Go beyond "Hello" to connect with the UAE. This guide provides expats with essential Arabic phrases for daily life, from greetings and dining to shopping and getting directions. Learning these simple words and their cultural context is a sign of respect and a key to a richer, more meaningful expat experience in the Emirates.
The UAE has opened applications for its new 10-year Blue Residency Visa, designed exclusively for environmental experts, researchers, and sustainability leaders. This merit-based long-term visa highlights the nation’s commitment to climate action and positions the UAE as a global hub for green innovation and environmental leadership.
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued an urgent warning to homeowners about the growing risks associated with smart home devices. Experts reveal that many devices, from voice assistants to baby monitors, remain vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly secured. Residents are advised to follow strict security measures to protect their homes and personal data.
A clean, flat-style digital illustration showing a happy family with a dog and a cat inside a cozy UAE home. A desert skyline with palm trees and warm sunlight can be seen outside the window, highlighting the unique desert climate. The family interacts warmly with their pets, symbolizing love, care, and responsible ownership in the UAE.
A flat-style illustration shows a domestic helper vacuuming the floor in a warm, cozy UAE family living room. The helper wears a blue apron while a family of three sits on a green sofa watching. A wall clock, potted plant, and side lamp add detail to the calm setting, reflecting the everyday role of household help in creating comfort and balance at home.
Oman has officially introduced its long-term Golden Visa program, offering 5- and 10-year residency options for investors, skilled professionals, and retirees. With flexible investment routes, family benefits, and a streamlined digital application process, the initiative is designed to attract global talent and strengthen Oman’s economy under Vision 2040.
Sharjah residents can now boost their skills and earn certificates for free, thanks to the newly upgraded Smart Knowledge Library. From digital media and languages to entrepreneurship and publishing, the online platform offers easy registration, bilingual courses, and instant certification—empowering learners of all ages across the UAE.
Dubai has introduced strict new rules for food delivery apps, aimed at protecting restaurants, ensuring consumer transparency, and preventing unfair practices in the fast-growing sector. The updated guidelines set clear limits on commissions, contracts, and promotions, giving more power to restaurants while improving fairness across platforms.
The UAE is preparing to roll out e-invoicing, a major step towards digital transformation in business and finance. This move aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance for companies across all sectors. Businesses are now urged to start preparing for the transition, as e-invoicing will not only streamline tax processes but also enhance record-keeping and reduce errors.
If you’re planning your breaks for the year, you might be asking: When is the next public holiday in the UAE? With 2025 already underway, many residents are looking forward to the upcoming official holidays to schedule family trips, staycations, or simply enjoy a well-deserved long weekend. Here’s a guide to the remaining public holidays in the UAE for 2025.
Schools across the UAE will soon implement new attendance rules designed to ensure students maintain consistent classroom participation. The updated guidelines include stricter monitoring systems and penalties for repeated absences, aiming to improve academic performance and reduce cases of truancy.
Discover the vibrant pulse of the UAE! This guide takes expats through a year of top festivals and events, from the dazzling Dubai Shopping Festival and the cultural richness of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival to the thrilling F1 Grand Prix and grand National Day celebrations. Immerse yourself in the Emirates' unique blend of tradition and modernity for an unforgettable experience.
