UAE News - Gulf Insider

2 years ago

UAE ‘High Demand’ Destination For Indians, Says VFS Global Following New Emirates Deal

On Thursday, Emirates announced a new partnership with VFS Global to introduce a convenient visa-on-arrival service exclusively for Indian passport holders travelling to Dubai. The partnership aims to streamline the arrival process for Emirates customers, enabling them to bypass long queues and quickly navigate customs upon reaching their destination. “VFS Global is a market leader in the outsourced visa and consular services space for governments and has been a proud partner of Emirates since 2002, providing UAE visa services for their passengers for over two decades. We remain focused on providing our applicants with exceptional customer service, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences,” a VFS global spokesperson told sources. India tops passenger traffic at Dubai Airports Earlier in November, Arabian Business reported that Dubai Airports—in the first three quarters of the year—experienced strong growth, with average monthly traffic reaching 7.6 million passengers, matching pre-pandemic levels. India emerged as the leading destination in terms of passenger numbers, with 8.9 million travellers during the initial nine months of the year. Saudi Arabia followed closely with 4.8 million passengers, while the UK secured the third position with 4.4 million passengers. Pakistan, the US, and Russia were among the noteworthy countries attracting a significant number of passengers. In terms of […]

2 years ago

UAE Announces $5 Million Aid For Reconstruction Of Gaza

The UAE on Saturday announced $5 million in aid for the reconstruction of Gaza. The aid has been allocated to support the efforts of Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. Kaag, who is on a visit to the country, met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and they reviewed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the war. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the necessity of a ceasefire and ensuring that humanitarian, relief, and medical aid reach the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (centre) with Sigrid Kaag (right). Photo: WAM The United Nations Satellite Centre said on Friday that 30 percent of the Gaza Strip’s buildings have been destroyed or damaged in the Israel offensive, following an analysis of satellite imagery. It said that “a staggering” 69,147 structures have been affected, while adding that 22,131 structures have been identified as destroyed, with an additional 14,066 deemed severely damaged and 32,950 having sustained moderate damage. The satellite imagery is from January 6-7, which it compared with six other sets of images, including some dating from before the Israeli offensive. It said that […]

2 years ago

Fly Jinnah Announces Low-Cost UAE to Pakistan Flights

Low-cost carrier Fly Jinnah has announced new UAE to Pakistan flights. Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, will enter the international market with the launch of its first international flight between Islamabad and Sharjah. The inaugural flight is scheduled to take off on February 17, 2024 marking a significant milestone in the airline’s growth journey. Fly Jinnah announces UAE-Pakistan flights The new service will offer non-stop double daily flights between Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad, and Sharjah. This strategic route expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Established in October 2022, Fly Jinnah has successfully operated domestically over the past year connecting five major cities within Pakistan, namely: With its first international service to Sharjah, the airline aims to provide seamless connectivity beyond Pakistan while offering convenient travel options to passengers. To support its international operations, the airline added two new Airbus A320 aircraft to its existing fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft to five.

2 years ago

UAE: 24 Arab Teams Compete In SWAT Challenge 2024

The Organising Committee of the UAE SWAT Challenge has said that 87 teams from 48 countries will be participating in the event, up from 55 last year, including five female and two mixed teams. The fifth edition of the competition will commence this coming Saturday at the Training City in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. Arab representation in the competition is significant, with 11 teams from the UAE, 4 from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and 2 each from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Iraq, along with a single team from the Kingdom of Morocco. All participating Arab teams have affirmed their preparedness for the challenge, showcasing early readiness and a high level of physical and tactical readiness. The challenge encompasses five competitions: Tactical, Obstacle Course, Officer Rescue, Tower Challenge, and Assault. The prize money has been increased to $260,000.

2 years ago

Dubai Announces First Football League for Prison Inmates

Dubai has announced a first-of-its-kind football league for prisoners serving their sentences in the emirate. Fourteen teams will participate in a six-player system, and the matches will be held at Al Awir Prison from April 7 to May 31. Meanwhile, the teams have started their practice sessions and physical exercises inside the detention centres. The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Police are collaborating to organise these matches that people in penal and correctional institutions will play. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brigadier Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, highlighted how learning can create a flicker of joy for inmates, paving the way for a redemptive future. He said, “As part of our initiatives for our ‘guests’, a term we prefer to use when addressing them, we aim to equip these people for life beyond their time in prison.” He stressed that a considerable amount of preparation is dedicated to these individuals, including education, lifestyle adjustments, and involvement in sports, “with sports being an integral component”. “The objective is for our ‘guests’ to depart equipped with skills beneficial for their future endeavours, transforming into individuals who have acquired the ability […]

2 years ago

Chinese New Year: Dubai Welcomes the Year of the Dragon With Citywide Celebrations

The vibrant spirit of the Year of the Dragon will come to life in Dubai with roaming dragon and lion dances, traditional performances, and dazzling light shows that will create a captivating atmosphere throughout the city. Dubai gets set to welcome the Year of the Dragon with an exciting line-up of events, activities, and retail promotions to mark the Chinese New Year. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the celebrations is taking place from February 2 to 11, 2024 throughout the city. Home to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures, Dubai will transform into the ultimate destination for the Chinese New Year celebrations and invites both residents and visitors to take part. Visitors can immerse themselves in the celebrations by exploring Dubai’s renowned malls and shopping districts and take advantage of citywide retail offers. Beyond the shopping experience, residents and tourists can discover the rich cultural tapestry of Chinese traditions through engaging workshops, providing deeper insights into the customs associated with Chinese New Year. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Dubai is honoured once more to host the Chinese New Year celebrations, which will offer an enriching experience for residents and […]

