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    Dubai’s Metro system to undergo major expansion with introduction of the blue line

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    In a significant move to enhance Dubai’s public transportation, plans are in motion for the introduction of an entirely new metro line – the Dubai Metro Blue Line.
    This forthcoming addition will seamlessly connect with the existing Red and Green Lines, marking a major expansion in the city’s metro network.
    The Blue Line is set to cover a total length of 30 kilometers, adding a diverse dimension to the current metro landscape. What’s particularly fascinating is that, unlike its predecessors, approximately 15.5 kilometers of this new line will run underground, while the remaining 14.5 kilometers will traverse above ground.

    Get ready for an enhanced Dubai Metro experience! ✨New lines and over 70 stations.
    Say hello to the Purple Line, Blue Line, Yellow Line, and Pink Line.The future of transportation is here!..#InvesQ #Dubai #UAE #Metro #DubaiMetro #ExpansionPlans #NewLines #PublicTransport pic.twitter.com/ZbfoUe0Auv
    — InvesQ Property Brokerage L.L.C (@InvesQ_AE) June 25, 2023

    The proposed route will incorporate a total of 14 stations, aimed at enhancing accessibility and convenience for commuters. Among these stations, seven will be elevated, providing panoramic views of the city, while five will be situated underground, offering shelter from the elements.
    Although the project is still in its initial stages, it undoubtedly promises an exciting future for public transport users in Dubai.
    The expansion of the Red and Green Lines was previously announced last October, and now, the revelation of the Blue Line underscores Dubai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its metro system. More

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    New Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will ease travel across the region

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    31 mins ago

    The Schengen-style approach will allow travellers to roam across all GCC countries in a hassle-free manner.
    Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. After this change is implemented, tourists from across the globe can plan a trip to all these countries without worrying about multiple visas.

    The important announcement came under light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain said,”We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us.”
    Pointing to last year’s FIFA World Cup as a successful “test pilot” in terms of GCC collaboration, she further added, “We have huge opportunity, the effort is in how to unify all the countries in the GCC. We had 9.9 million visitors in 2022. How? There was one key initiative that year, we started to co-promote Bahrain as a unified destination with the GCC.

    With tourism becoming a major money-making arm across GCC, this initiative will further accelerate the revenue that travellers bring in.
    While there is yet to be an announcement about the offical implementation and the timeline, but so far, this unified effort feels like a step in the right direction.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    UAE Green Visa: Here’s how freelancers and skilled workers can get 5-year residency

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    If you want to move to UAE without being tied to an employer, the UAE Green visa is tailor-made for you.
    UAE’s Green visa allows its holder to sponsor themselves for 5 years without the requirement of a UAE national or employer to do the same.
    As per Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO), the vision behind this new visa is to make the job market more felxible and invite extraordinary talent from across the globe to UAE. It comes with  not just a long-term residency solution but also serves more benefits to the families of the visa holder, as opposed to those with a standard residence visa.

    Who is eligible for this visa?
    Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for a Green visa.
    Benefits of the Green Visa
    Removes  the need for employment to reside in the UAE.
    Allows sponsorship for sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age.
    The Green Visa also offers an extended grace period of six months after the 5-year validity is over.
    Application criterias for freelancers and/or self-employed people
    Freelancers and/or self-employed need to submit a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources.
    Emiratisation proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma.
    Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
    Application criterias for Skilled employees
    Must have a valid employment contract.
    Should be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources.
    Hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
    Have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.
    Application criteria for investors
    Approval from the ICP on the investment as per the investors’ rating system.
    Investment proof, if the investor/partner has more than one licence, the total invested capital will be calculated accordingly.
    Approval from competent local authorities.
    Green Visa process and cost
    Visit www.gdrfad.gov.ae or download the GDRFA-Dubai application.
    Create a new user account.
    Select the required service – Issuance of entry permit for green residence under Entry Permissions
    Click on the relevant subcategory: Skilled worker, investor, partner or freelance work
    Attach the required documents
    Pay the fees due for the service (Dhs2,280)
    Submit the request
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Instagram More