UAE News - Gulf Insider

2 years ago

Dubai to Develop 2 Futuristic Transport Systems, Announces Solar-Powered Rail Buses and High-Speed Travel Pods

Dubai could see high-speed travel pods and solar-powered rail buses join self-driving cars, electric smart abras and flying taxis as it looks forward to the transport of the future. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the field of developing new and innovative transportation systems as part of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF). The new-look transport networks represent the future of travel in the city as the RTA looks to develop new means of transport in the city. Future transport in Dubai The first MoU is related to considering the possibility of developing the Floc Duo Rail system, a double-track system that allows transportation units to move quickly and efficiently. The second MoU is related to considering the possibility of developing a rail bus system, which travels on a bridge equipped with solar panels to generate the electricity needed to operate the system. The two MoUs were signed with two companies that specialise in developing and manufacturing transportation systems, as well as designing mass transportation solutions for zero emissions. The companies involved were Urban-Mass Company, based in the UK, and RAIL BUS Inc., based in the US. The two MoUs were signed by Abdul […]

2 years ago

UAE Authority Shuts Down Cafe After Finding Insects in Food Preparation Area

A cafe in Abu Dhabi has been ordered to shut down by the food safety authority in the emirate due to several repeated violations related to food safety requirements. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa) has decided to close ‘Healthy Dream Food Cafe’ – Abu Dhabi Branch 1, which holds Commercial License No CN-4031247. According to the authorities, the cafe violated laws related to food in Abu Dhabi and threatened public health. Adafsa explained that the food control report leading to the administrative closure came after repeated violations related to food safety requirements. The facility, ‘Healthy Dream Food Cafe’, received three closure warnings, highlighting its failure to adhere to health standards and meet essential food safety requirements. Additionally, insects were found in the food preparation areas, further underscoring the urgency of the closure decision. The authority confirmed that the administrative closure decision will continue as long as its reasons exist, allowing activity to resume after correcting violations, meeting all operating requirements, and removing the reasons for closure. They highlighted that implementing lockdown measures and detecting observed abuses are part of inspection efforts aimed at enhancing the food safety system in Abu Dhabi. This underscores the oversight role […]

2 years ago

Flydubai Launches Flights to Kenya’s Mombasa

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, officially launched its operations to Mombasa in Kenya on 17 January, expanding its network in Africa to a total of 12 destinations in 11 countries. The inaugural flight, FZ 1289, departed from Dubai International (DXB) and was warmly received at Moi International Airport (MBA) with a celebratory water cannon salute. Among the dignitaries present to welcome the passengers were Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, Governor of Mombasa, Onesimus Murkomen, Minister of Roads and Transport, as well as representatives from Kenya Tourism and Kenya Airports Authority. Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, was also on board the inaugural flight. This milestone makes flydubai the first UAE national carrier to offer direct flights from Dubai to the picturesque coastal city in southeast Kenya. During a press conference, Sudhir Sreedharan expressed flydubai’s dedication to enhancing its presence in Africa and providing passengers with convenient travel options to one of East Africa’s most alluring destinations. “The start of operations will serve the growing Kenyan community in the UAE, support trade between our two countries, and provide passengers from the UAE and across our expanding flydubai network with access to a gateway for exploring […]

2 years ago

UAE Announces 30-day Visa Waiver Deal With Uzbekistan

The UAE has signed a mutual visa exemption with Uzbekistan. As part of the continued enhancing and strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and Uzbekistan and achieving the common interests of the two peoples, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding mutual exemption from entry visas for holders of Special and Mission passport, as well as ordinary passport. Under this memorandum, UAE nationals who hold Special and Mission passports and holders of ordinary passports, valid for a period of not less than six months, are exempted from a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Previously, citizens had to apply for an electronic visa. It means they can now stay there for a period of up to 30 days per visit, and citizens of Uzbekistan who hold biometric passports, international passports allowing them to travel abroad or domestic passports to return to Uzbekistan only, are also exempt from a visa to enter the UAE. The rules came into practice from January 15, 2024. Khaled Abdullah Belhoul, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Abdulaziz Akkulov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UAE, signed the memorandum, which comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates […]

2 years ago

New UAE Law Issued For Federal Government Projects With Private Sector Entities

The UAE has set the regulatory framework for all future public-private partnerships (PPP) in the country, involving federal government entities. In this regard, the Ministry of Finance issued Federal Decree Law No. 12 of 2023. The law will also ‘encourage’ private sector entities to participate in developmental and strategic projects; increase investment in federal government projects of social and economic value, and help the government to ‘efficiently’ implement strategic projects. In doing so, the parties involved stand to benefit from financial and administrative expertise, technical knowledge, and technology solutions available to the private sector. “The new law will boost productivity and improve the quality of public services, while ensuring effective management for the development of those services,” the statement from the Ministry added. WHAT THE PPP UAE LAW SAYS The Federal Decree Law No. 12 of 2023 – which became effective December 1, 2023 – applies to any partnership project that is proposed by a federal entity and wholly or partially funded by the private sector. The law also specifies exemptions in Article (4), which include partnership contracts that were entered into before the law’s enforcement date – as long as they do not conflict with Article (32) of the law, outsourced […]

2 years ago

UAE To Carry Out Hundreds Of Cloud-seeding Missions In 2024 To Tackle Water Scarcity

