Etisalat offers off-peak rates on international calls from July 30 midnight to August 2

(Courtesy - Gulf News)
Staff Report; Published: July 30, 2008, 15:38
Abu Dhabi: From Wednesday midnight, July 30, all international calls made from an Etisalat phone will be charged at off-peak rates until 7am on Saturday, August 2. The move is part of Etisalat’s efforts to enable all its customers to reach out to their loved ones around the world on Isra Wal Meraj, Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) ascension to heaven.
Customers who subscribe to Etisalat’s international cost-savings calling plans - Global Friends and Family and the Favourite Country Plans - will be able to enjoy further discounts in addition to off-peak rates. With the Global Friends and Family plan, customers can select any three international numbers for permanent, all day discounts of 20 per cent, for a monthly fee of Dh20. The Favourite Country Plan brings all day discounts of 30 per cent for fixed-lines, 25 per cent for postpaid mobiles, and 20 per cent for Wasel and Ahlan prepaid mobiles. There is no monthly fee, and revised charges apply to other destinations.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Motorists can park their vehicles for free in paid zones of Dubai on July 31

Staff Report
Published: July 30, 2008, 12:54 (Gulf News)
Dubai: Parking spaces in all paid-parking zones in Dubai will be free on Thursday, July 31, 2008, a public holiday to mark Isra Wal Meraj, ascension of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to heaven. Najeeb Al Zarooni, director of parking department at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Traffic and Roads Agency, said parking of vehicles in the parking spaces provided by the RTA will be free of charge only on Thursday July 31, 2008, which is an official holiday for public and private sectors. RTA urged people, especially motorists in Dubai, to properly utilise parking spaces. Motorists are requested not to park their vehicles on pavements nor block vehicles. Such practices will be subject to fines.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm lash Al Ain and nearby areas

Gulf News Report
By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief

Published: July 30, 2008, 17:33
Al Ain: Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm hit Al Ain and its surrounding areas on Wednesday afternoon. Trees, road signs and signboards fell due to the strong winds that hit Al Ain before the rain started. The rain started at 4:45pm and continued till 5:10pm.

(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Some roads in Sharjah closed for two days due to construction work

Staff ReportPublished: July 30, 2008, 16:11 (Gulf News)
Sharjah: Certain roads in Sharjah will be closed to traffic from Friday, August 1 to Saturday, August 2, due to road works. Motorists going towards Government Roundabout on Al Ittihad Road should go behind the Divan Al Ameeri and people going towards Government Roundabout from Independence Roundabout should go behind the municipality building. Motorists going from Al Zahara Hospital to Independence Roundabout should take the Shaikh Saqr Bin Khalid Al Qasimi Road.
Courtesy - Gulf News

New Visa Rules - Transit Visa, Free Entry, Urgent Visit Visa

Transit visa:

It is issued to travellers transiting through UAE airports. It is issued for 96 hours and must be sponsored by an airline operating in the UAE. The visitor must have a valid ticket for onward flight. There is a charge of Dh100.

Urgent visit visas:

Urgent visit visas will no longer be issued, but all visas will be processed on an urgent basis. Earlier, the Residency Department would issue a visit visa on an urgent basis for additional payment of Dh100.

Exemption: Free entry 
The UAE will not charge 34 nationalities for entry visas, and the free entry permit valid for 30 days on arrival will remain unchanged. This permit is renewable for 30 more days for a fee of Dh500. These visitors will be exempt from the refundable deposit and health insurance rules.
The 34 countries are Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

New Visa Rules - Resident Visa Types

Residence visa

A residence visa is required for those who intend to enter the UAE to live indefinitely with a person who is already a resident. It is issued to the immediate kin of a resident for three years for a fee of Dh300. 

The residence permit becomes invalid if the resident remains out of the UAE for more than six months at a time.

Parents of residents can obtain residence visas after special approval. These have a renewable validity of one year for a fee of Dh100 annually. A refundable deposit of Dh5,000 has to be paid for each parent, however. 

Investor visa:

These are issued to expatriate investors in partnership with locals. The foreign investor must hold a minimum stake of Dh70,000 in the share capital. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years for a fee of Dh300. 

Employment visa:

Employment visa or permit is issued by the Immigration Department to a foreign national who wishes to work for a company in the UAE upon the approval of the Ministry of Labour. 

It allows the holder to enter the UAE once for a period of 30 days and is valid for two months from the date of issue. 

When the employee has entered the country on the basis of the employment visa, the sponsoring company will arrange to complete the formalities of stamping his residence. 

New Visa Rules - Mission Visas

Special Mission Entry Visa

This is issued for a non-renewable 14-day period for a fee of Dh220 and a delivery charge of Dh10. Commonly known as a transit visa, it is collected by the visitor upon arrival. It is issued to businessmen and tourists sponsored by a company or commercial establishment, or a hotel licensed to operate in the UAE. 

Mission visa 

This is a newly added type of visa for the purpose of temporary work in the country. It is issued for a maximum of 180 days with a combined fee of Dh1,800. It is issued initially for three months for a fee of Dh600, and can be renewed for another three months for Dh1,200. 
The visa is issued in conjunction with the Labour Ministry's Temporary Work Permits. An applicant must obtain the permit from the Labour Ministry to get the visa. 

New Visa Rules - Special Visit Visas

Visit visa for medical purposes

Those wishing to undergo treatment must obtain a visit visa for treatment purposes. These visas cost Dh1,110 for a 90-day duration. They can be renewed once for a similar period for Dh610. 

Visit visa for events

Those visiting to attend conferences, exhibitions or festivals can obtain a 30-day visa for this purpose for Dh210. It is not renewable.

Visa for guests of the Government

This is a special visa granted by UAE diplomats abroad free of charge. It can only be granted for a period of up to 90 days.

