ICP lists ‘11 visa rule changes’ mobility teams must master before 2026
Dubai launches citywide contact-less hotel check-in, setting new benchmark for friction-free arrivals
1,310 flights delayed across Gulf hubs; DXB issues three-hour rule as winter fog bites
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New anti-drug decree makes deportation automatic for foreign offenders
A decree effective 12 December mandates automatic deportation of any foreigner convicted of drug offences and lifts minimum sentences and fines. Employers hosting expatriates must strengthen compliance training and be ready for immediate visa cancellations and repatriation costs if violations occur.
Extra New-Year holiday to boost outbound traffic as UAE grants January 1 paid leave to private sector
The UAE has declared 1 January 2026 a paid holiday for all private-sector workers. The move is expected to spur a long-weekend travel surge, adding strain to airports already in peak-season mode and requiring corporates to double-check early-January staffing plans.
UAE tightens anti-drug law, introduces automatic deportation for foreign offenders
A federal decree published on 11 December drastically increases penalties for drug-related offences and makes deportation compulsory for convicted foreigners. Employers must tighten compliance and prepare for automatic visa cancellation of affected staff.
Eleven visa rule changes every UAE traveller and employer must know for 2025
On 11 December the UAE government published an authoritative list of the 11 biggest visa changes introduced during 2025, covering multiple-entry permits, new salary thresholds for sponsoring relatives, expanded Golden-Visa routes and easier in-country status conversions.
Chaos at DXB as 1,310 flights delayed across Middle-East hubs; corporate travellers urged to review itineraries
A data spike on 10 December saw Dubai International record 310 delayed departures as part of 1,310 flight delays across the region. Corporates are urged to buffer schedules, check onward visas and use smart-gate immigration to mitigate disruption.
Etihad cancels Abu Dhabi–Lisbon service as Portuguese airport strike hits UAE travellers
A nationwide strike in Portugal forced Etihad to cancel its Abu Dhabi–Lisbon rotation on 11 December, underscoring how overseas labour disputes can quickly disrupt UAE business and leisure itineraries.