Two Filipino women were stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for attempting to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur.
They revealed that they each paid recruiters Php 75,000 for falsified documents promising jobs in Paris. The Bureau of Immigration apprehended them and handed them over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation and legal action against the recruiters.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco warned against engaging with illegal recruiters and urged individuals to follow proper legal procedures for obtaining overseas work permits.
He emphasized the risks associated with illegal recruitment, where many end up returning empty-handed. Tansingco advised, “Don’t gamble your lifelong savings by falling prey to these unscrupulous people whose only motives are to earn money at your expense.”
The Dubai Airshow 2023, scheduled for November 13th-17th, will feature a diverse conference agenda with nine thought-leadership tracks spanning five days. Over 300 speakers will deliver over 80 hours of content addressing key industry topics. The CPD-accredited conferences aim to tackle critical industry challenges and promote innovation. The event will gather experts, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss priority subjects like Advanced Aerial Mobility, Sustainability, Passenger Experience, Air Traffic Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Space, start-ups, mentoring platform Vista, student-focused NextGen Leaders, and the Airworthiness & Safety Conference.
Prominent global leaders, including figures like Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, will speak at the conferences. Topics will range from Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Advanced Aerial Mobility to Passenger Experience and Diversity & Inclusion.
Additionally, the Aerospace 2050 stage will feature conferences on Sustainability, Space, and NextGen Leaders. It will explore the future of aviation within the context of environmental sustainability, examining how airlines, airports, and governments can support renewable fuels and energy policies. This year, a two-day Space-focused conference, in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, will discuss innovation and projects in collaboration with private companies and government agencies. The sessions will emphasize space’s role in informing sustainable policies and addressing climate change.
Furthermore, the VISTA stage will highlight aerospace startups’ success stories and discuss innovation and business models of start-up airlines. The Air Worthiness & Safety Conference, a defence-focused track organized by the UAE Ministry of Defence, will be accessible by invitation only.
Conference sponsors include TII, Airbus, Boeing, Lilium, NATS, and NERA. The Dubai Airshow 2023 conference agenda promises to be an extensive exploration of critical and forward-looking topics in the aerospace and defence industry, bringing together experts, leaders, and innovators to drive progress and shape the industry’s future.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a family group tourist visa, allowing parents and children to apply together. Children under 18 are exempt from visa fees when traveling with their parents. The visa application process is exclusive to authorized travel agencies, both within and outside the UAE. Brigadier General Khalaf Al-Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry and Residence Permits Sector, clarified that this offer is only available for tourist visa applications processed through travel agencies.
Key Details about the Family Group Visa:
Intended for single applications for families traveling together.
Travel agencies can apply for short-term tourist visas lasting 30 to 60 days, extendable up to a maximum of 120 days with an early extension application.
To apply, families need to submit a passport copy valid for at least six months and provide a passport-sized photograph.
For comprehensive information and documentation, prospective visitors can refer to the GDFRA website.
Additionally, foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now obtain an entry visa to the UAE for up to 30 days, extendable once. The application process is facilitated through digital channels, available 24/7. Users can register on the GDFRA website, select the desired service, enter accurate details, including full name, pay the required fees, and receive the visa via email upon approval.
It is crucial to ensure the accuracy of information during the application process, as incomplete data may lead to rejection. The UAE government has upgraded its visa application process, allowing travelers, even those outside the UAE, to secure their visas within minutes, marking a significant improvement from the previous hours-long approval process.
The UAE government has introduced a new end-of-service benefits scheme, giving employers the option to enroll selected employees. Once enrolled, participation becomes mandatory for those employees. The scheme aims to attract and retain talented workers and allows employers to invest employees’ end-of-service gratuity in approved funds, potentially increasing their savings.
Any gratuity earned before joining the new system will be retained, and calculations will be based on the new system from the enrollment date. Employees can also make additional contributions to boost their investment returns. Skilled workers can choose their investment options, while unskilled workers will be part of a capital-guaranteed portfolio.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) are overseeing the implementation of the scheme. Employers can register through established committees or the ministry’s service channels. Employers must pay a monthly subscription based on the basic salary for the scheme to be effective. They also have the option to opt out, provided they meet specific criteria. This includes a minimum participation of one year, no outstanding fines or disputes, and ensuring no negative impact on employees’ rights and benefits.
