Middle East / The Times of India
Dubai has launched major transport upgrades, including the 30km Metro Blue Line and two new marine stations on Dubai Creek. The Blue Line, set to open in 2029, will ease congestion, link key districts, and cut airport travel to 20 minutes. The marine stations enhance water mobility, supporting Dubais vision for a smart, connected, and sustainable transport network.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has issued a travel advisory for September 57 due to road works near Terminals 1 and 3, which are expected to cause lane closures and traffic delays. Passengers are urged to allow extra travel time or use the Dubai Metro. The advisory coincides with high travel demand during the UAEs long weekend holiday.
The 8th Sharjah Film Platform runs from 1423 November 2025, showcasing diverse international and regional films at Mirage City Cinema and other Sharjah venues. The Early Bird Pass, available for 40 AED for one month only, offers unlimited access to screenings plus festival merchandise, featuring acclaimed titles like On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and Yathoom by Emirati filmmaker Hana Kazim.
Saudi Arabia conducted its first drone delivery trial in Jeddah, marking a major step toward modernizing logistics. Led by GACA and TGA, the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 goals of digital transformation and sustainability. The trial showcased reduced delivery times, regulatory readiness, and future scalability, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in smart logistics innovation
Roblox has suspended voice and text chat features in Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid rising concerns over child safety. The move follows regulatory discussions and a Guardian investigation exposing serious safety lapses. With growing regional bans and legal action abroad, Roblox is enhancing Arabic moderation tools as it faces pressure to better protect its predominantly young user base.
UAE has announced a 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with Muhammad Waseem named captain. The team includes two new additionsMatiullah Khan and Simranjeet Singh. UAE is placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and Oman. The tournament begins on September 9, and UAE will open their campaign against India on September 10 in Dubai.
The 56th Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show will take place from September 2428, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Featuring over 500 exhibitors from 21 countries, the event showcases gold, diamonds, watches, and gemstones. With record-breaking past sales of AED 105 million (USD 28.6 million), the show remains a key international platform for jewellery trade and innovation.
On the occasion of Prophet Muhammads (PBUH) birthday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid shared heartfelt messages reflecting on his legacy of compassion, peace, and guidance. They offered prayers for global stability, unity, and prosperity, honouring the Prophet as a source of light and mercy for humanity.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025, observed on September 5, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Rooted in Islamic history, the festival is celebrated with prayers, processions, charity, and community gatherings. It highlights the Prophets teachings of compassion, peace, and unity. The occasion blends tradition with devotion, bringing Muslims together in remembrance and reflection across diverse communities worldwide.
NRIs living in the UAE must reissue their Indian passport to update outdated addresses or include their UAE residence. The process, handled through BLS International, requires specific documents, in-person verification, and adherence to official guidelines. Whether updating based on personal residence, a spouse or parent, or adding a UAE address, applicants must follow the step-by-step process to ensure compliance.
The UAEs Ministry of Finance has issued new rules clarifying corporate tax treatment for Free Zone businesses. The updated framework broadens qualifying activities, including more commodities and treasury services, and sets clear pricing standards. These changes aim to boost transparency, align with global tax norms, and support the UAEs economic growth by preserving Free Zones tax benefits under stricter compliance.
Oman has declared Sunday, September 7 a public holiday for both public and private sector employees to mark Prophet Muhammads (PBUH) birthday. Since the actual date, Friday, September 5, falls on the weekend, the observance was shifted, creating a three-day weekend. Employers may require work on the holiday but must provide compensatory leave or pay.
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority announced free public parking on September 5, 2025, in observance of Prophet Muhammads birthday, except at multi-level and Al Khail Gate parking. Metro hours will be extended until 1 AM. Customer Happiness Centres will mostly close, except five smart centres open 24/7. The day marks the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal, celebrating the Prophets birth.
The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced strict attendance guidelines for the 202526 academic year, requiring immediate parent notifications after one unexcused absence and setting limits at five days per term and 15 per year. Students exceeding these limits may repeat the year. These rules take effect as over one million students return after a two-month summer break.
A deadly three-vehicle crash on Emirates Road near Dubai Club Bridge on September 3 was caused by tailgating, killing one and injuring two. Dubai Police attributed the collision to failure to maintain safe distance. Authorities are enforcing Dh400 fines, black points, and AI radar monitoring, as tailgating remains a leading cause of road fatalities in the UAE.
Omans Golden Visa offers long-term residency through diverse investment options, including real estate, company shares, government bonds, and job creation. With clear eligibility criteria and tiered residency durations (5 or 10 years), the program supports economic diversification and family inclusion. Applications are processed via Migrate World, providing a transparent, flexible pathway for investors aligned with Omans Vision 2040 goals.
Etihad Airways aims to deliver 100 Mbps in-flight Wi-Fi fleetwide within three years, enhancing passenger experience. The airline posted a strong AED 1.1 billion profit in the first half of 2025, fueled by 17% passenger growth, a fleet exceeding 100 aircraft, and 27 new destinations. With ongoing hires and expansions, Etihad continues to strengthen its global position amid economic uncertainties.
Dubai's RTA has launched a new peak-hour direct Dubai Metro Red Line route from Centrepoint to Al Fardan Exchange Station, aiming to ease congestion and reduce travel times. Now offering four direct endpoints, the move improves efficiency, cuts transfers at Jebel Ali, and enhances commuter comfort. Early results show reduced crowding, shorter waits, and better operational performance.
Wizz Air has officially ceased operations from its Abu Dhabi hub as of September 1, citing geopolitical challenges and operational constraints. The move impacts budget travellers across the region, but several low-cost carriersincluding Air Arabia, flydubai, and flynasare stepping in with expanded routes. Affordable travel options in the UAE remain strong, with new routes and alternatives now available.
UAE residents facing flight delays or cancellations are legally entitled to compensation under local law and the Montreal Convention. Passengers can claim up to 4,150 SDRs for expenses like meals or accommodation, even if rebooked. Proper documentation and timely claims are key. Recent rulings reinforce accountability, improving passenger rights and encouraging better airline performance across the industry.
The Dubai Mallathon concluded after a month-long fitness campaign across nine malls, drawing over 40,000 participants and setting a Guinness World Record with 1,392 runners at Dubai Hills Mall. Backed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the initiative logged more than 120 million steps and aligned with national efforts like the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
This guide explains the essential details of UAE visas for foreign workers and remote professionals. It covers the employer-sponsored work visa, including its application process, costs, and validity, as well as the remote work visa for those employed abroad. The article highlights legal requirements, documents needed, and key differences to help readers navigate UAE residency and work regulations confidently.
Three Asian men are on trial in Bahrain for allegedly importing 0.95 kg of cannabis to traffic within the country. A customs interception led to a sting operation, revealing a broader drug network. The third defendant, previously deported, allegedly led the operation. The court has scheduled the next session for September 9 to proceed with legal formalities.