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In a major policy shift, Oman has enacted its first Personal Income Tax Law, set to take effect on January 1, 2028. The move is part of the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 strategy, which aims to strengthen economic sustainability and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The new law, issued under Royal Decree No. 56/2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, introduces a 5% tax on individuals earning more than OMR 42,000 annually. According to the Tax Authority, this high exemption threshold means that 99% of Oman’s population will not be affected. Exemptions will apply to essential expenses and obligations, including: Education Housing...

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has announced its official working hours for the Hijri New Year holiday, which falls on Friday, 27 June 2025 (1447 AH). To ensure the smooth delivery of services during the public holiday, GDRFA Dubai has confirmed that key centers and platforms will remain operational.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by إقامة دبي | GDRFA Dubai (@gdrfadubai) Customer Happiness Centers That Remain Open Dubai International Airport – Terminal 3 (Arrivals Hall) The Customer Happiness Center will be available 24/7, continuing to support travelers...

The UAE passport has officially entered the major league, now ranking 5th strongest in the world in the 2026 Henley Index. With access to 184 countries visa-free, Emiratis can enjoy more travel freedom than ever before: the EU, the UK, Thailand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, the Maldives, and Japan, just to name a few. This marks a significant rise, up from 10th place just last year, and an impressive leap from its modest 38th position in 2016. Today, the UAE is ranked alongside countries like Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In the past 10 years, the country has...

If you are a UAE citizen working in the private sector, or an employer hiring Emirati talent, a major update to labour rules is worth your attention as it directly affects salaries, contracts, and compliance from the start of 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed a new minimum wage for UAE citizens in private sector employment, setting the baseline salary at AED 6,000 per month. This applies not only to new hires, but also to existing employment arrangements where salaries fall below the updated threshold. The rule will come into effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026....

Something new is coming to AURA Skypool, and it’s not just a sunset view or poolside menu update. For the first time ever, the iconic infinity pool venue is turning into a one-night-only sleepover spot, offering a 12-hour immersive experience 210 metres in the air. Mark your calendars: The AURA Sleepover takes place from 9 PM on June 14 to 9 AM on June 15. The idea behind the event is simple – disconnect, slow down, and relax. The evening begins with a night swim and à la carte dinner surrounded by ambient music. As the night deepens, the atmosphere...

Dubai’s road toll system, Salik, will transition to variable pricing from January 31, introducing a dynamic approach to toll rates based on traffic patterns. This new pricing model aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow during peak hours. Salik Toll Pricing Details From January 31, the toll rate on Dubai roads will be AED 6 during peak hours on weekdays: Morning peak hours: 6 AM to 10 AM Evening peak hours: 4 PM to 8 PM During off-peak times, between 10 AM to 4 PM and 8 PM to 1 AM, the toll rate will drop to AED 4....

Get ready to step into the holiday spirit at Winter District, Dubai’s premier festive event, returning this December with a fresh venue and magical new experiences! From December 14 to December 22, the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will transform into a holiday wonderland where all ages can enjoy seasonal celebrations, shopping, and memorable moments. The beloved Winter District, after a phenomenal debut, is set to bring even more holiday joy with an upgraded venue, spectacular decorations, and countless activities perfect for families, couples, and friends. Winter District will be open from 12 PM to midnight. Tickets start at just AED...

The foundation stone for the first Dubai Metro Blue Line station has officially been laid. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the ceremony for the new Emaar Properties Metro Station. This marks a significant milestone for the upcoming Blue Line project, which will stretch 30 kilometers and add 14 new stations to the network, expanding the Dubai Metro’s total length to 131 kilometers across 78 stations. The Emaar Properties Metro Station is not just any stop — at 74 meters high, it will become the...

If you haven't had time to check out the festive fun at Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi, this weekend is your last chance! The Mirbad Express pop-up is ending on January 14, so don’t miss out on all the cozy winter vibes, shopping, and seasonal magic before it’s gone. Whether you're planning a relaxed after-work stroll, a family outing, or a shopping trip with friends, this is the perfect way to experience the festive atmosphere. Now in its 19th edition, this winter pop-up has been transformed into a vintage-inspired train, complete with quaint cabins, warm lighting, and whimsical touches that create...

As the UAE prepares for 2025, a host of new regulations are set to come into effect, influencing everything from traffic laws and nutrition standards to corporate governance and marriage requirements. Here's a breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for residents and citizens. 1. Driving License Eligibility and Stricter Traffic Laws Starting March 29, UAE residents aged 17 and above will be eligible to apply for driving licenses, lowering the minimum age by one year. New traffic regulations will also enforce quieter streets by banning noisy vehicles and limiting car horn use in urban areas to...