UAE freezes most visit visas for Pakistanis, allowing only diplomatic and ‘blue’ passports
Rejection rates for UAE visit visas touch 80 % for Pakistani first-time applicants
Dubai International issues peak-season advisory as airport braces for 10 million passengers
Latest News
UAE Suspends Visa Issuance for Most Pakistanis Amid Security Concerns
On 27 November the UAE halted the issuance of most new visas for Pakistani nationals, citing security concerns. The freeze disrupts recruitment pipelines, family travel and business mobility between the two countries and forces employers to adjust staffing plans. Both governments say talks are under way, but no timeline for resumption has been given.
Dubai International Airport Braces for 10 Million Passengers Over Year-End Peak
DXB expects more than 10 million passengers between 27 Nov and 31 Dec, with daily totals topping 300,000 in mid-December. The airport is rolling out extra staffing, biometric clearance lanes and travel tips to keep queues manageable. Employers should prepare travellers for longer dwell times, limited landside access and high demand for premium fast-track services.
Emirates Upgrades Baghdad Service: All Flights to Operate with Airbus A350 From January 2026
All Dubai–Baghdad flights will upgrade to the Airbus A350 from 1 Jan 2026, giving business travellers lie-flat suites, Premium Economy and reduced cabin noise. Companies moving staff between the UAE and Iraq gain a more comfortable, fuel-efficient option but should expect slightly higher fares.
Emirates Rolls Out Thanksgiving Menus and Live NBA Games on All US Routes
From 24–30 Nov Emirates will serve full Thanksgiving meals and show live NBA games on all flights linking Dubai with its 12 US gateways, starting festivities in lounges from 23 Nov. The move caters to holiday traffic—much of it corporate—and reinforces the airline’s high-touch service promise.
Dubai RTA Publishes Public-Transport Timings for 54th Union Day Holiday
Dubai’s transport authority has published special service hours for Metro, buses, trams, marine taxis, parking and customer-service centres during the 1–2 Dec Union Day holiday. Business travellers and newly arrived assignees should plan journeys around reduced office hours and heavier traffic near celebration sites.