The UAE is taking another big leap into the future. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has unveiled an AI system called “Eye”, designed to issue work permits almost automatically. The announcement was made during GITEX Global 2025, in line with the country’s push toward digitising government services.

How it works
‘Eye’ uses artificial intelligence to verify key documents, personal photos, passports, and academic credentials, reducing human intervention to only exceptional cases. The aim is to speed up approvals, reduce errors, and cut bureaucratic red tape.

Why it matters
For employers and applicants, this means faster hiring cycles and less waiting. The move strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a digital-forward government and could make the labour market even more competitive and attractive. 

Voices from inside
Rashid Hassan Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at MoHRE, called ‘Eye’ a key step in enhancing the ministry’s services, aligning them with national directives and raising public expectations of government efficiency. 

This rollout accompanies other digital initiatives from MoHRE, including Work Bundle, Ask Data, and Smart Safety Tracker, all aimed at streamlining labour and permit procedures nationwide. 

What to watch next
Will ‘Eye’ really eliminate bottlenecks? Will companies see cost savings? And how will appeal or exception cases be handled? These are the questions many will be watching as the system is rolled out across the UAE.

Norway Chess, the prestigious organiser of elite international chess tournaments, has officially launched a new World Championship series approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Dubbed the Total Chess World Championship Tour, the initiative aims to identify the player who excels across three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

“We are looking for ‘The Total Chess Player’, a versatile, tactically intelligent, and technically skilled athlete who seamlessly adapts to multiple time controls,” said Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and the new championship.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will consist of four tournaments annually, held in different cities worldwide. A pilot tournament is planned for fall 2026, with the first full championship season kicking off in 2027. The overall winner at the final stop will be crowned the official FIDE World Combined Champion.

Tour Structure and Prize Pool

Each of the first three events will carry a minimum prize pool of $750,000, while the Finals, featuring the top four competitors, will award at least $450,000, in addition to performance bonuses for top scores at individual events and across the tour.

The Fast Classic format, featuring 45 minutes plus 30-second increments per move, will receive a classical chess rating, giving players the chance to demonstrate strategic skill in a faster-paced environment.

A New Era for Chess Fans

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed strong support for the initiative: “Chess is already a global phenomenon, but the Total Chess World Championship Tour will bring a new title, faster formats, and engaging broadcasts to captivate both existing fans and new audiences. This complements the traditional World Chess Championship and represents a long-term collaboration with Norway Chess.”

Norway Chess is now inviting host cities, investors, and partners to join discussions about the tour, which promises cutting-edge technology, innovative broadcasts, and an exciting format aimed at broadening the global appeal of chess.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has permanently closed a training centre in the UAE after discovering a series of serious violations, including running an unlicensed nursery and promoting unaccredited educational programmes. Authorities said the facility operated illegally, putting students and young children at risk.

The crackdown followed thorough inspections that revealed multiple offences, from operating without proper educational licences to employing unqualified staff. The centre also failed to meet safety standards, according to the Ministry.

“This action underscores our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed educational operators,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Parents and students must verify an institution’s legitimacy before enrolling to protect themselves and their children.”

Illegal Operations Uncovered

Investigators found that the centre:

• Operated without mandatory licences
• Ran unaccredited courses with no official recognition
• Maintained an unlicensed nursery
• Employed unqualified teachers and trainers
• Violated basic safety regulations

Legal Action Taken

The Ministry has permanently shut the centre, referred its administrators to the Public Prosecution, imposed financial penalties, and blocked its online platforms to prevent further enrolment. Social media accounts promoting the centre’s fake programmes have also been flagged.

A Warning to Parents

Authorities emphasised that unlicensed operators often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, or fabricated reviews to appear legitimate. Parents are urged to check official licences, programme accreditation, and staff qualifications before paying fees or signing contracts.

Red flags include unusually low fees, pressure to enrol immediately, vague answers about accreditation, and absence of a verifiable physical campus.

How to Verify Institutions

• Ministry Website: Check the database of licensed institutions and accredited programmes.
• Customer Happiness Centre: Call 800511 to confirm licence status, programme recognition, and any complaints.

Enrolling in unlicensed institutions can result in invalid certificates, wasted fees, and career setbacks, the Ministry said.

“Legitimate institutions welcome verification. If an operator hesitates or provides vague responses, it’s a major red flag,” the statement added.

Parents and students are reminded: take two minutes to verify licences before enrolling. It could save years of wasted time and thousands of dirhams.