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    Eid escape: 12 countries with visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents

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    If you’re looking for a much-needed escape for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holidays without any additional visa hassle, we’re here to help.
    While travel is very much back on everyone’s radars, sometimes certain passports require specific visas, which can quite often be a tedious process. However, for UAE residents, there are many destinations which are visa-free or have a visa-on-arrival option.
    When is Eid Al-Adha?
    Following Arafat Day, Eid Al-Adha will commence on Wednesday, June 28. This joyous celebration honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The festivities will span from June 27 to July 1, marking a six-day long weekend for the private sector.
    Below, the Emirates Woman editors have curated a guide for all the countries offering visas on arrival for UAE residents.
    Georgia

    All UAE residents who have a valid visa can travel to the country and receive a visa on arrival in Georgia. Holders of other GCC countries can travel visa-free for a period of 90 days and receive an entry stamp upon arrival. From Tblisi’s nightlight to stunning mountains, there’s a long list of endless activities to do on your visit.
    Flight time: 3 hours & 30 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Armenia

    With a rich history and picturesque ancient architecture, a visit to the country should definitely be added to your bucket list. All Indian, Lebanese, Jordanian and South African nationals with a valid UAE residency visa can receive a visit visa on arrival due to the positive relations between the UAE and Armenia leading to a special visa-waiver programme. The cost of the visa is around Dhs20 and details regarding additional requirements can be found online.
    Flight time: 3 hours & 10 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Azerbaijan

    Known for its contemporary design, Azerbaijan is home to iconic buildings including landmarks designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. All UAE residents with a valid residency visa can present their passport at the counter after paying and receive a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa on evisa.com.az to avoid standing in long queues.
    Flight time: 3 hours approx. 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Japan

    If Japan was on your travel bucket list this year, the process to visit is now a whole lot easier with the latest e-visa laws. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a new online tourist visa system. All residents are required to apply more than seven days before their trip. Applicants will need to apply via the dedicated website Japan eVISA, where upon successful submission, a digital confirmation visa will be sent to the applicant. At immigration, visitors will need to simply log on to the website and show the visa upon entry. The new system allows residents of permitted countries to apply for an online tourist visa which will grant e-visas for up to 90 days in Japan.
    Flight time: 9 hours and 34 minutes
    For the latest visa requirements visit here.
    Maldives

    For a quick idyllic getaway, a tourist visa is granted to all nationalities visiting the country. A few requirements such as a pre-paid hotel or accommodation booking, sufficient funds to last during the stay, confirmed tickets to return to their home country or country of residence and a traveller declaration form which must be filled in and submitted by all passengers going to and from the Maldives within 96 hours of travel. A visa for a maximum time period of 30 days will be granted on arrival for tourists. With an archipelago of islands to visit, travellers can experience nature at its finest.
    Flight time: 4 hours & 15 minutes
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Seychelles

    With Seychelles being a visa-free country, Indian citizens will not require a visa on arrival or an e-visa to enter the country for a short stay. This scenic escape ensures a seamless travel experience, however, a valid passport will be required to gain entry into the country. However, certain documents such as a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay amounting to $150 (Dhs550) per day are required in case asked for.
    Flight time: 4 hours & 35 minutes
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Nepal

    Most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival for a small price depending on the tenure of the visit. A 15-day visa costs Dhs110, a 30-day visa costs Dhs183 or a 90-day permit for Dhs460 and can be decided accordingly upon arrival. All Indian passport holders do not require any visa and can visit hassle-free.
    Flight time: 4 hours & 20 minutes
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Serbia

    For passports with a valid Schengen, UK or US visa, a visa-free entry is granted upon arrival. For those who do not have the mentioned visas, five documents will be required including travel booking details, proof of vaccine, the original passport and proof of funds to substantiate enough money for the stay and to leave.
    Flight time: 5 hours & 55 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Indonesia

