#visa

First Abu Dhabi Bank, Etihad and Visa to launch sustainability-linked credit card

The credit card will reward members for making sustainable choices, while providing options to offset emissions for their spending

Over 50% of UAE consumers to go cashless by 2024 – Visa

Around 71 per cent of small businesses surveyed in the UAE said they already are, or plan to be, cashless in the next two years

UAE tourist visa - health insurance - Getty Images

SEHA launches new app to streamline visa screening appointments

Currently available for individual booking only, the application will be expanded to include businesses at a later stage

Dubai Airport freezone

Dubai Airport Freezone launches ‘Talent Pass’ licence for freelancers

It allows its holders to obtain a residence visa for three years, in addition to renting office space provided by the freezone

Five-year visas announced for employees of global companies based in Dubai

The directive was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Tuesday

Visa Dubai

Visa opens its new flagship regional headquarters in Dubai

Spanning 100,000 sq ft, the new HQ will serve almost 90 countries across the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region

Israel plans to reopen to vaccinated tourists in Nov, hopes to attract many from the UAE

Israel is hoping that its pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a platform to attract visitors

PayMate marks its UAE entry through partnerships with Visa and Citi

The Indian B2B digital payments company has collaborated with Visa and Citi to automate payables based in the region

Kuwait masks

Kuwait considers reducing visa fee for residents aged over 60

The country had earlier banned the issuance of work permit renewals for expatriates aged 60 who do not hold university degrees

ADIB partners with Visa to unveil UAE’s first biometric authentication solution for e-commerce

Once implemented, ADIB customers can authenticate their e-commerce transactions by using their mobile application biometric authentication

Ether reaches record after Visa move, Mark Cuban comments

The digital token for the Ethereum network has nearly tripled this year

Akshay Chopra, Vice-President, Head of Product Innovation and Design for CEMEA and Africa copy

How mobile network operators can drive the next wave of financial inclusion in MENA

Mobile network operators have direct access to a large customer base that includes the harder-to-reach segments of the underbanked and unbanked

Oman to impose higher visa fees for employing foreign nationals

The most significant increases will apply to top/senior level, middle level and technical and specialised roles

Dubai airport

UAE extends tourist visa validity for additional month for free

The move aims to support tourists in the UAE since many countries have implemented temporary airport closures

Dubai Real estate

Four steps for UAE businesses to up their e-commerce game

Many consumers are unlikely to give up online shopping even after the pandemic ends

UAE extends waiver for residency law violators till end of the year

The exemption covers all financial fines related to the Emirates Identity cards, work permits, as well as the waiver of all administrative restrictions, upon leaving the country

How Covid-19 propelled the UAE’s digital payments space

Increased online activity in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak has led to a rise in digital payments

Dubai-based VFS Global adds Covid-19 coverage to international travel insurance

Travel insurance with Covid-19 cover is now mandatory for travel to many countries

Dubai UAE

Dubai launches new residency programme for overseas remote working professionals

Individuals and their families can apply for the relocation programme, subject to renewal every year

UK visa services resume in UAE, Saudi, among other GCC countries

Optional Priority visas, super priority visas, and walk-in services will not be offered initially

Expats stranded outside Saudi will only be allowed to return after the pandemic ends

The mechanism for extending the exit and return visa is yet to be announced

UAE reveals process for expired visa holders to leave country without paying fines

All related fines for visa violators will be waived if they leave before August 18

Emirates NBD and Visa commit to a 5-year partnership agreement

Visa has secured exclusivity over Emirates NBD’s debit card for personal, priority, private and business banking customers, and the debit card programme for Liv.

KUWAIT-INDIA-HEALTH-VIRUS amnesty

Amnesty ends in Kuwait, 30,000 undocumented expats avail scheme – report

The initiative, which was in place from April 1-30, permitted residency violators to leave the country without paying any fines

Passengers from these countries can travel to Dubai despite entry visa suspension

Emirates airline also denied social media reports that it is planning to suspend all flights from March 17

UAE suspends issuance of all visas, bans travel to Italy, Turkey, among others

The decision does not apply to those who already have their visas issued

Emirates says travellers from over 20 countries will not be allowed to fly to Saudi

All those with Umrah visas will also not be permitted to travel to the kingdom

Saudi tourist visa on arrival for UK, US and Schengen visa holders

The General Authority of Civil Aviation has instructed national air carriers to allow the holders of these visas to travel to Saudi Arabia

Saudi could start issuing tourist visas soon – report

The visas will reportedly be available to people from about 50 countries

New family sponsorship law for expats in the UAE takes effect

Expats – both men and women – can sponsor their family members if they earn a monthly salary of Dhs4,000 or Dhs3,000 plus accommodation