Tag: UAE

International

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Promoted to Rank of General by UAE President

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Abu Dhabi, July 30, 2025 — In a significant recognition of his service and leadership, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Federal Decree No. 93 of 2025, promoting His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the rank of General.

This historic decree honors Sheikh Hamdan’s unwavering contributions as Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, underscoring his pivotal role in the UAE’s leadership and strategic direction, particularly in the field of national security and defense modernization.

A Milestone in National Recognition

The decree states that the promotion takes effect from the date of issuance and will be published in the UAE’s official gazette. It reflects the nation’s appreciation for Sheikh Hamdan’s visionary leadership, dedication, and service to the UAE, both at home and on the global stage.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted the importance of strengthening national institutions through capable, future-forward leaders—especially during a time of rapid regional and global shifts.

About Sheikh Hamdan

A prominent figure in Emirati governance and youth inspiration, Sheikh Hamdan is well-regarded for his dynamic leadership style, commitment to innovation, and active public engagement. Known by his popular online moniker @Faz3, he blends tradition with modernity, frequently seen championing social causes, entrepreneurship, and national service.

As Minister of Defence, he has prioritized technological modernization, joint military cooperation, and cybersecurity defense strategies, contributing to the UAE’s growing influence in regional security.

What This Means for the UAE

The promotion cements Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership trajectory at a time when the UAE is enhancing its military readiness and playing an increasingly active diplomatic and strategic role internationally.

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UAE and Pakistan Launch Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Tanisha Cardozo

DUBAI, July 27, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan have officially activated a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, effective July 25, 2025.

The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who shared details of the arrangement via the social media platform X. He noted that the visa waiver was finalized during his meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi.

“During my meeting in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2025, with my brother Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we agreed on mutual visa waivers for diplomatic and official passports between our two brotherly countries. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement this arrangement, effective 30 days after signing,” Dar stated.

He confirmed that the agreement is now operational at all UAE airports, and that UAE nationals holding diplomatic and official passports can also enter Pakistan without a visa, under the reciprocal terms.

This visa exemption reflects the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the UAE — partners in trade, culture, and regional cooperation. With over 17 million Pakistanis residing and working in the UAE, the bilateral relationship is among the most robust in the region.

While the development significantly eases diplomatic mobility, the visa waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders.

Since taking office, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has prioritized strengthening relations with Gulf states, including multiple high-level visits to the UAE.

This move is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, streamline official travel, and promote stronger cooperation between the two allied nations.

Business

Dubai Launches 4-Day Summer Workweek for Public Sector Employees

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July 1 – September 12, 2025 | “Our Flexible Summer” Initiative

Dubai is setting a new benchmark for workplace flexibility and employee well-being with the launch of its innovative four-day summer workweek. Running from July 1 through September 12, 2025, this groundbreaking program is a key component of Dubai’s “Our Flexible Summer” initiative, supporting the broader goals of the Year of Community 2025.

🏛 Expanding on Success: A City-Wide Government Shift

Following a highly successful pilot in 2024, the initiative now rolls out to 21 government departments across Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s commitment to modernizing the public sector and prioritizing quality of life.

🕘 Two Flexible Work Models

To suit different departmental needs and employee preferences, two distinct shift models have been introduced:

  • Model 1:
    • Workdays: Monday to Thursday
    • Hours: 8 hours per day
    • Friday: Full day off
  • Model 2:
    • Workdays: Monday to Friday
    • Hours: Reduced hours Monday to Thursday
    • Friday: Half-day schedule

Both models are designed to encourage rest, family time, and overall wellness while maintaining high productivity and public service standards.

💡 More Than Time Off – It’s a Lifestyle Shift

Under the banner of the “Year of Community”, the flexible workweek reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership and people-first governance. The goal is to nurture a culture where employees thrive—at work, at home, and in their communities.

