News

UAE ranks second most hardworking country in the world

Published

2 years ago

May 28, 2024

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The UAE is the world’s second hardest working country, according to a report by communications agency duke+mir. Residents in the Emirates work an average 50.9 hours per week, but they also have fun, with 97% going out for entertainment every month. The study, which included a poll of more than 1,000 residents, also found that seven in 10 people in the UAE dine out every single week.

The duke+mir study included a commissioned survey of UAE residents and global statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO data showed that the UAE was only behind Bhutan for average hours worked per week. Lesotho, Congo and Qatar completed the top five.

Mir Murtaza Khurshid, Partner at duke+mir discussed the report’s findings, “This study highlights that the UAE is proudly one of the most hard-working countries in the world. Emirati nationals and expatriate workers are contributing to the UAE’s rapid growth and success, but also finding time to have fun and enjoy themselves. With some of the world’s most exciting entertainment options, it’s clear that the UAE is the global capital of ‘work-hard, play-hard’ culture.”

In line with the UAE’s vision for a healthy nation, the research also found encouraging participation in sports, with two-thirds (66%) of people playing sport every week, with that figure rising to 75% among young adults (18-24 years old).

In addition, the poll found that every week 37% of UAE residents go out to watch live sports, 24% go to the cinema and 23% go to a live performance (such as a concert, gig or theatre event).

The report also covers at-home activities. Every week, more than eight in 10 people (83%) watch movies and nearly seven in 10 (68%) tune in to live sports from the comfort of their home. The data also uncovered that much of that viewing comes from subscriptions – 81% of UAE residents have one or more paid subscriptions. However, nearly a third of people in the UAE have subscriptions that they rarely use and would like to cancel, potentially equating to millions of dirhams in dormant accounts.

Health

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

32 mins ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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

1 hour ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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

2 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.