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News & Updates

UAE Authorities continue to restrict big gatherings, including EID Al-Adha celebrations

Dubai police have confirmed that large gatherings especially during EID will be prohibited. Individuals will be allowed to visit first and second-degree relatives but the maximum amount of people to a household should be five.

Fines will be given to those organising or attending big gatherings.

• AED 50,000 fine against the host
• AED 5,000 fine against each attendee

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On 7^th July 2020 Dubai started to welcome back tourists and visitors. As part of a precautionary measure the UAE has made travel/health insurance mandatory.

Travel insurance must clearly state that ‘emergency medical expenses’ are covered during a ‘pandemic’ the policy must mention it covers Covid-19 or Pandemic. Typically, insurance should cost around AED 200 for 30 days, this can vary depending on the company and type of insurance you purchase.

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Oman is currently the biggest Arab oil exporter outside of OPEC in the Middle East and with recent downward movement in oil price and pre-existing economic strains weighing heavily on the fiscal revenue outlook, adjustment measures in Oman have become even more urgent.

Although it is never a good time to introduce Value Added Tax, this new tax revenue is expected to boost Oman’s economy by $780m. This should offset some of the pressure on the fiscal deficit in Oman, which will nonetheless remain wide at over 12 percent of GDP.

Moody’s has revised its Brent crude price assumptions for 2020 and 2021 to an average of $35 per barrel and $45 respectively.

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Currently all nationalities are required to take a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.

Emirates airlines have confirmed that from 1^st August only the passengers from the below countries will be required to undergo a PCR test in either Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport on arrival.

Afghanistan, Armenia, Brazil, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Federation, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and some select airports in the United States.

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The UAE have announced that from the 1^st August 2020 PCR tests will be implemented at all UAE airports. This new regulation includes citizens, residents, transit passengers and tourists regardless of the country they are flying from.

Citizens and residents travelling from the UAE to the European Union including the UK will be required to take a PCR test in the airport before boarding the flight.

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EID Al-Adha dates announced for those working in the UAE Public Sector. Those working in federal entities will get four days off starting from Thursday 30^th July – Sunday 2^nd August. Work resuming on Monday 3^rd August.

Dates for the private sector are yet to be announced.

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ADEK has requested schools to announce their reopening schedule by July 30^th to allow parents to decide whether they want to enrol their children.

Four pillars for safe schooling have been put together by ADEK, schools, parent representatives and teachers to ensure a safe return for students and teachers:

• Teaching and learning – instructing schools on how to teach while implementing precautionary measures
• Staff & student well-being - procedures aimed at schools being able to support student and teacher well being
• Community support – encouraging schools to help parents/students in need with fee discounts and payment deferrals
• Parent surveys – surveys sent out to parents on a range of topics and considerations in regards to schools opening, the survey results will help schools plan their next academic year

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The holy city of Mecca usually receives around 2.5 million Muslims from around the world to participate in the annual Haj Pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has suffered with the highest number of Coronavirus cases in the Arab Gulf states. This has resulted in this year’s Haj being scaled back to only accommodate around 1,000 people and excluding visitors from outside of the country. The ritual will be restricted to medical professionals and security personnel who have recovered from the virus. Strict safety measures will be in place, including a test on arrival to Mecca and advisory self-quarantine once they have returned.

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When your passport expires you will need to apply for a new one through your country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE – to save carrying around two passports you can get your Resident Visa transferred over to your new document by following the below steps:

• Apply for the transferring service with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs for Dubai or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for other Emirates.
• The application requires a form to be completed, this can be done through a typing centre, online on smart.gdrfad.gov.ae or smartservices.ica.gov.ae or through your PRO company.
• Copy of old passport, original Emirates ID and a colour photograph are the documents required, unless you have a company visa you will also need the companies Immigration ID and password, Immigration Establishment Card and copy of the Trade Licence.
• Payment for a normal service will cost AED330, urgent service will cost AED430 this may vary depending on where you get this processed
• An airway bill number will be provided, you would then need to call Zajel or Empost courier services to arrange collection.

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