UAE residents are already looking forward to Eid Al Adha 2023 holidays, after dates for holidays in the country were announced.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced Eid Al Adha 2023 holiday dates in Dubai and the countdown is on for a long weekend.
The past week also saw the release of more images of a royal wedding in the UAE. Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared images of her marriage to Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum. An Instagram post showed the couple together at a reception event in Dubai as well as a stunning wedding dress and a giant cake.
Elsewhere in the Gulf both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait announced details of new visas designed to attract more visitors an make it easier for people to visit.
Also in the news, film fans were left surprised as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was banned for release in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Shah Rukh Khan turned up at a Dubai property launch and thousands of expat driving licences were cancelled in Kuwait.
It has been a busy week in the Middle East, catch up with the biggest stories of the past seven days.
Eid Al Adha 2023: UAE announces holiday dates
The UAE has announced dates for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays.
The Arafat Day and Eid holidays for federal ministries and entities will be from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12, 1444, according to a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR).
This corresponds with June 27 to June 30, 2023.
UAE Royal Wedding: Sheikha Mahra shares stunning celebration images
Sheikha Mahra, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai shared stunning pictures of a wedding reception event on Instagram.
The images show Sheikha Mahra wearing a regal white gown. Another shows Sheikh Mana and Sheikha Mahra cutting a towering wedding cake with a traditional sword.
UAE, Saudi Arabia ban release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The movie has been pulled from release in the region due to it not being able to pass censorship requirements.
The movie was supposed to release in cinemas on June 22 and is a sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse which released in 2018.
Kuwait announces major new visa
Kuwait has introduced a new type of visa, according to local media reports.
Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Acting Defence Minister issued a decree to introduce the latest visa, said a report in Al Rai.
The new visa is designed to give entry permission to the country for sports, culture and social activities.
Dubai Courts calls for UAE residents to update Emirates ID details
The alert posted via Twitter read: “Our valued customers, please update your ID at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security via the following link: https://icp.gov.ae/service/ @UAEICP #DubaiCourts #Dubai #UAE”.
The post clarified that updating the Emirates ID makes it easier for the authorities to reach the customer in the case of any legal proceedings in Dubai Courts.
Saudi Arabia plans to recruit 1m Filipinos, UAE, Qatar and Oman plan Philippines recruitment
Tourism, hospitality and construction sectors could see extensive recruitment, according to a Philippines News Agency report.
It said the country’s Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced it is in the process of signing a memorandum of cooperation with several countries that are interested in hiring more Filipino healthcare and skilled workers.
Saudi Arabia announces new instant visa
The new e-visa will facilitate UK, US, and Schengen visas holders, as well as permanent residents of UK, US, and any EU country to obtain tourist e-visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through www.mofa.gov.sa.
The Kingdom has previously extended regulation to provide visas on arrival to the six categories, this is just the latest step as Saudi Arabia makes it easier than ever for visitors to experience the country and contribute to Saudi’s vision of reaching 100 million visits annually by 2030.
Dubai real estate: Emaar unveils The Oasis, a $20bn luxury waterfront project
This project, located on the outskirts of Dubai, will include 7,000 residential units, including mansions and villas.
With an emphasis on “stunning” vistas, Emaar promises future residents views of canals, lakes, and parks.
Kuwait cancels 66,584 expat driving licences
Kuwait has cancelled more than 66,500 expat driving licences.
Sheikh Talal Al Khaled Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior gave the directives, according to an official statement made on Kuwait Government social media.
The licences are for expats whose work permits and residency is permanently revoked.
Dubai Metro: New rules for scooters, bicycles
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued new rules for scooters on board Dubai Metro and in the stations.
- The new instructions as per RTA are:
- Scooters or bicycles must be folded in the Metro Stations
- Those with scooters or bicycles are allowed to pass through the wide gate only
- On board the metro, scooters and bicycles must be placed in the luggage area
The announcement was made by RTA on Thursday, it said “If you are E-scooter or bicycle users, follow the instructions mentioned above to ensure comfortable commute on board of the #DubaiMetro to reach your destinations with complete ease. #YourComfortMatters #RTA”