah; low fares are also available on our international routes to Dubai, Delhi, and all other destinations, the airline said in a statement. The airline’s ‘Light’ product includes 7kg hand luggage. “By promoting our ‘Light’ product we are showing our customers how they can stretch their travel dollar by paying for only what they want. Passengers can tailor their travel to their needs by adding additional products. We are offering a wide selection of destinations, reaffirming our dedication to affordable air travel. We are delighted to offer our travel enthusiasts the chance to discover our unique destinations with significant savings,” Sherif Hosny, Director of Marketing at SalamAir said. Meanwhile, Air Arabia, which runs operations from Sharjah, is running a ‘Big sale on small fares’ promotion, with fares starting from AED169 to […]
2 years ago
Sharjah’s Ruler approved an amount of Dh21 million as compensation for property owners in Khor Fakkan on Monday. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, said the amount will be given to those affected by the restoration project of the ‘Al Mansour Archaeological Fort’ in the Eastern district of Khor Fakkan. The compensation will be distributed to 29 people, and the individuals will be contacted soon to receive the payments. The directive was announced during an intervention on the ‘Direct Line’ program broadcast on Sharjah Radio and Television. Earlier this month, the emirate’s Ruler announced a compensation of Dh20 million for owners in Kalba due to an expansion project. The leader also announced a compensation of over Dh15 million for homes in the city that were affected adversely during the historic rains in April.
2 years ago
The number of Indians living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has crossed nine million, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, told Parliament on Friday. Indians are employed in a wide range of professions from highly qualified sectors like fintech, healthcare, information technology, engineering, and banking to blue-collar jobs like cleaners, maids, electricians, and plumbers, the Minister said. Within the GCC, the most popular destination for Indian job seekers is the UAE, with 3.55 million Indians. The UAE is followed by Saudi Arabia, which hosts 2.64 million Indians, Singh said in reply to questions from members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. Kuwait has one million Indians, while the rest of the GCC has Indians only in six figures. India issued emigration clearance to 180,000 of its citizens till 30th June this year to take up employment in countries that require such clearance under Indian rules. This half-yearly figure is somewhat similar to the 398,000 emigration clearances issued for the entire calendar year of 2023. Emigration clearance from the government is required for Indians who have educational qualifications below class 10. Certain professions, such as nurses, also require such clearance to take […]
2 years ago
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Majid Al Futtaim Group, has awarded a contract for widening and improving the entrances to Mall of the Emirates and the surrounding streets and intersections. The project, which will cost about Dh165 million, also includes improvements to pedestrian and cycling lanes. The upgrade is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to continue improving road infrastructure to meet urban development and population growth, and under the follow-up of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said: “The project involves the construction of a 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road with a single lane, providing direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. Additionally, the current ramp at Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened southward by improving the intersection to facilitate the movement of vehicles from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s […]
2 years ago
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the UAE, announced today the award of a licence to operate the UAE’s first authorised lottery operation. According to WAM, the announcement marks a new milestone in the GCGRA’s endeavour to establish a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE, built on the principles of transparency, accountability, consumer protection and responsible gaming practices. The lottery licence was awarded to The Game LLC, a commercial gaming operator specialising in game development, lottery operations and gaming-related content. Operating under the banner of the “UAE Lottery’, the GCGRA’s first licensee will offer a diverse range of lottery games and other games designed to cater to players’ variety of interests and financial preferences. Jim Murren, the Chairman of GCGRA, said “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.” Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, reaffirmed: “The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework […]
56 minutes ago
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