India’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi awarded Kerala-based Alhind Group a multi-year outsourcing contract to manage consular support services for more than four million Indians living in the UAE. Beginning July 1, Alhind will officially replace BLS International, which has handled Indian consular services in the UAE since 2011.

The company will launch 16 centres across all seven emirates, including smaller cities such as Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan, in one of the largest overhauls of Indian consular operations in the Gulf.

The centres will process passport renewals, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and Indian visa applications, alongside apostille, attestation and Global Entry verification services.

A flat Dh19 service fee above government charges will be applicable when using a new digital back-office system aimed at reducing processing times.

Locations of centres

The locations of all 16 centres. Abu Dhabi will have six branches located in Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi and Al Ain.

Dubai will be served by centres in Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park (DIP), while Sharjah will have locations in Al Majaz and Rolla. Additional centres will operate in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

The Indian Embassy has advised applicants to monitor official channels for updated document checklists and transition procedures. Existing BLS appointments scheduled after June 30 are expected to be shifted automatically to the nearest Alhind centre.

Dubai authorities have rolled out a large-scale security and traffic management plan ahead of the Eid Al Adha holidays, deploying 1,642 patrols, helicopters, marine units and emergency teams across the emirate.

The plan, coordinated by Dubai’s Event Security Committee, covers major mosques, prayer grounds, tourist attractions, shopping centres, beaches and key roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the busy holiday period.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs and Chairperson of the Event Security Committee, said the operation includes 37 land rescue patrols, 29 marine security boats, two helicopters, 160 ambulatory points, 208 Civil Defence vehicles and six operations rooms working around the clock.

Public transport capacity has also been increased, with 106 trains, 14,500 taxis, 18,500 limousine vehicles, 1,400 public buses and 55 marine transport vehicles operating during Eid.

Resident told to follow rules

Authorities urged residents to follow traffic rules, avoid reckless driving and use emergency numbers responsibly. Dubai Police advised the public to call 999 only for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency assistance.

The committee also warned against dangerous activities during Eid celebrations, including speeding in desert areas, unsafe jet ski use near family beaches and allowing children to play with fireworks.

Police to host celebrations

As part of the festivities, Dubai Police and partners will host sports and entertainment activities for workers in areas including Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Satwa and Al Muhaisnah during the first two days of Eid.

Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) has officially taken majority ownership and commercial control of the Abu Dhabi T10, marking one of the biggest changes yet for cricket’s fastest-growing format.

The move transforms the tournament into a fully Abu Dhabi-owned and managed sporting property, backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and supported by the Emirates Cricket Board.

A major new chapter for T10 cricket

Officials say the transition is designed to strengthen governance, attract bigger global audiences and position Abu Dhabi as the long-term home of T10 cricket.

The format, known for its fast-paced 10-over matches and international star power, has quickly built a global following thanks to its shorter games, entertainment-focused style and television-friendly format.

“This marks a new start for a tournament that has already demonstrated global relevance,” said Aref Al Awani, Chairman of the Board, ADCSH and General Secretary, ADSC.

Huge global numbers already

According to organisers, the 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 generated:

• $512 million in media value
• 687 million social media impressions globally

The tournament has also become known for attracting some of the world’s biggest cricket names and dramatic last-over finishes.

2026 tournament dates confirmed

The next edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 will run from:

• November 7 to November 20, 2026
• Hosted at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi

The 2026 season will be the first full tournament under the new ownership structure.

Officials also confirmed that:

• Eight franchises and ownership groups will be invited to participate
• A new “Invitation To Tender” process will open for franchise partnerships
• More details will be announced soon

Bigger ambitions beyond cricket

For Abu Dhabi, the move is about far more than sport.

Leaders say the revamped tournament will help support:

• Tourism growth
• International broadcasting opportunities
• Community sports development
• Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global sports destination

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International, who helped launch the T10 concept, called the transition “an important step” for the future of the format.

Meanwhile, Matt Boucher, who has also been confirmed as the new CEO of the Abu Dhabi T10, said the focus now shifts toward improving governance, player structures and commercial growth to take the event “to the highest summit possible.”

“The Abu Dhabi T10 was born out of Shaji’s bold ambition and has grown into one of the world’s coolest cricket properties,” said Boucher.

As franchise discussions begin under the new structure, Abu Dhabi is making one thing clear: T10 cricket is no longer just a tournament, it is becoming a major long-term sporting asset for the UAE.