New Visa Rules - Student & Multiple Entry Visa

Student visit visa 

These are issued for 60 days and can be renewed twice for a similar period, for a maximum stay of 180 days. These will cost Dh1,110. Each extension will cost Dh610. Students must be registered in one of the universities in the UAE and must obtain health insurance. Additionally, a refundable deposit of Dh1,000 must also be paid. 

Multiple entry visa 

Business travellers who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here can obtain a multiple entry visa. This is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh2,110. However, each visit must not exceed 14 days. 

New Visa Rules - Tourist Visa

People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa. Earlier, nationals from 79 countries in the Subcontinent, Middle East and elsewhere were not eligible for tourist visas and could come to the UAE only on visit visas.

Tourist visas for 30 days, renewable once for a similar period, can only be applied for through a licensed hotel, travel or tourism agency.

These firms must maintain a Dh75,000 bank guarantee. Tourists must be covered by health insurance. The tour company, hotel or travel agency must pay a Dh1,000 refundable deposit for each tourist coming to the UAE.

Applications must be submitted at least a week ahead of the tourists' arrival in the country. A list of at least 10 tourists, their date of arrival, date of departure, itineraries and address in the country must also be submitted. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior or his representative can waive the condition regarding the number of tourists.

New Visa Rules - Visit visa

Residents can apply for a 30-day or 90-day visit visa, both of which are non-renewable, for their spouse or blood relatives of 1st or 2nd degree only. These visas will cost Dh610 and Dh1,110 respectively. 
Holders can enter the country once within two months from the date of issue. Applicants will also have to pay the Dh1,000 refundable deposit and show proof of health insurance.
Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas. Those visas may or may not be granted, depending on individual cases.
Documents proving kinship or marriage must be submitted, along with a valid reason for the required visit visa.
A foreign wife of a citizen of a GCC country can only obtain a visit visa if she holds a residence visa in the home country of her husband. Sixty-day visit visas are renewable twice, allowing for a total permitted stay of 180 days, can be obtained for domestic helpers who accompany citizens of GCC countries.
Residents in GCC countries and their domestic helpers can obtain a 30-day visit visa, renewable once for a similar period. 

Deposit & Insurance Mandatory for all types of UAE Visas

By Samir Salama, Associate Editor (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Published: July 29, 2008, 00:05

Abu Dhabi: Changes to the visa system take effect on Tuesday, making it easier for people to obtain visas and for authorities to track them down.

"Applicants for visit visas could obtain them within 10 minutes for no extra charges," said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department. 

"Others may have to wait for not more than 90 minutes for security checks."
Speaking on the eve of the introduction of the new rules, Brigadier Al Minhali said a Dh1,000-refundable deposit and proof of health insurance will be mandatory for all visas. 
"Sixteen types of visas have been created, including visas for medical treatment and education, to stamp out illegal stay in the country," he said. "Documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor, including address in home country."
He confirmed staff were ready, the software was in place and visas have been printed. "The system will be up and running smoothly," Brigadier Al Minhali said.
There are several different types of visas available, with the most common being used are visit, tourist and residency visas for foreigners.

New Visa Rules - UAE Residents Throng Immigration Departments...

UAE residents throng immigration departments to make sense of new visa rules 
By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: July 29, 2008, 13:32
Abu Dhabi: Hundreds of residents filled the visa and immigration department from Tuesday morning, hoping to make sense of the new rule changes. 

The new visa regulations, which took effect on July 29, were intended to weed out those who are abusing the system and implementing a more rigorous procedure. 

For Ayub Shaikh, an Indian national who has been a resident of the UAE for 10 years, welcomes this change as a step forward in the right direction. 

"For me, this is much easier today. I am applying to bring my mother. Before, I could only bring her here in increments of three months and I would have to apply and pay every three months. Now, I can bring her here on a resident visa under my name and have her stay for one full year. I only have to pay Dh1,000," he said, emphasising on the fact that the pay is merely a deposit. 

Erwin Tauma, a Filipino resident of Abu Dhabi for the past two years, said the process is making it far more difficult for him and his wife to bring their family members over. 

Sitting in the typing office next to the visa department, Tauma said: "I can't believe how confusing this is. Not only that, but the prices have drastically increased. It's almost impossible for me and my wife to bring over my sisters to visit. Now we have to pay 600 per person plus a Dh1,000 deposit." 
(Courtesy – Gulf News)

Cabbies Protest in Abu Dhabi

By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter (Courtesy – Gulf News)
Published: July 29, 2008, 00:05
Abu Dhabi: More than 100 taxi drivers on Monday protested over their working conditions.
They expressed discontent regarding long working hours, low wages and unfair treatment by their company. The drivers were asked to work for the Tawasul Transport Company in the new taxi project introduced last November. 
According to a taxi driver, A.S., the free public bus transport introduced in Abu Dhabi has lessened the number of taxi passengers by a good 60 per cent.
A company spokesman said the allegations were incorrect and could be handled internally if drivers shared their problems with the company.
(Courtesy – Gulf News)

