UAE National Day rules; Saudi visa exemptions; New petrol prices; Riyadh to host Expo 2030; Dubai plans ‘Vegas Island’ – 10 things you missed this week

As well as an extended weekend holiday for all workers, there are celebrations, cultural activities and events across the country.

To mark the occasion the UAE has also introduced a new-look AED500 banknote.
This week also saw petrol prices across the country drop and the introduction of a four-day working week for some employees.

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, visa rules were clarified offering exemptions and investment opportunities for some passport holders. The Kingdom was also celebrating after being awarded hosting rights for the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.

A property developer in Dubai announced it is building a Las Vegas-style island project in the city.

It has been a busy week in the Middle East, catch up with 10 of the biggest stories as selected by Arabian Business editors.

Saudi Arabia announces visa exemptions for some passport holders

Investors with diplomatic or special passports are set to benefit from an exemption on business visit visa fees in Saudi Arabia, as announced by the Ministry of Investment (MISA).

The move aims to facilitate foreign investors’ exploration of investment opportunities in the kingdom.

The Ministry’s affiliated platform, ‘Invest in Saudi Arabia’, clarified that the ‘Visiting Investor’ business visit visa service is an electronic platform enabling foreign investors to apply for a digital visit visa instantly. This eliminates the need for personal visits to Saudi embassies or consulates to complete biometric data procedures.

UAE National Day 2023: All the rules to follow during 52nd Union celebrations

The UAE Ministry of the Interior released a comprehensive set of guidelines for the public to follow during the upcoming National Day celebrations.

These guidelines emphasise the importance of ensuring safety and maintaining a civilised atmosphere of joy and happiness throughout the festivities.

Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, reiterated the Ministry’s call for strict adherence to laws and safety requirements. He also urged the public to enjoy the festive atmosphere responsibly, without causing harm or disturbance to others.

UAE announces new petrol price drop for December 2023

The UAE has announced a reduction in petrol prices for the month of December, following its monthly fuel price adjustment.

After prices dropped in November, fuel costs have now decreased further according to the latest update from the UAE fuel price committee.

From December 1, the cost of filling up vehicles in the UAE will be:

• Special 95 – AED2.85 litre from AED2.92 in November
• Super 98 – AED2.96 a litre from AED3.03 in November
• E-Plus – AED2.77 a litre from AED2.85 in November
• Diesel – AED3.19 a litre from AED3.42 in November

World Expo 2030: Riyadh wins bid to host major event in Saudi Arabia

The World Expo 2030 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after it beat bids from Busan, South Korea and Rome, Italy.

The announcement was made by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organisation in charge of World Expo events.

In a statement on social media, the official account of the Riyadh Expo 2030 announced the World Expo will come to Saudi Arabia. It said: “Officially: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its capital, Riyadh, is the destination of the world at Expo 2030”

Dubai developer awards massive $1.2bn contract for Vegas-style island project, MGM, Bellagio hotels planned

A Dubai property developer has awarded contracts to build Las Vegas-style project The Island in the city.

Real estate developer Wasl awarded a AED4.4bn ($1.2bn) contract to the China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The contract was reported to be the largest construction deal in the Emirate since 2017.

The Island has been under development for several years and is a new 10.5 hectare project off the coast of Umm Suqeim. Located near the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and public beach it is tipped to feature more than 1,400 hotel rooms and apartments. Hotel and hospitality brands MGM, Bellagio and Aria are said to be plotting properties in the development.

Dubai airport lounges: How to get into a business class lounge without a business class ticket

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is undoubtedly one of the busiest airports in the world and offers multiple lounges across the entirety of the 7,200-acre airport space.

In the third quarter alone, the airport saw 22.9 million passengers. “We’re thrilled but not entirely surprised that DXB is all set to surpass the pre-pandemic milestone well ahead of our initial projections by almost a year. Our outlook for the remainder of this year and the next remains optimistic,” Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports said.

Emirates operates some of the main lounges in the terminals, alongside Marhaba and others. Lounge access varies according to ticket class, however, is there a way to get into business class lounges without a business class ticket?

First look: UAE issues new AED500 note to celebrate COP28 and National Day

The UAE has issued a new-look AED500 note as it hostd COP28 in Dubai.

Coinciding with hosting COP28 and celebrations for the country’s 52nd National Day, the Central Bank of the UAE announced the issuance of the new polymer banknote.This is part of the third issuance of the national currency project, with distinctive designs and advanced security features.

The front side includes an image of the bold architecture of the Terra Sustainability Pavilion in Expo City Dubai. The reverse side highlights the Museum of the Future in Dubai, bridging the past with the future as an architectural and engineering marvel.

UAE firm e& offers 4-day working week to employees

UAE telecoms giant e& has announced a four-day working week for some employees as it looks to boost workplace flexibility.

The firm has piloted a four-day workweek for employees across three departments in the UAE, becoming the first technology company to embrace a global call for workplace flexibility.

Recognising that employee engagement and well-being are directly linked to productivity and innovation, e& launched this pilot to continue to be at the forefront of future workplace policies and models.

New ‘Billionaire’ credit card launches for ultra-rich: Full benefits revealed

A new limited-edition card was launched in Dubai in partnership with Billionaire and Insignia, in collaboration with jewellery and watch designer Jacob & Co. The visa card is made using materials other than the traditionally used plastic and incorporates gold, diamonds and gemstones.

Arabian Business understood from a member of the Insignia team that the card is strictly for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a minimum spend requirement of $500,000 and a net worth of around $30 million and over.

Key benefits include personalisation and a premium quality card which are defined as “art” pieces and an “investment for life.” Cardholders are also provided with a dedicated personal assistant available 24/7 throughout the year, offering comprehensive assistance.

UAE cities named among world’s best places for expats, Ras Al Khaimah beats Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Three UAE cities have featured among the best cities for expats to live and work.

Most notably, Ras Al Khaimah achieved a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a leading global destination, by securing fourth place in the global survey evaluating the best cities for expatriates to live and work.

In the survey, conducted annually by InterNations as part of their Expat City Ranking 2023 report, it excelled in five categories:

• Quality of life
• Ease of settling in
• Working abroad
• Personal finance
• Expatriate essentials index, (including digital life, administration topics, housing and language)