Benefits of the initiative include:

  • Improved work-life balance
  • Increased employee morale and mental health
  • Better family engagement during the summer months
  • Enhanced productivity and job satisfaction

💬 A Call to the Private Sector

Government officials are also encouraging private sector organizations to consider adopting similar flexible models. With global trends leaning toward shorter workweeks and remote work options, Dubai aims to lead the way regionally in progressive workplace reform.

“Our goal is to empower our employees to perform at their best while giving them the flexibility to lead fulfilling lives outside of work. This initiative is just one step in making Dubai not only a great place to work—but to live.”
— Dubai Government Media Office

TechPulse

UAE Revolutionizes AI Access: ChatGPT Plus Now Free for All Residents

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made history by becoming the first country in the world to offer free access to ChatGPT Plus, the premium version of OpenAI’s popular AI chatbot, to its entire population. This groundbreaking initiative is part of a major strategic partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government, marking a significant milestone in the country’s AI ambitions.

The collaboration between OpenAI and the UAE government goes beyond just providing access to ChatGPT Plus. It also involves the development of a large-scale AI infrastructure project in Abu Dhabi called Stargate UAE, which aims to establish the UAE as a central hub for artificial intelligence in the region. This ambitious project will host a one-gigawatt AI supercomputing cluster, with an initial 200 megawatts expected to be operational by next year.

The Stargate UAE project is part of OpenAI’s broader “OpenAI for Countries” program, designed to help nations build AI systems tailored to their local languages, governance structures, and societal needs. The partnership prioritizes data privacy, responsible AI use, and alignment with national policies, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed while minimizing potential risks. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described the UAE project as a “bold vision,” one that aims to bring AI benefits to more parts of the world.

The partnership involves several major global tech companies, including Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, Microsoft, and G42, a UAE-based AI firm backed by Microsoft. This collaboration will transform the UAE into a key player in the global AI landscape, driving innovation and growth in the sector. The UAE’s commitment to matching its domestic AI investments with equivalent investments in the United States will further accelerate progress, with combined spending potentially reaching up to $20 billion.

With every resident in the UAE now having access to ChatGPT Plus at no cost, millions of people will benefit from OpenAI’s most advanced tools for tasks such as writing, studying, coding, and planning. This move sets a precedent for other countries to follow, and OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, is expected to visit countries across the Asia-Pacific region to explore similar partnerships.

The UAE’s bold move has sparked interest in the global AI community, with many wondering if other countries will follow suit. As India rapidly advances its own AI ambitions, all eyes are now on whether it could follow in the UAE’s footsteps. Will this strategic partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government inspire a new wave of AI innovation and accessibility worldwide? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of AI is bright, and the UAE is leading the way.

Business

Goa’s Manohar International Airport kicks off Mango Export for this seasonSeason’s 1st shipment containing 3368 Kgs of Fresh Alphonso Mangoes sent to Sharjah on Air Arabia by GMR Goa Air Cargo

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Last week, GMR Goa Air Cargo, Manohar International Airport achieved a new milestone by shipping this season’s 1st shipment containing 3368 Kgs of Fresh Alphonso Mangoes from Sindhudurg in Konkan belt to Sharjah on Air Arabia. This consignment was shipped by “ShivKonkan Farmer Producer Company Limited” and “Shreevali Agro”.


This is for the first time local mangoes have been exported to UAE from Goa. GMR Goa Air Cargo, Manohar International Airport has opened a new route for business.
Ratnagiri and Devgarh Alphonso Mangoes attract high demand and good price in Middle East and European markets. GMR Goa Air Cargo (GOX) Team ensures that there is uninterrupted and seamless trade by delivering these shipments by air promptly and carefully .
With the successful launch of Mangoes shipments directly from Konkan to Sharjah and Dubai , GMR Goa air cargo establishes itself as expert logistics partner when it comes to handling of temperature sensitive cargo such as fresh fruits. This will help Goa with better opportunities to export perishable cargo to other countries.
Demand for Alphonso mango has drastically gone up in European market, hence GOX is expected to handle 600 tons of mangoes this season connecting to European Union and Middle East.