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UAE leaders thank BRICS for inclusion into block

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President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has shown his appreciation on the UAE being included as a member of BRICS and described it as an “important group”.

Taking to his social media platform X, Sheikh Mohamed said he “respected the vision of the BRICS leadership. We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world,” he wrote.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, added that the decision is a reflection of the country’s remarkable leadership and successful international policy.

 

“It also consolidates the UAE’s international economic and trade position as a reliable partner linking the world’s north with its south and east with west,” he wrote. As part of the first phase of expansion, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE have been invited to join BRICS.

They will be formally admitted as members on January 1, 2024. The BRICS group of nations currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The new candidate members were announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the 15th summit of BRICS in Johannesburg.

“As five BRICS countries, we have reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures on the BRICS expansion process which has been in discussion for quite a while,” Ramaphosa told a joint media briefing.

“We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow.”
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, was one of nearly 50 leaders who attended the main session of the BRICS summit.

Sheikh Saud expressed confidence in the strength of the UAE’s economy and global influence. The inclusion in BRICS reflects the nation’s steadfast approach to enhancing co-operation with various countries worldwide, he said.

Sheikh Saud further highlighted that the UAE has always been an advocate of the principles underpinning BRICS’ objectives and has played a significant role in supporting its international agenda. “We recognise the expansion of BRICS as an important opportunity to create a multilateral leadership model that nurtures and enriches the principles of inclusivity, tolerance and mutual respect, particularly within the region of the Global South,” he added.

He pointed out that the UAE is among the prominent trade and investment partners of BRICS, with non-oil trade between the UAE and member nations reaching $677 billion. Additionally, investment flows amounted to $38 billion between 2018 and 2022.

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Alhind to Launch Indian Consular Services Across UAE from July 2026

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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.

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.

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Travelling to Oman? Sharjah introduces new bus departure times

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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

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Sharjah-Dubai commuters face new diversion as Al Taawun Street closes

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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


Start date: June 13

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