    With the perfect blend of culture, nature, culinary delights and design mastery, this haven should be on your list of destinations to travel to. Bali is now open for tourists after the pandemic, as this irresistible country offers a visit visa on arrival for a period of 30 days, which can be easily extended for another 30 days at any visa office in the country. Upon arrival in Indonesia, there is a checkpoint available for visa on arrival which is priced at $35 (Dhs128).
    Flight time: 8 hours & 27 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Mauritius

    Known for its expansive beaches, lagoons and reefs, this country is most definitely a must-visit for all. For those who love nature, there’s a wide range of forests, waterfalls and hiking trails to experience the outdoors. The maximum duration of stay is three months and it is free for UAE citizens. Upon arrival, passengers need to visit the immigration counter and show the original passport to obtain an entry stamp.
    Flight time: 6 hours & 35 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Sri Lanka

    All UAE residents can receive an e-visa which can be obtained from the comfort of their homes. A visa can be applied for online prior to visiting with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and extended for up to six months. All applicants require a mandatory passport to be valid for six months from the date of arrival. It is important to check the list of countries eligible for Sri Lanka ETA before applying.
    Flight time: 4 hours & 30 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    Thailand

    All UAE residents will need to apply for a Thailand Pass which takes up to one to two hours when the application is submitted. After submitting the required documents, passengers will receive a QR entry code and a Thailand Pass ID needed for entry. With the UAE included in the Visa Exemption Scheme of Thailand, UAE citizens can stay up to a period of 30 days.
    Flight time: 6 hours and 20 minutes 
    You can check the latest visa regulations here.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @aatras More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Eid escape: 12 destinations with visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents

      by

      If you’re looking for a much-needed escape for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holidays without any additional visa hassle, we’re here to help.
      While travel is very much back on everyone’s radars, sometimes certain passports require specific visas, which can quite often be a tedious process. However, for UAE residents, there are many destinations which are visa-free or have a visa-on-arrival option.
      Below, the Emirates Woman editors have curated a guide for all the countries offering visas on arrival for UAE residents.
      Georgia

      All UAE residents who have a valid visa can travel to the country and receive a visa on arrival in Georgia. Holders of other GCC countries can travel visa-free for a period of 90 days and receive an entry stamp upon arrival. From Tblisi’s nightlight to stunning mountains, there’s a long list of endless activities to do on your visit.
      Flight time: 3 hours & 30 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Armenia

      With a rich history and picturesque ancient architecture, a visit to the country should definitely be added to your bucket list. All Indian, Lebanese, Jordanian and South African nationals with a valid UAE residency visa can receive a visit visa on arrival due to the positive relations between the UAE and Armenia leading to a special visa-waiver programme. The cost of the visa is around Dhs20 and details regarding additional requirements can be found online.
      Flight time: 3 hours & 10 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Azerbaijan

      Known for its contemporary design, Azerbaijan is home to iconic buildings including landmarks designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. All UAE residents with a valid residency visa can present their passport at the counter after paying and receive a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa on evisa.com.az to avoid standing in long queues.
      Flight time: 3 hours approx. 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Japan

      If Japan was on your travel bucket list this year, the process to visit is now a whole lot easier with the latest e-visa laws. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a new online tourist visa system. All residents are required to apply more than seven days before their trip. Applicants will need to apply via the dedicated website Japan eVISA, where upon successful submission, a digital confirmation visa will be sent to the applicant. At immigration, visitors will need to simply log on to the website and show the visa upon entry. The new system allows residents of permitted countries to apply for an online tourist visa which will grant e-visas for up to 90 days in Japan.
      Flight time: 9 hours and 34 minutes
      For the latest visa requirements visit here.
      Maldives

      For a quick idyllic getaway, a tourist visa is granted to all nationalities visiting the country. A few requirements such as a pre-paid hotel or accommodation booking, sufficient funds to last during the stay, confirmed tickets to return to their home country or country of residence and a traveller declaration form which must be filled in and submitted by all passengers going to and from the Maldives within 96 hours of travel. A visa for a maximum time period of 30 days will be granted on arrival for tourists. With an archipelago of islands to visit, travellers can experience nature at its finest.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 15 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Seychelles

