Gulf News briefing: What the latest US-Iran flare-up means for UAE flights, insurance and travel plans
Australia keeps UAE at ‘Reconsider Travel’ level as EASA extends Gulf air-space warning to 29 July
Oil spill forces closure of Sharjah’s Kalba Beach; tour operators shift travellers to alternate sites
Latest News
UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Ports Security debunks ‘lifetime’ Golden Visa rumour
The UAE’s immigration authority has dismissed social-media rumours offering ‘lifetime’ Golden Visas, stressing that applications must be lodged directly through official platforms and are capped at renewable 10-year terms. Employers and expatriates are advised to avoid unlicensed agents and consult verified ICP resources.
UAE airports operate normally but selected Gulf routes remain suspended: Gulf News travel bulletin
Gulf News reports that UAE airports are functioning smoothly, but airlines are still cancelling select flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Long-haul traffic is steady, yet intra-Gulf business travellers face itinerary changes and should monitor airline updates and government advisories.
Dubai immigration launches online 90/180-day stay calculator for Schengen nationals
On 28 July 2026 GDRFA-Dubai added a web-based calculator that helps Schengen passport-holders track their permitted 90 days of stay within any 180-day window, reducing overstay risks and streamlining compliance for frequent business visitors.
Emirates adds crypto payments for UAE-origin tickets in partnership with Crypto.com
From 28 July, Emirates passengers in the UAE can pay for tickets using Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies through a tie-up with Crypto.com Pay. The initiative supports Dubai’s cashless roadmap and offers corporate travellers an alternative settlement method that aligns with emerging Web3 payroll models.
German Foreign Office reminds UAE residents to cancel visas before departing on temporary passports
Germany’s Foreign Office has warned that UAE residents travelling on temporary passports can only depart after formally cancelling their residency visas at least 24 hours in advance. Corporations with expatriate staff should build this requirement into their mobility planning to avoid exit denials and fines.