Shaikh Zayed Road to be closed on August 1

Shaikh Zayed Road to be closed on August 1 for construction of pedestrian bridge 
Staff Report (Courtesy – Gulf News)
Published: July 29, 2008, 16:53
Dubai: Traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road from Interchanges 7 to 9 will be diverted due to construction work on August 1.
"One side of the road in the direction of Abu Dhabi will be shut due to construction work for a pedestrian bridge for the Jebel Ali Industrial Area Metro Station," said Adel Al Marzouqi, Director of Rights of Way Services Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). 
The road will be closed from 2am to 10am and traffic will be diverted on the other stream of the highway making it a two-way-road. Police will be present on the spot to control traffic on Dubai's busiest highway. 
According to the Dubai Metro masterplan, each of the 47 stations will have pedestrian crossings linking station on both sides of the roads. Shaikh Zayed Road will have a total of 19 overhead pedestrian crossings to help passengers and public cross the busy highway.
He said the road closure will be carried out in coordination with the Dubai Police officials who would divert the traffic. "The road is being closed for the construction of overhead pedestrian bridge for the Jebel Ali Industrial Area Metro Station.” 
Each of the 47 metro stations will have pedestrian crossings linking the station on both sides of the roads. Shaikh Zayed Road will have a total of 19 overhead pedestrian crossings with each station to help metro passengers and general public cross the busy highway. 
"Pedestrian bridges are being constructed to help reduce number pedestrian accidents in the city," said Al Marzouqi. 
(Courtesy – Gulf News)

Emirates Airbus A380 lands in Dubai

By Ashraf Helmi, Senior Web Sub-editor (Gulf News)
Last updated: July 29, 2008, 16:21
Dubai and Hamburg: The first Emirates Airbus A380 touched down on schedule in Dubai on Tuesday evening 05:30 pm(UAE time).
The aircraft took off from the German city of Hamburg for its new home in Dubai. 
The giant plane left Germany with its cargo of dignitaries and journalists at 11.18am (UAE time) on Tuesday morning, and is due to land in the UAE at around 5pm. 

The 489 seat double deck aircraft, which features showers in first class and lounge areas for premium passengers, will go into service on August 1 when it flies to New York.

(Courtesy - Gulf News)

New Visa Rules Came in Effect by 29 July 2008

Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) has completed all preparations for implementing the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 16 for the Year 2008 and the Ministerial Decision No. 322 for the Year 2008 regarding amendments to certain provisions of the law of entry and residence of foreigners. Brigadier Obaid Moheir Bin Suroor, Deputy Director of DNRD, said that the new visa rules will be effective from July 29 (Tuesday) at all ports and entry points. Bin Suroor confirmed that all entry permits issued before the implementation of the new law will remain subject to the current rules and regulations, until the expiry of their dates. Brigadier Bin Suroor pointed out that the earlier procedure of issuing entry permits on arrival to citizens of 33 countries remains unchanged with no fees for these visas upon issuance. However these entry permits can only be renewed for an additional period of 30 days only, instead of the current 60 days, for a fee of AED620. Brigadier Bin Suroor revealed that the law of entry and residence of foreigners laid down that the cost of establishment card insurance is AED75,000 in addition to the AED1,000 payable for each tourist permit. Brig. Bin Suroor confirmed that the mechanism for collecting the insurance charges will be implemented at a later stage. Major Mohammed Al Hammadi, Manager, Entry Permits Department, said as per the new regulations, the cost for issuing tourist visa is AED210 if processed online and AED220 if submitted by hand at DNRD offices. The tourist visa is valid for 60 days prior to entering the country for a stay of 30 days, renewable once, for a period of 30 days at the charge of AED610 if processed online and AED620, if submitted manually at DNRD offices. Major Hammadi added that the above mentioned fees included all federal and service charges. Al Hammadi also revealed that according to the new regulation, the tourist visas that were previously issued for 79 nationalities only will now be available for all nationalities. In addition to that, the new rule allows tourism companies to apply for two kinds of permits – Tourist Visas and Mission Visas. In case the holder of either type doesn’t enter the country during the validity period, a new application should be submitted.

Health Insurance Premium for Visitors

ABU DHABI — Health Insurance premium for visitors will not be fixed by the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD).
It would be left to the insurance companies to make that decision, according to the services provided to the visitors, said a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI). After meetings with the insurance companies yesterday, Brigadier Nassir Al Awadi Al Menhali, Acting Director-General of FNRD, said the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) would cover Abu Dhabi. In other emirates, other insurance companies would be free to introduce their services to cover all types of visit visas. Visitors with international health insurance can enter the country if their policy is internationally certified and covers the UAE. Meanwhile, offices of Daman at the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department will move to a new location in the building to meet the rush of applications starting from today.

Region's First Two-tier Road

Region's first two-tier road in Dubai nearly complete
Staff Report-Published: July 27, 2008, 17:38 (Gulf News)
Dubai: The first regional two-tier road is due for completion in the next couple of months. Approximately 70 per cent of the upper level of the Financial Centre Road is finished, which is part of the Ras Al Khor project. The project involves the construction of a flyover across Doha Road, with three lanes Jumeirah-bound and five lanes in the opposite direction. It will provide links to new projects such as the Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, Business Bay and the Dubai International Financial Centre. Two underpasses will also be added to accommodate traffic coming from the eastern and western parallel roads at the intersection with the Doha Road. The outbound bridge from the first Shaikh Zayed Road interchange towards the Burj Dubai/Dubai Mall will also be completed from September.
The first interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road (ex-Defence Interchange) is also 40 per cent complete, and will form the biggest flyover constructed by the RTA. This project links Shaikh Zayed Road with the upper and lower decks of the nearly completed Financial Centre Road. An underpass will link the road behind the Mazaya Centre to the road behind the Shaikh Zayed Road towers. When finished, it will complete the sixth and final phase of the Ras Al Khor project, which includes the construction of 14km of roads from the Beirut underpass to the first interchange of Shaikh Zayed Road. Completion of this project will be synchronised with completion of the Financial Centre Road project.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Sharjah - New Taxis