      With Seychelles being a visa-free country, Indian citizens will not require a visa on arrival or an e-visa to enter the country for a short stay. This scenic escape ensures a seamless travel experience, however, a valid passport will be required to gain entry into the country. However, certain documents such as a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay amounting to $150 (Dhs550) per day are required in case asked for.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 35 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Nepal

      Most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival for a small price depending on the tenure of the visit. A 15-day visa costs Dhs110, a 30-day visa costs Dhs183 or a 90-day permit for Dhs460 and can be decided accordingly upon arrival. All Indian passport holders do not require any visa and can visit hassle-free.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 20 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Serbia

      For passports with a valid Schengen, UK or US visa, a visa-free entry is granted upon arrival. For those who do not have the mentioned visas, five documents will be required including travel booking details, proof of vaccine, the original passport and proof of funds to substantiate enough money for the stay and to leave.
      Flight time: 5 hours & 55 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Indonesia

      With the perfect blend of culture, nature, culinary delights and design mastery, this haven should be on your list of destinations to travel to. Bali is now open for tourists after the pandemic, as this irresistible country offers a visit visa on arrival for a period of 30 days, which can be easily extended for another 30 days at any visa office in the country. Upon arrival in Indonesia, there is a checkpoint available for visa on arrival which is priced at $35 (Dhs128).
      Flight time: 8 hours & 27 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Mauritius

      Known for its expansive beaches, lagoons and reefs, this country is most definitely a must-visit for all. For those who love nature, there’s a wide range of forests, waterfalls and hiking trails to experience the outdoors. The maximum duration of stay is three months and it is free for UAE citizens. Upon arrival, passengers need to visit the immigration counter and show the original passport to obtain an entry stamp.
      Flight time: 6 hours & 35 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Sri Lanka

      All UAE residents can receive an e-visa which can be obtained from the comfort of their homes. A visa can be applied for online prior to visiting with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and extended for up to six months. All applicants require a mandatory passport to be valid for six months from the date of arrival. It is important to check the list of countries eligible for Sri Lanka ETA before applying.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 30 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Thailand

      All UAE residents will need to apply for a Thailand Pass which takes up to one to two hours when the application is submitted. After submitting the required documents, passengers will receive a QR entry code and a Thailand Pass ID needed for entry. With the UAE included in the Visa Exemption Scheme of Thailand, UAE citizens can stay up to a period of 30 days.
      Flight time: 6 hours and 20 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @clairerose More

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      Emirates Airlines goes digital, phases out paper boarding passes from Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      In another future-forward decision, Emirates Airlines plans to fade out paper boarding passes for flights from Dubai.
      With a vision to make the experience more digitally enabled for the customers, this is a step in the right direction.
      Passengers departing from Dubai with Emirates Airlines will require to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version, from  May 15, 2023, onwards.
      Travellers taking their flights from Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass via email or SMS. Customers of the arilines can check in online and load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the user-friendly Emirates App. The checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers, or available in the Emirates App.
      Not only is this a more convenient approach for the digital-friendly travellers, it will also significantly reduce paper waste. Plus, it will further reduce the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, offering passengers some extra peace of mind when beginning their journey.

      The mobile boarding pass can be used throughout – in Dubai Duty Free, at security and for boarding, simply by showing the boarding pass on the phone. Emirates agents and airport staff will scan the QR code on the mobile boarding pass as passengers move through the airport and onto the airplane.
      While this will cover majority of the travellers, some passengers may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed. For example, those travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, passengers with onwards flights on other airlines and all passengers travelling on flights to the US.
      If the passengers do not have a mobile device, or if they are unable to access the information on their devices for reasons such as: running out of battery power, a system breakdown or glitch, message delivery delay, or inability to access WIFI, network or a data package, they will have the option to print a boarding pass by request to Emirates agents at check-in counters.
      Apart from the convenient check-in and itinerary management, travellers who use the Emirates app can also enjoy the benfits of accessing the digital menus in advance, while curating a playlist of favourite movies, TV shows and music playlists available on ice, which they can synchronise from their app the moment they board to save time.
      UAE Residents can register to use the Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 and speed through Immigration every time they return to Dubai. UAE citizens and residents can use their passport, boarding pass, or a valid UAE ID, while GCC nationals or visitors eligible for visa on arrival can pass through the Smart Gates with a biometric passport.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: @emirates  More

