The UAE has announced visa-free travel for its citizens to Bosnia and Herzegovina, effective from November 6, 2023. This decision stems from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The agreement, signed by officials including UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, aims to facilitate tourism, business, and short-term visits.
This move is expected to enhance bilateral relations and potentially boost trade and people-to-people exchanges between the UAE and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The UAE offers a family group visit visa, allowing children under 18 to obtain a free visa, while parents incur regular charges. Introduced two years ago, it has become a popular option for visitors worldwide, particularly during festive seasons.
To apply, families need to submit passport copies and photos to a travel agency, along with applicable fees. While the visa is free for children, there are service charges and insurance fees. The visa is typically processed within one to two days.
Visitors can extend the family visa for up to 120 days without exiting the country, but a full visa fee must be paid for children. This extension policy offers flexibility for families wishing to spend an extended period of time in the UAE.
In a move aimed at revolutionizing the way end-of-service benefits are managed, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) have introduced a groundbreaking alternative scheme for employees across public, private, and free zone sectors. This initiative promises to not only enhance employee financial security but also bolster job loyalty and productivity.
What is the Scheme?
The voluntary scheme channels end-of-service benefits into well-proven investment funds, with a track record of delivering robust returns. The primary objective is to offer employees the potential for substantial investment growth on their end-of-service benefits.
Who Can Participate?
The scheme is open to employees from both public and private sectors, as well as free zone companies. Employers have the flexibility to opt into this scheme, providing a compelling alternative to the conventional gratuity payment system.
Inclusivity for All
The scheme is inclusive, extending its benefits to both expatriates and UAE citizens, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all.
Benefits for Employers
The scheme promises to elevate job loyalty and productivity among employees. It also enables businesses to focus on their core operations and revenue generation, rather than getting bogged down in the complexities of managing and disbursing end-of-service benefits.
A Win-Win for Employees
Employees stand to gain from a range of benefits including diversified investment options, facilitating precise financial planning, and contributing to a more stable and prosperous labor market.
Employer Obligations
To participate in the scheme, employers must:
Select and contract with a licensed investment fund.
Determine which employee categories will be included in the scheme.
Discontinue the existing end-of-service benefits system for participating employees.
Calculate and pay the basic subscription amount without deducting it from the beneficiary’s salary.
Provide all necessary documentation and information to investment fund service providers.
Funds Transfer Timeline
Subscriptions are transferred into the investment fund account within 15 days of the first day of the calendar month.
Tailored Participation
Employers have the discretion to decide whether to include all employees or a specific subset, based on their organizational needs and workforce structure.
Types of Subscriptions
The scheme offers two subscription types: basic and voluntary. Basic subscriptions are designed for non-skilled workers, while voluntary subscriptions are available for skilled workers who can allocate their funds to low, medium, or high-risk assets.
Empowering Skilled Workers
Professional workers earning a monthly salary of at least AED4,000 are categorized as skilled labor and have the flexibility to pursue higher-risk, higher-return investment portfolios.
Transparent Allocation
The scheme allocates up to 5.83% of the monthly basic salary for employees with less than five years of service, and 8.33% for those with more than five years. The voluntary subscription percentage cannot exceed 25% of the total salary.
Protecting Employee Interests
Employees’ entitlements from the previous period are preserved when they join the scheme.
A New Era for End-of-Service Benefits
The UAE’s innovative end-of-service benefits scheme represents a significant leap forward in safeguarding the financial futures of employees. By providing diverse investment opportunities and streamlined processes, the scheme not only benefits employees but also supports businesses in their pursuit of talent and productivity.
In a rapidly evolving employment landscape, the UAE’s forward-thinking approach sets a new standard for employee benefits across the globe. As this scheme takes root, it promises to reshape the future of workforce benefits, driving prosperity and stability in the labor market.
The Al Ain Zoo in the UAE is hosting the 5th Conservation Festival 2023, themed “Nature’s Sustainability,” starting Wednesday. The festival aims to highlight the zoo’s role in wildlife protection and natural resource preservation.