Sharjah all set to launch 53 new taxis
By Sunita Menon, Staff ReporterPublished: July 28, 2008, 16:44 (Gulf News Report)
Dubai: A fleet of 53 new orange-and-blue coloured public taxis will roll out from Sharjah taxi stand at 6pm on Monday. This is the first batch of a total of 800 taxis that will be launched in the emirate by the Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC). The new public taxis will be metered and fares will start from Dh2:50 during day time while it will set at Dh3 after 10pm. SPTC is also responsible for operating four franchise taxi companies that ply more than 4,000 taxis, which include Advantage Taxi, Union Taxi, City Taxi and Emirates Taxi. "All our taxi drivers are trained. As of now there are no female taxi drivers in the city, but there a few female taxi drivers from the Sharjah airport," said a SPTC official. The new service is expected to fill in the high demand of taxis in the emirate.
For complaints and suggestions, passengers can call: 700067000, said the official.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Sharjah Aquarium - Extended Opening Hours

Sharjah aquarium to extend opening hours from August 1
Staff ReportPublished: July 28, 2008, 14:57 (Gulf News Report)
Dubai: The Sharjah Museums Department has extended its opening hours and included a dedicated day for families at the new aquarium situated in the Al Khan district of Sharjah. The extended opening hours will take effect from August 1, 2008. Ann Irish, Operations Manager, said: "By popular request we are more than happy to open for additional hours, and to cater for specific needs, such as a family-only day. I look forward to welcoming all visitors to the aquarium, and also to the Maritime Museum when it opens later in the year." The new hours are: Wednesday4pm – 7.30pm (for families only) Thursday9am – 7.30pm Friday3pm – 8.00pm Saturday 9am – 8.00pm
Parking is available with designated spaces for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair access and bathroom facilities for visitors with disabilities are also available, as are lifts. Guided tours are provided free of charge by museum guides. Group and school bookings can be arranged on request. For more information visit:http://www.sharjahmusueums.ae/ or phone 06-5285288

(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Postal Services in UAE - On July 31

Postal services in UAE will only be available at some outlets on July 31
Staff ReportPublished: July 28, 2008, 15:18 (Gulf News Report)
Dubai: In view of the public holiday on the occasion of Isra Wal Meraj, postal services will be available only at the following post offices on Thursday, July 31, 2008, from 9am to 1pm only. In Abu Dhabi: the Abu Dhabi Central Post Office, Hamdan, Al Butain, Musafah, Beni Yas, Nadi Al Seyahi and Al Ain Main Post Office. In Dubai: Dubai Central Post Office, Deira Main Post Office, Satwa, Al Khor, Jumeirah, Rashidiya, Hor Al Anz, Jebel Ali. However, post offices located in shopping malls will be open from 5pm to 9pm. The Dubai Airport post office will be open 24 hours, as usual. In Sharjah: Sharjah Central Post Office, Al Corniche, Al Ghuwair, Kalba, Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid. In Ajman: the Ajman Central Post Office. In Umm Al Quwain: Umm Al Quwain Centre Post Office, Sanaiyah and Al Souq.
In Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office, Al Nakheel and Al Uraibi. In Fujairah: Fujairah Central Post Office and Dibba Al Fujairah. The counters of all other branches of Emirates Post will remain closed. However, collection of mail from street boxes will be as usual. Collection of mail will also continue as usual.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Visitors entering UAE soon after 12pm on July 28 'will have to adhere to new visa rules'

By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff ReporterLast updated: July 28, 2008, 19:08 (Gulf News Report)
Dubai: New UAE visa rules come into force on Monday midnight, July 28, 2008, and visitors coming to the country after 12pm will have to adhere to the new rules and regulations, said Brigadier Obaid Muhayer, Acting Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, on Monday. The new regulations will be strictly enforced at all ports of entry, said the official. People availing visa on arrival and transit visa before 12pm on Monday will be entering the country under the old visa rules and those who land soon after 12pm will be on the new rules, said the official. Airport officials have been urged to be patient with passengers who are not aware of the new regulations.
(Courtesy - Gulf News)

Visit Visas To Be Issued in 10-15 Minutes

From tomorrow, applicants approaching the naturalization and residency departments countrywide with the required documents could get visit visas within 10 to 15 minutes without any extra fees, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Brigadier Nasir Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalization and Residency Department (FNRD) in the MOI, told reporters in the capital yesterday that the documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor including his/her address in his/her home country. The health insurance certificate of the visitor will have to be submitted after the approval of the application.

 

Under the new visas rule, the applicant must provide the health insurance certificate to the NRD as a major document for all types of visas, including tourist visas. Colonel Rashid Sultan Al Khider, Director of the Legal Department in the MOI, said that the applicants have to pay a refundable guarantee of AED1000. This guarantee should be paid to cover all types of visit visas, including tourist visas.

 

Brig Al Minhali said the MOI is surveying the nationalities and communities and more nationalities could be included in the list of 34 countries, whose citizens do not need to pay the guarantee deposit of AED1000, in case their communities comply with the NRD instructions. "The change is possible", said Brig Al Minhali.

(News Extract)

AED1000 Deposit for Issuing UAE Visa Could Be Waived for Certain Nationalities

By Samir Salam, Associate Editor (Courtesy - Gulf News ) Published: July 27, 2008, 15:18

Abu Dhabi: Deposits for issuing visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said a top official on Sunday.  The Dh1,000 mandatory deposit for issuing visit, transit and some other types of visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department.  The criteria for waiving the deposit depend on the adherence to rules and regulations by the visa-seeking nationalities; the less the violation of rules, the more the chances of deposit waiver, said the official.  Records will be kept and monitored after the implementation of the new visa rules come into force on July 29, 2008.  Concerning visit visas for friends, Brigadier Al Minhali said residents will not be allowed to bring in friends on visit visas. Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visa, which is also conditional, said the official.  (Courtesy - Gulf News )

