Indian expatriates in the UAE will need to submit passport photographs that meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards starting September 1, the Indian Consulate in Dubai announced last week.

The change follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, communicated to embassies and consulates globally.

Here are the new passport photo specs for Indian passports

The updated regulations require photos in colour, sized at 630 × 810 pixels (or 2×2 inches if printed), against a plain white background.

The face must occupy 80–85 per cent of the frame with a neutral expression, eyes open, and both edges of the face visible.

Photographs must also be sharp, evenly lit, and free of shadows, digital alterations, reflections, or filters.

Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, and glasses must be removed to avoid reflections.

Passport applications can be rejected if photo standards are not met

In its announcement, the Consulate’s Press Wing stated that from September 1, passport applications will only be accepted if the photos adhere to these ICAO biometric specifications, emphasising alignment with international travel standards.

Applicants have been advised that most existing photographs will no longer be valid, and fresh compliant images will be required.

Read: Saudi Arabia: VFS Global, Indian embassy simplify passport renewal, attestation for Indians

Dubai’s public parking operator, Parkin, has introduced two new paid parking zones in Al Jaddaf: Zone 326C (on-street) and Zone 326D (off-street), as part of the city’s peak and off-peak tariff system.

The zones, announced on August 31, will enforce charges from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm.

Paid parking tariffs for new zones

Tariffs are set at Dhs4 per hour during peak periods and Dhs2 during off-peak hours.

Zone 326C has a maximum fee of Dhs16 for four hours, while Zone 326D’s ceiling is Dhs20 for 24-hour parking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Parkin (@parkinuae)

Parking remains free on Sundays and public holidays.

Clear signboards marking these areas have been installed, according to the social media post by Parkin.

In a major push to elevate food safety standards and regulatory oversight, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), has introduced a comprehensive update to the Food System Violations Table, designed to protect public health and ensure fair compliance across the food sector.

Read more-Saudi’s new rules: Fine dining to look different now

The updated table, published on the ministry’s website introduces a more nuanced classification system for violations, taking into account the size of food establishments and the nature of their economic activities. The move is intended to ensure fairness in applying penalties, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to encourage adherence to regulations without disproportionate repercussions, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

The revised framework expands regulatory oversight beyond traditional food preparation facilities. It now covers new areas of the food supply chain, such as the role of delivery personnel, food tracking mechanisms, handling food poisoning incidents, and maintaining food records. The SFDA emphasised that documentation and transparency are now core components of food safety enforcement.

Promoting informed choices and preventive oversight

A notable feature of the update is a set of new consumer-facing requirements aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles. Food establishments are now required to include clear information on menus regarding salt and caffeine content, as well as physical activity equivalents, enabling consumers to make more informed dietary decisions.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the SFDA stressed that this overhaul reflects a shift toward preventive regulation, rather than punitive action. “Food safety is a fundamental commitment,” the authorities stated. “Penalties are a tool to systematise protection and address negligence that could endanger public health.”

New municipal requirements for food establishments

Earlier this month, on August 10, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing also announced the adoption of new municipal compliance requirements targeting food establishments across the kingdom. This parallel initiative is intended to create a more integrated, health-conscious, and efficient operational environment.

The new regulations apply to five categories of food businesses:

• Restaurants offering dine-in and delivery services
• Cafes serving beverages and snacks
• Cloud kitchens managing online orders without on-site dining
• Food kiosks operating in shopping malls and marketplaces

As part of the updated standards, all establishments must now adhere to the Saudi Building Code, which mandates specifications for electrical systems, ventilation, air conditioning, and sanitation. Establishments are also required to install non-slip flooring, use fire- and moisture-resistant ceiling materials, and maintain efficient drainage systems.

Operationally, food workers must wear professional uniforms, carry identification cards, maintain personal hygiene, and refrain from residing within the premises. Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated areas.

The ministry emphasised that these updates are part of a broader strategy to standardise procedures, improve oversight, and elevate the quality of services across all food-related sectors in the kingdom.

Through these reforms, Saudi Arabia is moving toward an integrated national food control system that aligns with international public health and safety benchmarks.

The UAE’s Fuel Price Committee has approved new retail fuel rates for the month of September, reducing diesel prices as global oil prices fall with expected low demand and upcoming supply boost, according to state news agency, WAM.

