The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and more countries in the Middle East and across the world have announced dates for the upcoming Eid Al Adha 2023 holiday.
The Islamic holiday will see extended weekend breaks in many countries, as well as an expected surge in international travel.
Elsewhere in the UAE, there have been major changes to the way education certificates are recognised as well as updates on the countries ongoing Emiratisation project.
Inspiring business leaders gathered in Dubai for the Arabian Business Leadership 2023 summit, including a keynote speech from former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
The world watched a tragic search for five men missing in a submarine exploring the shipwreck of the Titanic, UAE schools were listed among the best in the world and Kuwait continued a crackdown on expat workers in the country.
It has been a busy week in the Middle East, catch up with the 10 must-read stories of the past seven days.
Eid Al Adha 2023 holiday announced in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman
Saudi Arabia has announced dates for the 2023 Eid Al Adha holidays.
The Dhul Al Hijjah crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom according to local media reports. This means that Arafat Day in Saudi Arabia will fall on Tuesday, June 27 and Eid Al Adha will begin on Wednesday, June 28.
The UAE and Oman also confirmed holiday dates for Eid Al Adha after the sighting of the crescent moon.
UAE announces major education qualification change
An updated system will remove conditions such as the need for attesting degree certificates and will allow online-only degree certificates.
The new system will have a major impact on the way people apply for jobs or pursue education in the UAE.
UAE announces AED100,000 Emiratisation fine on private sector company
“The Ministry’s inspection teams confirmed that the number of employees were reduced from 68 to less than 50 by transferring them to another company that belonged to the same employer. The employer took this step to circumvent the Emiratisation targets,” MoHRE said via Twitter.
This decision comes in line with Cabinet Resolution No. (44) of 2023 amending certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (95) Regarding Penalties and Violations Relating to the Initiatives and Programmes of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).
Kuwait expat crackdown: Foreign workers fired, replaced with nationals
The move is part of the government’s efforts to ensure nationalisation within cooperative societies.
These sources revealed that discussions are underway to devise a mechanism aimed at overcoming the challenges highlighted by the Demographics Amendment Committee. As part of the initiatives, approximately 150 locals are expected to be appointed in supervisory positions, effectively replacing foreign workers in cooperative societies starting in July.
Titanic tragedy: Submarine suffered ‘catastrophic implosion’ and five men confirmed dead says US Coast Guard
Rescue teams searching for the missing OceanGate submarine carrying Dubai-based billionaire Hamish Harding and four other passengers discovered debris on the ocean floor on Thursday. After submerging and diving down to explore the wreck, OceanGate’s submarine went missing prompting a major international rescue operation.
In a press briefing a US Coast Guard official says the debris is confirmed to be from the missing submersible and no passengers survived.
Dubai announces 7 new bridges on major streets
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the completion of the seven new footbridges across various areas of Dubai.
The bridges provide safe mobility means for pedestrians crossing roadways, contribute to Dubai’s development into a bicycle-friendly city and promote the city’s wellbeing.
UAE announces new speed limit on major road
UAE traffic authorities have announced a reduced speed limit on a major road.
Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre said the speed limit on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street in Abu Dhabi will be reduced for motorists travelling in both directions, due to roadworks on Al Saada Bridge.
The new speed limit will come into effect from Friday, June 23 and will be in place until the end of December 2023.
UAE schools placed on ‘world’s best’ shortlists as they compete for $250,000 prize
Two UAE schools have been placed on shortlists for prestigious “World’s Best School” prizes.
The prestigious education prizes recognise the best in school achievement for establishments all over the world.
Gems Modern Academy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s Mamoura British Academy have both been featured on shortlists.
Former UK PM David Cameron ‘optimistic’ on future, complements next generation at Arabian Business Leadership Summit 2023
Addressing the most influential business leaders in the region at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, Cameron commended the younger generation for their genuine opposition to discrimination, their embrace of diverse cultures, and their international outlook on their future.
Cameron stated, “I am incredibly optimistic about the future, primarily because of the young people I meet. They have such a positive attitude that includes genuine opposition to discrimination in all its forms, an open-mindedness towards people and cultures, and an international outlook on their future in terms of where they live, work, and travel.
UAE unemployment insurance: Deadline extension announced
Employees in the UAE were required to subscribe to the mandatory job loss scheme by June 31 or face fines. However, the deadline has now been extended to October 1.
The announcement was made on Thursday via Twitter.
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