Private Sector Holiday on July 31 to Mark Isra Wal Meraj

WAM (Courtesy – Gulf News) Published: July 27, 2008, 15:31

Abu Dhabi: The private sector in the UAE will get a one-day holiday on Thursday, July 31, to mark Isra Wal Meraj - Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) ascension to heaven - it was announced on Sunday.  According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Labour, private sector employees will get a holiday on Thursday, July 31, to celebrate the glorious occasion.  The ministry congratulated President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the UAE government and people on the occasion.  The ministry also congratulated the Arab and Muslim nations on the glorious occasion. (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Emirates to Receive First Airbus A380 on Monday

WAM (Courtesy – Gulf News) Published: July 26, 2008, 23:24

Dubai: Emirates airline will receive the first flagship Airbus superjumbo, the A380, in Hamburg on Monday, in the presence of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and managing director of Emirates Group. Emirates airline is the largest client for the world's biggest commercial aircraft, with 58 planes on order. The aircraft has the capacity to accommodate 800 passengers. Shaikh Ahmad said: "With its huge capacity, the Airbus A380 will play a pivotal role in the growth of Emirates airline. Since the inception of the A380 production programme in 2000, we cooperated in all phases with Airbus until it becomes a reality. It is a plane for the future." July 28 will also be an historical day for the city of Hamburg as 12,000 workers from the German city contributed to the construction and interior fittings of the superjumbo over the last 10 years. Commenting on the significance of the upcoming delivery for the Hamburg metropolitan area, Axel Gedaschko Minister for Economic and Labour Affairs, Hamburg, said: "The decision to significantly involve the Hamburg metropolitan area in the construction of the world's largest commercial airliner resulted in its growth as a successful location for aviation. "Thousands of employees at Airbus and suppliers in the Hamburg metropolitan area worked had to produce the partly extra-large parts for the giant bird just in time, to outfit them, and to customise the cabin interior according to the airlines' needs. Hamburg once again underlined its role as a centre of competence for cabin interiors." Lufthansa Technik playing a significant role in the development of cabin fittings and interior aircraft systems on the A380. "Lufthansa Technik has accompanied the aircraft's development and significantly shaped it through its engineering expertise. Today, we are ready to take over the entire maintenance, repair and overhaul service for this aircraft," said Wilhelm Henningsen, chairman of Lufthansa Technik. With more than four million inhabitants, the Hamburg metropolitan area has developed into a key economic stronghold in Europe. Last year, the city's gross domestic product reached over 85 billion euros, up 3.9 per cent from last year (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Child Care Centers in Abu Dhabi, UAE

There are a lot of Child Care Centers (Day Care Centers) in Abu Dhabi.

Many of them are professionals and licensed to do the child care, but few of them not having any such licenses. You may even able to find a lot of home based day care centers and run by house wives and they charge less only.

A starting range of AED 200 per month to a highest AED 5000 per month available at Abu Dhabi (as per my knowledge) and purely depending on the timing, location and services they offered.

Free Entry to UAE For 34 Nationalities

By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter (Courtesy – Gulf News) Published: July 25, 2008, 09:25

The UAE will not charge 34 nationalities for an entry visa and the free entry permit on arrival will remain unchanged, a senior interior ministry official said on Thursday. The 34 countries include theUK, US, Australia, Japan, Brunei and Singapore.   However, the official said the fee will be imposed once a mechanism to collect the visa charges is implemented. He did not specify a date. As per an earlier announcement, the 34 nationalities that earlier got a free visit visa for 60days upon arrival would have had to pay Dh100 for a 30-day visa. (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Parents Opt For E-Schooling as 'Challenging Alternative'

By Siham Al NajamiAnd Maysam Ali, Staff Reporters (Courtesy – Gulf News) Published: July 26, 2008, 23:24

Dubai: Online schools are the latest addition to the home schooling option in the UAE. The US-based K12 International Academy, an online school offering courses for students starting kindergarten all the way to Grade 12, recently opened a branch in Dubai's Knowledge Village. Saloni Dewan enrolled her 15-year-old son Partiv in K12's Grade 9 mid-year after she noticed a decline in his performance at school. "E-schooling had been something I had been keen on for a long time, but there was no real support here ... The programme he takes now is intensive and challenging," she said. The advantages of e-schooling, she said, is that her child can receive more attention and take more time to understand the course material. Distracted "Parthiv tends to just get very distracted with the happenings in a regular classroom, and then finds it tough to go back to the task at hand. With e-schooling he can proceed at his own pace, although there are stringent deadlines." "There are many reasons why a child won't fit into a normal environment," said Sara Sayed, the Head of the School and regional representative in the Middle East. "Children with learning problems, special talents and needs or those who require more time and attention will find this a good learning technique," she added. Perhaps the academic routine in Parthiv's life has not changed, but the social aspect certainly has. "I do feel at times that he is missing out on making friends. He has a few friends here whom he catches up with over the weekends," Saloni said. Sayed said online schooling should not be a reason for introversion. To ensure the students meet other students and make new friends, the academy organises various social activities. "Students make friends all over the world and from various emirates in the UAE, both online and when they meet," she said. Parthiv said he studies an average of five hours a day covering around six subjects in the academic year. "At times I prefer going to normal schools to make friends, but I don't get bored while studying this way because there is a lot of animation in the programmes. It's like chatting with the teacher while studying online," he said. Parents play the role of learning coaches and they are guided by certified tutors from the academy. Educators at the academy stress the role of the parents in this process. "This is for parents who want to and have the time, patience and willingness to get engaged with the students' learning." Cost: Fees up toDh25,600 K12 International Academy tuition fee from kindergarten to Grade 8 is Dh18,300 and Dh25,600 for Grades 9-12, per academic year. Home schooling based on Ministry of Education Curriculum costs Dh150 (for books). Fees in Asian schools: estimated between Dh1,800 and Dh5,500. Fees in Arabic private schools: Dh4,000 to Dh15,000. Fees in international private schools: From Dh8,00 and could reach more than Dh70,000. (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Home-Schooling –A Way to Beat Rising Fees

