Abu Dhabi opens next-generation US pre-clearance facility at Zayed International Airport
UAE, Iran hold rare ministerial call to safeguard Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes
UAE to enter preparatory talks for CPTPP membership, opening new mobility corridors
Latest News
False missile alert rattles Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sparks brief travel uncertainty
A mistaken missile warning sent to phones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 26 June caused momentary operational jitters for airlines and highlighted corporate duty-of-care gaps. Although authorities quickly retracted the alert, mobility managers are urged to audit crisis-communication and shelter-in-place procedures.
UAE expands visa-on-arrival scheme to six new nationalities
Effective 25 June 2026, nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa can receive a 14- or 60-day UAE visa on arrival if they also hold a valid long-term visa or residence permit from select developed economies. The move simplifies short-term travel, boosts tourism and eases corporate mobility into the Emirates’ commercial hubs.
UAE rolls out visa-on-arrival for Filipino travellers from 25 June
From 25 June 2026, qualified Philippine passport-holders can obtain a 14- or 60-day UAE visit visa on arrival for fees of AED 100 or AED 250 respectively. The scheme applies to Filipinos who already hold valid US, EU, UK, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean, South Korean, Canadian or New Zealand residence permits. The reform will make short-term business trips and family visits far easier for the UAE’s million-strong Filipino community and their employers.
UAE grants Filipinos visa-on-arrival from 25 June under new reciprocity scheme
Starting 25 June 2026, Filipino passport holders with a valid U.S., EU, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South-Korean visa or PR card can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 or 60 days. The policy restores reciprocity, shortens lead-times for business and leisure trips and is likely to boost Philippine visitation and crew-change traffic via the UAE.
UAE widens speedy entry scheme to six more nationalities and six new residencies
The UAE has extended its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, South Africa and the Philippines, provided they also hold valid residence permits from an expanded list that now includes Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The move simplifies short-notice travel, boosts Southeast Asian and African visitor flows, and prepares the ground for the pan-GCC tourist visa later this year.
Philippine VFS passport centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to close on 30 June
VFS Global will stop processing Philippine passport renewals in the UAE on 30 June 2026. From 1 July, Filipinos must apply at the Philippine Embassy (Abu Dhabi) or Consulate General (Dubai). Unclaimed passports will be transferred to the missions, and stakeholders are advised to expect longer lead times during the switch-over.
Etihad Rail confirms 30 June launch of Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger services, slashing cross-Emirate travel time
Etihad Rail will open its first passenger route (Abu Dhabi–Fujairah) on 30 June, offering 1 h 45 m end-to-end journeys and fares from AED 55. Additional stations in Dubai, Al Dhaid and Sharjah roll out by March 2027, giving corporates and commuters a fast, sustainable cross-Emirate alternative to road travel.
Indian passport fees set to rise in UAE as Al Hind takes over consular services
From 1 July 2026, Indian passport fees worldwide—including at UAE missions—will jump by up to 75 per cent. The increase coincides with Al Hind Tours & Travels replacing BLS/SGIVS as the UAE’s outsourced provider for Indian passport, visa and attestation services, prompting a brief service suspension and the opening of 16 new centres.
India re-activates Air Suvidha health form for flights from UAE amid Ebola concerns
From 25 June, all passengers on UAE–India flights must fill out the resurrected Air Suvidha 2.0 health declaration before boarding, part of India’s Ebola surveillance strategy. The digital form is compulsory for business and leisure travellers alike, and airlines will enforce compliance at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports.
Philippine e-Passport renewal centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to shut on 30 June
VFS Global’s dedicated Philippine e-Passport Renewal Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will close on 30 June 2026. From 1 July, all Filipino passport services move to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, potentially lengthening appointment queues and impacting visa renewals for the UAE’s large Filipino workforce.