News

UAE: Central Bank issues special silver coin to mark Emirati poet’s 100th anniversary

Published

1 year ago

March 11, 2025

Spread the love

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in collaboration with the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, has released a silver commemorative coin to mark the 100th anniversary of renowned Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais (1925-2025).

This initiative coincides with UNESCO’s recognition of 2025 as the centenary of Al Owais, one of the most influential poetic figures in the UAE and the Gulf region. Al Owais’ name is also synonymous with the prestigious Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award, which has honoured Arab writers and intellectuals since 1987.

Coin design and details

Obverse: Features a poetic verse from Al Owais:
“My homeland is my blood, flowing between my wings, as if it and soul are the same.”
Reverse: Displays a portrait of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, along with inscriptions of the CBUAE and the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in both Arabic and English. It also includes the phrase “Centenary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais” (1925-2025) and the coin’s face value.
Specifications: Each silver coin weighs 60 grams and has a nominal value of AED 100. Only 1,000 pieces will be issued.
Availability: The coins will not be sold publicly but will be available exclusively at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation headquarters.

Honouring a literary legacy

Saif Humaid Aldhaheri, CBUAE’s Assistant Governor, expressed pride in this tribute, stating that the initiative reflects the Central Bank’s commitment to honouring cultural pioneers who have enriched literature and intellectual thought in the UAE and beyond.

Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, highlighted that UNESCO’s decision to designate 2025 as the Year of Culture in honour of Al Owais was based on a thorough review of his remarkable literary contributions. He also thanked the CBUAE for its role in preserving the poet’s legacy through this historic coin issuance.

This commemorative coin stands as a symbol of Al Owais’ lasting impact on Arabic poetry and literature, celebrating his invaluable contributions to culture and creativity in the region.

(Source: WAM)

Health

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

5 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

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

6 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

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

7 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

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.