Dubai clarifies visit-visa rules for relatives and friends
Etihad Diverts Bahrain Flight and Cancels Two Rotations as US–Iran Tensions Close Bahraini Airspace
UAE doubles Emirates ID renewal window to one year
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Dubai issues 66,000 new Golden Visas and over one million residence permits in H1 2026
GDRFA issued 66 k Golden Visas and more than one million residence permits in H1 2026, signalling sustained demand for long-term UAE residency even amid regional tensions. The numbers reinforce Dubai’s allure for investors and multinationals seeking a stable mobility hub.
Dubai Clarifies 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: Bank-Balance Proof Doubled, 180-Day Cap Reaffirmed
GDRFA Dubai has refreshed the rulebook for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, confirming a six-month bank-statement requirement and a strict 180-day annual stay cap. The clarification gives businesses clearer parameters for rotating staff into the UAE without local sponsorship.
Regional Escalation Triggers 249 Flight Cancellations—Emirates and Etihad Warn of Rolling Delays
Nomad Lawyer’s data show 249 cancellations and 887 delays on 17 July as Emirates, Etihad and Saudia re-route flights around conflict-affected Gulf airspace. Dubai recorded the highest delays, forcing corporate travel managers to activate contingency plans and reminding firms to check duty-of-care obligations under GCAA and EU 261 rules.
Dubai halves paperwork for domestic-worker visas with new digital journey
Dubai’s ‘Domestic Workers Management’ service merges nine government procedures into one digital flow, slashing visa steps from 11 to six and saving AED 4.3 million to date. The move speeds up hiring of household staff and reflects Dubai’s push toward one-window immigration services.
Pakistan Consulate in Dubai to close 17 July for maintenance, emergency number released
Dubai’s Pakistan Consulate will suspend all services on 17 July for facility maintenance, reopening on 20 July. Companies should plan around the 24-hour blackout or use Abu Dhabi’s embassy for urgent documentation.
Visa-tech firm Atlys opens Dubai experience centre as demand shifts to ‘micro-trips’
Atlys has opened its first global visa-experience centre in Dubai, citing surging demand for multiple short, event-driven trips. The hybrid model blends AI-driven digital filing with on-site support, promising quicker visas for UAE-based travellers and employers.
Dubai clarifies rules for new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
GDRFA-Dubai has published a detailed checklist for the UAE’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, confirming bank-balance, insurance, ticketing and fee requirements. The self-sponsored visa allows stays of up to 180 days per year over five years and is aimed at frequent visitors and business travellers. Companies should track employees’ days in country and note that separate work permits are still required.
Sixty Indian nationals deported from UAE arrive in Surat
Sixty Indians working illegally in the UAE were deported to Surat on 16 July after overstaying or breaching labour rules. The case underlines the UAE’s tougher enforcement of sponsorship and overstay penalties and highlights corporate liabilities if workers are found without proper permits.