From a new UAE visa to major changes at duty free stores in Saudi Arabia, it has been a busy week in the Middle East.
While Dubai launched a new quality of life strategy, work began on a new Oman railroad, Emirates announced plans to recruit 5,000 new cabin crew and real estate analysts pinpointed the best places to buy property.
Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
UAE announces new 10-year Blue Visa
The UAE has announced a new 10-year residency visa following a cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The “Blue Residency” will be granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards the environment and sustainability.
The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organizations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work from both Emirati nationals and responsible residents advocate of environment protection.
Saudi Arabia approves major duty-free rules
These requirements set the maximum purchase limit and quantities allowed for passengers arriving in the Kingdom.
ZATCA noted that the exemption requirements specify that the maximum purchase limit from duty-free markets in arrival lounges is SR3,000 ($800) per passenger, with the condition that the purchase is for personal use. The requirements also set the maximum quantity allowed for cigarette purchases at 200 per passenger.
UAE casino: Wynn Resort to fuel 58% real estate boom in luxury property on Al Marjan Island in RAK, study shows
The Wynn Resort project is also triggering an influx of hotel and resort projects in Al Marjan, paving the way for the man-made island to successfully transition into a world-class hospitality destination.
The 16-storied waterfront residential project MASA Residence, inspired by renowned design genius Philippe Starck, and Address Residence by Emaar, comprising 234 high-end apartments, are projected to earn investors a cool 36 percent price appreciation over a three-year period, said the study by Realiste, a Dubai-headquartered AI-driven proptech operating globally.
Sheikh Hamdan announces Dubai Quality of Life Strategy: 200 new parks, women-only beaches, well-being districts, 1,000 annual events and MASSIVE development plans
As part of the strategy the emirate will see the creation of more than 200 new parks, women-only beaches, a comprehensive calendar of more than 1,000 events, new wildlife protections and the development of a 20-minute city concept.
The visionary strategy is dedicated to ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all segments of the community including nationals, residents and visitors.
Encompassing a holistic and integrated approach to well-being, the strategy aims to establish Dubai as a global leader in quality of life and enhance its status as the world’s preferred destination to live, work and visit.
Dubai real estate: New mega Al Maktoum International Airport to drive real estate growth in Dubai South, says new report
Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is set to open with a capacity of over 30 million passengers annually. Along with over 10,000 aircraft stands, it will become one of the world’s largest airports upon completion.
This ambitious project is anticipated to generate substantial demand for housing, commercial, and other real estate near the new airport. Multiple key developers are seen expanding operations to Dubai South to capture growth opportunities.
Hafeet Rail: $3bn UAE to Oman train track project will have 60 bridges, 2.5km tunnel and cut transit times in half
Hafeet Rail has announced that preparatory work is commencing full speed ahead for the construction of the transformative railway link between the UAE and Oman, during a site visit for key officials and members of the Asyad and Hafeet Rail executive management teams, in addition to project contractors and consultants. The visit included an introduction to the key stops at the passengers, repairs and shipping stations, as well as key bridges and tunnels sites.
In addition to providing a first-hand overview on the project, which will include the construction of 60 bridges, some towering up to 34m in height, and tunnels stretching 2.5km in length, the Hafeet Rail team presented the latest rail technologies along with the innovative engineering and architectural solutions designed to overcome the challenging geographical terrain and weather conditions while ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and safety in accordance with international standards and best practice.
Louvre Abu Dhabi announces free entry for UAE residents on May 18
Louvre Abu Dhabi will allow free access for UAE residents to mark International Museum Day.
The art museum located on Saadiyat Island will stay open later for visitors this coming May 18. UAE residents will be able to enter free of charge by presenting a photo ID at the ticket desk.
Galleries and current exhibitions will remain accessible to the public until 8:30 PM that evening. In addition, the iconic dome structure and on-site restaurants will operate until midnight.
Emirates cabin crew jobs in Dubai: Salary, benefits, perks and how to apply for exclusive UAE recruitment events
Emirates has announced a UAE recruitment drive as it looks to hire cabin crew in the country.
Emirates currently has 22,000 cabin crew members and is looking to recruit 5,000 in this financial year. On the back of its incredibly successful financial results and profit share, the airline is hosting a series of exclusive events in Dubai for those eager to be a part of its iconic cabin crew community.
The five-star invite-only events, designed exclusively for those who live and work in the UAE, are open to all nationalities. To be shortlisted for the events, all aspirants need to do is check-out the eligibility criteria and fill in a simple online application form.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan approves second phase of heritage architecture project
This aims to safeguard 35 important sites and buildings from the 1960s to 1990s after completing the first phase covering earlier structures.
“By protecting our heritage architecture, we seek to promote a deeper understanding among citizens, residents and visitors of what has shaped the emirate into the thriving metropolis it is today,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Dubai off-plan property prices to rise in 2024, top areas revealed
Property prices have seen an increase of 20 percent on average so far in 2024 and the trend is expected to continue through the rest of the year.
The city witnessed an upward momentum in the demand for off-plan as transactions increased by 72.5 percent in 2023. This year, the steadfast momentum has continued with over AED60 billion in sales recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
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