This week the UAE announced new fuel prices for February, with a slight increase following several months of decline.
Changes to Golden Visa rules in the UAE were also making the headlines as property experts called the new guidelines a “game-changer” for property investors in Dubai.
Meanwhile, in Kuwait, applications opened for family visas for expats. Ministry officials shared news on the new visa rules, including minimum salaries and qualification requirements.
Across the region and beyond, Oman Air made major changes to its international network, Iran announced visa-free travel for citizens of 28 countries and top affordable neighbourhoods for Dubai home-buyers were identified.
Plus, one of the great debates was in the spotlight once again – how much should you tip in Dubai?
Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors.
UAE announces new petrol price rise for February 2024
The UAE has announced an increase in petrol prices for February.
The price rise follows previous decreases in fuel costs in December last year and January.
Although petrol and diesel prices have experienced fluctuations over the past year, they are currently lower compared to the same period last year.
Kuwait re-opens family visas: Minimum salary, exemptions, rules, dates and more
Kuwait has resumed issuing expat family visas.
It means expats in the country are now able to apply to sponsor wives and children.
The requests will be accepted based on the ministerial decree No. 56 of 2024, which sets new rules for issuing entry permits for family reunions, it noted. Among these terms are the expat applying for the Kuwait family visa:
- Must have a salary of at least KD800 ($2,600)
- They should have a university degree certificate
- They must be employed in the same field as they studied (as per university certificate)
UAE Golden Visa $272,000 rule change a ‘game-changer’ for Dubai real estate investors
Exciting changes are underway for investors seeking a Golden Visa in the UAE, as the eligibility requirements for property investors have been significantly eased.
The UAE government has announced the removal of the AED1m ($272,000) minimum down payment for real estate investments, marking a ground-breaking shift in the Golden Visa program.
Oman Air makes major changes to international network, updates flights to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
As part of its ongoing transformation, which aims to improve the company’s overall financial performance and fortify its position in an increasingly competitive market, Oman Air has announced several strategic changes to its network.
These include the addition of a new route, Sialkot, in Pakistan. Furthermore, it will cancel operations to Islamabad, Lahore, Colombo and Chittagong.
Dubai announces new $95.3m nol card upgrade; facial recognition, artificial intelligence and smartphone payment plan
Dubai’s RTA has awarded a contract to upgrade the existing nol (Card-Based Ticketing System) to a sophisticated, central wallet technology (Account Based Ticketing System), aligning with the top global practices.
This project, which requires an investment of AED350m ($95.3m), is one of the key deliverables of RTA’s Digital Strategy Roadmap 2023-2030 launched last December.
Iran announces visa-free travel for UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, India and 22 more countries to start Sunday
Foreign Ministry’s Deputy for Consular, Parliamentary, and Iranian Expatriates’ Affairs Ali Reza Bigdeli said that citizens of 28 countries who travel to the country as tourists do not need a visa as of February 4.
Bigdeli said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified the relevant institutions of the executive order of the Cabinet regarding the one-way cancellation of visas with 28 countries.
Dubai announces massive new school, $144m boost to major education project
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the expansion of the Dubai Schools project with a budget of AED530m ($144.3m), in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 that was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
As part of the project, a new school is being established in Al Khawaneej, and the Dubai Schools Al Barsha branch is currently undergoing expansion.
Dubai real estate under AED1 million: Where to buy affordable apartments
And while luxury often steals the spotlight, a vibrant mid-market segment is propping up and beginning to thrive, offering homes that are both comfortable and stylish for less than AED1m.
Arabian Business looked at six neighbourhoods with more affordable homes.
Abu Dhabi real estate: Analysts identify top places to invest in apartments and villas, ROI of over 8% identified
Abu Dhabi real estate investors saw returns of more than 8 per cent on selected properties in the city last year, according to data from the Bayut Annual Sales Report for Abu Dhabi in 2023.
Property specialists Bayut released its Abu Dhabi annual sales market report for 2023 and the report analysed sales data and identified sales trends in Abu Dhabi last year.
Tipping in Dubai: How much should you tip at restaurants, bars, hotels in the UAE? Experts weigh in
As tourism rates rise and residents continue to indulge in the vast service industry in Dubai including hospitality, transport, online food orders and more, the practice of tipping is common.
Unlike some Western cities, tipping in Dubai is not obligatory. Salaries in the service industry are typically set by law, and restaurants often include a service charge in the bill.
Despite the widespread practice, there is no definitive tipping rule in the city. This prompts the question: How much should you tip in Dubai?
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