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Dh50,000 fine for UAE pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia without Hajj permit

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UAE citizens attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (GAIAZ) will face a fine of Dh50,000, authorities have warned.

The announcement comes as part of intensified efforts to ensure safety, order, and fairness during the upcoming Hajj season.

According to GAIAZ, no UAE pilgrim is allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj unless they have secured a valid permit approved by the authority. This regulation falls under the UAE Cabinet’s Hajj and Umrah System, which manages the fair distribution of Hajj slots through electronic screening and official channels.

“Pilgrims must not risk their safety or resources by bypassing official procedures,” the authority stated, adding that any violations will be the sole responsibility of the offender.

The rule also aims to prevent overcrowding and disruptions to the carefully planned services offered to UAE pilgrims by the official Hajj Affairs Office in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Also Tightens Entry Rules

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has introduced additional penalties this year for those trying to perform Hajj without proper documentation.

  • A fine of up to SAR 20,000 will be imposed on anyone, including visit visa holders, who enter Makkah without a Hajj permit between April 29 (Dhul-Qi’dah 1) and Dhul Hijjah 14 (expected around June 10 or 11, pending moon sighting).
  • Visa sponsors who fail to report expatriates overstaying or attempting Hajj without authorisation could be fined SAR 50,000, jailed for up to six months, and face deportation.

A Clear Message

GAIAZ urges all UAE nationals planning to perform Hajj to strictly comply with regulations and ensure they receive their permits through official channels only.

These strict measures are designed to protect pilgrims and ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Mosaic opens in Dubai, promising smarter marketing decisions for UAE businesses

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Mosaic, an integrated marketing agency, was officially launched in Dubai recently promising a new, more intentional approach to business growth for companies in the UAE. Led by Agency Director Shubhang Bhattacharya and Head of Digital Prasanna Venkat, Mosaic aims to buck a common market trend: businesses that start strong but struggle to scale.

Bhattacharya and Venkat have spent the last decade in the business setup space in Dubai, launching campaigns that helped countless businesses start. This experience has given them a clear vision for Mosaic. 

“So many businesses, no matter how long they’ve been around, try to handle marketing on their own and miss out on huge opportunities,” says Bhattacharya. “Making the right decisions at the right time is a make-or-break moment for any business. We give businesses the expertise to make marketing a cornerstone of their success, not just an afterthought.”

Mosaic’s philosophy centres on making “better decisions” rather than simply chasing bigger budgets. “We’ve seen too many businesses struggle with direction,” adds Venkat. “At Mosaic, our starting point is always the same: what actually creates value for the client, and how do we get there without overcomplicating it?”

Mosaic isn’t waiting around to make an impact. Since its soft launch in February 2025, the agency has already delivered serious results. That includes the “Employee to Entrepreneur” campaign, which pulled in over 23 million impressions, and the launch of the UAE’s first-ever mobile business setup initiative, the “Startup Wagon.” The team also proved its ability to tap into the culture with a simple, silly reel on the Coldplay concert trend that went on to get over 14 million views on Instagram.

The name “Mosaic” is a core tenet of the agency’s operational philosophy. It represents how the team works: bringing distinct, diverse perspectives together to create a result that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

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Early warning: UAE scientists develop AI model that could protect your phone, TV signal and GPS

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Imagine a solar storm so powerful it could disrupt our GPS, knock out satellite signals, and even cause blackouts. While this may sound like science fiction, it’s a very real threat. But now, thanks to scientists in the UAE, we have a powerful new line of defence.

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed a revolutionary AI model that can forecast solar wind speeds up to four days in advance. This groundbreaking system is a significant leap for space science, proving to be 45 per cent more accurate than existing methods.

So, how does it work? Instead of analysing complex data, this AI “reads” high-quality images of the sun captured by NASA satellites. By spotting subtle patterns in these images, it can predict when solar activity will increase, giving us a crucial head start.

This early warning system is vital for protecting the technology we rely on every day. It helps safeguard everything from our satellite TV and phone signals to global navigation systems and power grids.

The development of this technology highlights the UAE’s growing role as a leader in scientific innovation, showing that the next big breakthrough in space and technology might just come from right here in Abu Dhabi.

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Indian expats in UAE, your UPI app just got a major upgrade, no need of separate phone for digital payments

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Big news for the millions of Indians in the UAE: Your UPI app just became a financial powerhouse. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) supercharged daily transaction limits for high-value payments, effective September 15. This is a game-changer for managing your money, from investments to big purchases.

What’s New? The Limits Have Been Boosted

  • Capital Markets & Insurance: You can now make single payments up to Rs5 lakh, with a new daily limit of Rs10 lakh (Rs1 lakh=Dh 4,170).
  • Credit Card Bills: Pay off a single bill up to Rs500,000, with a daily cap of Rs6 lakh.
  • Travel & Loan Repayments: A new daily ceiling of Rs10 lakh makes paying for flights, holidays, and EMIs faster than ever.
  • Jewellery Purchases: A single transaction can now be up to Rs2 lakh, with a Rs6 lakh daily limit.
  • Hospital & Education Fees: The daily cap remains a high Rs1 million, with a per-transaction limit of Rs5 lakh.

Why This Matters for You in the UAE

This update means you can now handle serious financial transactions with the speed and convenience of UPI, without the hassle of cheques or slower bank transfers. Sending money home for investments, paying large insurance premiums, or settling EMIs has never been easier.

A Record-Breaking Era for UPI

These changes come as UPI continues to break records. In August 2025 alone, it processed a staggering 20 billion transactions, a 34% increase year-on-year, with a total value of Rs24.85 trillion. It’s the go-to payment method for millions, and now it’s even more powerful.

Important Security Update

To combat fraud, NPCI is discontinuing the “P2P collect request” feature from October 1. This is a proactive step to protect users from scams, ensuring that only verified merchants can request payments. Your personal transfers (P2P) will remain secure with the existing daily cap of Rs100,000.

The Bottom Line: UPI is no longer just for small, day-to-day payments. It’s a must-have tool for serious financial management, giving you more control and security over your money from the UAE.

No Indian mobile number required 

NRIs in the UAE can now access UPI using their UAE mobile numbers.

Instant, hassle-free payments 

Transfers can be made 24/7 by scanning a QR code or entering a UPI ID/phone number, without needing bank details.

Eligibility

 Users must hold an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account with a participating bank in India.

Registration requirement 

The international number must be linked to the account, with KYC completed.

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