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      UAE to launch new tech-driven Emirati passport next month

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      The UAE will introduce a new generation of Emirati passports from next month.
      With innovation at the forefront, the new version of passports, which will launch on September 1, 2022, will feature technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel.
      Launched as part of the national ID card project that began in June 2021, this change is all set to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness on a global scale and reduce the attempts of forgery with its detail-oriented identification page.
      Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
      The latest features include a fine security thread, decorative carvings with highly complicated spectrums, photographs printed with advanced security features, a holographic logo for authenticity, a refined three-dimensional intaglio showcasing the date of birth and a watermark with the UAE emblem.
      To reduce any external damages, polycarbonate is used instead of paper due to its thickness and increased quality for specialised printing.

      The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
      — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

      “The project aims to enhance the flexibility of doing business related to individuals in various institutions of the UAE, in order to improve the quality of life and provide a travel experience that strengthens the leading position of the UAE,” the chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Ali Muhammad Al Shamsi, said.
      With the UAE’s strong ranking on the global map, per the Henley Passport Index for 2022, making it the highest in the Arab world, such changes are a step further to strengthen its position on the list.
      All Emirati passport holders will also need to verify the validity of their documents for a period of no less than six months before they travel with the possibility of issuing passports while being abroad through the UAE.
      Passports for holders of the previous generations are still considered valid until their next expiry date approaches for renewal. The new generation passport can be applied for once there is a six months validity left on the current passport.
      The Emirati passport can be renewed through the website or the UAEICP smart application.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      ‘Your time to flourish’: Sheikh Mohammed’s uplifting words to young Emiratis

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued an inspiring message to the future generations of the UAE.
      To mark International Youth Day on August 12, 2022, the Dubai Ruler shared a video across his official social media platforms, celebrating the achievements of the young people of the emirates.
      “I was young once like you and my dreams did come true,” His Highness said. “After the hardships, good days followed. Our country has become a heaven. May it always thrive.
      “It’s now your time to flourish with ease.”

      Sheikh Mohammed went on to outline the “biggest success” in the UAE’s history of achievements, the “youth”.
      “They are the future,” he added.
      He also referred to the country’s youth as the “hope and treasure” of the nation, and urged them to take the future into their hands and carve their own path.
      By championing young people of the UAE following different career paths, the video highlights a chef, triathlete, a camel owner, a horse rider, an engineer and a pilot.
      From robotics engineer, Maryam Buhumaid to chief cultural guide Fatma Khalid, inspiring leaders diligently pursuing their careers from the next generation were presented in the clip.
      Furthermore, he advised the young generation to take the future into their hands and strive for academic excellence, which will contribute to the UAE’s growth.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Instgram @faz3 More

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      Sheikh Hamdan meets famed Dubai delivery driver for the first time

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      37 seconds ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has met the delivery driver he praised on social media for his selfless good deed.
      The Crown Prince of Dubai previously put out a call for his followers to help him find the individual in question, who was eventually identified as Abdul Ghafoor.
      His Highness has now met the Dubai delivery driver, sharing a photo of the pair together.
      “An honour to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed,” His Highness said on Twitter.

      An honor to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed. pic.twitter.com/eRQ0nuYAZF
      — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) August 11, 2022

      Last week, His Highness shared a video, which was caught on camera by another onlooker, of Mr Ghafoor, a Talabat delivery driver, removing an obstruction of two concrete blocks from a busy intersection.
      Sheikh Hamdan referred to the individual’s good deed as “an act of goodness in Dubai to be praised” and called on his followers to help him find the man.

      An act of goodness in Dubai to be praised. Can someone point me to this man? pic.twitter.com/clEIWQQe3A
      — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 31, 2022

      It wasn’t long before Mr Ghafoor in question was found, prompting Sheikh Hamdan to personally thank him on his social media channels, calling him “one of a kind”.
      It just goes to show a simple good deed always goes a long way.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Sheikh Hamdan Twitter More

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      Update: 5 new UAE visas available from September 2022

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      As the UAE continues to bring in new changes post the COVID-19 pandemic, visas are a major topic of discussion.
      Back in April, the UAE Cabinet approved a number of new visas, as the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe.
      “The new system of entry and residence is aimed at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers,” the cabinet said via a statement from the media office.
      With a host of new visas being granted from next month onwards, below is everything you need to know.
      Business visa
       For those who wish to start their own company or invest in other companies, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor.
      Temporary work visa
      For any project-based work or temporary work assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa after submitting a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer and a valid health certificate, per the government website.
      Visa for studying/training
      This visa is required for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes. The requirements for such a visa include the details of the study or the internship and its overall duration. It can be sponsored by public and private sector educational and research institutes.
      Family visa
      Families now have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously 18 years old only. Sponsorship can also be granted to disabled children and unmarried daughters for an indefinite time.

