Sharjah enacts comprehensive drone law to tighten air-space safety across the emirate
Summer airfares from the UAE surge 30-40 %, forcing travellers and corporates to rethink budgets
Etihad Rail sets 30 June launch for first UAE passenger rail service and opens ticket sales
Latest News
Step-by-step guide released for skilled professionals applying for the UAE five-year Green Visa
A Gulf News guide breaks down how skilled workers can secure the UAE’s five-year Green Visa, covering eligibility (bachelor’s degree, AED 15 k salary), required paperwork and fees. The visa lets holders sponsor family members and offers a six-month post-cancellation grace period, making it an attractive option for project hires and freelancers.
UK lifts ‘all but essential travel’ warning for UAE, kick-starting Dubai tourism rebound
A 23 June industry report confirms that the UK’s removal of its ‘all but essential travel’ advisory is already driving a spike in British bookings to Dubai. Insurance cover has resumed, Emirates is adding capacity and Dubai tourism officials are rolling out confidence campaigns. The change eases corporate-approval hurdles, although US and Canadian warnings remain stricter.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches thrice-weekly Abu Dhabi–Aleppo flights, boosting UAE–Syria links
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will begin thrice-weekly flights to Aleppo on 7 July and make its Damascus route daily, signalling a steady normalisation of UAE–Syria air links. The new capacity offers expatriates, businesses and aid agencies a faster, cheaper connection and positions Abu Dhabi as a growing hub for Levant traffic.
US-Iran technical talks in Switzerland agree on safe shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz
US and Iranian negotiators meeting in Switzerland on 22 June agreed on a technical mechanism to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe. The deal, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan, should ease insurance costs and pave the way for the UAE to roll back air-space detours imposed after earlier missile attacks. It matters because the strait is the UAE’s primary trade artery and a critical corridor for business travel and corporate logistics.
UAE Reasserts Maritime Security as Hormuz Conflict Surcharges Bite Logistics Budgets
• A new government statement underscores the UAE’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cut conflict-related logistics costs. • Carriers and insurers continue to levy steep war-risk surcharges on UAE-bound containers, raising supply-chain and relocation budgets. • Businesses are advised to secure capacity early, review sanctions exposure and budget for longer transit times as diplomatic efforts continue.
Gulf Carriers – including Emirates and Etihad – Recover to 90 % of Pre-War Schedules
• Emirates and Etihad have climbed back to roughly 90 % of their pre-conflict flight volumes, easing pressure on business travel and relocation timelines. • Smaller Gulf carriers lag the recovery, and many European and Asian airlines still avoid UAE airspace, keeping fares above 2025 averages. • Companies are advised to secure seats early and monitor over-flight advisories as ceasefire talks progress.
Gulf markets slump as reports claim Hormuz closure to remain—travel insurers on alert
Rumours of a prolonged Strait of Hormuz shutdown on 22 June triggered a sharp fall in Gulf stock indices and an immediate war-risk premium hike for vessels bound for UAE ports. Although subsequent diplomacy calmed markets, the incident shows how quickly mobility costs and travel plans for UAE-based firms can be upended by regional tension.
Dubai Warns Travellers of Online Visa Scams, Launches Enforcement Blitz on Unlicensed Agents
• Dubai’s immigration authorities have launched an enforcement drive against unlicensed visa brokers after a spike in social-media scams. • Companies must verify that any third-party PRO or recruitment partner holds a valid MOHRE licence or risk fines and permit freezes. • Mobility teams should update traveller guidance and route applicants through official ICP and GDRFA portals to avoid fraud exposure.
Markets Swoon After Report Suggests Hormuz Closure Could Drag On
• Gulf equities – including Dubai listings – fell after Iranian media suggested the Strait of Hormuz could stay closed, reigniting supply-chain fears. • Transport and logistics shares led the decline, signalling market concern over extended surcharges and shipment delays that would hit relocation budgets. • Mobility managers should prepare for continued cost volatility until a formal shipping corridor reopening is confirmed.
Maritime News: UAE presses for security guarantees as shipping risk soars
A 22 June Maritime News risk assessment shows freight prices to the UAE up 25 % amid missile threats and mine scares near Fujairah. The UAE Navy has doubled escort duties, but supply-chain delays are rippling through relocation and manufacturing sectors that rely on timely imports.
EAEU-UAE free-trade agreement enters final ratification stretch—mobility provisions in focus
Interfax says the EAEU–UAE free-trade deal should clear all ratification hurdles within two months. The pact contains progressive visa and qualification-recognition measures that will significantly cut red tape for UAE companies sending staff to Russia, Kazakhstan and other EAEU states.