Dubai, UAE – May 2025:
The US Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have announced a temporary suspension of certain visa-related services from May 15 to May 29, 2025, due to the transition to a new service provider for managing visa appointments and payments.
During this period, new visa appointments and application fee payments will not be accepted. The existing visa platform will be offline as the embassy prepares to launch an upgraded system that promises improved user experience and streamlined processing.
May 15: The current system stops accepting new appointments and payments.
May 19: Final date for scheduling interviews using the old system.
May 24: Last day for submitting documents at drop-off locations.
May 30: Launch of the new visa application platform.
If you already have an appointment:
No action is needed. Your appointment remains valid, and you should attend as scheduled.
If you’ve paid the visa fee but haven’t scheduled an appointment:
Schedule your interview before May 19 via ais.usvisa-info.com.
If you haven’t started your visa application:
It’s highly recommended to complete payment and schedule an appointment immediately, as the system will not process new transactions after May 15.
If you need to send documents to the Consular Section:
Ensure you submit your paperwork to an authorised location before May 24.
For emergency visa requests—such as medical needs, urgent business travel, or family emergencies—applicants can request expedited appointments by contacting:
📧 Abu Dhabi: [email protected]
📧 Dubai: [email protected]
Starting May 30, the new system will allow applicants to:
Access visa information
Pay application fees
Book and reschedule appointments
Register for passport/document delivery
The update aims to provide a faster, more efficient, and user-friendly experience for visa applicants in the UAE.
The temporary disruption is a necessary step in modernizing the US visa application process in the UAE. Visa applicants are advised to take timely action to avoid delays and stay informed through official channels.
The world’s top five tech giants—Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft—reported massive earnings and profits in the latest fiscal year. Collectively, these companies generated a revenue of approximately USD 1.887 trillion and a combined profit of around USD 403 billion.
Among the five, Amazon posted the highest revenue of USD 637 billion. However, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, earned the highest profit, totaling USD 100 billion.
Apple recorded a revenue of USD 391 billion and a profit of USD 94 billion. Microsoft followed with USD 245 billion in revenue and USD 88 billion in profit.
Although Meta earned the lowest revenue among the five—USD 164 billion—its profit stood at USD 62 billion, surpassing Amazon in profitability.
These tech giants operate several well-known subsidiaries, playing a major role in their overall business models.
Alphabet: Google, YouTube, Waymo
Amazon: Audible, Twitch, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Apple: Beats
Meta: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Reality Labs
Microsoft: Azure, GitHub, LinkedIn, Xbox
Analysts believe the surge in revenue and profit stems from strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and digital advertising. With emerging technologies like AI and the metaverse gaining ground, these companies are expected to see continued growth in the near future.
Source: Data compiled from Wikipedia — Big Five tech companies.
President Donald Trump will head to the UAE on Thursday after visiting Qatar on Wedesday where was greeted with more pomp and ceremony on the second stop of his Middle East tour.
The White House said that Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed agreements that would “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion”.
The agreements are said to include a $96bn deal with Qatar Airways to buy up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aeroplanes, and a statement of intent for $38bn in investments at Qatar’s Al Udeid Airbase and other air defence capabilities.
A meeting is scheduled for later today of US, Turkish and Syrian officials to discuss details of Trump’s announced dropping of sanctions against Syria.
Trump’s three-country tour of the Gulf state region will conclude in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
Source: Aljazeera
As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to position itself as a global hub for talent, innovation, and sustainability, it has expanded its prestigious Golden Visa program to include seven new professional categories. These updates, announced between late 2024 and early 2025, present outstanding opportunities for skilled professionals across a wide spectrum of industries.
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency permit that allows recipients to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. It also provides numerous benefits such as:
Extended stay outside the UAE without losing residency (over 6 months allowed)
Sponsorship of family members, including spouses and children
Self-sponsorship for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives
Let’s explore the 7 new professions now eligible and the unique opportunities they present:
Educators in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah working in private-sector schools can now apply for the Golden Visa. The program honors their contributions to improving educational quality and supporting students.
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum 3 years of employment in the emirate
An advanced degree in a relevant field
Demonstrated positive impact on school performance
This move aligns with the UAE’s strategic goal of becoming a regional education leader.
