News

RTA adds one year to operating life of limousines

Published

4 years ago

March 3, 2022

Spread the love

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is taking steps to support the private sector companies that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The authority has added one year to the prescribed operating life of registered limousines that will fall due for replacement in 2022-2024.
The RTA believes that the sector plays an important role in maintaining the economic activity.
Four categories of vehicles will benefit from the decision: regular limousines, luxury cars, seven-seater family cars and Long Wheelbase limousines.

“RTA places high value on the integration between the public and private sectors, and its role in driving the economic prosperity of the emirate. The step translates the vision of the government, which prioritises the support of the business community, and facilitates the conduct of business, which will also raise the profile of Dubai as a global hub for investment and trade,” said Adel Shakeri, director of planning and business development, Public Transport Agency, RTA.
The decision to increase the operational life of luxury transport vehicles shows the dynamic flexibility of RTA’s approach to challenges facing its partners in the private sector. It also reflects its keenness to come up with solutions that boost their confidence in the private business structures as well as the promising prospects for the Dubai economy.
“RTA always seeks to support its partners in different ways. Given the circumstances to which luxury transport companies were exposed, RTA opted to review the operational lifespan of vehicles, while sticking to the service and quality standards as well as the safety and security conditions in place. The step is taken in the context of RTA’s objectives to facilitate the practising and sustainability of business,” added Shakeri.

Business

UAE warns public as two unlicensed investment firms flagged by regulator

Published

15 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has issued a fresh investor alert, warning the public about two companies operating without the required licences.

In a statement on Friday, December 12, the authority identified XC Market Limited and XCE Commercial Brokers LLC as unlicensed entities, noting that both firms are conducting financial activities without SCA approval.

The regulator stressed that the companies are not authorised to carry out regulated investment services or offer any related financial products in the UAE. It also clarified that it bears no responsibility for any transactions conducted with the firms.

The warning follows a series of recent alerts as part of the SCA’s ongoing push to combat fraudulent operators. Earlier this month, the authority cautioned investors about Global Capital Securities Trading, which was posing as a licensed trading firm. On December 3, it also flagged an entity calling itself the Gulf Higher Authority for Financial Conduct, which was found using a misleading website and falsely claiming regulatory status.

The SCA reiterated that investors should verify the licensing status of any company before engaging in financial dealings, as the regulator continues monitoring for unlicensed operators and cloned platforms targeting the UAE market.

News

UAE announces January 1, 2026, as official New Year holiday for private sector

Published

17 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Private-sector employees across the UAE will enjoy a long weekend to ring in 2026, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirming that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday.

The announcement comes in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for both government and private-sector workers.

Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, private-sector offices will resume work on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Public sector schedule

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed the holiday for federal government employees. Federal ministries and entities will be closed on Thursday, with Friday, January 2, 2026, designated as a remote-work day, except for roles that require on-site presence.

Sharjah authorities have also announced the New Year holiday in line with the national schedule.

The unified holiday ensures residents across the UAE can welcome the new year with a mid-week break and extended family time.

News

UAE traffic alert: Plan your journey as diversions announced on Emirates Road

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Emirates Road beginning Thursday, December 11, as part of ongoing development works aimed at improving road efficiency and easing traffic flow in the area.

As part of the plan, the slip road for motorists travelling from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Dhaid at Interchange No. 7 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will instead be redirected to alternative routes to support smoother vehicle movement and ensure road user safety.

Drivers are advised to use Interchange No. 6 and the new Khorfakkan Road tunnel as substitutes during the closure.

The ministry thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of following traffic instructions, adhering to directional signs installed at the site, and maintaining safe driving throughout the diversion period.