Uber and WeRide deploy fully-driverless robotaxis on Uber app in Abu Dhabi
India and UAE fast-track visa liberalisation at 6th Joint Consular Committee meeting
UAE opens foster-care system to expatriates and single women under new decree
Latest News
Ethiopian volcanic ash forces Gulf flight cancellations, disrupts Abu-Dhabi connectivity
Ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has forced Akasa Air and several other carriers to cancel or divert flights on India–Gulf routes, including services to Abu Dhabi. UAE travellers face potential delays and connection risks until the plume clears. Businesses should review visa-validity windows and duty-of-care arrangements.
UAE quietly tightens entry rules for Nigerian nationals, suspends transit visas
An unannounced policy change has suspended UAE transit visas for Nigerian travellers and imposed tougher financial and sponsorship rules for tourist visas, effectively curbing spontaneous travel from Africa’s largest economy. Firms moving Nigerian staff or hosting clients in the Emirates should expect longer lead times and higher compliance costs.
Abu Dhabi Airports and ICP ink ‘Smart Travel’ deal to roll out one-ID biometrics at five airports
A new ADAC–ICP agreement will introduce facial-recognition ‘Smart Travel’ corridors across Abu Dhabi’s five airports, cutting immigration clearance to seven seconds and supporting the emirate’s ‘gate-to-kerb in 12 minutes’ target. Employers should schedule ICP biometric enrolment for assignees and expect shorter connection windows.
India expands visa-on-arrival access for UAE citizens to Kochi, Calicut and Ahmedabad
India has added Kochi, Calicut and Ahmedabad to its Visa-on-Arrival network for UAE citizens, bringing the total authorised airports to nine. The move eliminates the need for advance e-Visas on many Gulf routes, easing short-notice business trips and medical-tourism travel from the Emirates.
UAE–Pakistan visa-waiver for diplomatic and official passports comes into force
Effective 25 November, Emirati and Pakistani officials travelling on diplomatic or official passports can enter each other’s countries without visas, accelerating governmental and commercial engagement. Corporates hosting delegations should revise check-in guidance and leverage the quicker turnaround for high-level meetings.
Visa mistake at Dream Concert Abu Dhabi grounds K-pop group, exposes immigration blind spots
A last-minute visa oversight forced K-pop act TripleS to withdraw from Dream Concert Abu Dhabi, angering fans and spotlighting the UAE’s strict performer-visa rules. The episode underscores the need for meticulous nationality checks and early filings when bringing foreign talent to Emirati stages or corporate events.