As part of the event, students can enter the zoo for free until November 12. The festival will feature various activities, including workshops on sustainability and youth’s role in the future, art sessions, a carnival, and an organic products market.
There will also be “Zookeepers’ Talks” where caretakers discuss unique characteristics of different animal species. The festival is supported by several key partners in conservation and sustainability.
The Emirate of Fujairah has received official certification as a sustainable tourist destination from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
This recognition was granted to the Fujairah Adventures Center during the UNWTO’s 25th meeting in Uzbekistan on October 18, 2023. The center, representing Fujairah, presented its accreditation portfolio and showcased projects related to adventure and sustainable tourism.
Amr Zein Eddin, Director of Fujairah Adventures Center, emphasized the emirate’s dedication to becoming a leading destination in various sectors. The certification signifies the center’s commitment to UNWTO’s aims and policies, and its role in promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through engagement with various stakeholders.
The Fujairah Adventures Center, established by a royal decree, plays a key role in regulating and promoting adventure tourism in the emirate of Fujairah.
Dubai Parks and Resorts has achieved a new Guinness World Record by unveiling the world’s largest illuminated camel, standing at a towering height of 7 meters.
Situated in Riverland, the structure is embellished with thousands of lights and serves as a tribute to the integral role camels play in Emirati culture and heritage. Each evening, starting from sunset, the majestic camel will be aglow, providing a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors.
This accomplishment comes on the heels of Dubai Parks and Resorts’ earlier achievement with the largest inflatable bouncy castle. The destination is also actively working on crafting more unforgettable experiences and exploring potential collaborations, including ventures with organizations like the Dubai Camel Racing Club.
The annual Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi is set to take place from November 17, 2023, to March 9, 2024, in Al Wathba.
The festival promises a wide range of entertainment, including Extreme Weekends, a stunt show, and impressive fireworks displays. Attendees can look forward to stalls, performances, dining options, exhibits, and more.
New additions this year include a heritage village focusing on traditional crafts and industries, as well as participation from other countries and performances by folk artists. The festival is known for offering a blend of fun, education, and entertainment for families.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament (ECP) during the opening of the 18th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC).
The meeting included a commemorative photo with ECP members, attended by other dignitaries.
The ECP aims to engage children in decision-making processes, providing a platform for them to express their opinions and contribute to community development.
It also focuses on educating children about their rights and protection according to national strategies and laws.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is organizing the second edition of the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo on November 18, 2023.
Cyclists from the region will compete in the 154km-long race for a prize pool of AED 2,000,000. The race route starts in Al Bahya, goes through Sweihan, Nahil, Al Bidda area, and ends at Al Ain Cycle Track. Organizers are providing bus transport for participants from the finish line back to Al Bahya.
The council offers a 10-week training program designed by trainers from the UAE Team Emirates to prepare participants of all levels for the race. Kevin Poulton, Trainer at UAE Team Emirates, emphasized the importance of physical readiness for the event.
Since April 2022, authorities in Dubai have issued over 63,500 e-scooter permits, allowing riders to use them in designated areas. These permits are granted to applicants aged 16 and above after completing training and awareness courses, although those with valid driving licenses are exempt.
An awareness campaign, conducted in partnership with Dubai Police, has educated over 3,000 cyclists and e-scooter riders about safety rules, traffic regulations, and accident prevention. In 2023, five people were killed and 29 injured in e-scooter accidents in Dubai.
The campaign aims to prepare for increased e-scooter usage during the winter months. Riders are reminded to adhere to specific speed limits in different areas. For example, the maximum speed is 20kmph in residential areas and along beaches, and 30kmph on shared roads with vehicles. Seih Al Salam and Al-Qudra lanes have no defined speed limits.
The campaign’s goal is to reduce violations and accidents by educating riders about traffic regulations, permitted lanes, and safety protocols. Riders are also encouraged to wear helmets, use reflective vests, and equip their bikes and e-scooters with appropriate lighting.
