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Planning to renew visa in Dubai? Better check your traffic fines first

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Authorities in Dubai have launched a pilot initiative that requires residents to clear outstanding traffic fines before renewing or applying for residency visas.

According to Khaleej Times, the move, led by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), aims to promote road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, according to top officials. While the system introduces a new checkpoint in the visa process, it does not impose a complete block on renewals. Instead, it prompts individuals to settle fines either in full or through flexible instalment plans before completing their visa transactions.

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, emphasized that the measure is not meant to restrict residents. “The goal is not to penalize, but to gently remind people to pay their dues,” he said. “Each case is handled individually, and the system offers payment flexibility to accommodate different circumstances.”

Officials say thousands of cases were reviewed before rolling out the pilot programme, with user-friendliness and accessibility as key considerations. Residents visiting GDRFA service centres will be guided through the fine settlement process and, in many cases, offered the option of paying in instalments.

Currently, the initiative is being implemented on a trial basis and is not yet applicable at all service centres — including those at Dubai International Airport.

This is not the first time the UAE has considered linking government services with outstanding fines. In 2014, the Ministry of Interior announced a similar plan that tied visa renewals to the clearance of unpaid traffic penalties.

The new system reflects a broader effort by Dubai’s authorities to streamline services while encouraging responsible civic behaviour among residents.

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Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

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August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

  • Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
  • Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
  • Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

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UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.

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