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      Travel to NYC in true luxury with Etihad’s new business class offering

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      4 hours ago

      On June 30, 2022, UAE airline Etihad Airways celebrated the inaugural flight of its new A350-1000 flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International airport (JFK). The 14-hour business class flight offers a seamless experience from the moment you step into the airport to the moment you touch down at JFK. The newly-launched flight accommodates 371 passengers and is one of five new Airbus A350s. Forty-four of the seats are in the business cabin and “provides a luxurious experience comparable to first class on other international airlines,” according to Martin Drew, senior vice-president of Global Sales and Cargo, Etihad Airways.
      Not only does the business cabin provide a plush in-flight experience, but the aircraft itself is also highly efficient, enhancing the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s sustainability goals. “This is an incredible aircraft with highly-efficient fuel consumption and CO2 savings, which enables us to support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests,” Drew explains.
      First Impressions
      With a departure time of 1015, I was picked up from my home in Downtown Dubai by Etihad’s complimentary business class chauffeur service at 0600. It was a smooth and quick journey to the UAE’s capital, with ample time for check-in.
      I arrived at the airport at around 0715 and was welcomed by the friendly Etihad staff at the business class check-in area. An attendant assisted with my bags and led me to the check-in desk where I was shown to a seat while I waited for my bags to be checked and to receive my boarding pass. I presented my passport, along with my ESTA (the visa required to enter the US) and vaccine certificate which I had obtained via the Alhosn app. At the Etihad business class and first class check-in, there is a separate immigration and security section which ensured I got through with plenty of time to spare.

      The Lounge
      I then headed to the Etihad Business Class lounge where I enjoyed some downtime before the long-haul flight. The lounge is expansive with sofa areas, individual seating and dining tables – plenty of options for whatever you need. It was relatively quiet when I entered and the staff were welcoming and friendly, ready to help with anything I needed.
      For F&B offerings, there were a plethora of options at the buffet – everything you could want for a hearty breakfast and a coffee to kickstart your travel day. There were also fully-stocked fridges with soft drinks and other snacks for passengers to help themselves to. The bar was quiet in the early hours of the morning, but it was a welcoming space to relax before a flight.
      Overall, the lounge is a great space for guests to recharge before their flights, get last-minute emails done prior to take-off and enjoy a bite to eat.
      Boarding
      Those travelling to the US from Abu Dhabi need to be mindful of the time when heading to the gate because you’re able to go through US customs whilst physically still in the UAE. This is all done through Etihad’s US pre-clearance, the only United States Customs and Border Protection facility in the Middle East. While it means you need to leave slightly earlier when heading to the gate at Abu Dhabi airport, it saves a huge amount of time and effort when arriving in the US, avoiding immigration and queues. The whole US immigration process went smoothly and I then headed to the gate where I arrived just as business class passengers were being called to board. My ticket was scanned at the gate, and I then headed down the walkway to board the new A350 to New York City.
      The Seat
      Business class is the highest cabin class on the A350 and is complete with 44 seats, all with a generous amount of space. The layout is a standard 1-2-1 layout with cream, brown and gold interiors which gives the cabin a relaxing ambience. It also felt extra spacious as there were no overhead bins in the centre of the cabin – not to worry though, there was no shortage of hand luggage space.
      Business class on Etihad’s new A350
      The seat pods were designed with technology and style in mind with faux marble finishes and the colour hues of the rest of the cabin echoed in the seats. The fold-out table expands out to be approximately 42cm long and 46cm wide, perfect for those who want to work during their flight. There are also several charging spots including a standard power outlet, a USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The seat itself was incredibly comfortable with huge amounts of space and privacy afforded by the double-closing doors of each pod. When fully reclined, the seat turns into a 200cm bed.
      The Flight
      I was welcomed by the friendly Etihad flight attendants who were attentive from the moment I boarded. After making myself comfortable, and ready for take-off, I was given a welcome drink and asked to look at the menu to let them know my meal of choice. We took off in great time, with an effortless transition from the runway and into the air.
      As for entertainment, there were plenty of in-flight movies from all genres to enjoy, as well as television shows and even a few live TV options, all of which could be watched on the 18.5-inch touchscreen TV.
      There was also onboard WiFi. However, business class guests only receive a 350MB complimentary voucher. Thereafter, it’s chargeable with a 24-hour session for 350MB priced at US$29.99.

