Qatar Airways has introduced an off-airport check-in service in Makkah for Hajj and Umrah passengers. This new service offers seamless check-in, baggage collection, and boarding pass issuance in Makkah, enhancing convenience for pilgrims.

Effective March 1, the airline launched the service in partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS). It enables passengers to complete check-in formalities, receive their boarding passes, and have their baggage collected from the city, ensuring a smooth journey to the airport.

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“At Qatar Airways, we recognize the profound significance of Hajj and Umrah and remain committed to enhancing the travel experience for our passengers. By introducing the off-airport check-in service in Makkah, in partnership with Saudi Ground Services, we are ensuring that pilgrims can begin their journey with convenience and peace of mind. This initiative reflects our dedication to delivering world-class services tailored to the needs of our passengers, reaffirming our commitment to seamless and innovative travel solutions,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, shedding light on how beneficial the service would be for pilgrims.

Qatar Airways passengers departing from Jeddah can take advantage of the new service at the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel. Conveniently located at the hotel entrance from the ring road on L2, the off-airport check-in service streamlines the process, reduces waiting times at the airport, and allows pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey with ease and comfort.

The check-in service is advantageous as it enables passengers to benefit from an expedited departure process, with their baggage securely transported to the airport. This ensures minimal waiting at check-in counters.

“At Saudi Ground Services, we are honored to continuously expand our innovative Hajj & Umrah off-airport solutions in collaboration with our partner airlines, ensuring we fulfill our commitment to serve all Hajj & Umrah passengers. Our partnership with Qatar Airways reflects our shared dedication to delivering seamless and innovative travel experiences, enabling pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey while we take care of their travel needs with convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind,” said Saudi Ground Services Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohammad Abdul Kareem Mazi.

The General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police has outlined the different types of violations recorded by AI-enabled radar systems.

The authority has also provided details on the fines associated with these traffic offenses, as well as the vehicle impoundment durations and black points incurred for each violation, a WAM report stated.

Listed below are all the offences that these new AI-radars can detect:

Exceeding speed limits

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 80 km/h incurs a fine of Dhs3,000, a 60-day vehicle impoundment, and 23 black points on the driver’s license. Similarly, if the speed exceeds 60 km/h, the fine is Dhs2,000, along with a 20-day vehicle impoundment and 12 black points.

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Additionally, a fine of Dhs1,000 applies for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h, while a fine of Dhs700 is imposed for exceeding it by more than 40 km/h. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h results in a fine of Dhs600, and exceeding it by more than 20 km/h incurs a fine of Dhs300.

Running a red light

Running a red light incurs a fine of Dhs1,000, a 30-day vehicle impoundment, and 12 black points. Similarly, if a vehicle fails to stay in the mandatory lane, the driver faces a fine of Dhs400. For heavy vehicles that fail to comply with mandatory lane regulations, the fine increases to Dhs1,500, along with 12 black points.

Driving against the traffic flow

Driving against the flow of traffic results in a fine of Dhs600, a 7-day vehicle impoundment, and 4 black points. Additionally, if a motorist uses the shoulder of the road in violation of regulations, the fine increases to Dhs1,000, accompanied by a 30-day vehicle impoundment and 6 black points.

Not wearing a seatbelt

Individuals caught not wearing a seatbelt will face a fine of Dhs400 and 4 black points. If a driver is caught using a phone while driving, the fine increases to Dhs800 with 4 black points. Additionally, exceeding the allowed tint limit on a vehicle’s windows incurs a fine of Dhs1,500.

Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles

Failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles results in a fine of Dhs400 and 4 black points. Furthermore, driving a vehicle that produces excessive noise results in a fine of Dhs2,000 and 12 black points. Not giving way to pedestrians at designated crossing areas incurs a fine of Dhs500 and 6 black points.

Other offenses

Turning into or driving into non-designated areas results in a fine of Dhs500 and 4 black points. Similarly, driving with an expired license also carries a fine of Dhs500 and 4 black points. Most importantly, stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road without a valid reason incurs a fine of Dhs1,000 and 6 black points.

For heavy vehicles entering prohibited areas, the fine is Dhs1,000 and 4 black points. Stopping behind other vehicles in a manner that blocks their movement results in a fine of Dhs500.

This information regarding offenses and fines was announced during a press conference at the Research and Development Centre at Dubai Police Headquarters. The event was attended by Brigadier Issam Ibrahim Al Awar, Acting Deputy Director of the General Department of Traffic, Brigadier Engineer Mohammad Ali Karam, Director of Traffic Technologies in the General Department of Traffic, as well as several senior officers and journalists.

Three quarters of UAE residents expect to receive a bonus in 2025, up from 68 per cent in 2024, according to a new survey by YouGov.

Findings of the survey, which was commissioned by Zurich International Life Limited, indicate a growing sense of financial confidence among UAE residents.

The survey also highlights that 68 per cent of UAE residents feel secure about their current financial situation. Those who have sought professional financial advice report even higher confidence levels, with 79 per cent stating they feel better prepared for the future.

The trend of seeking expert guidance is on the rise, with financial advisory consultations increasing from 39 per cent in 2024 to 55 per cent in 2025.

“As financial awareness continues to grow across all generations, it’s clear that UAE residents are becoming more proactive in managing their money,” said David Denton-Cardew, head of propositions at Zurich International Life Middle East.

“Younger age groups, in particular, are leading the way, signalling a shift toward long-term planning and financial stability being ingrained in culture,” he added.

The results come amid reports that the UAE economy is growing strongly. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Economy revealed that the UAE’s non-oil sector expanded by 4.5 per cent to Dhs987bn for the first nine months of 2024.

Overall, the UAE’s real GDP grew by 3.8 per cent in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching Dhs1.3tn, according to the Ministry of Economy’s latest economic data.

Read more: Non-oil sector now makes up nearly 75% of UAE’s economy

Saving bonuses, investing in the future

The survey underscores a measured approach to finances, with 68 per cent of respondents planning to save at least a portion of their bonus.

Among them, 55 per cent are focused on future investments, 46 per cent are building emergency funds, and 38 per cent are saving for their children’s education.

At the same time, spending remains a priority. Sixty per cent of those using their bonus plan to allocate funds for travel and holidays, while 27 per cent intend to invest in skill-building, reflecting a trend towards personal and professional development.

Generational shifts in financial planning

Younger UAE residents are increasingly prioritising savings. Thirty-one per cent of Gen Z (18-24) plan to save their entire bonus, highlighting their strong focus on financial security. Millennials (25-34) follow closely, with 63 per cent opting to save all or most of their bonus.

Meanwhile, 52 per cent of those aged 45 and above prefer to save most rather than all of their bonus, indicating a more flexible financial strategy.

Retirement planning on the rise

Confidence in retirement planning is growing, with 75 per cent of UAE residents optimistic about having enough funds for their later years.

However, 61 per cent believe that Dhs5m or less is sufficient for retirement, suggesting a gap in financial awareness. The survey also found that 65 per cent rely on workplace savings or gratuity, despite the risks of overestimating their long-term value.

While optimism is high, financial experts stress the need for structured savings and proactive investment strategies to ensure long-term security.