On International Nurses Day 2024, Dubai announced Golden Visas for nurses employed by Dubai Health who have served for over 15 years.
This decision not only acknowledges their unwavering service but also helps address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the region.
Eligibility Criteria:
Employment with Dubai Health
Minimum 15 years of continuous service
Under Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay initiative, luxury yacht owners and maritime industry executives can now secure long-term residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
Ownership of a private yacht measuring 40 meters or more
Senior stakeholders in the yachting and maritime industries
This initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a regional hub for luxury marine tourism and investment.
Dubai is now offering Golden Visas to eSports professionals, gaming developers, content creators, and other related talent under the culture and arts category.
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum age: 25 years
Proven expertise in the gaming industry (player, developer, or influencer)
This initiative boosts Dubai’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital entertainment and eSports.
In April 2024, Dubai extended the Golden Visa to religious scholars, including imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have dedicated over 20 years to community service.
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum 20 years of religious service in Dubai
The move honors long-serving religious leaders and upholds the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance and respect.
Dubai launched a dedicated support system for digital creatives through Creators HQ in early 2025. The Golden Visa now extends to:
Social media influencers
Digital content creators
Podcasters
Visual artists
Creative professionals in media, advertising, music, fashion, and more
This opens doors for local and international creators to grow their brands in one of the world’s most connected and forward-thinking cities.
In line with its sustainability vision, the UAE introduced the Blue Visa—a special 10-year residency for environmental advocates. Though named differently, it offers the same benefits as the Golden Visa.
Eligibility Criteria:
Outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability
Recognized activists, researchers, NGO members, award winners, and industry leaders
This visa promotes eco-leadership and positions the UAE as a center for climate action and sustainability research.
With these new additions, the UAE is not just rewarding service and skill—it is strategically investing in talent that aligns with its national priorities:
Education and healthcare
Sustainable tourism and investment
Digital innovation and creative industries
Environmental stewardship
If you’re a professional in any of these fields, this is a golden opportunity—literally and figuratively—to build your future in one of the most dynamic and globally connected countries in the world.
Each emirate has its own application process and criteria. To begin, you can:
Visit the UAE Golden Visa Portal
Check with relevant local authorities (e.g., Dubai Culture, Ras Al Khaimah Education Authority, Abu Dhabi Maritime)
Dubai, UAE – May 13, 2025 — In a bold step toward embracing digital innovation, Dubai has announced plans to allow residents and businesses to pay for government services using cryptocurrency. This landmark initiative positions the emirate as the first government globally to implement widespread crypto payments for public services.
The move was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) and global digital asset platform Crypto.com during the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025.
Under the agreement, users will be able to pay government service fees using stablecoins and other supported cryptocurrencies via the Crypto.com app. The platform will convert the crypto payments into UAE dirhams (AED) in real time before transferring the funds to DOF accounts, ensuring price stability and regulatory compliance.
“This isn’t just a new payment method—it’s a step toward a sustainable and inclusive digital financial ecosystem,” said Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of Central Accounts at DOF.
The initiative is part of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The strategy aims to shift over 90% of government and private sector transactions to digital or non-cash formats by 2026.
Officials estimate that a successful transition could generate more than AED 8 billion annually for the local economy by reducing cash-handling costs, improving efficiency, and supporting fintech development.
The crypto payments will be processed through Crypto.com, a platform licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Using stablecoins tied to fiat currencies helps reduce the volatility typically associated with digital assets.
“We’re proud to work with the Dubai government on this pioneering project,” said Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE. “It’s a full-scale, real-world application of regulated digital assets—not a pilot or trial.”
Once launched, this payment model will allow customers to:
Pay government fees using supported cryptocurrencies.
Enjoy instant currency conversion with full transparency.
Conduct transactions securely through a regulated platform.
While other countries have explored crypto taxation or tested limited blockchain solutions, Dubai’s implementation marks the world’s first full integration of crypto into government fee collection infrastructure.
The agreement was signed in the presence of senior government officials, including Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Abdulrahman Al Saleh, Director General of DOF, who emphasized the emirate’s commitment to innovation and financial leadership.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 2025:
Motorists in Abu Dhabi are being reminded of the serious consequences of misusing the hard shoulder for overtaking, with Abu Dhabi Police reaffirming that such actions pose significant safety risks and hinder emergency services.