      The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR
      — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

      Job visa
      After graduating from the best 500 universities, job-seekers can avail of this latest visa that will be given to bachelor’s degree holders or its equivalent to exploring more job opportunities in the UAE. This visa can be granted to those who fall under the first, second or third skill levels category as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
      Already available in the UAE
      Multi-entry tourist visa
      If tourists wish to visit the UAE and stay for a longer time frame, that’s now possible for up to 90 days and it can be extended for another 90 days without a sponsor with this five-year multi-entry tourist visa. The requirements include a minimum bank balance of $4000 (Dhs14,700) or its equivalent in the last six months before applying.
      Green visa
      If residents wish to bring their families without a sponsor or employer, this five-year visa is granted to skilled workers, self-employers and freelancers who have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of Dhs15,000.
      Golden visa
      Launched as part of a programme in 2019, however, effective in full force since 2021. The Golden visa is now offered to a host of professionals that have changed over the course of time. Golden visa holders can now sponsor their families including their wife and kids without any age limit along with domestic workers.
      For entrepreneurs
      With the UAE considered a startup hub and with an influx of innovative business, entrepreneurs are now eligible to apply under this category. The requirements are for any small and medium enterprise (SME) to generate not less than Dhs1m in revenue or the individual should be a founder of a previous project that was sold for not less than Dhs7m and it needs to be approved by the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities.
      For real estate owners
      The visa categories included those who have a property with a minimum investment of Dhs2 million in real estate, with investors who purchase properties on a mortgage plan where the total investment is Dhs2 million or more.
      For ‘exceptional talents’
      The categories for receiving the visa have been expanded. Under this category, individuals in fields such as culture & art, sports, investors & innovators, and digital technology can now be beneficiaries of this esteemed visa scheme.
      For scientists & researchers
      Any notable scientists and those conducting intense research in their field will have an opportunity to apply, based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. The requirements for this category include a Ph.D. or master’s degree in either of the heads that include engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from well-reputed universities along with proof of research and any achievements.
      For outstanding students
      Students in UAE secondary schools and exceptional graduates from UAE universities and 100 of the best situated worldwide have an opportunity to apply for this visa. The requirements include sharing their academic performance, year of graduation and university classification.
      For skilled workers
      Workers who have a Bachelor’s degree, and a valid contract of employment, are classified under the occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and have a minimum monthly income of Dhs30,000 will be granted this visa in the UAE.
      For more information visit the UAE government website. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @kasialukaszczuk More

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      2 striking astrological events you’ll be able to see in the UAE this week

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      15 seconds ago

      Who doesn’t love striking celestial events?
      For those who love gazing into the night sky, two special events will be taking place this week.
      So if you’re looking for something exciting to plan ahead of time, keep a watchful eye on these striking events.
      The Sturgeon moon
      The Sturgeon Moon will be the last super moon of the year and is set to appear on August 12, 2022. A supermoon is a rare occurrence, only happening three to four times a year. It refers to a time when the moon is within 90 per cent of perigee, which is its closest approach to Earth. The Sturgeon Moon’s name is given after North America’s largest fish, the sturgeon which lives in its lakes and rivers. The Sturgeon Moon will reappear next year between August 1 and August 31, 2023.
      This surreal event may outshine another event set to take place after. It’s all set to make a comeback between August 1 and August 31, 2023.
      ALSO READ: ‘The universe has your back’: Everything to know about August’s full moon
      Perseids Meteor
      There’s also another astrological event at the same time as the supermoon – the perseids meteor. As one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, this striking event is caused by the Earth passing through debris including ice and rock. The phenomena can highlight up between 50-100 meteors an hour, making it a highly-anticipated event to watch out for.
      However, given the appearance of the Sturgeon Moon at the same time, it may outshine the meteor shower.