On UAE Flag Day, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Frontline Heroes Office, emphasized the significance of the occasion.
He stated that the UAE flag represents the nation’s dignity and pride. He also expressed reverence and honor for the flag, emphasizing the love for the country and loyalty to its wise leadership.
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged all ministries, institutions, and residents to raise the UAE national flag on November 3rd at 10:00 am to mark Flag Day.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, has launched the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.” This initiative aims to position Dubai as one of the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry and generate 30,000 new jobs in the gaming sector. The program also seeks to significantly contribute to Dubai’s digital economy growth and increase the GDP by approximately US$1 billion by 2033.
Under the “Dubai Metaverse Strategy,” three new initiatives were introduced during a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy. These include the “Metaverse Alliance,” a global network involving government entities, international tech companies, entrepreneurs, and startups specialized in the metaverse world. The alliance aims to promote collaborations for projects centered around virtual worlds or interactions.
Additionally, “Metaverse Guidelines” will identify impactful metaverse applications and provide a framework for Dubai government entities to regulate and define optimal uses of the metaverse in government work. “Metaverse Pioneers” is a comprehensive program aimed at equipping Dubai government employees with essential skills and tools to harness the potential of metaverse technology in their professional capacities.
Other updates include the “Create Apps in Dubai” initiative, which has trained 500 Emirati talents in mobile application development, contributing to the growth of Dubai’s mobile application market. Amazon’s SME initiative, launched in March 2023, aims to feature products from 100,000 small and medium-sized companies on its UAE store by 2026, with 14,000 new companies registering since its inception. The “Metaverse Accelerator Program” launched by Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) has graduated 10 startups as part of its first batch, attracting over 250 applications from the UAE and around the world, focusing on gaming, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and Web 3.
Fujairah aims to double the number of visitors to its archaeological sites, with a target of half a million visitors.
In 2022, the emirate recorded nearly 113,000 visits to its top seven archaeological sites. The Al Bidya Mosque was the most visited site, followed by Fujairah Fort, Fujairah Museum, and Dibba Fort. These sites play a crucial role in Fujairah’s tourism, offering diverse and historically rich experiences.
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The Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department is actively working on development, maintenance, and improved services around these sites to create integrated tourist attractions.
The efforts align with sustainability trends in tourism, focusing on eco-friendly projects. Projects include the restoration of over 12 castles, reflecting the government’s commitment to develop the tourism sector.
Fujairah’s unique climate and geographical features, along with its proximity to Oman, make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The presence of various hotels under leading brands further contributes to the growth of the tourism sector in Fujairah.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has commenced operations from the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline is among the first national carriers to fully transition to this state-of-the-art facility.
The new terminal will support the national carrier’s growth plans, providing a seamless passenger experience and fostering connectivity for business, trade, and tourism. This move is expected to enhance the local aviation ecosystem and attract more regional and global visitors to explore the emirate.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi marked the occasion by launching its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Sphinx International Airport in Cairo. The flights between Cairo and Abu Dhabi will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of this move in strengthening the airline’s role in Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector growth.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the growth of national carriers and its alignment with Abu Dhabi’s strategic visitation plans.
Wizz Air currently serves over 39 destinations in 27 countries from Abu Dhabi and plans further expansion in 2024.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s youngest son, Baby Mohammed, was pictured celebrating UAE Flag Day with a book in his hand.
The infant was seen reading a story in Arabic, wearing a grey full-sleeved t-shirt. The picture was shared by Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan’s wife, who captioned it “Today’s story” and tagged His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The book in front of the baby features an image of the UAE flag. Flag Day is celebrated on November 3 annually as a reaffirmation of allegiance and patriotism to the nation’s flag.
The Sharjah International Book Festival is currently featuring a meticulously crafted replica of the Golden Qur’an, which is a rare exhibit.
This replica is based on an original manuscript dating back to the 11th or 12th century, created by the renowned Persian illuminator and calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab. The original manuscript is preserved at the Bavarian State Library in Munich and is one of only ten copies produced during its era.
The replica is among the 300 printed with the exact size, style, and visual appeal of the ancient codex, making it a work of art. It features holy text inscribed in black Naskh cursive writing on gold-coated paper and includes elegant chapter headings, intricate floral and arabesque patterns, and rosettes in blue and silver separating the verses.
The manuscript’s distinctive features and historical significance make it a highlight of the event.