As part of the ongoing “For Your Comment” awareness campaign, a video clip released by Abu Dhabi Police and the Control and Monitoring Center shows a driver dangerously overtaking from the hard shoulder and failing to maintain a safe distance — a maneuver that could have resulted in a major accident.
According to Article 42 of the UAE Federal Traffic Law, overtaking from the hard shoulder is a serious traffic violation, carrying a fine of Dh1,000 and six black points on the offender’s driving license.
Authorities stressed that the hard shoulder is designated exclusively for emergency vehicles, allowing ambulances, police, and rescue teams to reach accident scenes swiftly. Any misuse of this lane can delay critical medical assistance and endanger more lives.
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has urged all drivers to adhere to lane discipline and avoid the temptation to bypass traffic through illegal means.
"Using the hard shoulder for overtaking is not just a violation — it’s a threat to everyone on the road," the police emphasized.
Stay Safe. Follow the Rules. Respect Emergency Lanes.
Source: Abu Dhabi Police Official Communication & Federal Traffic Law
Ajman, UAE – May 2025:
In a decisive step to improve road safety and curb motorcycle-related accidents, Ajman Police have implemented a new traffic rule requiring delivery riders to stay in the rightmost lanes while traveling on city roads.
Effective immediately, all delivery motorcycle riders in Ajman are restricted to using only the first and second lanes from the right. The use of the third and fourth (fast) lanes is strictly prohibited for delivery bikers.
đź”´ Traffic Violation Penalty:
Motorcyclists found violating this regulation will incur a Dh400 fine, as stipulated under the UAE Federal Traffic Law.
🚨 Smart Monitoring in Place:
To enforce the new lane rule, Ajman Police will leverage advanced monitoring systems, including the "Ajman Dar Al Aman" surveillance network, smart gates, and dedicated patrols. Riders engaging in lane violations or dangerous driving behaviors such as weaving between vehicles will be tracked and penalized accordingly.
📢 Ongoing Safety Campaigns:
This regulation is part of a broader road safety initiative by Ajman Police, which includes awareness programs aimed at delivery companies and motorcyclists. These efforts are designed to promote safe riding practices and reduce accidents involving two-wheelers.
⚠️ Warning Against Risky Behaviors:
Authorities have also issued renewed warnings against unsafe driving habits, including:
Overtaking between vehicles
Driving on road shoulders
Ignoring lane discipline
Failing to maintain a safe following distance
Ajman Police emphasized that any actions endangering other road users will result in strict penalties. They continue to urge all delivery riders to comply with traffic regulations and help build a safer road environment for everyone.
Dubai, UAE – May 8, 2025
Residents of the United Arab Emirates are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays. Based on current astronomical predictions, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed by Eid Al Adha from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8.
If these dates are confirmed, UAE residents could enjoy a four-day weekend, combining the public holidays with the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. This extended break offers an excellent opportunity for family gatherings, travel, and leisure activities.
It's important to note that Islamic holidays are determined by lunar sightings. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee will officially announce the dates closer to the time, based on the sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah moon.
Given the tentative dates, residents are advised to plan their holidays accordingly but remain flexible until official announcements are made. Employers and employees should also consider these dates when scheduling work and leave plans.
Stay tuned to Gulf Daily News for the latest updates on Eid Al Adha 2025 and other important events in the UAE.
In a major development for the region's entertainment industry, The Walt Disney Company has officially announced plans to open its first-ever Disney theme park in the Middle East, selecting Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as its location.
The announcement marks a groundbreaking partnership between Disney and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. The new development will be part of Yas Island’s growing entertainment hub, already home to major attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Although full details are yet to be revealed, the Disney park is expected to feature:
Classic Disney attractions and rides
Themed areas inspired by beloved franchises like Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel, and Toy Story
Live shows, parades, and immersive entertainment
Family-friendly accommodations and dining experiences
The project promises to deliver the signature Disney magic while integrating regional cultural elements to provide a uniquely local experience.
The new Disney theme park is expected to:
Attract millions of tourists annually
Create thousands of jobs in construction, operations, and hospitality
Strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as a world-class entertainment and tourism destination
While an official opening date has not been confirmed, development is slated to begin soon, with updates expected in the coming months. The park will complement Yas Island’s growing portfolio of global attractions, making it one of the largest integrated leisure destinations in the world.