      Food and drink
      I ordered from the a la carte menu prior to departure and I could choose the time that I wanted to eat my meal. I opted for the Arabic mezze starter which was a great option – filling but not too heavy on a long-haul flight. I then had the truffle pasta which was superb. However, I was sufficiently full, so didn’t opt for dessert.
      Arrival
      The landing was smooth as we touched down at JFK and we made it to the arrival gate ahead of schedule. The whole immigration process was already completed in Abu Dhabi and so we arrived as if we were domestic passengers, heading out through the domestic exit. The whole process was easy and faultless as I headed to get my bags and enjoy a cool 48 hours in New York City.

      Verdict
      From start to finish, the service of the whole Etihad Airways A350-1000 business class was seamless. If you’re due to travel from the UAE to New York City, I couldn’t recommend flying from Abu Dhabi enough, even if you are based in Dubai.
      Price
      Internet rates for return business class flights from AUH to JFK start at Dhs10,740
      For more information visit etihad.com
      This article was originally published on Business Traveller Middle East and has been repurposed here with permission.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      Everything to know about the luxe new Emirates cabin class launching today

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Dubai-based airline Emirates continues to lead the way in aviation.
      At the beginning of June, the carrier announced it was the first Middle Eastern airline to launch a premium economy class set to be “unmatched in the industry”.
      Now, the new Emirates premium economy class has officially launched and is set to be a gamechanger for passengers who can now opt for a more luxurious experience, especially on long-haul flights.
      The new cabin class will be open on popular A380 routes to London, Paris, and Sydney from August 1, 2022. From December onwards, the service will also be available to customers flying to Christchurch, New Zealand.
      “The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better,” Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said.
      [embedded content]
      The new premium economy offers a 2-4-2 cabin layout with additional leg room for maximum circulation for customers during the flight. With a revamped entertainment experience guests can enjoy up to 5,000 music, movies, TV, news, and other content channels, with accessible charging points and a wider dining table.
      To ease the hassle of checking in, the airport will also offer a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, or a self-service check kiosk to avoid long queues.
      For a superior travel experience, Emirates Airlines also recently launched a complimentary at-home check-in service for business and first-class passengers at home, with a nominal fee for economy class passengers.
      For more information visit emirates.com. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Courtesy of Emirates  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Everything to know about Emirates’ luxe new cabin class launching next month

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Dubai-based airline Emirates continues to lead the way in aviation.
      At the beginning of June, the carrier announced it was the first Middle Eastern airline to launch a premium economy class set to be “unmatched in the industry”.
      Now, the new Emirates premium economy class is just a couple of weeks away from officially launching and is set to be a gamechanger for passengers who can now opt for a more luxurious experience, especially on long-haul flights.
      The new cabin class will be open on popular A380 routes to London, Paris, and Sydney from August 1, 2022. From December onwards, the service will also be available to customers flying to Christchurch, New Zealand.
      “The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better,” Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said.
      [embedded content]
      The new premium economy offers a 2-4-2 cabin layout with additional leg room for maximum circulation for customers during the flight. With a revamped entertainment experience guests can enjoy up to 5,000 music, movies, TV, news, and other content channels, with accessible charging points and a wider dining table.
      To ease the hassle of checking in, the airport will also offer a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, or a self-service check kiosk to avoid long queues.
      For a superior travel experience, Emirates Airlines also recently launched a complimentary at-home check-in service for business and first-class passengers at home, with a nominal fee for economy class passengers.
      For more information visit emirates.com. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Courtesy of Emirates, Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More