UAE passport ranks among the world’s strongest, offering broad global access in 2025/ Image: File TL;DR UAE ranks 8th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries. It’s the only country in the Middle East to make it into the Henley Passport Index Top 10. The UAE jumped 34 places in 10 years, the […]
New Schengen visa rule requires UAE residents to complete applications online before booking appointments/ Image: File TL;DR Starting June 18, 2025, UAE residents must complete the full Schengen visa application online before booking an appointment through VFS Global. If you try to book without submitting the form, you won’t get an appointment, the system won’t […]
Since 1995, the UAE’s Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has released over 2,300 falcons to restore endangered populations globally/ Image: WAM TL;DR: The UAE’s Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has released over 2,300 falcons since 1995. In May 2025, 81 falcons were released in Kazakhstan, continuing a 9-year consecutive effort there. Falcons undergo health checks, […]
Image generated by AI for creative and illustrative purposes The UAE Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has published the official academic calendar for the 2024–2025 school year and confirmed key dates for the 2025–2026 term. The calendar applies to all public and private schools following the Ministry curriculum, with […]
The UAE’s Blue Visa supports global environmental leaders with 10-year residency and zero investment requirements/ Representative Image TL;DR: The UAE Blue Visa offers 10-year residency to people with notable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability It’s open to scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and professionals working on climate and sustainability issues. Applications are now open, with a […]
Abu Dhabi’s integrated security and community-focused policing keep it at the top of Numbeo’s global safety rankings for the ninth consecutive year/Image: Wikipedia TL;DR: Abu Dhabi tops Numbeo’s 2025 Crime Index as the world’s safest city. The UAE capital maintains this position for the ninth consecutive year since 2017. Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and […]
GCC nationals can drive in the UAE with their home licences as visitors but must exchange them upon gaining residency/ Representative Image TL;DR GCC nationals can drive in the UAE using their home country licence while visiting. Once a GCC national becomes a UAE resident, they must exchange their licence. License exchange is done via […]
Sheikh Mohamed shares a heartfelt moment with UAE students, embodying leadership through connection/ Image : WAM TL;DR Sheikh Mohamed puts in long hours, yet still makes time for personal moments with everyday people. His leadership style is rooted in presence, not performance. Each meeting, whether with students or workers, shows consistency, humility, and care. Some […]
Air Arabia-led alliance to launch new low-cost Saudi airline from Dammam under Vision 2030/ Representative Image TL;DR Air Arabia, based in the UAE, will lead a new Saudi low-cost airline. The airline will be based in Dammam and fly to 81 destinations. It’s part of Saudi Arabia’s wider aviation push under Vision 2030. On July […]
A rare total solar eclipse will darken skies above ancient landmarks in Luxor, Egypt, on August 2, 2027/ Image: File TL;DR On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of North Africa and the Middle East. Cities like Luxor, Jeddah, and Benghazi will experience totality lasting over 6 minutes, the longest eclipse […]
