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UAE passport most powerful in MENA region, 11th in global index
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE passport has climbed two positions to secure the 11th spot in the 2024 Passport Index by Henley & Partners. This advancement allows UAE citizens visa-free access to 183 countries. The UAE has been the most improved nation on the Index over the past decade,...
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Iran announces visa exemption for Saudi Arabia, 32 other countries
Tehran, Iran — Iran has waived visa requirements for passport holders from 33 nations, signaling a significant step in opening its doors to global visitors. “The government intends to open the country's doors to the world,” Iranian Minister of Tourism Ezzatollah Zarghami, said on Wednesday as reported by Saudi Gazzete.... -
EU agrees to forbid destruction of unsold clothes
Brussels, Belgium - The European Parliament and EU member states announced on Tuesday new rules to crack down on fast fashion and reduce waste, including a ban on destroying unsold clothes. The new rules, first proposed by the European Commission last year, impose tougher rules on products to ensure they last... -
More than 20,000 wounded people still in Gaza: MSF
The MSF pleaded that the people who plan to leave Gaza must be allowed "without further delay" and should also have the right to return. It called for a ceasefire and greater number of people to be evacuated. Its Gaza staff were still offering care in spite of the Israeli... -
Channel opened for UAE residents who stayed outside for 6 months
Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced that it has added to its smart channels a service for entry permits related to residents who stayed outside the UAE for more than six months. The service was activated as of last Friday, and... -
Privacy remains key concern as facial recognition technology makes GCC travel sector secure, efficient
Face and iris recognition technology vary by country in the region, and expecting it to be implemented in many airports around the world in a short time is unrealistic, says an expert. -
UAE passport ranked most powerful in the world
Dubai, UAE— The United Arab Emirates has been ranked as the country with the world's most powerful travel document. That is according to the latest publication of the Passport Index, a global ranking by Montreal-based citizenship financial advisory firm Arton Capital. The UAE has beaten the likes of Germany, Sweden,... -
Qatar sets up consular facility for World Cup fans needing help
In order to help football fans who lose their passport or get arrested, Qatar has opened a World Cup consular facility, a first of its kind at a major sporting event. More than 40 countries will have offices in the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center alongside the police, interior ministry... -
GCC nationals can now visit Bahrain with just ID cards
Bahrain will permit nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council to enter into the kingdom with just an identity card or a passport, according to the Bahraini Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA). A statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said the move follows the decision of GCC countries to... -
Rich Lebanese look for home away from hardships
Fearing visa hassles could cost him his job in Dubai while an economic collapse had dashed any homecoming options, Lebanese executive Jad splurged around $135,000 on a new citizenship for himself and his wife. -
UAE expats seek extra citizenship cushion
More than ever before, wealthy expatriates in the UAE as well as the world are pursuing citizenship options elsewhere. -
Digital Cooperation Organization launches Startup Passport at LEAP
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has announced the launch of the DCO Startup Passport to make it quicker, easier and less expensive for startups to do business across borders, local media reports said. This opens up potentially lucrative markets with a combined population of more than half a billion people... -
Rules to obtain a Saudi passport, explained
Holders of Saudi passports can travel to up to 34 countries without a visa, and may obtain a visa at the airport in 42 countries. -
Instagram launches first-of-its-kind filter for UAE Golden Jubilee
The UAE is reportedly the first country to have such filter on the social networking site. -
UAE updates labor law for private sector
The new decree-law is expected to, among other things, regulate job contracts and give workers more rights. -
Saudi to punish expats who engage in jobs for personal benefit
The punishments could include monetary penalties, imprisonment, and then subsequent deportation. -
Dubai unveils Expo 2020 ‘passport’ for visitors
Visitors to Dubai’s Expo 2020 will be required to buy a 50-page booklet, passport, that would keep tabs of an individual’s visits and hold a unique number as well as passport-size photo and personal details. -
Saudi to extend permits, visas for expats until August 31
Saudi Arabia will automatically extend the validity of residence permits for expatriates outside the country until August 31