UAE denies ‘blanket visa ban’ for Pakistani nationals but warns of stricter checks
UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit opens in Dubai, focuses on sustainable hospitality deals
Abu Dhabi introduces variable speed limits on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road
Latest News
Emirates and flydubai sign MoUs with Dubai Finance to push ‘cashless traveller’ initiative
On 27 October Emirates and flydubai partnered with Dubai’s Department of Finance to integrate city payment wallets into airline channels, advancing the emirate’s ‘cashless traveller’ ambition. The move promises smoother arrivals and could alter corporate-expense workflows.
Etihad Cargo opens twice-weekly Abu Dhabi–East Midlands freighter link
On 27 October Etihad Cargo started a twice-weekly B777F rotation to East Midlands Airport, giving UAE exporters and assignees new overnight capacity into the UK’s manufacturing heartland. The service shortens supply lines for project cargo that often accompanies staff relocations.
Etihad Airways reports 21 % passenger surge, signals strong post-summer demand
Traffic data released on 27 October show Etihad carried 1.9 million passengers in September, up 21 %. Extra capacity and new destinations will benefit UAE corporates looking for seats and competitive fares on emerging-market routes.
Turkey visa centres in UAE to close 29 October; applicants urged to adjust travel plans
Visa-application centres for Türkiye in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will shut on 29 October for Republic Day, the operator announced on 27 October. Travellers without approved visas may need to rebook flights or switch to the Turkish e-Visa, and corporates should verify travel readiness for November assignments.
flydubai launches direct flights to Chișinău, adding rare Gulf–Moldova link
flydubai began twice-weekly Dubai–Chișinău flights and confirmed schedules on 27 October, creating the first nonstop Gulf link to Moldova. The route reduces travel time for Moldovan workers in the UAE and offers companies a direct channel to an emerging Eastern-European market.
UAE Gives Golden Visa Holders 24/7 Consular Protection Worldwide
Effective 26 October 2025, the UAE extended full consular services—emergency assistance, evacuation, and fast-track return documents—to long-term Golden Visa residents travelling abroad. The upgrade narrows the gap between expatriate privileges and Emirati citizenship, bolstering the UAE’s appeal as a headquarters and talent hub. Businesses should integrate the new hotline and documentation process into travel-risk plans.
GCC Sets October-Quarter Pilot for Single ‘Grand Tours’ Visa
On 26 October 2025 Gulf ministers confirmed that a single tourist visa covering all six GCC countries will begin pilot operations in Q4 2025. The ‘Grand Tours Visa’ will simplify travel, boost tourism receipts and make multi-city business trips easier, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a launch-pad for regional commerce.
UAE Tightens Entry Rules: 107 Nationalities Now Need Advance Visas
A policy bulletin dated 26 October 2025 expands the UAE’s pre-entry visa requirement to 107 countries, including major labour-source markets. Companies must budget longer lead-times for business-visit paperwork, while authorities frame the measure as a security and compliance upgrade.
Moldova and UAE Approve Reciprocal Visa-Free Travel
On 26 October 2025 Moldova approved an MoU with the UAE to abolish short-stay visas for ordinary, diplomatic and service passports. The forthcoming waiver will allow 90-day stays, easing business travel for Moldovan exporters and UAE investors alike.