Important updates relevant to residents…
Each year, the UAE makes significant changes to its laws to make it easier for residents to enjoy life in Dubai. From paid parking in Dubai Mall to a complete ban on single-use plastic bags, here are three new rules introduced in the UAE in 2024 that you should know about:
Update to Golden Visa requirements
Dubai has cancelled the Dhs1 million down-payment previously required for people to qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa (through property investment). For buyers to be eligible for the Golden Visa, the property value must now be over Dhs2 million. Previously, property investors would have to put down a minimum payment of Dhs1 million. This is huge news for buyers and means that the majority of property investors in Dubai will now qualify for that special 10-year golden residency.
E-scooters banned on public transport
Effective from March 1, the RTA announced that the use and carrying of e-scooters is banned on the Dubai metro and tram services. In the Tweet, the RTA stated that the ban has come in to ensure the safety of those using public transport. While the ban has been enforced on the metro and tram systems, there has been no indication if e-scooters have been banned on bus services.
Ban on single-use plastic bags
Effective from January 1, you will not be able to import or purchase single-use plastic bags across Dubai. There are a few exceptions, which include thin-film rolls for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread. Garbage bags are also exempt from the ban. Announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, it’s part of a city-wide initiative to totally phase out single-use products, as the emirate looks to go greener. From June 1, 2024, non-plastic single-use products will be banned across Dubai, including single-use bags of other materials. In the first phase of the ban, just covering single-use plastic bags, any non-compliance will result in a fine of Dhs200. In Abu Dhabi, a single-use plastic bag ban has been in effect since June 2022, however, from June 1, 2024, single-use Styrofoam products and single-use food container receptacles will be banned in the capital.
Paid parking in Dubai Mall
Salik in cooperation with Emaar Malls announced that parking at one of the biggest malls in the world will soon become a paid service. The payment will include a barrier-free system which will be put in place by Salik. The process will be automated and customers will be charged using vehicle plate recognition. The payment will be deducted directly from the customer’s Salik user account – the same way it works when you pass the tolls. It is expected to be rolled out in the third quarter of 2024. The price is yet to be announced, so stay tuned to What’s On for updates.
UAE raffles and prize draws put on hold
UAE’s popular lucky draw Mahzooz has announced a temporary pause on operations.The popular prize draw has created 64 millionaires and given away more than half a billion dirhams to around 1.8 million winners. But as of January 1, 2024 – the draws have been put on, what the brand stated on its website that “in compliance with applicable commercial gaming regulations, Mahzooz will temporarily pause operations from January 1st, 2024. The pause is a result of an industry-wide mandate consistent with the Regulators’ new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the United Arab Emirates.”
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FAQs
Labor law 2024 – Emiratization policy
The primary goal is to boost the employment of UAE nationals in the private sector, thereby reducing reliance on expatriate labor by integrating more Emiratis into the workforce, the policy aims to enhance their skills, capabilities, and career opportunities.
What is the new rule in the UAE in 2024? ›
Labor law 2024 – Emiratization policy
The primary goal is to boost the employment of UAE nationals in the private sector, thereby reducing reliance on expatriate labor by integrating more Emiratis into the workforce, the policy aims to enhance their skills, capabilities, and career opportunities.
What are the new rules for UAE visa 2024? ›
Starting in 2024, eligible Indian nationals holding a regular passport with at least six months' validity can get a single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival for the UAE.
What happened in the UAE in 2024? ›
The storm. The rains began in UAE late on Monday 15 April 2024, intensifying the next day on Tuesday 16 April 2024, and officially concluding on Wednesday 17 April 2024. The UAE witnessed a record-breaking rainfall in a 24 hour period, surpassing Emirati meteorological data since records began in 1949.
What are the new rules for overstay in the UAE in 2024? ›
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenships, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a two-month visa amnesty period, from 1st September to 31st October 2024, for expats with expired visas and overstay fines to fix their status or leave the country without financial backlash.
What are the rules for golden visa UAE 2024? ›
Salary requirements for Golden Visa UAE in 2024
Entrepreneurs must own a technical or future-focused project worth at least AED 500,000 (USD 136,000), while executive directors must prove a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000 (USD 8,200). It is important to note that this salary figure has recently changed.
What is the new gratuity law in the UAE in 2024? ›
The gratuity is calculated as follows: Full gratuity pay is based on 21 days' salary for each year of work when the employee has served for more than one year but less than five. Full gratuity pay of 30 days' salary for each year worked following the first five years if the employee has served more than five years.
What is the new law for UAE visa? ›
New UAE Visa Rules
A tourist visa is eligible for five years, and it enables individuals to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship. They can remain in the country for 90 days on each visit and extend it for a further 90 days.
Who can get 5 years visa in UAE? ›
Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa
This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities. To obtain this visa, the applicant must have: a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months. a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE.
What is the golden visa rule for Dubai? ›
If you are a high school student and a national-level topper, (with a minimum grade of 95 per cent in public or private secondary school) you may be granted a Golden visa for 5 years without a sponsor, subject to submission of a recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment).Duration ...
UAE THEME OF THE YEAR 2024: EXTENDING THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABILITY. In a resounding message of commitment to sustainability, the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has extended the Year of Sustainability into 2024.
What are the new rules for visit visa in Dubai? ›
Eligibility for Dubai tourist visa
- You must have Indian passport.
- Your confirmed return ticket.
- Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the day of departure.
- You must have proof of the accommodation.
- Completed payment processes.
The estimated share of population affected by diabetes in the United Arab Emirates is expected to be 16.11% in 2024. The estimated share of male smokers in the United Arab Emirates is expected to be 30.20% in 2024. The estimated share of female smokers in the United Arab Emirates is expected to be 4.72% in 2024.
Will I be deported if I overstay? ›
You are unlawfully present as soon as you remain in the country beyond your allowable date. You could be deported, face criminal sanctions, and—after overstaying by a certain time—could be prohibited from coming back to the United States for three to 10 years.
How long do you have to stay in UAE to keep your residency? ›
A crucial requirement for the residence visa is that you cannot be absent from the UAE for more than 180 days. This means that if you do not live in the Emirates permanently, you need to enter the country at least once every six months.
How much is a 2 year residence visa in Dubai? ›
A 2-year residence Visa in Dubai costs you around AED 3,500 without medical insurance and AED 4,200 with medical insurance. For investors Visa - Golden Visa (10 years), the cost is generally around AED 5,000* for application processing + medical test fees + typing centre charges.
What is the new law in UAE? ›
Understanding the New Labour Law in UAE 2024
It underlines the regulations of all private sector employers regarding wages, kind of employment contracts, and how disputes between employers and employees are handled. The new labor law UAE 2024 is designed to create a more balanced and fair working environment.
Is there any Amnesty in the UAE in 2024? ›
The UAE Government has announced an amnesty scheme for two months starting from 1st September 2024.
What is the leave policy in UAE 2024? ›
Duration: 30 days of annual leave for a complete year of service. Employees who have completed six months are entitled to two days each month. The employees are entitled to leave for a portion of their last year of service if the employer fires them before they have used up all of their annual balance leave.
What will happen in the future of UAE? ›
'We the UAE 2031' vision represents a national plan through which the UAE will continue its development path for the next 10 years, with focus on social, economic, investment and development aspects. The plan seeks to enhance the position of the UAE as a global partner and an attractive and influential economic hub.
