The UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has expanded the VAT refund scheme for UAE nationals building new homes, providing significant financial relief for families and supporting home ownership across the country. Effective for all eligible applications submitted from 1 January 2026, the updated initiative broadens the range of construction-related expenses that qualify for VAT refunds. Newly eligible...
The UAE has introduced a major legal reform through the new Civil Transactions Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025), which came into effect on June 1, 2026. One of the most significant changes is the reduction of the legal age of majority from 21 to 18 years old. Under the updated law, individuals aged 18 and above are now recognized as having full legal capacity in civil matters. This means they can...
The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to grow as football fans around the world prepare for the sport's biggest celebration. Set to be hosted across North America, the tournament will bring together the world's best national teams and showcase elite football on a global stage. In Dubai and across the UAE, anticipation is already building as fans look forward to following every...
Dubai has once again demonstrated its commitment to global humanitarian action by airlifting 20 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies to support the response to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The emergency shipment, coordinated by Dubai Humanitarian and sourced from the World Health Organization's prepositioned emergency stocks, departed from Al Maktoum...
As temperatures rise across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is once again prioritizing worker safety with the return of the annual Midday Work Ban. Effective from June 15 to September 15, outdoor work and activities under direct sunlight will be prohibited daily between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the initiative reflects the UAE’s...
Abu Dhabi has introduced a landmark rent freeze that immediately halts all rental increases on tenancy contract renewals, overriding the previous rule that allowed landlords to raise rents by up to 5% annually. The move, welcomed by real estate experts and residents alike, aims to provide greater affordability, financial stability, and long-term certainty for tenants across the emirate. A key feature of...
As the UAE moves into June 2026, residents can expect a classic Gulf summer characterized by intense heat, dry weather, strong sunshine, and occasional dusty conditions. According to forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), temperatures are expected to remain close to seasonal norms, with the national average temperature projected at approximately 34.6°C throughout the month. Rainfall is...
Good news for expats in Dubai! If you hold a valid driving licence from one of more than 50 approved countries, you may be eligible to exchange it directly for a UAE driving licence without attending driving classes or taking driving tests. The approved list includes GCC countries, 38 European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa, and several Asian countries including Japan,...
6 Big Changes in the UAE Starting June 2026 June brings several important updates that will affect residents, motorists, employees, and families across the UAE. From lowering the legal age of majority to 18, to new salary payment regulations, VAT on parking and toll services, expanded consular support for Indian residents, and the transition toward cashless parking payments, these changes reflect the...
The UAE has strengthened its commitment to employee rights and fair employment practices by enforcing stricter measures against delayed salary payments. Under the country's salary protection framework, employers who fail to pay wages on time may face a range of penalties, including financial fines, restrictions on new work permits, and other administrative measures that can impact business operations. The...
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