By Siham Al Najami and Maysam Ali, Staff Reporters (Courtesy – Gulf News) Last updated: July 26, 2008, 23:27

Dubai: Some UAE residents are opting to home-school their children as they are hit hard by the rise in living costs and expenses in the country. One such case is a Sudanese civil engineer who has been a resident for less than a year and was hoping to make enough money to offer his children a good education but was overwhelmed by the expenses. He ultimately decided to home school his five-year-old twins. "I am not in favour of home-schooling but given the circumstances it can turn into the only option for people with low-income salaries. I visited a few private schools, they are all requesting around Dh9,000 for each child and that's only for KG2," said A.M. Registration The twins are being home-schooled by their mother using the Ministry of Education curriculum but they are not registered with any institution. "Next year I might register them at a private school. Of course they will have to pass entry exams to go to grade one. I still have my doubts, apart from the fees, I am worried about the presence of different nationalities and religions in some schools. Today's children are picking up ideas and words that are not within their cultural and religious beliefs," said A.M. He said he might consider sending his twins back to Sudan as he firmly believes in the importance of getting education from schools and does not want his children to continue with home-schooling as it limits social interaction. Shahzad Afzal, a Pakistani, also a new resident in the UAE, said he is considering returning to Canada as they offer better education, for free. His reason for coming to Abu Dhabi was to save money but it is not possible with the costs of rent and school fees. Afzal said he is planning to home-school his five-year-old daughter from next year since school fees are increasing annually. An option open to all Dubai: Home-schooling, offered by the Ministry of Education, is open to all nationalities but the curriculum is offered solely in Arabic. Abdul Qadir Al Ameri, manager of the Adult Education and Home Schooling Department at the Administrative Services Unit in the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, said there are "a few cases where parents choose home-schooling because of ... expenses. They are mostly working adults, who couldn't pursue their education at a younger age." Home-schooling is authorised for UAE nationals from grade 6 if the pupil is over 14 years. Home-schooling is open to expats from grade 1, even if the child is in the same age group as other pupils. Home-learners, currently 14,000, can register at the education zone of their emirate and have to pay Dh150, covering book expenses. (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Tourist Visa Opened to All Nationalities

By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter (Courtesy – Gulf News) Published: July 24, 2008, 00:03

Dubai: People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa under new rules that come into effect from next week, a senior official from the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. Earlier, nationals from 79 countries in the subcontinent, Middle East and elsewhere were not eligible for tourist visas and could come to the UAE only on a visit visa. "The new rules will encourage the tourism sector in the country," said Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD). Al Merri announced the new rules after a meeting with hotel and tourist agency representatives yesterday. He said travel agencies will no longer be allowed to apply for visit visas. "Now these companies will only be allowed to apply for tourist visas," he said. "This will regulate the business and make the process of people travelling to the UAE easier and smooth, as tourism is a high priority for us." Al Merri reiterated that people should apply only through licensed tourism agencies and hotels. Individuals cannot apply for the tourist visas, he added. Short trips to the Iranian island of Kish, Oman and other neighbouring countries to change visit visas has also been stopped. "People wanting to apply for a new visit visa after the expiry of their visa, must go back to their home countries or distant countries," he said. However, Al Merri did not elaborate which countries would be considered distant. "Nobody can now go on these visa runs. We don't want people to get stuck [on these trips]," said Al Merri. A visit visa will also not be converted to a work visa, he said. "Applicants will have to go back to their home country and wait for the work visa, which will be authorised by the Ministry of Labour," he said. No free entry The new visa rules will come into force from July 29 and all typing centres will get the software for the new online forms and fee payments by July 28, the official said. He added that those who apply before July 29 will be dealt with on the old system. People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000. Separate visas will be issued for various purposes such as medical treatment or studies. "We will know why each person is coming here for and the sponsor will be responsible for the visitor. This will address the issue of illegal overstayers," Al Merri said. As per the new rules, 34 nationalities who earlier got a free visit visa for 60 days upon arrival in the UAE will now have to pay Dh100 for a 30-day visa. Rules --Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency. --Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative. --Expatriates will no longer be allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have a health insurance cover. --Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics. --Education visas can only be applied by a licensed educational institution. --Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organisers. Do you think the new rule will prove beneficial? (Courtesy – Gulf News)

A Few Things TO NOTE Before Changing Jobs

By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter (Courtesy – Gulf News)
Published: July 25, 2008, 23:42

Dubai: If you are an expatriate and are thinking of moving jobs in the UAE, be aware that the visa transfer/issuing of a new residence visa and labour card is a complicated process.

However, this process will usually be completed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at your previous and future employees.

Be aware of any competitive clauses in the employment contract you have signed, to see if there are any limitations to taking up new employment.

Competitive clauses may include the inability to work for a competitor to your current employer, for up to two years.

To transfer a visa, the new employer needs to gain permission from the previous employer, after gaining approval from the Ministry of Labour.

Residence visas are usually issued for a period of three years. The UAE's free zone visas can usually be transferred from one employer to the next. However, the previous employer needs to agree to the transfer and may need to provide a no objection certificate (NOC). The NOC may need to be provided in Arabic, on headed notepaper, signed by the local sponsor.

If you have a non-free zone visa, it will need to be cancelled before a new visa can be applied for.

You will need to sign a document instructive of a six-month work ban. This ban, however, can be lifted with the NOC from a previous employer.

If a non-free zone visa is cancelled, the new employer may have to pay a fine for the duration of the remainder of the visa, if the employee has not completed a specified period of work. This period is one year for Masters and PhD holders, who can transfer sponsorship an unlimited number of times. It is two years for Bachelors degree or equivalent, and are allowed to transfer twice.

