News

President MBZ announces more relief measures to support low-income UAE citizens

Published

4 years ago

July 4, 2022

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ABU DHABI (WAM) – In a welcome relief from the tightening economy squeeze for Emiratis, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the restructuring of the Social Welfare Progarmme of low-income citizens into an integrated programme worth AED28 billion instead of AED14 billion.

The move aimed at raising the annual social support allocation from AED2.7 billion to AED5 billion.

The programme, overseen by the Ministry of Community Development, covers various social aspects for national families with limited income, including the head of the family allowance, the wife allowance, and the children allowance. The programme also covers financial support for housing and other basic needs such as food, water, electricity and fuel, in addition to temporary financial support for unemployed job seeker, and unemployed citizens over the age of 45.

Introducing new allowances

The programme has introduced four new allowances: housing allowance, university education allowance, the allowance for unemployed citizens over the age of 45, and the allowance for the unemployed job seekers.

Housing allowance: The new programme includes a housing allowance between AED1,500 to AED2,500 per month until the family obtains government housing.

Applicants who live with their parents or any other family are entitled to 60% of these amounts. This allowance does not apply to those who obtain government housing subsidy or own a house registered in their names. Beneficiaries will stop receiving this allowance once acquiring government housing.

For illustrative purposes only

University education allowance: An allowance of AED3,200 per month will be allocated to outstanding high school students enrolled in university studies (according to the requirements of the Education and Human Resources Council). The allowance also includes students enrolled in diploma and university education programmes according to the allowances of children for each family (between AED2,400 and AED800) up to the age of 25.

Allowance to unemployed citizens over the age of 45: It is one of the new financial subsidies within the social welfare programme, where a fixed subsidy is granted starting from AED2000 to AED5000 per month according to the age of the unemployed citizens.

Allowance for unemployed job seekers: This allowance extends for a period of six months, and amounts to AED5000 per month for each beneficiary, regardless of his age.

Increasing allowances

The social welfare programme has been keen to increase the allowances allocated to all family members, including the three current allowances: the allowance for the head of the family, the one for the wife, and the one for children.

The allowance for the family head has been increased to start from AED5,000 per month and then increase at a rate of AED2,000 per month for every 10 years of work experience until it reaches AED13,000. Whereas the head of the family in the age group of 21-30 years receives an amount of AED5000 per month, and the allowance increases for the age group from 30-40 years to reach AED7000, and the age group from 40-50 years is AED9,000, and the age group from 50-60 years to reach AED11,000, and the age group of those over 60 years old, which amounts to AED13,000 per month.
The wife’s allowance has been raised to AED3,500, with the aim of raising the social support that low-income national families receive.
The social welfare programme includes increasing the children allowance to AED2,400 per month for the first child, AED1,600 per month for the second and third child, and AED800 for the fourth child or more, and it shall be disbursed up to the age of 21 years.

Inflation allowance

The programme includes three types of allowances: food, electricity and water, and fuel subsidies.

The government will bear 75% of food price inflation, as a commitment to provide the necessary assistance to Emirati families to enable them to meet their living requirements and provide them with a decent life.
Electricity and water subsidy worth 50% for electricity consumption less than 4,000 kilowatts, and monthly subsidy for water consumption less than 26,000 gallons.
The programme provides a monthly subsidy of 85% of the fuel price increase over AED2.1 per litre. The head of the family receives a monthly subsidy of 300 litres, while the working wife receives a subsidy of an additional 200 litres. Meanwhile, the head of the family receives a subsidy of 400 litres if the wife does not receive support.

Related Topics:#UAE Emirati Featured fuel inflation MBZ measures Oil petrol Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed subsidy

Staff Reporter

India

Indian passport fees increase in UAE: Here’s the new price list

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to pay more for passport and related consular services from July 1, following a revision in fees announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The new charges apply to passport applications submitted through the embassy, consulate and the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Why are the fees increasing?

The revised charges follow updated passport rules introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 20. The new fee structure applies to Indian passport services worldwide, including in the UAE.

What are the new passport fees?

The revised fees are as follows:

36-page passport (new or renewal): Dh450
60-page passport (new or renewal): Dh630
36-page Tatkal passport: Dh900
60-page Tatkal passport: Dh1,080
Replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh900
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh1,350
Replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,080
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,530

Who will be affected?

The revised fees apply to all eligible passport applications submitted from July 1, including:

New passport applications.
Passport renewals.
Tatkal (urgent) applications.
Replacement of lost or damaged passports.

What should applicants do?

If you’re planning to apply for or renew your Indian passport in the UAE, check the revised fees before booking your appointment.

The updated charges will apply at:

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

With around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE, the revised fee structure will affect one of the country’s largest overseas communities.

News

How DP World ILT20 helped UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer reach international cricket

Published

7 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”

News

Dubai churches fully reopen from July 1: What worshippers need to know

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Two of Dubai’s largest Catholic churches have resumed full operations, ending temporary restrictions introduced in April and allowing parishioners to return to normal church activities.

Here’s what has changed.

Which churches have reopened?

The following churches are now fully open from July 1:

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oud Metha
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

Both churches confirmed they are resuming all parish activities following the latest directives from the authorities.

What restrictions have been lifted?

Parishioners can now:

Attend all Masses and services.
Participate in parish activities and community events.
Return to regular church life without the temporary attendance restrictions.

Why were restrictions introduced?

The measures, announced in April, were aimed at preventing overcrowding and included:

Suspension of outdoor church activities.
Weekend Masses limited to adults aged 18 and above.
Mandatory online registration.
No entry for children or unregistered visitors.
Livestreamed Masses for those unable to attend.

Are any guidelines still in place?

Yes. While churches have fully reopened, worshippers are encouraged to continue following any applicable guidelines and to be respectful and considerate of others during services.

What does this mean for parishioners?

The reopening restores normal parish life, allowing families and worshippers to once again take part in religious services, community events and other church activities without the temporary restrictions.