Dubai is set to welcome a one-of-a-kind falcon market and a spectacular new lighting experience along Dubai Creek after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a series of major development projects aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural, tourism and public spaces.

The new initiatives, announced by Dubai Municipality, include the Dubai Falcon Market, the first integrated falcon market of its kind in the region, and the Dubai Creek Lighting Project, which will transform one of the city’s oldest landmarks into a vibrant night-time destination.

Region’s first integrated falcon market

Designed to celebrate the UAE’s rich falconry heritage, the Dubai Falcon Market will combine tradition with modern architecture inspired by the wings of a falcon.

Spanning around 50,000 square feet and built at an estimated cost of Dh50 million, the market will feature specialist falcon shops, equipment stores, cultural exhibition spaces, heritage events, a dedicated veterinary clinic and visitor experiences, all within a purpose-built destination showcasing one of the country’s most treasured traditions.

The project also forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to develop rural and desert areas while preserving Emirati heritage and creating new attractions for residents and tourists.

Dubai Creek to shine with new night-time experience

Dubai Creek, one of the emirate’s most historic waterfronts, is also set for a major makeover.

The Dubai Creek Lighting Project will introduce an innovative lighting system stretching across 8km of the creek, illuminating promenades, heritage markets, waterfront walkways, building façades and key entry points.

The aim is to transform the area into a lively evening destination while highlighting its architectural and cultural significance.

Once completed, visitors can expect enhanced pedestrian areas, interactive public spaces and a striking visual experience designed to bring new life to the historic district after sunset.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

Commenting on the projects, Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai remains committed to developing people-focused urban spaces that combine innovation, sustainability and advanced technology while preserving the emirate’s identity and cultural heritage.

The latest initiatives form part of Dubai’s long-term vision to create world-class public spaces, strengthen the tourism and creative sectors, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

India will increase passport issuance and renewal fees by as much as 75% from 1 July, according to amendments to the Passport Rules notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The revision, announced through a gazette notification issued on 20 June, marks the first major increase in passport fees since 2012. The move comes a day after the Indian government clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as proof of citizenship.

How much will a new passport cost?

Under the revised rates, a standard 36-page passport will cost Rs2,500 under the normal scheme, up from Rs1,500. Applications under the Tatkaal (expedited) scheme will rise from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000.

A 60-page passport will now cost Rs3,500 under the normal process and Rs6,000 under Tatkaal, compared with the current Rs2,000 and Rs4,000 respectively.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), fees will also increase significantly, with a standard 36-page passport rising from $75 to $125 and a 60-page passport from $100 to $175.

Higher charges for lost or damaged passports

Applicants seeking a replacement for a lost or damaged 36-page passport will have to pay Rs5,000 under the normal scheme and Rs7,500 under Tatkaal, up from Rs3,000 and Rs5,000 respectively.

For a 60-page passport, the fee will rise to Rs6,000 under the normal process and Rs8,500 under Tatkaal.

What about children’s passports?

Passport fees for minors have also been revised upward.

For applicants below 18 years of age, a fresh 36-page passport will now cost Rs1,750 under the normal scheme and Rs4,250 under Tatkaal, compared with the current rates of Rs1,000 and Rs3,000.

The cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport for minors has also increased, with fees now set at Rs4,250 under the normal scheme and Rs6,750 under Tatkaal.

Changes to other passport-related services

The government has also increased charges for services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification and other passport-related certificates.

The fee for these services will now be Rs750 under the normal scheme. For NRIs, the charge will be $40.

Any relief for applicants?

The revised framework introduces a 10% discount on fresh passport applications for children up to eight years of age and senior citizens aged above 60.

However, the concession will apply only to new passport applications and not to passport reissues.

Why does it matter?

The increase represents the first passport fee revision in 14 years and will affect millions of applicants in India and abroad. With fees rising across nearly all categories, the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport is set to become significantly higher from July 1.

Sharjah City Municipality has announced that paid public parking hours across the emirate will be extended until midnight from July 1, 2026, in a move aimed at addressing rising demand for parking spaces.

The new timings will apply to all paid parking areas in Sharjah, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, including zones marked with yellow signboards. These will now operate in line with blue-zone areas, which already remain chargeable until 12am.

The municipality said parking will remain free on Fridays and official public holidays, except in designated areas where charges apply throughout the week, including holidays. In total, the revised system covers around 124,000 paid parking spaces across the emirate.

Under the new rules, parking fees will be applicable from 8am to midnight, although operating mechanisms may vary in certain smart parking zones, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.

Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah City Municipality, said the decision follows a detailed study of parking usage patterns, occupancy levels and demand across different parts of the emirate. He added that the review also included benchmarking against other systems and feedback from residents and visitors.

He said growing commercial, economic and tourism activity had increased pressure on parking availability, particularly in the evening hours, making extended operation necessary to improve turnover and reduce congestion.

According to the municipality, the change is also intended to address difficulties faced by residents, subscription holders and visitors—especially those visiting restaurants and cafes—who often struggle to find parking after 10pm.

Officials said the extended hours are expected to improve space availability, reduce illegal or informal parking, and enhance traffic flow in busy commercial and residential districts. The move is also aimed at supporting Sharjah’s broader appeal as a place to live and visit.

The municipality clarified that there will be no increase in seasonal parking subscription fees. Existing subscribers will effectively receive two additional hours of daily coverage, with the current 14-hour free window increasing to 16 hours.

Motorists have been urged to comply with the updated timings and use official payment channels, including SMS services and the Sharjah Digital app. The municipality also encouraged residents to make use of seasonal parking permits available through its online services.