The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is introducing a streamlined process for getting married in the UAE.
Couples can apply for marriage certificates online and sign official wedding documents through videoconferencing. The service aims to simplify the administrative steps required for marriage.
The new process will include electronic application, online approvals and payments, remote contract signing via videoconference, and receiving the final marriage contract electronically with digital signatures from both parties.
This development follows the implementation of new marriage and divorce laws for non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE earlier in the year. These laws also address inheritance, wills, and paternity proof.
A community of around 500 Christians in Gaza has sought refuge in the Holy Family Church, the last remaining Roman Catholic church in the area.
Pope Francis leads the weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, October 11, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS
They receive daily calls from Pope Francis inquiring about their safety and offering prayers and comfort. Despite Israeli forces’ orders to move south, parishioners have chosen to stay in the church in Gaza city.
The community faces challenges due to the ongoing bombardment, including shortages of electricity and water. They hold daily masses, candlelight prayers, and even conducted a baptism ceremony for children.
The situation remains difficult, but they find strength in their faith and support for one another.
President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE met with Cindy McCain, the executive director of the UN World Food Programme, to discuss cooperation in providing relief to the Gaza Strip amidst worsening humanitarian conditions.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – October 19, 2023: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (L) receives Cindy H. McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) (R), prior to a meeting at Al Shati Palace.
( Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court )
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Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to allow organizations to deliver aid. The meeting also focused on collaboration between the UAE and WFP to address food security challenges and ensure provision for those in need in conflict-affected areas.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting WFP’s global efforts and underscored the importance of global cooperation in addressing food crises, closely linked to international peace and security.
Cindy McCain thanked the UAE for its collaboration with WFP, particularly in supporting those affected by conflict and disasters. She also praised the UAE’s initiatives in tackling global food security challenges and promoting sustainable solutions.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for International Co-operation, Reem Al Hashimy. This week, Sheikh Mohamed held talks with global leaders on the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives and deliver crucial humanitarian aid.
He also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to open humanitarian corridors and establish a ceasefire. An Egyptian television network reported that lorries carrying humanitarian aid will enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing in Egypt, providing food, water, and medical supplies.
The death toll stands at approximately 3,785 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of supporting both Israel and Ukraine, stating that Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin seek to “annihilate” neighboring democracies.
He highlighted the critical juncture in history and called on Congress to allocate emergency funding for both countries. Biden warned against walking away from supporting Ukraine, as it would also mean turning away from Israel.
He announced plans to send an urgent budget request to Congress to fund national security needs and support partners like Israel and Ukraine. This, he argued, is a wise investment for long-term American security.
Biden also condemned the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism following recent events in the region. He urged unequivocal denouncement of both forms of discrimination.
Additionally, the Biden administration is committed to continuing support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia, emphasizing the bipartisan backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic future.
MTV has decided to cancel its Europe Music Awards ceremony scheduled for November 5 in Paris, citing the ongoing “devastating events” in Israel and Gaza.
The organizers expressed that given the loss of thousands of lives, this is not an appropriate time for a global celebration and emphasized the need for mourning.
Performers like David Guetta, Jung Kook (of BTS), and Thirty Seconds to Mars were originally slated for the event.
Paramount Global, the organizers, stated that this decision was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of the numerous individuals involved in bringing the show to fruition.
The Abu Dhabi City Municipality, in collaboration with the City Municipality Centre, has launched a campaign to educate the public about the regulations governing temporary outdoor seating areas near commercial establishments.
This includes shops, eateries, cafes, and other service venues. The campaign aims to provide clear information on criteria, guidelines, and operational procedures for these outdoor spaces.
Business owners are urged to strictly adhere to cleanliness standards, preserve the city’s aesthetics, and comply with designated zones. Relevant stakeholders are encouraged to obtain necessary permits to use outdoor spaces lawfully and in alignment with the city’s aesthetic values.
The process involves submitting permit requests through the TAMM platform, with evaluation of seating dimensions and fee determination by the City Municipality Center. The permit fee includes a refundable deposit of AED10,000 and is valid for one year, with an option for renewal.
The municipality reserves the right to revoke permits if terms are violated or due to urban development, without liability for potential losses. Unauthorized outdoor seating areas incur a fine of AED5,000, and violation of permit conditions results in a penalty of AED3,000.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a new app called “Tourist Refund” at the Gitex Global exhibition in Dubai, simplifying the process for tourists to claim VAT refunds.
Tourists no longer need to keep printed receipts; instead, merchants scan the invoice, and the information is recorded in the app. Upon exiting the UAE, tourists can present the invoices in the app at designated airport locations to claim their refund, either in cash or as a credit card transfer.
This automated system eliminates the need to wait in queues. The app is currently available on Android and will be released for Apple devices later this year. The UAE implemented a 5% VAT on consumer goods in 2018, and tourists can claim refunds when leaving the country through ports, land borders, and airports.
Additionally, the FTA is showcasing another app called “Maskani” under the Emaratax Platform, which expedites refunds, reducing processing time from 20 working days to just five.
The director of the Taxpayer Services Department at FTA, Zahra Al Dahmani, also encouraged companies to register for corporate tax, which was implemented in June 2023, emphasizing the importance of timely registration due to the FTA’s application review process.
The UAE has discontinued the issuance of three-month visit visas. Visitors can now opt for 30- or 60-day visas.
In Dubai, a 90-day entry permit is still available for visitors with first-degree relatives in the emirate. This change comes after the three-month visit visa was briefly reinstated as a leisure option in May.
Travel agents have confirmed the suspension of the three-month visit visas, citing a temporary halt in response to increased demand for the upcoming winter season.
Additionally, the UAE offers various visa options for job exploration, including 60, 90, and 120-day permits. There’s also a 5-year multiple-entry visa for extended stays.
UmbraCity, a Canadian umbrella rental company, is introducing a novel solution to combat the intense summer heat in Dubai.
Specially-designed umbrellas will be strategically placed in public areas across the city, allowing residents to use them for free for a specified period, providing relief from the scorching sun. Founder Amir Entezari stated that Dubai’s focus on enhancing walkways and mobility makes it an ideal market for this service.
The umbrellas are eco-friendly, crafted from recycled and sustainable materials, and offer UV protection while reducing temperatures by up to 6 degrees. They are equipped with a smart chip for easy access and tracking.
Users can register for an account through a kiosk or app, with the first 24 hours of use being complimentary, followed by a nominal fee. A credit or debit card is required for any additional usage beyond the initial period.
Autoflight, a global high-tech start-up, has unveiled a self-driving electric air taxi at the Gitex Global exhibition in Dubai.
Measuring 150 meters in height and reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, this innovation is set to revolutionize urban transportation. It takes off vertically like a helicopter and utilizes German technology for gliding in the air. The air taxi is fully electric and is charged using a custom-made Megawatt Charging System. After extensive testing, the aircraft is currently used for cargo transport in China and is expected to be available for passenger transport in two years.
The taxi will be piloted despite its autonomous capabilities. Three aircraft have already been produced and deployed in China. The company is in discussions with UAE entities for potential buyers and is excited to showcase the aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.
Additionally, it was recently announced that air taxi operations will commence in Abu Dhabi and across the country in 2026, drastically reducing commute times.