Doha, May 07, 2025 – The ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan has begun to impact international aviation routes, with numerous commercial flights visibly avoiding Pakistani airspace, as shown in the latest live air traffic data from Flightradar24.
In a screenshot taken today, a dense stream of aircraft is clearly rerouted over Iran, the Arabian Sea, and northern India, while a notable gap in flights over Pakistan signals a deliberate bypass of its airspace. The pattern strongly reflects heightened security concerns due to the current military and political tension in the region.
Aviation authorities and commercial airlines often divert flight paths to avoid active conflict zones. Past airspace closures in conflict-affected areas like Ukraine, Syria, and previously Pakistan have set precedence for such rerouting decisions.
Several airlines are believed to be taking longer routes, which may result in flight delays, extended fuel usage, and higher operating costs.
Flights between Europe and Southeast Asia are now being rerouted via Iran, the Gulf, and Central Asia, avoiding the direct west-east corridor through Pakistan.
Major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Muscat are seeing increased overflight density as traffic diverts around affected airspace.
The tensions, though evolving rapidly, have sparked concerns over regional stability. The Indian and Pakistani governments have yet to comment on any official airspace restrictions, but the real-time flight patterns indicate airlines are taking precautionary measures voluntarily.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following India’s announcement of cross-border strikes in response to a deadly incident in Indian-administered Kashmir. World leaders are urging both countries to act with restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions.
On May 5, India stated it had carried out strikes on several sites across the border in areas under Pakistan's control. According to Indian officials, the action followed a recent deadly incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians. Pakistan has condemned the operation and reported civilian casualties.
Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres called for maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan, emphasizing that "the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."
President Donald Trump described the situation as "a shame" and expressed hope that tensions would de-escalate quickly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, urging both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry labeled India's military action as "regrettable" and urged both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercising restraint to prevent further complications.
The Russian government emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means and called on both countries to avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for both India and Pakistan to show restraint and avoid military escalation, highlighting the importance of maintaining regional stability.
The international community's unified stance underscores the global concern over the potential for a broader conflict in South Asia. Leaders worldwide are urging India and Pakistan to engage in constructive dialogue and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after Islamabad claimed that Indian missile strikes killed 26 civilians in cross-border attacks.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry released a statement accusing India of launching missile attacks that struck civilian areas in the contested border region. According to Pakistani officials, at least 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed, and several others were injured.
Authorities in Pakistan have labeled the incident a "grave violation of international law" and called on the international community to condemn what they describe as “unprovoked aggression.”
As of now, the Indian government has not issued an official response to Pakistan’s claims. Indian media outlets have largely focused on military operations targeting what they call “terror infrastructure” near the border but have not confirmed any civilian casualties.
India has frequently accused militant groups based in Pakistan of staging cross-border attacks, which often leads to heightened military action on both sides.
International observers and humanitarian groups have expressed concern about the potential for further escalation. The United Nations and several diplomatic missions have urged both nations to exercise restraint and open communication channels to avoid worsening the conflict.
Human rights organizations are also calling for an independent investigation into the reported deaths and for both countries to abide by the Geneva Conventions regarding civilian protection in conflict zones.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since gaining independence in 1947, and tensions in the Kashmir region remain a persistent flashpoint. The latest allegations could further destabilize an already volatile situation unless addressed through diplomatic channels.
Travelers flying between the UAE and South Asia are facing significant disruptions as escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Dubai-based carriers, including Emirates and flydubai, have reported delays and cancellations for flights to and from northern India and Pakistan. The airport's website indicates that several flights have been affected, causing inconvenience to passengers.
The disruptions stem from heightened military activities in the region. India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines until May 23, while Pakistan has reciprocated by barring Indian-operated carriers. These restrictions have forced airlines to reroute flights, leading to longer travel times and increased operational costs.
Major international carriers such as Lufthansa and Air France are avoiding Pakistani airspace due to the tensions. This has resulted in longer flight paths and increased fuel consumption for flights to destinations in Asia, including Delhi and Bangkok.
Passengers planning to travel between the UAE and South Asia are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates. Travelers should also consider potential delays and plan accordingly.