2 years ago

UAE: Emirates Post Group Unveils New Brand Identity ‘7X’

Emirates Post Group Company (EPG) unveiled its new brand identity – 7X – a symbolic representation indicating connectivity of the seven emirates to the seven continents and across the seven seas. The new branding is aimed at positioning the Group as a front-runner in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, transport, and logistics. Our new strategy at 7X is geared towards further strengthening the company’s global footprint and fostering a positive influence on the communities served by 7X. pic.twitter.com/dQYvdT85Kp — 7x (@7XInMotion) January 31, 2024 The strategic shift also aligns seamlessly with the Group’s ambitious five-year strategy, which prioritises operational excellence, digital transformation, customer-centricity, cultivation of strategic partnerships, and promotion of sustainable growth. With entities like Emirates Post, FINTX, and Electronic Documents Centre (EDC) under its umbrella, 7X seeks to achieve a robust return on investments across all projects. Badr Salim Sultan Al-Olama, Chairman of 7X, said: “With the launch of our Group’s new strategy and identity, we aim to connect and enable a world in motion, deriving our vision from the global stature enjoyed by the UAE and its pivotal role as a connecting the world.” He said this achievement also underscores the Group’s endeavours to support the national economy and solidifies […]

2 years ago

Saudi Arabia, UAE Banking Sectors To Grow Faster Than Rest Of Gulf Region In 2024

The UAE and Saudi Arabia’s banking systems are set to grow faster than the rest of the Gulf region this year, a new report finds, citing strong credit demand led by non-oil sector and economic diversification programmes. S&P Global Ratings’ GCC Banking Sector Outlook 2024 found that the region’s banks will continue to stand out as being well-capitalised, profitable, well-provisioned, and liquid. Real GDP will expand at a faster pace in 2024 for all Gulf nations except Bahrain, according to the report. Economic activity is projected to accelerate across oil and non-oil sectors in most GCC members. However, non-oil growth is expected to be especially vibrant in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The rating agency anticipates GDP increases to pick up steam in Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman as well, with Bahrain representing the sole exception where output is seen growing at a more tempered rate versus 2023. Interest rates are expected to remain high but fall by 1 percent by the end of the year in step with the US Federal Reserve. “Inflation will remain close to target and contained by price administration measures,” according to the report. Banking trends The economic environment is expected to support ongoing credit demand, though […]

2 years ago

Emirates Announces Pre-Approved Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Travellers

Emirates Airline and VFS Global have partnered to introduce a convenient pre-approved visa-on-arrival service exclusively for Indian passport holders travelling to Dubai. This initiative aims to streamline the arrival process for Emirates customers, allowing them to bypass lengthy queues and swiftly navigate customs upon reaching their destination. Indian travellers who have booked their flights with Emirates can take advantage of this hassle-free service, the airline said in a statement on Thursday. New visa on arrival for Indian travellers via Emirates, VFS partnership By accessing the ‘Manage an existing booking’ section on the airline website, customers will find a link to apply for a UAE visa. This link will redirect them to the online UAE Visa application site, powered by VFS Global Services, which outlines the necessary requirements, terms, and conditions for the application process. Additional information can be found on Emirates’ official website. This exclusive visa-on-arrival service is specifically available to Indian passport holders who possess a valid six-month visa for the US, a US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. However, it is important to note that the issuance of visas remains subject to the discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. Dubai is a popular destination for Indian […]

2 years ago

Kerala Announces Incentive Plan, Targets UAE, Riyadh Firms With Low-Cost Back-End It Infrastructure

Kerala, the southern Indian state, is set to announce a set of attractive incentive packages, including reduced land lease charges and rental costs, to woo corporate biggies from the Middle East, especially from Dubai and Riyadh – the two emerging global hubs for businesses – to set up their technology centres or back up operations in the sprawling IT parks in the state. A top team from the state government’s IT department and the three mega IT parks is scheduled to visit Riyadh in the first week of March, coinciding with LEAP 2024 in the Saudi capital, to hold interactions and make presentations to technology majors – both international and regional – in a concerted effort to market the state-of-the art facilities and talents available in the state. The IT park management will also offer help in providing tech talents across segments, especially those who have years of working experience in the UAE and the wider region, to companies, banks and other organisations willing to house their back-end operations or technology centres in the state. “The draft policy on the proposed incentive package [for companies setting up operations in the IT parks] is ready and is currently under finalisation,” Sushant […]

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UAE ‘High Demand’ Destination For Indians, Says VFS Global Following New Emirates Deal

UAE Announces $5 Million Aid For Reconstruction Of Gaza

Fly Jinnah Announces Low-Cost UAE to Pakistan Flights

UAE: 24 Arab Teams Compete In SWAT Challenge 2024

Dubai Announces First Football League for Prison Inmates

Chinese New Year: Dubai Welcomes the Year of the Dragon With Citywide Celebrations

UAE: Emirates Post Group Unveils New Brand Identity ‘7X’

Saudi Arabia, UAE Banking Sectors To Grow Faster Than Rest Of Gulf Region In 2024

Emirates Announces Pre-Approved Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Travellers

Kerala Announces Incentive Plan, Targets UAE, Riyadh Firms With Low-Cost Back-End It Infrastructure

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