News

‘I AM TRYING TO GUIDE THE YOUNGSTERS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE,’ SAYS DUBAI CAPITALS’ SIKANDAR RAZA

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

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The Dubai Capitals will take confidence from their performance in the first two matches of the DP World ILT20 when they take the field against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the game, Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza said, “I do my homework on all the players in the squad, especially if I am playing with them for the first time. Jake (Fraser-McGurk) has had a fantastic BBL, Max (Holden) has had a great County season as well. UAE wicketkeeper-batter Vrittya (Aravind) has hit back-to-back centuries against Nepal. So, as a senior, you show your support by approaching these players and giving them confidence, letting them know that you are tracking their progress,” said the star all-rounder.

Raza also shared his thoughts on how the ILT20 will benefit the UAE players, “Having such domestic leagues will help the young players learn better and quicker. The UAE players have a real chance of building a good cricket team. It’s because of leagues like the ILT20 that they are getting to rub shoulders with some of the best cricketers in the world.”

The Zimbabwean all-rounder showered praise on the Dubai Capitals skipper David Warner, and disclosed how the Australian two-time World Cup winner presents himself in the dressing room, “It’s lovely to play in the same team as David Warner. Since he has joined the team, I have been trying to learn as much as I can from him. He has a great understanding of the game, and as a captain, he’s quite calm and very informative.”

Health

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re travelling from the UAE to India, there’s a new travel requirement you shouldn’t miss.

India has introduced Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration system for all international arrivals. The form must be completed within 24 hours before your flight and is required before passengers are allowed to board.

The new system was introduced by India’s civil aviation authorities as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

What is Air Suvidha 2.0?

Air Suvidha 2.0 is an online self-declaration portal where travellers must provide their recent travel and health information before flying to India.

Passengers will be asked to submit details including:

Their travel history over the past 21 days
Any possible exposure to infectious diseases
Whether they are experiencing any related symptoms

Once the form is submitted, it is automatically shared with the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Is the form mandatory?

Yes. All international passengers travelling to India are required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before boarding their flight.

Airlines may ask passengers to show proof that the form has been submitted before allowing them to travel.

Do you need a printed copy?

No. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a confirmation by email, which can simply be shown on a mobile phone upon arrival in India. There’s no need to carry a printed copy.

Completing the form in advance also helps speed up the arrival process by reducing paperwork at the airport.

Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

India

Waiting for Indian passport services in the UAE? Here’s the latest update

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to wait a little longer for regular passport, visa and attestation services to resume.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that they will continue offering only emergency consular services until July 1, extending the temporary suspension of routine services by an additional day.

In a post on the missions’ official X account, the embassy said emergency requests for passports, visas, attestation and other consular services will continue to be processed during the transition period.

Why the delay?

The extension comes as the Indian missions complete the handover of outsourced passport, visa and attestation services to Alhind Tours and Travel LLC, which is set to begin operations in the UAE from July 1.

Under the transition plan, previous service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications after June 25, while regular appointments were suspended from June 26.

The missions said the extension is due to administrative reasons.

Need urgent assistance?

Applicants with emergency requirements can contact the Indian missions through:

Toll-free: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

The embassy said details about the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be announced separately and advised applicants to follow its official social media channels for updates.