Stay informed with the top stories of the week, including UAE public holidays, Dubai traffic fines, petrol price increases, private sector job warnings, Schengen visa updates, and more.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hey there!
Let us catch up on the biggest news stories of the week.
There is much to cover, from upcoming public holidays in the UAE to new traffic laws in Dubai.
We will also talk about the increase in petrol prices, warnings for private sector jobs, and updates on the Schengen visa.
So, let us dive right in!
UAE Public Holiday Dates: More Long Weekends Ahead
Good news for UAE residents!
You can look forward to more long weekends in 2023.
The upcoming Hijri New Year, Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, and National Day will give you some well-deserved time off.
The new Hijri year will start on Wednesday, July 19, leading to a day off across the UAE.
Then, on Friday, September 29, Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will give you another long weekend.
Finally, mark your calendars for December 2 and December 3, when the UAE will celebrate National Day.
Private Sector Jobs Warning: Emiratisation Targets and Fines
Private sector firms in the UAE have received a final warning. They must hire Emiratis or face fines of AED42,000 ($11,400).
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) set the deadline for July 7 for companies with 50 or more employees to meet the semi-annual Emiratisation targets.
The targets call for a 1% growth in Emiratis working in skilled jobs in private sector companies.
So, it is time for these firms to step up and comply with the regulations.
Skytrax World Airline Awards: Middle Eastern Airlines Shine
Middle Eastern airlines have made a mark at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.
Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and Saudia received accolades and top rankings.
These awards are like the “Oscars of the aviation industry” and recognize the world’s leading companies.
Singapore Airlines took the top spot, but Qatar Airways collected three awards, showcasing the strength of its Business Class offering.
Petrol Price Increase in the UAE
Attention, drivers! The UAE has announced an increase in petrol prices for July 2023.
Special 95, Super 98, E-Plus, and diesel prices will increase.
This comes after a small reduction in prices last month.
Starting July 1, the cost of filling up your vehicle will be higher. So, make sure to plan your budget accordingly.
New Dubai Traffic Laws: Stricter Penalties
Dubai has introduced new traffic laws with stricter penalties for serious driving offenses.
The amended laws took effect on July 6, involving violations such as jumping a red light, excessively tinted windows, and racing cars without permission.
According to reports, ex-pat motorists can now face fines of up to AED100,000 ($27,600) and even deportation.
So, it is crucial to obey the rules and drive responsibly.
Major Schengen Visa Update: Digitalization and Streamlining
Exciting news for those planning to apply for a Schengen visa!
The European Parliament has voted to endorse the digitalization of Schengen visa procedures.
This means that the application process will become easier and more streamlined.
The new laws aim to eliminate the need for passport stickers and physical applications, replacing them with a digital system.
This move will reduce costs for applicants and harmonize the visa application process throughout Europe.
Dubai Driving License Delivery Services: Fast and Convenient
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new service that delivers renewed driving licenses within two hours.
You can access your driving license through the official RTA app in your Apple wallet if you are an Apple device user.
The RTA offers various delivery options, including standard, same-day, delivery within two hours, and even international delivery.
Just choose the option that suits you best.
Tragic Titanic Submersible: Heart-Wrenching Details
New details have emerged about the final moments of the passengers aboard the ill-fated Titanic submersible.
Based on the harrowing experience of Christine, the wife and mother of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, who were among the passengers, a report in The New York Times describes the excitement, preparations, and warnings before the deep-water voyage.
After visiting a Titanic exhibit in Singapore, the Dawood family’s interest in the Titanic wreckage began in 2012.
It is a tragic story that continues to captivate our hearts.
UAE Hate Speech Video: Serious Consequences
In the UAE, hate speech on social media does not go unnoticed.
A woman has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined AED500,000 ($136,000) for inciting hate through a video posted online.
Upon completion of her prison term, she will be deported.
The court has also ordered the confiscation of the phone used for the crime, the deletion of the offending video clip, and the closure of her social media account.
This serves as a strong reminder that hate speech has serious consequences.
Dubai Marina Traffic Solutions: Faster Journey Times
Good news for those navigating Dubai Marina!
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented new traffic solutions to reduce journey times significantly.
Completed road improvements will boost traffic flow, reducing travel time from the Marina area to Sheikh Zayed Road via Al Seba Street from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.
The RTA encourages the public and residents to use the new exit towards Sheikh Zayed Road for enhanced accessibility to their destinations.
That is it for this week’s top stories!
We hope you are now updated with the latest news and developments in the UAE and beyond.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates next week!
Post's Author