Meteorological experts are expected to carry out as many as 300 cloud-seeding missions across the United Arab Emirates in 2024 to encourage rainfall and tackle water scarcity. The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science – National Center of Meteorology (UAEREP-NCM) – the task force behind the country’s cloud-seeding program – told Al Arabiya English that the UAE, located in one of the hottest and most arid regions on earth, has been leading the effort to seed clouds and increase precipitation for more than 23 years. In the UAE, the confluence of climate change impacts and a burgeoning population has intensified the pressure on water resources. This escalating demand has propelled the UAE, traditionally dependent on desalination plants utilizing seawater, into a critical juncture. Rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns have exacerbated water scarcity issues, placing additional strain on the UAE’s already limited freshwater sources. As the population continues to grow, the urgency to address the mounting water demands has become more pronounced. “The UAE carries out nearly 300 cloud-seeding missions each year, and the frequency can vary based on factors such as weather patterns, cloud availability, and climatic conditions,” an NCM official told Al Arabiya English, adding a […]

2 years ago

UAE Residents Increase VPN Downloads by 1.8 Million in 2023

In 2023, UAE residents increased their downloads of virtual private network (VPN) apps by 1.83 million, reaching a total of 6.1 million, as reported in the latest update of the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN. This pushed the VPN adoption rate in the UAE to 61.7 per cent last year, the second highest in the world after Qatar’s 69.87 per cent. The adoption rate shows what percentage of the country’s population downloaded VPN services in 2023. Globally, in 2022, the UAE had the highest adoption rate after Qatar. The UAE recorded the highest VPN application downloads in 2023 in the past four years, surpassing the pandemic year’s downloads of 6.09 million in 2020. VPN downloads peaked in UAE during the pandemic year as residents were largely staying indoors due to travel and movement restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19. The usage of VPN in the UAE is not illegal if it’s used as per the guidelines of the UAE government and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). However, using VPNs for illegal means or to commit a crime is a serious offence under the UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021 concerning combating rumours and […]

2 years ago

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Is Latest UAE Mega-Bank to Enter Saudi Arabia

Another mega UAE bank is expanding its overseas reach, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank setting up a ‘strategic presence’ in Saudi Arabia. It thus joins FAB and Emirates NBD with visibility in the biggest Gulf market. ADCB plans to leverage a ‘strong balance-sheet and sophisticated corporate banking capabilities to support a growing client base’ in the Saudi expansion. ADCB received an in-principle approval from the Kingdom’s Council of Ministers and will open a branch in Riyadh. The bank is to provide services for corporate and institutional clients, including financing and working capital solutions, as mandated by the ‘Foreign Banking Branch’ licence issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). “The Bank’s decision to establish a presence in the Kingdom aligns with the accelerated expansion of our business,” said Ala’a Eraiqat, Group CEO of ADCB. “ADCB is well-positioned to support clients operating in the vibrant Saudi economy. “We are dedicated to being a positive force for corporate growth and a trusted facilitator for trade and investment flows.”

2 years ago

UAE: 5th Edition of Desert Winter Park Opens Friday, Know the Park Timings

The Sharjah Police General Command unveiled the fifth edition of the “Police Desert Park” set on January 19, 2024, from 4 pm to 10 pm. Located in Al Kaheef area of Al Bataah in Sharjah, the event, themed “Together… Time is More Beautiful,” is a significant annual initiative aimed at improving the well-being of police force members, their families, and the broader community. Facilities The park features a theatre for hosting security and community events, along with heritage-themed areas like the heritage village, entertainment village, and sand courts corner. It also includes a restaurant corner that has areas designated for barbecues, as well as a prayer hall with a capacity of up to 100 people. The prayer hall was constructed using recycled materials by inmates at the Correctional and Punitive Institution of Sharjah Police, following a historical architectural style. Sharjah Police extends invitation to individuals and institutions to explore the desert park, enjoy diverse activities and adventures within the winter desert ambiance of Al Bataah.

2 years ago

Wizz Air announces new Turkistan route

Low-fair airline Wizz Air has announced a new route to Turkistan. The flight from Abu Dhabi to Turkistan will take place three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets for this route will start at a price of AED179. The airline currently operates to more than 40 destinations, including three in Kazakhstan. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said, “We are delighted to expand our network further in Kazakhstan by launching Turkistan, our sixth marvellous Central Asian destination, and reaffirm our commitment for flying the flag of ultra-low-cost travel in the region. With stunning natural beauty and a thriving culture, we encourage adventure lovers to visit Kazakhstan and discover this unmissable destination.” “Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is committed to strengthening connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Central Asia, providing exciting and affordable travel opportunities for everyone looking to explore the ancient Silk Road and connecting the UAE with an eclectic mix of must-visit destinations. We look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft and sharing our love of travel soon,” he added. ROUTE OPERATING DAYS FARES FROM* Abu Dhabi – Turkistan Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday AED179

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Dubai to Develop 2 Futuristic Transport Systems, Announces Solar-Powered Rail Buses and High-Speed Travel Pods

UAE Authority Shuts Down Cafe After Finding Insects in Food Preparation Area

Flydubai Launches Flights to Kenya’s Mombasa

UAE Announces 30-day Visa Waiver Deal With Uzbekistan

New UAE Law Issued For Federal Government Projects With Private Sector Entities

UAE To Carry Out Hundreds Of Cloud-seeding Missions In 2024 To Tackle Water Scarcity

UAE Residents Increase VPN Downloads by 1.8 Million in 2023

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Is Latest UAE Mega-Bank to Enter Saudi Arabia

UAE: 5th Edition of Desert Winter Park Opens Friday, Know the Park Timings

Wizz Air announces new Turkistan route

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