Other categories of employee with lower qualifications are allowed to transfer once during their tenure in the UAE, and must have been working for at least three years for a current employer.

The one-year clause can be exempted under certain conditions, including approval from current sponsor, minimum qualification of a high school certificate, approval from the Minister of the Undersecretary and payment of certain fees.

Under certain rules, labour categories are exempt, provided employers pay Dh3,000. These rules include a company announcing bankruptcy or if the Ministry of Labour cancels a company's license.

If you are in doubt about visa regulations and wish to change jobs/sponsorship, speak to the PRO at your future employers or a member of the Human Resources (HR) department.

(Courtesy – Gulf News)

To Check Employment Visa

Q: Employment Visa Checking? (Asked by: Gobinda)
A: If you are inside the country (UAE) presently, you may able to check the Work Permit Details from MOL, use toll free number 800665 or call;
Ministry of Labour - Abu Dhabi Tel (+97126931100) Fax (+97126665889)
Ministry of Labour - Dubai Tel (+97147023333) Fax (+9714 2668967)
If your employment visa is related to any other emirate, you may call the respective numbers (labour offices)
Labour office - Sharjah -Tel (97165669777)
Labour office - Ajman-Tel (97167400444)
Labour office - Umm Al-Quwain-Tel (+97167660159)
Labour office - Ras Al Khaimah-Tel (97172337000)
Labour office - Al Fujairah-Tel (97192243888)
For Employment/Resident Visa inquiries, call NRD (Naturalization department) at 00971-4-3980000 (Dubai) or info@dnrd.ae or 00971-2-6663586 (Abu Dhabi)
Presently there is no system to check the visa online,Hope this will help you

Sponsor VISA for Husband in UAE

Q: I am an Accountant. Would it be possible to bring my husband here in Dubai in my sponsorship?

A: As per UAE visa rules; a wife is able to sponsor her husband only if she meets any of following conditions;

"The wife should be employed as a doctor, teacher or engineer with a minimum salary of AED3000 plus accommodation, or AED4000 with no accommodation. 

However, you might submit a visa application (a trial-sometimes it will be acceptable) and appeal to the head of Naturalization and Residency Department seeking to review your application. 

Even the professions are only these three; many of expats coming to UAE, sponsored by their wives {of different professions like, Nurse, Supervisor (as per visa profession), etc}, The approval of application will depends only the person who sitting in the application counter.

SMS from Dubai to Italy

Q: How much the cost to send an SMS from Dubai to Italy? Is it 60 or 18 fils?

A: In Etisalat Mobile AED0.60 for all international SMS including Italy, AED0.18 applicable only for local SMS (inside UAE)

In Du Mobile, the same charges applicable as etisalat

For MMS AED 0.45 (national) & AED1.80 (international)

Transit Visa in Dubai

Q: How can a Polish national get a 96 hour transit visa to see Dubai?

I am a British Citizen. My fiance is Polish. We will be catching a connecting flight at Dubai airport but have 12 hours between flights and wanted to leave the airport to see the City. I can, but he (being Polish) cannot get a visa upon arrival without a sponsor. Do you think the airline (Emirates) can help? (Asked by: Jojounia)

A: See this information on Transit Visas

"This type of visa is a 4-day (96 hours) visa, which is issued by sponsorship of an airline operating in the United Arab Emirates. A transit visa can only be issued if a visitor has a valid ticket for an onward flight and the issuing of transit visas is normally free of cost."

So please contact with your airline office for obtaining the transit visa for your fiance.

How much does visa cost for children?

Q: How much does visa cost for children? (Asked by: Anna S)

A: Separate visas are not required if accompanying children are on the same passport as their mother. However, children with separate passports will require individual visa.

Anyhow,  the actual visa entry permit will cost AED 500 + AED 10 (empost delivery) + Typing fee (min AED 25) required if child having separate passport. After entry into UAE (if child to be a resident sponsored by parents), resident visa has to be stamped on passport, and it will cost another AED 302, (no medical test required for children below 16 years of age)...

If it is a visit visa, the charges will be only AED 500 + empost and typing charges

End of Service Benefits / Gratuity in UAE

Q: Please let me know the gratuity calculation as per UAE Labour Law? For first 5 years how much and additional years?

A: As per UAE Federal Labour Law Article No.132,

1. 21 days' wage for each of the first five years of service.

2. 30 days’ wage for each additional year of service provided always that the aggregate amount of severance pay should not exceed two year's wage.

This portion taken from UAE Labour Law

UAE ZIP Code

Q: UAE ZIP Code?

A: There is no ZIP or PINCODE System in United Arab Emirates Postal Services. But, the Post Box Number & Emirate Name should be mentioned in the letter / mail / packet to be posted. Because the mails are delivered at respective post boxes only and not follows a door delivery system.

A typical address format of UAE will be shown as follows (illustrative purpose only):

M/s ABC Co LLC, P O Box # 1111, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 

If you are sending a packet by courier service, please don’t forget to include the phone/mobile number too

Sponsor VISA for our Parents and In-Laws in Dubai

Q: Hi, Can we sponsor VISA for our Parents and In-Laws in Dubai?

A: As of date, the rule will permit you to bring your parents and in laws, if you meet the following prerequisites.

The son or the daughter can sponsor the parents or the father and mother-in- law. In order to be able to sponsor your parents or father and mother-in-law, you should have a Minimum Salary not less than AED6000 with accommodation allowance or Gross Salary of AED7000.

They also need to obtain a medical insurance policy for both with a minimum coverage of AED600 for each, to be renewed each year. Provided that the sponsor (you) have a valid residency permit; Provided that your salary shall not be less than AED7000 ; Provided that AED5000 refundable security deposit for sponsoring the parents and first degree relatives

After the new law implementation also, you may able to enjoy these terms... But only the matter is the fee structure will be changed. Rules are changing everyday, so please confirm with the DNRD for daily updates.

