Announcements

Dubai’s retirement plan for foreign expats to begin in July

Published

3 years ago

June 13, 2022

Dubai’s end-of-service savings scheme for expatriates working in government departments will be implemented from July 1, authorities have announced. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the entity responsible for supervising the implementation of the scheme, have held multiple virtual meetings with senior executives from various government entities to discuss the plan. The launch of the scheme was approved in March 2022 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council.

The scheme aims to attract and retain talent by providing an integrated system that offers various savings opportunities for employees to secure their present and future.

The scheme conceptualised after the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) plan, targets expatriates in Dubai government entities in the first stage, with the scope of expanding its implementation in later stages. Alya Hussain AlZarouni, executive vice-president – Operations, DIFC Authority, said: “This comprehensive savings plan is utilised for retirement planning and aligns with global best practices. The approach is a first for the region and over time, we expect other cities and countries to adopt a similar approach in the coming years.

“Together with industry leaders such as Equiom, Zurich and Mercer, we will continue to provide a best-in-class offering, reforming the workplace savings landscape.”

Mohammad AlHawi, director of Policies and Strategies, Economic Development at the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the scheme will play a “key role” in enhancing the economic and social stability that the government offers its employees.

Iman Saleh bin Khatam, director of Policy and Programme Support of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said: “The savings scheme will enable employers to manage and fund the end-of-service benefits efficiently while offering foreign employees a way to save and invest with confidence. With DEWS, we empower employees to take control of their financial future.”

Announcements

Dubai traffic alert: Key roads, including Sheikh Zayed Road, to close on New Year’s Eve

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Staff Reporter

Dubai will implement gradual road closures on New Year’s Eve, including major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, starting from 4 PM on December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Residents and visitors planning to visit Downtown Dubai or other popular fireworks destinations are advised to begin their journeys early and rely on public transport, said Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the RTA. He urged those not attending festivities in these areas to leave early and reminded guests with bookings near the celebrations to arrive before 4 PM.

The road closure schedule includes:

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: From 4 PM
Financial Centre Street (Lower Deck): From 4 PM
Al Mustaqbal Street: From 4 PM
Burj Khalifa Street: From 4 PM
Al Asayel Road (Oud Metha to Burj Khalifa): From 4 PM
Al Sukuk Street: From 8 PM
Upper Level of Financial Road: From 8 PM
Sheikh Zayed Road: Gradual closure from 11 PM

To accommodate workers and ensure safety, authorities have designated viewing zones featuring large screens and meal services in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs. Dedicated family-only viewing areas have also been arranged, with additional details forthcoming.

Enhanced Parking Facilities

The RTA has arranged approximately 20,000 additional parking spaces at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, and Emaar Boulevard to cater to visitors. Alternative parking options at Al Wasl and the GDRFA parking lots will also be available, with free shuttle buses provided for convenience.

Metro users can park at Centerpoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations for easier access to celebration venues. Note that the Dubai Water Canal Footbridge and elevators will close at 4 PM.

Citywide Celebrations

As Dubai rings in 2025, a total of 36 locations across the city will host spectacular celebrations. Highlights include fireworks displays at Burj Park, Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach at JBR, and Hatta.

Authorities encourage the public to use public transport and plan their journeys in advance to enjoy a smooth and memorable New Year’s Eve.

Announcements

Dubai Metro rolls Out 43-hour nonstop operations for New Year’s Eve

Published

3 days ago

December 24, 2024

Staff Reporter

Dubai Metro and Tram services will operate nonstop for over 43 hours starting December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

This initiative is designed to alleviate congestion during New Year celebrations, encouraging the public to rely on public transport for a smoother journey. Dubai Metro will run continuously from 5 AM on December 31 until the end of January 1, while Dubai Tram will operate from 6 AM on December 31 until 1 AM on January 2.

Additionally, the RTA will deploy a fleet of 1,400 buses, available free of charge, to further support public transportation. The RTA, highlighted that the extended Metro and Tram services, increased parking facilities, and free bus rides are part of the authority’s efforts to provide convenient travel options and reduce traffic congestion for celebrators.

Announcements

Traffic Relief: Dubai opens new bridge, slashes travel time from 15 to 3 minutes

Published

3 days ago

December 24, 2024

Staff Reporter

A new 1km bridge opened on Sunday in Dubai, greatly easing traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

The two-lane bridge has reduced travel time from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to just three minutes, the RTA added. The bridge ensures a “seamless” traffic connection to Dubai’s city centre and Dubai International Airport.

RTA also announced that 54 per cent of the Dh689 million Hessa Street development project, which includes upgrades of four major intersections, has been completed. All intersections are expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

#RTA opens a key bridge connecting Hessa Street to Al Khail Road. Spanning 1,000 metres, the bridge is part of a major project to develop four intersections along Hessa Street. It significantly reduces travel time between the two streets from 15 minutes to just 3 minutes while… pic.twitter.com/4aB2L2yEJ7
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 22, 2024

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the Hessa Street development project, spanning 4.5km from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Khail Road, represents a continuation of efforts to develop road infrastructure to keep pace with the emirate of Dubai’s continuous growth.