The UAE Cabinet has approved an innovative system that allows employees in the private sector and free zones to invest their end-of-service benefits, and it’s optional for employers to participate.
Under this system, a savings and investment fund will be established, overseen by the Securities and Commodities Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Employees will have the opportunity to invest their end-of-service benefits in the fund, with multiple investment options available.
The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The primary objective is to safeguard workers’ savings while providing stability to their families and ensuring their rights. This scheme is open not only to private sector employees but also to government employees.
The Process:
Employers can choose to enroll their workers in this system and make monthly contributions. The system offers three investment options, including a risk-free capital guarantee, various risk levels for traditional investments, and Sharia-compliant investments. Upon the termination of the employment relationship, employees will receive their end-of-service benefits and returns.
Over time, this scheme is expected to cost employers less than the traditional system and will help in retaining talent by offering more attractive terms for employees. Many experts have highlighted the dependence of UAE residents on their gratuity as a retirement fund. In a recent survey, 82% of workers expressed openness to having their gratuity invested on their behalf. Dubai had previously introduced a similar scheme for expatriates working in government departments in 2022, offering various savings opportunities and boosting their benefits and savings.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE has announced that Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will become the sole outsourced service provider for passport, visa, and consular applications across the country starting July 1.
In a statement shared on its official social media channels, the Embassy said detailed information on procedures and working hours will be released in due course through official platforms. The transition will impact consular services for over 3.5 million Indian expatriates in the UAE.
🔔 Important Update: Change in Outsourced Service Provider for Indian Passport, Visa and Consular Services in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/6GER045Jn1
Current service providers, BLS International Services Ltd. and SGIVS Global, will continue operations until June 30, with applicants advised to complete pending submissions before the changeover.
Under the new arrangement, the largest service centre is expected to be located in Bur Dubai, spanning approximately 12,000 square feet with over 45 service counters. Alhind has also indicated plans to streamline operations through an expanded workforce of more than 400 staff, alongside an all-inclusive service fee of Dh19, excluding mandatory government charges.
The Embassy and Consulate have urged applicants to depend only on official sources for updates, cautioning against misinformation, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of services.
The decision follows a tender issued in November 2025 for outsourcing a range of consular services at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Four companies—Alhind, DU Digital Global Ltd, SGIVS Global LLC, and VFS Global—were shortlisted, with Alhind emerging as the lowest bidder.
Founded in Kerala in 1992, Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd is part of the wider Alhind Group, which operates across IT services, luxury rentals, and foreign exchange. The company expanded its presence to the UAE and other Middle Eastern markets in 1995.
Travellers heading from the UAE to Oman now have more flexibility, with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) announcing revised schedules for its popular intercity bus service connecting Sharjah with Sohar and Muscat.
The updated timings apply to Intercity Bus Route 203, which departs from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah and serves passengers travelling to Oman’s two major cities. The changes are aimed at improving convenience, enhancing cross-border mobility, and providing more travel options for residents and visitors.
New Sharjah to Muscat bus timings
Passengers travelling from Sharjah can now choose from three daily departures:
6:30am
3:30pm
8:30pm
Oman to Sharjah bus timings
For travellers returning from Oman, buses departing from Sohar and Muscat will operate at:
7:00am
1:30pm
3:00pm
More travel options between UAE and Oman
SRTA said the revised schedule is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional transport connectivity and offer a comfortable, safe and efficient travel experience between the UAE and Oman.
Passengers are advised to check the latest updates through SRTA’s official channels before travelling and to arrive at the station early to ensure a smooth journey.
Route: Intercity Bus 203 Departure Point: Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah Destinations: Sohar and Muscat, Oman New Timings Effective: Immediately
Motorists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai will face new traffic diversions from Saturday, June 13, as the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) begins a temporary partial closure of Al Taawun Street.
The closure is part of ongoing construction works for the Al Taawun Tunnel Development Project, which aims to improve traffic flow and enhance the efficiency of Sharjah’s road network.
Under the revised traffic plan, vehicles heading towards Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge will be diverted via Al Corniche Street.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Al Nahda Bridge towards Sharjah will be redirected to the newly developed section of Al Taawun Street.
SRTA said the temporary arrangements are necessary to facilitate works at the existing Al Taawun roundabout and will come into effect from June 13.
The authority urged motorists to follow directional signs, use approved alternative routes and adhere to traffic safety instructions to help minimise delays during the construction period.
The Al Taawun Tunnel Development Project forms part of Sharjah’s wider infrastructure programme aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility across the emirate.
What changes from June 13?
Towards Dubai / Al Nahda Bridge
Use Al Corniche Street as the alternative route
From Al Nahda Bridge to Sharjah
Follow diversions to the newly developed Al Taawun Street
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