      If you’re keen to see these phenomenal events, Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting an event on August 12 from 9pm to 2am at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah to witness this in person. Tickets are priced at Dhs150 for children under 13 and Dhs200 for adults, with transportation available at an additional cost. For attendees who have any questions pertaining to this phenomenon, the experts present at the venue will answer any queries.
      To RSVP or find out more details about the event visit dubaiastronomy.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @yana.potter.net More

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      2 striking astronomical events you’ll be able to see in the UAE this week

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      Who doesn’t love striking celestial events?
      For those who love gazing into the night sky, two special events will be taking place this week.
      So if you’re looking for something exciting to plan ahead of time, keep a watchful eye on these striking events.
      The Sturgeon moon
      The Sturgeon Moon will be the last super moon of the year and is set to appear on August 12, 2022. A supermoon is a rare occurrence, only happening three to four times a year. It refers to a time when the moon is within 90 per cent of perigee, which is its closest approach to Earth. The Sturgeon Moon’s name is given after North America’s largest fish, the sturgeon which lives in its lakes and rivers. The Sturgeon Moon will reappear next year between August 1 and August 31, 2023.
      This surreal event may outshine another event set to take place after. It’s all set to make a comeback between August 1 and August 31, 2023.
      ALSO READ: ‘The universe has your back’: Everything to know about August’s full moon
      Perseids Meteor
      There’s also another astronomical event at the same time as the supermoon – the perseids meteor. As one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, this striking event is caused by the Earth passing through debris including ice and rock. The phenomena can highlight up between 50-100 meteors an hour, making it a highly-anticipated event to watch out for.
      However, given the appearance of the Sturgeon Moon at the same time, it may outshine the meteor shower.

      If you’re keen to see these phenomenal events, Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting an event on August 12 from 9pm to 2am at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah to witness this in person. Tickets are priced at Dhs150 for children under 13 and Dhs200 for adults, with transportation available at an additional cost. For attendees who have any questions pertaining to this phenomenon, the experts present at the venue will answer any queries.
      To RSVP or find out more details about the event visit dubaiastronomy.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @yana.potter.net More

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      Fazza goes incognito on the London Underground

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      2 hours ago

      He may have 14.5 million followers on Instagram and be one of the most high-profile royals in the UAE, but HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has proven even he can go incognito from time to time.
      Currently on holiday in the UK, the Crown Prince of Dubai has been spending ample amounts of time in London.
      Over the weekend, Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, was spending time in the UK’s capital and was seemingly able to go about his day being unrecognised.
      His Highness shared a selfie on Instagram with his friend Badr Ateej riding the crowded London Underground.
      “We’ve got a long way to go and Badr is already bored,” he said in the caption of the post.

      However, just a couple of weeks ago, the Crown Prince of Dubai was recognised around central London as he was driving.
      In a video captured by Sheikh Hamdan’s friend Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, the royal is seen interacting with two fans.
      Sheikh Hamdan was in his car driving in the city when he was stopped for some photos by the two individuals, who also happened to be Dubai residents.
      Not ever one to say no to a photo, Dubai’s Crown Prince enthusiastically posed with the fans, even helping them to get the right shot.
      At one point in the video, the male fan says “Sorry to bother you” but Fazza responded saying, “No, it’s okay”, also shaking his hand.

      Regular visitor
      His Highness is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family.
      Sheikh Hamdan’s father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is also currently in the UK and was seen walking around London with an entourage over the weekend.
      The Dubai royals have also been enjoying some quality time together.
      Last week, Sheikh Hamdan, shared a snap on Instagram with his father and his two children, Rashid and Shaikha, spending time together in the UK.

      In the forefront of the photo, the twins are seen sitting in a pushchair, with doting dad Sheikh Hamdan and grandfather Sheikh Mohammed behind.
      Sheikh Hamdan captioned the post with three heart emojis: one red, one blue and one pink, representing the Dubai Ruler and his two grandchildren.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Sharjah’s 4-day workweek has had a huge positive impact on the emirate

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      2 hours ago

      This year marked a major shift in the working week for people across the emirate after the UAE announced it would change its working days from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday, aligning with much of the rest of the world.
      Federal government employees in the UAE now work from Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 3.30pm and on Fridays for 4.5 hours with flexibility to be able to work from home.
      However, the emirate of Sharjah opted to forego the traditional five-day workweek, instead opting for a four-day workweek and recent findings have shown it’s had an incredibly positive impact on the emirate.
      Per the Khaleej Times, the Sharjah Executive Council was presented a study earlier this week showcasing the impact of the four-day workweek outlining a significant drop in traffic accidents, as well as an improvement in employees’ productivity.
      According to the report, traffic accidents and deaths in the emirate have dropped by 40 per cent and gas emissions have also significantly decreased.
      Quality of work and productivity have also increased, per the report which analysed the policing, environment, human resources and financial sectors in the emirate.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Visit Sharjah Instagram More