The Public Authority for Manpower has introduced a new digital service allowing partners to renew their work permits independently through its “Ashal Services” portal.

The newly launched feature enables workers classified as partners to complete their work permit renewal procedures directly online, eliminating the need for intermediaries or lengthy administrative steps, an Arab Times report said.

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Officials said the move is aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing processing time, and improving user experience through a secure and streamlined digital platform. The initiative is part of wider efforts to expand e-government services and improve accessibility for residents and businesses.

According to the authority, the update is expected to significantly streamline labour procedures, reduce waiting times, and provide greater flexibility in managing renewals through the official portal at http://labour.manpower.gov.kw.

The development reflects Kuwait’s continued push toward digitising government services and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in labour-related processes.

Updated Wafid programme tightens medical checks

In a parallel regulatory update, the Ministry of Health on Sunday published a resolution implementing updated regulations for the “Wafid” programme, which mandates comprehensive medical examinations for expatriates intending to work or reside in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The resolution, which includes the eighth version of the Wafid programme approved by GCC health ministers last October, was published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm and came into effect immediately, a Kuwait Times report conveyed.

Under the revised framework, oversight of medical examinations conducted in expatriates’ home countries will be tightened before they travel to GCC states. The programme accredits medical facilities in around 30 labour-exporting countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, which collectively host hundreds of authorised testing centres.

Over the past three decades, the system has expanded from a small number of centres to about 880 facilities today. These centres are required to conduct nearly 50 medical tests covering both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Additional screening is carried out upon arrival in GCC countries, with a focus on infectious conditions.

The new resolution also details stricter operational controls, including surprise inspections of medical facilities, updated fee structures, attestation procedures by GCC missions abroad, and penalties for non-compliance.

Medicine prices reduced for hundreds of treatments

In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Health said it has reduced the prices of around 268 medicines and food supplements, further expanding its ongoing cost-cutting initiative in the pharmaceutical sector.

With the latest revision, the total number of medicines and supplements that have seen price reductions in recent periods has risen to 1,922.

The newly included list features treatments for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as medications for heart disease and cancer. Officials said the measure helps make essential treatments more affordable and reinforces Kuwait’s position as one of the GCC countries with the lowest drug prices.

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone has reported strong full-year growth for 2025, driven by rising new business registrations, high licence renewal rates and an increasingly international tenant base, reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s leading free zones.

The free zone issued 850 new licences during 2025, marking a 41 per cent year-on-year increase, while licence renewals reached 1,822 with a renewal rate of 96 per cent, highlighting sustained confidence among existing businesses. The total number of active companies operating within the free zone surpassed 2,500 by the end of December 2025.

The workforce within the free zone also continued to grow, with active employee visas rising 20 per cent year-on-year to exceed 8,000. The business ecosystem became significantly more diverse during the year, with represented nationalities increasing from 107 to 148, reflecting growing interest from internationally focused companies looking to establish and scale operations from Dubai’s central business district.

Abdalla Al Banna, VP of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, said: “The 2025 results reflect the continued growth and diversity of the business community choosing DWTC Free Zone as its base in Dubai. From global brands to emerging technology and virtual assets companies, the breadth of businesses operating within the Free Zone highlight the strength of our ecosystem. Supported by Dubai’s resilient and forward-looking business environment, we remain focused on enabling companies to establish and scale within a globally connected and future-focused destination.”

The free zone said growth in 2025 was primarily driven by the sports and entertainment, virtual assets and artificial intelligence-focused professional services sectors, underlining Dubai’s continued evolution as a technology and innovation hub.

The sports and entertainment segment gained momentum following the establishment of the International Sports and Entertainment Free Zone cluster (ISEZA) within DWTC Free Zone, alongside the presence of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA).

Major international companies establishing a presence within the free zone during the year included Louis Vuitton, KPMG, Baker Tilly, Deutsche Messe and Sport Integrity Global Alliance.

DWTC Free Zone also expanded its flexible workspace ecosystem with the addition of Sentinel Business Centre and BizElite, complementing its existing commercial offerings across One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Convention Tower and One Za’abeel.

The free zone currently offers more than 1,200 licensed business activities and provides benefits including 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full capital and profit repatriation, and dual licensing options. During the year, it also introduced a Multiple Share Class Framework aimed at supporting next-generation enterprises and enhancing corporate structuring flexibility.

