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Visa-free Travel to China for Emaratis

21 Dec 2017

The National-Emiratis will soon be able to travel to China visa-free thanks to an agreement signed between the UAE and China on Tuesday.

The deal exempts UAE nationals carrying regular passports from obtaining pre-entry visas, with the possibility of staying for up to 30 days on each visit, starting from January 16, 2018.

“The move by the Chinese government reflects the stature attained by the UAE and contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and opening new avenues for... Read More

Mystery as lake turns into fish graveyard

21 Dec 2017

Gulf News -- Hundreds of thousands of fish have mysteriously washed up dead in a lake in Jumeirah Islands much to the horror of residents.

Dr. Reza Khan, Principal Wildlife Specialist at Dubai Municipality, attributed the mass deaths to low oxygen levels in the water caused by overpopulation of fish and algae, though this is yet to be confirmed by authorities.

Residents said the stink of the rotting piles of fish has engulfed parts of the neighbourhood.

“It’s so rank... Read More

Etihad Airways introduces a range of comfort items and amenities for purchase on selected flights

21 Dec 2017

In addition to its complimentary inflight service and hospitality offering, Etihad Airways has introduced a selection of inflight products aimed at enhancing the travel experience and providing more choice for its guests in Economy Class. The items are available for purchase at attractive prices on a selected number of routes to and from Abu Dhabi.

The new selection includes comfort items such as Christian Lacroix male and female amenity kits featuring exclusive skincare products by... Read More

Emirates adds festive cheer with special Christmas offering (Video)

21 Dec 2017

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, Emirates has ramped up its product offering both on board and on the ground for a superior travel experience. A new Christmas menu has been introduced for the first time across all cabin classes featuring traditional festive meals.

Emirates festive menu

The special menu will be in addition to the wide variety of cuisine available on board and features holiday favourites such as roast turkey and yule log cakes. The festive offering... Read More

Dubai Top Holiday Destination for GCC Travelers during Festive Season

20 Dec 2017

HotelsCombined.com, the world’s leading hotel price comparison website reveals today that Dubai continues to be the top favorite destination among GCC travelers during the festive season, followed by Abu Dhabi and Al Medina, KSA.

On the international level, London maintains its position as the most popular destination followed by Istanbul and Paris, according to the number of bookings and visitors gathered from 22 December 2017 to January 2, 2018.

23 awesome things to do during DSF 2018

20 Dec 2017

To celebrate the 23rd edition of the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has highlighted the top ‘23 awesome things to do during DSF’. Packed full of incredible shopping experiences and family entertainment, there’s something for everyone this shopping festival.

1. Bag a bargain with the DSF Pass

Tourists and residents can visit top attractions and eat at the best restaurants across Dubai with up to 65% off with... Read More

Saudi Arabia to launch tourist visas in early 2018

20 Dec 2017

The National -- Saudi Arabia will begin issuing tourist visas in the first quarter of 2018, its senior tourism official said, a first for the kingdom as it undertakes major economic and social reforms.

According to Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz "all government approvals" are in place for the launch of electronic visas next year to "all nationals whose countries allow their citizens to visit" Saudi Arabia.

"We are now just preparing the regulations - who is eligible for... Read More

Pucci creates exclusive-to-Dubai kaftans, sneakers and swimsuits

20 Dec 2017

Ever since Emilio Pucci opened his first boutique in Capri in the 1950s, his bold and gregarious patterns have become a staple amid the glamorous yacht set. Created to be stylish yet comfortable, Pucci’s fluid pieces are synonymous with a laid-back style that is not afraid to be noticed.

Now, fans of the brand will be delighted to hear that Pucci has created a capsule collection exclusively for Dubai, designed in collaboration with the buying team of the UAE.

The Italian brand... Read More

Population shift from India to UAE second-largest in the world, says UN report

20 Dec 2017

The National -- The large scale of the movement of foreign citizens to the UAE has been revealed in a United Nations report, which shows the population shift from India to the Emirates is the second largest globally between any two countries.

The United Nations’ 2017 International Migration Report said there are now 3.3 million Indian-born people in the UAE, which is almost four times the figure of 2000, when the Emirates had 0.9 million Indian-born residents.

Only the number... Read More

Minister on VAT: 'No delay on January 1 - and no favours to anyone'

20 Dec 2017

The National -- The UAE has no plans to delay the introduction of Value Added Tax - and there will "no favours given to anyone", the Minister of State for Financial Affairs said.

Obaid Al Tayer told members of the Federal National Council on Tuesday that VAT, which comes into effect on January 1, will have a minor effect on investors and consumers.

Overall consumer prices should increase no more than 1.4 per cent, he said, adding that the figure for investors should be no more... Read More