President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, have extended warm Diwali greetings to the UAE’s Indian community and all those celebrating the Festival of Lights worldwide.

The messages underscore the UAE leadership’s recognition of the country’s diverse multicultural fabric and the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora.

Presidential greetings

In a message posted on his X account, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “Best wishes to all those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May the coming year bring peace, health, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.”

The President’s greetings acknowledge both the local Indian community and global celebrations of the festival, which marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Dubai Ruler’s wishes

Sheikh Mohammed also extended his wishes through social media.

“Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali!” the Dubai Ruler wrote.

Significance for UAE’s Indian community

The Diwali greetings from the UAE’s top leadership hold special significance for the country’s substantial Indian expatriate population. The public acknowledgment of the festival by UAE leaders reflects the country’s policy of religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity.

The greetings also carry diplomatic weight, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the UAE and India, which encompasses trade, investment, energy cooperation, and people-to-people connections.

Festival celebrations across UAE

Diwali is widely celebrated across the UAE, with Indian communities organising cultural events, traditional rituals, and family gatherings. Major shopping centres and public spaces often feature Diwali-themed decorations and special promotions during the festival period.

The festival typically sees increased economic activity in sectors such as gold jewellery, traditional clothing, sweets, food and festive decorations, with retailers across the UAE catering to the celebratory shopping traditions associated with Diwali.

Employers in the UAE can now handle all domestic worker visa services through a single unified digital platform, eliminating the need to navigate multiple government agencies for routine procedures.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has centralised visa applications, renewals, cancellations, and mandatory medical tests on the Work in UAE portal (workinuae.ae), representing a major simplification of domestic worker regulations.

What the platform offers

The digital portal consolidates services previously scattered across different government entities, allowing employers to manage the complete visa lifecycle from one location:

Visa services:

• New visa applications for domestic workers
• Visa renewals and extensions
• Visa cancellations and transfers
• Status tracking and updates

Medical requirements:

• Required medical test bookings
• Health screening coordination
• Medical certificate processing
• Test result retrieval

Administrative functions:

• Document submission and verification
• Fee payments
• Application status monitoring
• Digital record management

The multi-agency challenge solved

Previously, employers navigated a complex system requiring interactions with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Department of Health and various typing centres and service providers

Each agency maintained separate systems, requiring multiple visits, redundant documentation, and lengthy processing times.

The new platform integrates these services through backend collaboration among all participating entities, presenting employers with a single interface.

The domestic worker visa platform is part of MoHRE’s Work Bundle initiative, which aims to streamline labour services across the UAE’s employment ecosystem.

Why domestic worker regulations matter

Domestic workers represent a significant segment of the UAE’s labour market, with hundreds of thousands employed across the country in roles including housekeepers, nannies, cooks, drivers, and caregivers.

Simplifying the administrative framework for this sector serves multiple objectives:

For employers: Reduced time spent on bureaucratic processes, clearer procedures, lower administrative costs, and faster processing times.

For workers: Greater transparency in employment status, improved documentation of legal rights, clearer pathways for status changes, and reduced dependency on intermediaries.

For the system: Better compliance tracking, reduced fraud opportunities, improved data collection, and more efficient resource allocation.

How employers benefit

The centralised platform eliminates common pain points in domestic worker visa management:

Time savings: No need to visit multiple agencies or government offices for different steps in the visa process.

Simplified procedures: Single login provides access to all required services rather than maintaining accounts across multiple platforms.

Reduced costs: Elimination of typing centre fees and reduced transportation costs from multiple agency visits.

Faster processing: Backend integration among agencies speeds approval workflows and reduces waiting periods.

24/7 access: Digital platform allows employers to initiate and track processes at any time rather than being constrained by office hours.

Document storage: Digital records eliminate paper documentation and provide easy retrieval of historical information.

Implementation and access

Employers can access the platform immediately through workinuae.ae using their existing UAE Pass credentials or by creating new accounts.

The platform provides step-by-step guidance for each process, with support available through MoHRE’s customer service channels for employers requiring assistance.

All new visa applications, renewals, and cancellations for domestic workers should now be processed through the unified platform rather than through legacy channels.

What hasn’t changed

While the platform simplifies administration, core requirements for domestic worker employment remain in effect:

• Employer eligibility criteria
• Worker qualification standards
• Mandatory medical examinations
• Contract registration requirements
• Minimum wage and benefit obligations
• Insurance requirements

The platform streamlines how these requirements are met but doesn’t alter the fundamental regulatory framework.

Looking ahead

The successful consolidation of domestic worker visa services may serve as a model for further service integration across other employment categories and government functions.

MoHRE’s Work Bundle initiative is expected to expand with additional features and service categories as the digital infrastructure matures and user feedback is incorporated.

Platform Details:

Website: workinuae.ae
Access: UAE Pass or platform registration
Services: Visa applications, renewals, cancellations, and medical tests
Availability: 24/7 online access

In a bold move for conservation, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has decreed that 20 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s land must now be protected as nature reserves. The directive will create new conservation zones and expand existing ones, reinforcing the UAE’s environmental leadership.

What will change
The expansion will add 4,581 square kilometres to Abu Dhabi’s protected areas under the Zayed Protected Areas Network, which already includes several terrestrial and marine reserves. New designated zones include Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir, Ghaf Natural Reserve, and expansions to Qasr Al Sarab and Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve.

Why it matters
This is more than just land allocation; it’s about protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. Officials say it aligns with the UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategy 2031 and global goals, such as the “30 by 30” initiative.

Continuing momentum from Conservation Congress
The announcement follows the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, where global conservation goals were set and leadership reaffirmed. IUCN World Conservation Congress. The expanded reserves will be managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), which views this as a means to strengthen its role in regional environmental governance.

What’s next
Expect to see new programmes in wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and collaborative projects with international partners. Early signs of bilateral environmental MoUs, such as with Japan for bird conservation, are already being put in motion.