VFS Global, the leading provider of outsourcing and technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, is set to relocate its visa application centres in Dubai’s Wafi Mall to a new, upgraded space within the same complex starting March 17

The visa centres, currently operating in Phase 2 of Wafi Mall, will move to Phase 5- Horus, First Floor, Umm Hurrair 2, Dubai. 

Travellers with pre-booked appointments have been urged to double-check their appointment details to avoid confusion. 

VFS Global manages visa, passport, and consular services for various countries, making the application process more streamlined for travellers.

Tips for a stress-free Schengen visa application:

Planning that dream European getaway? Don’t let visa stress ruin it. Follow these must-know tips to breeze through your Schengen visa application:

APPLY EARLY
Why wait till the last minute? You can apply up to six months in advance — the sooner, the better.

CHECK PROCESSING TIME
Peak season means longer waits! Embassy and consulate processing times are listed on www.vfsglobal.com — so don’t get caught off guard.

Don’t miss  any documents
No paperwork, no visa! Use the official checklist at www.vfsglobal.com to gather every required document. Bonus tip: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

Book an appointment
Visa slots fill up fast! Secure your appointment online and arrive at least 15 minutes early—one missed slot could mean a major delay!

Keep a track
Once your application is in, track it online. Get updates on when your passport is ready for collection or delivery.

(Source: GN)

Flying just got a whole lot safer. Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, is rolling out state-of-the-art telemedicine stations on its planes — meaning passengers who fall ill mid-flight can now get instant medical support at 35,000 feet.

The airline has poured over $2.4 million into developing this cutting-edge equipment with Parsys Telemedicine, ensuring that its cabin crew can handle medical emergencies. The system will be installed on 300 aircraft in the coming years.

Support from ground medical team

The new Parsys Telemedicine Kit is packed with next-gen medical gadgets, including a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and even a full ECG machine. The best part? Readings are automatically sent via Bluetooth to a special device, so crew members won’t need to jot down notes or struggle with relaying information manually.

All this data is then beamed straight to Emirates’ 24/7 Ground Medical Support team in Dubai, where doctors can assess the situation in real time and guide the crew on the next steps.

Game-changer for inflight emergencies

With high-definition video conferencing, remote medical assessments, and secure data transmission, this next-gen system could be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a passenger feeling unwell or a full-blown emergency, crew members will now have instant access to professional medical advice, making flying safer than ever before.

(Source: emirates.com)

Dubai is set to become an even more dazzling city as stunning artwork takes over its public spaces and residential areas and turns the city into an open-air art museum. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has partnered with the Dubai Municipality to enhance the city’s visual identity by bringing more artistic experiences to public spaces and residential areas. This collaboration aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which focuses on sustainable urban development designed around people.

Under this new agreement, Dubai Culture will oversee the selection of artworks and installations, ensuring they align with the city’s beautification plan. Meanwhile, the Dubai Municipality will identify prime locations and coordinate with authorities to secure the necessary approvals for these public art projects.

Turning Dubai into Open-Air Art Museum

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of this initiative in transforming Dubai’s streets and public spaces into an open-air art museum. She highlighted that this move will support local artists, promote creativity, and boost Dubai’s reputation as a cultural and artistic hub.

“Through our Public Art Strategy, we aim to empower artists, enhance the local art scene,” Badri stated.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, echoed these sentiments, saying: “This partnership is a key step in integrating art with urban development. We want to ensure Dubai remains a global city of creativity and innovation.”

He further added that these artistic landmarks will enrich the city’s public spaces, making Dubai a world-class model for sustainable and people-focused urban design.

A More Beautiful, Creative City

Residents and visitors can soon look forward to breathtaking artistic displays in their everyday surroundings, making Dubai a vibrant and visually stunning city like never before.

(Source: Wam)