Patients travelling to Dubai for medical treatment could soon enjoy a faster and more seamless experience under a new partnership between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The two entities have signed an agreement aimed at streamlining medical visa procedures and improving the patient journey from arrival to recovery.

Under the partnership, healthcare and residency services will be more closely integrated, making it easier for international patients to access treatment in Dubai. The initiative will also strengthen coordination between visa processing, healthcare providers and insurance systems.

A key focus is on enhancing digital integration between the two organisations, allowing medical visa applications to be processed more efficiently through the Dubai Health Experience network.

Officials said the collaboration could pave the way for future innovations, including a smart medical visa and proactive digital services designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the partnership reflects Dubai’s vision of creating connected government services that put people first.

Meanwhile, Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of the DHA, said health tourism is about more than medical care, adding that accessibility, convenience and quality of service are equally important parts of the patient experience.

The initiative supports Dubai’s broader ambitions to strengthen its position as a global healthcare and medical tourism destination while delivering faster, smarter and more integrated services for visitors seeking treatment in the emirate.

Dubai has introduced a comprehensive new framework regulating the use of cameras during the documentation of violations and the execution of judicial judgments, decisions and orders, placing a strong emphasis on privacy protection, transparency and secure handling of recorded data.

The resolution, issued by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, establishes clear rules on where recordings can take place, how footage must be managed and the responsibilities of both government entities and enforcement officers.

Strict limits on where recording is allowed

One of the most significant aspects of the new resolution is its focus on safeguarding personal privacy.

Under the new rules, recording is strictly prohibited in locations considered highly private, including homes, places of worship, changing rooms and similar spaces where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

The resolution also requires that individuals be informed whenever a recording is taking place, reinforcing transparency and ensuring people are aware when camera equipment is being used during official procedures.

Mandatory training for officers

Officials authorised to use body cameras must undergo specialised training before being granted judicial enforcement powers.

The training programme will cover legal and ethical responsibilities, privacy protection requirements, proper documentation of violations, enforcement procedures and the secure handling, storage and transfer of recorded footage.

Authorities say the objective is to ensure officers understand both the operational and privacy implications of using recording devices in the course of their duties.

Secure storage and data protection

The resolution introduces strict standards for the storage and management of recordings.

All footage must be stored electronically using encrypted systems designed to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, tampering or data breaches.

Government entities are required to comply with relevant Dubai laws as well as cybersecurity standards established by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre. These requirements cover information security, data retention, access controls and business continuity procedures.

Responsibilities of government entities

Under the new framework, government organisations must:

• Store all recordings securely in electronic systems.
• Maintain the confidentiality of recorded material.
• Ensure footage is only accessed, shared or used with written authorisation and for approved purposes.
• Create and maintain databases identifying authorised users and their access privileges.
• Ensure employees and authorised personnel comply with privacy protection standards.
• Provide appropriate training before officers receive enforcement authority.

Rules for officers using cameras

The resolution also outlines clear obligations for enforcement personnel.

Officers must:

• Use recording devices solely for official duties.
• Follow instructions issued by their government entity.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding recorded material.
• Share recordings only with authorised parties or their respective government authority.

Importantly, officers are prohibited from copying, storing or transferring recordings onto personal devices or unauthorised systems. They are also forbidden from using footage for personal purposes or any activity outside the scope of their official responsibilities.

Private contractors also covered

The regulations extend beyond government departments and also apply to private companies contracted to provide services related to enforcement activities.

These organisations must comply with the same privacy, security and confidentiality requirements established under the resolution.

The resolution takes effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette, with government entities expected to implement the necessary procedures and compliance measures within their respective areas of responsibility.

UAE residents could be in line for another long weekend as the country prepares to mark the Islamic New Year, one of the key public holidays observed nationwide.

The occasion marks the beginning of the year 1448 in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri year. Both public- and private-sector employees are entitled to a paid holiday to commemorate the event.

While the official date has not yet been confirmed, astronomical calculations suggest the Islamic New Year is likely to fall in mid-June 2026. The final determination will depend on lunar observations and the length of Dhu Al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

If Dhu Al Hijjah concludes after 29 days, Muharram 1 is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 16. However, under the UAE’s public holiday framework, holidays that occur in the middle of the working week can be moved to either the beginning or end of the week to create a longer break for residents.

As a result, many observers expect the public holiday to be officially observed on Monday, June 15, creating a three-day weekend for employees across the country.

The Islamic New Year is one of the few holidays in the UAE that is linked directly to the Hijri calendar, which follows the lunar cycle rather than the Gregorian calendar. Because lunar months are either 29 or 30 days long, the exact date of the holiday can vary each year until officially confirmed by authorities.

Although the holiday is generally observed more quietly than Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains an important occasion for Muslims worldwide, marking the historic migration, or Hijrah, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, an event that serves as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

An official announcement confirming the holiday date is expected closer to the occasion, following the customary moon-sighting process.

For UAE residents already planning their 2026 calendars, the Islamic New Year holiday could offer a welcome opportunity for a mid-year break and another long weekend to look forward to.