Pregnancy Test Kits, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Q: Is it legal to buy pregnancy test kits here in Abu Dhabi, UAE? Would they require proof that I am married to buy pregnancy test kits? I do hope an immediate answer to my question...

A: Nothing illegal to buy a pregnancy test kit from pharmacy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. No need to produce any documents (that stating you are married) at the pharmacy for purchasing the pregnancy test strips/kits in Abu Dhabi. You may able to purchase any kind of contraceptives from pharmacy here in Abu Dhabi without producing any documents.

But, if you found that you are pregnant, and if you are not married, just leave the country, even without visiting a doctor in UAE. Otherwise, it will lead to immediate deportation.

Cost of Living in Dubai/Visa Change Runs

Q: How is the Salary 20K AED -For cost of living in Dubai- What will be the budget for a couple? Can we save without spending a lot on quality accommodation and living? Can anyone please specify the budget for a working couple within 20K? Can I change my visit visa to work visa without leaving the Country? Appreciate your response. (Asked by: Masrour S)

A: The Salary Package is a good one for you to live with your wife here in Dubai. You may able to save something. An average cost of accommodation for 1BHK/Studio will be AED60K-AED120K per annum, and rest (other living expenses) is purely depends of your nature of spending. Anyhow you can lock the total (including housing) budget per month as AED 12K and you can save AED 8K per month.

The visa rules will be changed by August 01, 2008.

So try to change your visa to work visa before August 01. Now you can change it without exit the country by paying a nominal fee of AED 500. From August 01, as per new visa rules, you must leave the country and stay 30 days outside and come back (hopefully this will be applied to the old visa holders too – it is still not clear).

Citizenship of Abu Dhabi, UAE

Q: I was born in U.A.E/Abu Dhabi, Does that entitle me to a citizenship?

A: See the below given quote from another website: (Not From My Assumptions)

“Dubai’s government is keen to protect the status quo and doesn’t want to compromise its cultural values or standard of living by allowing foreigners to become a permanent part of society. Your only route to becoming a naturalized citizen is by marriage to a national; even this, however, doesn’t guarantee citizenship, particularly for non-Muslims.

In exceptional circumstances only, a Dubai’s ruler might grant citizenship to a foreigner who has provided outstanding service to the state over a number of years. A generous employer might reward a loyal worker who has made a major contribution to the company over many years by providing him with a work and residence permit of indefinite duration. After your retirement, however, the employer would have to be a figure of considerable influence to maintain this gift and satisfy the labour authorities. In this case, you wouldn’t be a citizen, but merely be allowed to remain in the country indefinitely.

Children of foreigners born in Dubai don’t have rights of local citizenship and automatically assume the nationality of the parents. If one of the parents is a national of Dubai, the child will usually be granted local nationality and may later become a national of Dubai and obtain a local passport.”

So hope, this will help you a little

Should I submit my Passport to Employer

Q: Is it compulsory to submit passport with your employer in UAE? I will be going to Abu Dhabi on work permit. My Bank is going to provide me Family visa. Is it compulsory to submit the passport with my employer? Will they take my wife's passport also? Is there any other way if I don't want to submit my passport to them? (Asked by: Purvi D)

A: As per rules, "the act of retaining the employee's passport is not legal and the employer should hand over the passport to the employee". This quoted from an expert advocate from Dubai, UAE.

Also the Passport is the property of the respective issuing Government (not even the property of the holder - the name "holder" itself saying that, the person is just a holder of the passport only.). So as per the law it is absolutely against LAW.

Anyhow, sometimes most of companies will retain the passport of their employees for security reasons here, because in UAE anyone can go out of country even without the permission of employer if he holds the passport. But in some other countries like Saudi Arabia / Qatar even if the employee holds the passport he cannot go out of country without stamping a exit & re-entry pass/visa in his/her passport.

If the company mention in your job contract that they will keep the passport, it will be acceptable. Even if the statement is not in the offer/appointment letter, it will be a non-written rule here to submit your passport with employer for your job there. But, no need to give your wife's passport to them, hope the employer will not ask this to you

Dubai Living Cost For Family

Q: Moving to Dubai from Singapore, Cost of Living etc? I got an offer from Dubai, planning to consider and move to Dubai, we are couple+2 years old kid. We are very new to this place; please provide details about city, culture and cost of living. What will be the expenditure for housing, food, transportation etc. (Asked by: HSDHAR)

A: If you offered a Good Salary + Accommodation for family, it is a nice place to work. But comparing to Singapore, you can't enjoy that much. (But cost of living, as per one of my friend who was in Singapore and now in Abu Dhabi, better is UAE). Here only one thing costliest is Accommodation.

Just have a look to this link for the rates of flats here in Dubai.

http://gnads4u.com/properties

This link will update daily (of Gulf News)

Food, you can spend starting from AED500 -any amount (as per your expenditure kind), Gas Price in Dubai for 50lbs = AED76

Transportation will be depends your housing and work location, Taxi Charges starting from AED4, Public Transport System is there starting from AED1, Even Abra (Ferry Service) is there, at AED1. Metro Train Service is Coming, If you own a car, it will be best but you should take the toll Card (SALIK), and it is a horrible experience of traffic in the City, really.

Cell phone... for new connection with etisalat (prepaid) AED 165, and recharge vouchers starting from AED25 to AED500 available with 10% extra amt

For Groceries & Vegetables... other things... it will be affordable and normal rates only...

Entertainment; Cinemas Starting AED30,

Dubai is a multicultural, multinational community (hope, emiratis-natives are lesser than expats here), but of course Dubai is a Islamic country and there will be certain rules and restrictions, even though you can enjoy the freedom of life here.