– Diesel: Dhs2.66 per litre reduced from Dhs2.78 per litre in August

– Super “98”: Dhs2.70 per litre increased from Dhs2.69 per litre last month

– Special “95”: Dhs2.58 per litre remaining almost the same as Dhs2.57 per litre in the previous month

– E-Plus “91”: Dhs2.5 per litre remaning the same as in August

Oil prices fall with expected low demand, upcoming supply boost

Oil prices fell on Friday, August 29, as traders looked toward weaker demand in the US, the world’s largest oil market, and a boost in supply this autumn from OPEC and its allies.

Read more-Filling up this August? Here’s what fuel will cost you in UAE

Brent crude futures for October delivery, which expired on Friday, settled at $68.12 a barrel, down 50 cents, or 0.73 per cent. The more active contract for November finished down 53 cents, or 0.78 per cent, at $67.45.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at$64.01, down 59 cents, or 0.91 per cent.

The market was in part shifting its focus toward next week’s OPEC+ meeting, said Tamas Varga, analyst at PVM Oil Associates.

Crude output has increased from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, as the group has accelerated output hikes to regain market share, raising the supply outlook and weighing on global oil prices.

“Overall, the bottom line is we’re going to see a jump in supply feeding into a lackluster demand market,” said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates.

The US summer driving season ends on Monday’s Labor Day holiday, signalling the end of the highest demand period in the United States, which is the largest fuel market.

“The market is beginning to wonder what effect the tariffs might have on the economic outlook next year,” Lipow said, referring to tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump on US imports from many trading partners.

Crude supply increases have not made their way into the US market yet, raising the possibility supply and demand will be in a tighter balance, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

“The pessimism about demand, I’m just not seeing it,” Flynn said. “Supply from OPEC is supposed to increase, but we’re not seeing it in the US I think things are going to stay tight.”

Prices rose earlier in the week due to Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil export terminals, but reports of talks between Ukraine’s European allies about a possible ceasefire helped tamp down prices, Flynn said.

US crude inventories for the week ending August 22 showed higher-than-expected draws, implying late-summer demand was still firm, particularly in industrial and freight-related sectors, analyst Ole Hvalbye at SEB bank said in a note.

Investors are also watching for India’s response to pressure from the United States to stop buying Russian oil, after Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50 per cent on Wednesday.

So far, India has defied the US and Russian oil exports to India are set to rise in September, traders said.

“The prevalent view is that Russian sanctions are not forthcoming, and India will ignore US sanction threats and continue buying Russian crude oil at heavily discounted prices,” PVM’s Varga said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Al Ghurair Mobility has signed an agreement with Dongfeng Motor Corporation to introduce the premium automotive brands MHero and Voyah to the Saudi market.

The move marks a major step in Al Ghurair Mobility’s regional expansion, bringing advanced new energy and hybrid vehicles that blend performance, innovation, and luxury. The launch supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of sustainable development and economic diversification, while delivering premium electrified mobility solutions backed by Al Ghurair’s regional expertise and service network.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both companies, including John Iossifidis, group CEO of Al Ghurair, Oscar Rivoli, CEO of Motors, Al Ghurair Mobility, and Qiu Xiaojun, CEO of China Dongfeng Import and Export Co. (DFMIEC), Overseas Marketing Division of Passenger Vehicles at Dongfeng Motor.

Read: Chinese car brands gain ground in UAE’s growing used vehicle market

“This partnership is an important step forward in expanding our presence in the Saudi market,” said John Iossifidis, group CEO of Al Ghurair. “MHero and Voyah represent Dongfeng’s innovation, blending advanced technology, new energy, and luxury. Together, we are introducing world-class brands that align with the Kingdom’s vision for sustainable mobility.”

Qiu Xiaojun, CEO of China DONGFENG Import and Export Co., added: “We are proud to collaborate with Al Ghurair Mobility to bring MHero and Voyah to Saudi Arabia. This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, ensuring Saudi consumers have access to premium products and a superior ownership experience.”

MHero, introduced in 2022, is Dongfeng’s ultra-premium off-road brand inspired by the company’s military heritage. Its models, including the MHero 1 and MHero 2, feature advanced electrified powertrains and bold design, positioning the marque among the world’s luxury off-road SUVs.

Voyah, launched in 2021, represents Dongfeng’s push into high-end electric mobility. With models such as the Voyah FREE SUV and Voyah DREAM MPV, the brand combines refined design, long-range performance, and advanced driver-assist features, providing Saudi consumers with a premium alternative in the luxury EV segment.