DWTC Free Zone said its performance aligns with the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to further strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for business, trade and investment.

du Pay has appointed Roberto Mancone as chief executive officer, as the digital financial services platform moves into its next phase of growth and expansion in the UAE fintech market.

Mancone brings more than 25 years of experience across fintech and digital banking in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom and the GCC region. His appointment comes as du Pay looks to broaden its suite of financial services under the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of the UAE.

The company currently offers services including peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, remittances, IBAN accounts, debit cards and cash-in and cash-out solutions, while planning future expansion into lending, insurance and investment products through strategic partnerships and in-house development.

Fahad Al Hassawi, chairman of du Pay said: “We are excited to welcome Roberto Mancone to the du Pay team as we enter the next chapter of our fintech journey. His expertise positions him to strengthen our partnerships across the ecosystem while advancing our mission to transform digital payments in the UAE market.”

Prior to joining du Pay, Mancone served as chief executive officer of BEYON Money, where he led the launch and scaling of a sovereign fund-backed digital finance platform across Bahrain and the UAE.

At du Pay, his responsibilities will include overseeing strategic direction, commercial growth, operational leadership and regulatory compliance as the company seeks to position itself as a broader digital financial ecosystem.

The platform said it has surpassed 1.4 million unique downloads and processed more than Dhs4bn in transactions since launch. In 2025, it introduced its ‘Salary in the Digital Wallet’ service, enabling salary disbursement directly into digital wallets for workers without traditional bank accounts.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the Umrah season calendar for 1448 AH, detailing key dates for visa issuance, pilgrim arrivals, and permit procedures as preparations begin for the upcoming season.

According to the ministry, the issuance of Umrah visas and the arrival of pilgrims to the kingdom will begin on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims will also be able to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application starting June 1, 2026.

The ministry said the updated calendar is part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and enhance services provided to pilgrims throughout the season. Officials added that the final date for issuing Umrah visas has been set for March 9, 2027, while pilgrims will be permitted to enter the kingdom until March 23, 2027.

Read more-Hajj 2026: UAE reveals rules every pilgrim must follow

Authorities further confirmed that April 7, 2027, will be the final departure date for Umrah performers, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

The ministry called on Umrah companies and overseas agents to strictly adhere to the approved timetable and comply with all official regulations and instructions to ensure high-quality services for pilgrims.

Strict penalties for visa violations

In a separate announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior warned that expatriates who overstay their Hajj visas will face severe penalties, including fines of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.

According to a Saudi Gazette report, The ministry stressed the importance of complying with Hajj season regulations and cooperating with authorities to safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims during the busy pilgrimage period.

Officials said violators would face legal action under the kingdom’s regulations. The ministry also urged members of the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, while residents in other areas of the kingdom can dial 999.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, launched the Museum of Digital Art (MODA) on Sunday, marking the opening of a museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.

Located within the DIFC Zabeel District, the museum represents a push to expand Dubai’s cultural infrastructure and strengthen its creative economy.

Sheikha Latifa was accompanied at the launch by Essa Kazim, governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

“The Museum of Digital Art reflects Dubai’s long-term vision of culture as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge and human connection,” Sheikha Latifa said in a statement.

The announcement coincided with the 20th edition of Art Dubai, which officials said reflects the growth of Dubai’s arts sector over the past two decades.

The five-floor museum will feature permanent and temporary exhibitions, immersive experiences, educational programmes, research initiatives and interactive platforms designed to bring together art, technology and innovation.

Dubai International Financial Centre will lead the museum’s development, while Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will oversee operations and strategic cultural direction.

Kazim said the museum reflects DIFC’s commitment to advancing Dubai’s cultural ambitions through innovation and globally relevant experiences.

The museum, designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, will include spaces for artists, researchers and emerging talent in the digital arts sector.

Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said the museum would create an interactive space where creativity meets advanced technology while supporting the growth of cultural and creative industries.

Read: Dubai Culture’s Hala Badri on why the world’s creatives are choosing Dubai

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority and chairman of Art Dubai, said the museum would serve as a key cultural anchor within the DIFC Zabeel District expansion project and strengthen DIFC’s position as a destination where finance, culture and lifestyle intersect.

Officials said the museum will also feature a “digital twin” platform aimed at enabling global access and interaction, and supports Dubai’s broader economic goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy.

Upon opening, the museum is expected to contribute to the continued growth and diversification of Dubai’s museum sector while strengthening the emirate’s position as a destination for cultural tourism, innovation and creative investment.