RAKTDA reports strongest-ever first half tourism results of 654,000 arrivals/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: 654,000 visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah during H1 2025, a record high, up 6% year-on-year, with tourism revenues rising 9%. MICE and wedding tourism exploded by 36%, fueled by global events and destination weddings. Growth was driven by new direct flights (to […]
UAE hosts over 44 million date palms, produces 76,000 tons annually, with 160 varieties, ranking sixth globally in production In a country known globally for its steel and skyline, it’s the date palm, not the skyscraper, that’s emerging as the UAE’s most enduring emblem. This year, that symbolism took tangible form when H.H. Sheikh Hamdan […]
RAKBANK’s mobile app now lets customers trade major cryptocurrencies using UAE dirhams/Image: Instagram TL;DR: RAKBANK is the first traditional UAE bank to enable retail crypto trading via its mobile app. The service is delivered in collaboration with Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC, a licensed VARA-regulated platform. Customers can buy, sell and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and […]
Influencers in the UAE must now get a Advertisers permit to legally post promotional content on social media/ Representative Image TL;DR If you post ads on social media in the UAE, paid or unpaid, you’ll need a new permit. It’s free for the first three years and becomes mandatory after a three-month grace period. The […]
Probation Period Extended from 6 to 9 months for all new government employees in Sharjah/ Image: WAM TL;DR Probation periods extended from 6 to 9 months, with a possible 3-month extension. New job grades created for Emiratis and children of Emirati mothers. Clear structures introduced for hiring, job descriptions, and internal HR committees. The Sharjah […]
Saudi Arabia and UAE climb global AI charts with strong talent growth/ Representative Image TL;DR The UAE and Saudi Arabia now rank in the top 20 countries for AI talent, ahead of Italy and Russia. Saudi Arabia is offering world-leading AI salaries, long-term research incentives, and building AI cities. The UAE is focusing on fintech, […]
UAE expats may face higher charges on international card use starting September/ Representative Image TL;DR From Sept 22, UAE banks will raise fees on international card use to 3.14%, impacting travel and global online purchases. Expats sending money home or spending abroad will see higher charges on every swipe. There are ways to reduce costs, […]
UAE warns public to avoid fake visa service ads and use only official channels/ Representative Image TL;DR Only use official UAE government channels for visas, residency, and work permits. Fake ads online claim to speed up visa processes but often charge high fees without any real service. Always report suspicious offers and avoid unauthorized providers […]
UAE petrol prices fluctuated monthly in 2025, driven by global oil trends and seasonal demand/ Representative Image TL;DR Fuel prices in August 2025 are likely to stay flat or see a slight increase. July saw one of the highest rates this year, driven by global oil trends. Final August rates will be announced on July […]
UAE’s 2025–2026 school year runs from August 25 to July 3, with three mid-term breaks and a winter holiday/ Image: Pexels TL;DR Unified school calendar for 2025–2026 announced Applies to all public and private schools across UAE Academic year runs 25 Aug 2025 – 3 July 2026 (2 July for Sharjah private schools) Includes three […]
