UAE launches fully-online visit-visa extension service, ending ‘visa-run’ era
US Embassy opens priority World Cup 2026 visa interview slots for UAE residents
Dubai airports issue commemorative ‘Zayed & Rashid’ passport stamp for 54th National Day
Latest News
Red-alert fog blankets UAE, prompting travel advisories and speed limits
Thick fog triggered red alerts across the UAE on 3 December, reducing road speed limits and causing minor flight holding patterns. With more misty nights expected, travellers should allow extra time for airport transfers and early-morning commutes.
Amended UAE VAT law takes effect 1 January 2026: implications for expatriates and cross-border businesses
The UAE has overhauled its VAT law, effective 1 January 2026, streamlining refunds for non-resident firms and easing input-tax claims on accommodation. Multinationals should update travel- and relocation-expense policies to capture savings and avoid data mismatches with immigration records.
GCC launches ‘one-stop’ border clearance pilot between UAE and Bahrain
A pilot ‘one-stop’ clearance system went live on 2 December for flights between the UAE and Bahrain. GCC nationals clear immigration, customs and security only once, slashing airport time. If successful, the model will roll out across the Gulf and pave the way for a unified tourist visa, cutting compliance burdens for businesses that shuttle staff around the region.
Air India check-in system outage delays UAE-bound flights
A global outage at a third-party IT provider crippled Air India’s check-in system on 2 December, causing delays at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The disruption highlights the need for contingency planning on key UAE–India business routes and underscores duty-of-care responsibilities when staff are stranded.