UAE unveils biggest visa shake-up since 2019, adding AI-Specialist, Entertainment, Events and Maritime Tourism permits
Five-day national weather watch could slow holiday flights and freight through 29 December
Red fog alert forces speed reductions and could cause flight diversions across Abu Dhabi
Latest News
Emirates cancels and reschedules New York services as US snowstorm ripples into UAE itineraries
Emirates has advanced two JFK-Dubai departures and cancelled Newark sectors after a severe snowstorm hit New York, an action bulletin dated 27 Dec shows. The adjustments create knock-on scheduling and visa-validity challenges for UAE-bound executives and risk delaying holiday-season cargo.
UAE Launches 2025 Visa Overhaul, Adding AI-Specialist and Entertainment Categories
A cabinet decree published 26 December ushers in four new visa classes and raises income thresholds for sponsoring relatives or friends. Golden Visa holders receive 24/7 consular support and emergency travel papers, while humanitarian stays are expanded for war-affected nationals and widowed spouses. HR teams must revise mobility policies to capture new opportunities for AI talent and ensure compliance with tougher sponsorship rules.
Five-Day Weather Watch Could Delay Holiday Flights and Freight in the UAE
Light rain and heavy fog forecast between 25 and 29 December could slow airport departures, road traffic and air-cargo uplift. Airlines have issued NOTAMs and shippers warn of 24-hour delivery slippages. Travellers are urged to allow extra journey time and consider the UAE’s new online visa-extension option to avoid overstays.
Dubai Metro to Run 43 Hours Non-Stop; Extensive Road Closures Set for New Year’s Eve
For New Year’s Eve 2025/26, Dubai will keep its Metro running for 43 straight hours and impose tiered road closures around Downtown. The plan aims to move more than 2.5 million people safely but will disrupt private-car access, so companies should lean on public transport and adjust airport transfers.
Dubai Publishes 48-Site Fireworks Map to Spread Crowds and Ease New Year Congestion
Authorities released a 48-show fireworks map and aligned traffic diversions to disperse crowds for New Year 2026. The decentralised plan should ease pressure on Downtown Dubai but requires travellers to consult the map and respect restricted zones to avoid fines.
Dubai International Retains Title as World’s Busiest Airport in December 2025
OAG’s December 2025 data show DXB at 5.5 million seats, keeping it the world’s busiest airport. The ranking highlights renewed slot congestion and underscores the importance of longer connection buffers for business travellers changing planes in Dubai.