Latest news with #HamdanbinMohammed
Time Out Dubai
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai orchestra project: Everything you need to know
Conducting sticks at the ready — Dubai has just launched its very own orchestra project and it sounds very cool (see what we did there). If you're a budding musician (or have one in the family), you'll be pleased to know the city is about to put a huge amount of funding and time into elevating local talent. Announcing the news on Tuesday June 18, the Government of Dubai explained that it wants to promote Emirati music and culture around the world, through the creation of an orchestra project. A post on X from the Dubai Media Office read: 'Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Executive Council has approved the 'Dubai Orchestra' project with the aim of enhancing the presence of Emirati arts and culture on the global stage, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and an incubator for creativity, and elevating the efficiency of Dubai's arts sector.' Under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Executive Council has approved the 'Dubai Orchestra' project with the aim of enhancing the presence of Emirati arts and culture on the global stage, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and an incubator for… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 18, 2025 According to the new project's outlines, there are a number of goals to be achieved in the coming years, including making 50 percent of orchestra members Emirati talent by 2033. Hoping to showcase musical talent to the world, the project has been designed to: Attract exceptional talent Inspire and empower homegrown creatives Stimulate the arts sector and drive its growth Nurture a creative environment that advances the local music sector Support Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 To ensure the goals are met by 2033, there will be a series of new youth-focussed music programmes, as well as new partnerships with community organisations across the city. New educational opportunities for promising and emerging talent will be created, as well as promoting the UAE's musical heritage on stages around the world. In other Dubai news 20 surprising things your Emirates ID chip knows about you And no, it's not just your name It's official: UAE announces Islamic New Year public holiday for all employees Calendars at the ready Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Program'
9 June 2025 15:06 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, on Monday witnessed the launch of the 'National Service Athlete Program', a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of programme is designed to support elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service by integrating them into tailored sports programmes. It enables them to continue their training and skill development during their service period and to participate in competitions that impact their international rankings or qualifications for major global launch was held at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. During the event, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met with recruits forming the programme's first Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reaffirmed that supporting elite athletes is a national priority aligned with the UAE leadership's vision of empowering Emiratis across all sectors — including sports, which plays a pivotal role in shaping character and enhancing the nation's global profile by nurturing young national talent.'Athletes are our ambassadors on the global stage. We are committed to creating an environment that enables them to thrive. The integration of national service with athletic development strengthens the physical and mental capabilities of our youth, preparing them to be future leaders and guardians of our national achievements, while instilling discipline and dedication,' His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Highness added: 'The launch of the 'National Service Athlete Program' reflects a strong spirit of collaboration between government entities to support high-performing athletes, uncover new talent, and develop champions who will proudly represent the UAE. We believe physical readiness and competitive spirit are shared values between sports and national service. This programme lays the foundation for a long-term strategic pathway that advances our national vision."Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said: 'This programme marks a significant step in developing national sports and supporting the physical readiness of our elite athletes during national service. It harnesses the combined strengths of both ministries to strengthen national identity and deliver on the strategic priority of building a healthy and active society.'He added: 'The programme directly contributes to the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', particularly in promoting physical activity among Emirati youth and enhancing their athletic and professional capabilities. It also supports the wider ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' to empower our youth and ensure their ability to serve the nation with the highest level of commitment and excellence.'Commenting on the programme, Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei said: 'We are committed to channelling the potential of our youth into paths that benefit the country and enhance their overall readiness. The 'National Service Athlete Program' provides an enabling training environment for elite athletes to continue advancing in their sport while fulfilling their national duty.'He added: 'This initiative also allows us to identify new talent among national service recruits and support them through a flexible system that blends military discipline with athletic excellence. The programme prepares a new generation of well-rounded individuals ready to represent the UAE at the highest levels.'The programme marks a strategic milestone in mobilising national capabilities in service of the country. It aims to sustain and enhance the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service, while also enabling their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will conduct assessments and regular evaluations of selected recruits to identify emerging addition, the programme fosters collaboration to strengthen the performance of national service recruits and help uncover their full athletic potential. The inaugural cohort includes athletes who will represent the UAE in major upcoming events, most notably the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, as well as a range of regional and international tournaments. Participants span diverse disciplines including fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics, and combat sports — demonstrating the UAE's commitment to cultivating talent across the full spectrum of programme is built on a robust framework of coordination between both ministries, covering the organisation of joint sports activities, athlete participation in tournaments, and workshops aimed at enhancing sports and fitness capabilities. It also supports knowledge exchange, logistical assistance, and joint efforts in developing technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields. A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders will oversee the implementation of the programme's initiatives. The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure alignment with shared strategic goals.
Al Etihad
02-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed visits world's largest diamond tender facility at DMCC
2 June 2025 18:17 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, taking in a first-hand tour of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the largest diamond tender facility in the world. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's visit coincided with a defining moment for the UAE's diamond industry, as DMCC recently announced the milestone of over 1 billion carats of rough and polished diamonds traded over the past five years – reinforcing its position as the dominant force in the global diamond trade. His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was welcomed by Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board of DMCC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC; and Feryal Ahmadi, DMCC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His Highness visited the Dubai Diamond Exchange tender floors, where he was apprised of the trade practices in place for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and lab-grown stones. He also received briefings on DMCC's comprehensive diamond ecosystem, including the strategic expansion of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into DMCC's new district, Uptown Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: 'The visit provided the opportunity to see first-hand how DMCC continues to play a central role in driving global trade and investment flows to Dubai, positioning the emirate as a world-class business hub. As we advance our economic diversification journey under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DMCC is leading the way in building high-performance, globally connected ecosystems that attract innovation, talent and capital across priority sectors.'His Highness was also updated on the regulatory, policy and infrastructure advancements that have propelled the UAE to become the leading hub for rough diamond trade accelerated growth of the UAE in polished and lab-grown segments – combined with its leadership role as both Chair and Custodian Chair of the Kimberley Process – has positioned Dubai as a future-ready, innovative, responsible and globally trusted centre of excellence for the diamond industry. Bold New Vision In parallel to the visit, DMCC unveiled Strategy 2033 – a bold new vision that places its specialised industry ecosystems at the heart of its growth for the coming decade. From world-leading hubs in diamonds, gold, and energy, to future-focused platforms for AI, Web3, blockchain, and gaming, DMCC's strategy is designed to accelerate the growth of key global sectors through value-add services including tailored licensing, infrastructure, and access to capital and industry expertise. The strategy builds on a model that has firmly established DMCC as one of the world's leading and fastest-growing free zones. With momentum accelerating across its entire ecosystem, DMCC is on track to exceed 26,000 member companies by year-end. Considered Expansion strategy DMCC's success lies in the consistent expansion of both legacy and frontier sectors. Over the past five years, the precious stones ecosystem has surged by 177%, precious metals by 74%, and energy by 72%, while the coffee and tea trade continues to show resilient growth. Meanwhile, DMCC's newer technology ecosystems have scaled rapidly, mirroring Dubai's ascent as a global centre for innovation. This has coincided with a period of sustained growth for DMCC, which now accounts for 15% of Dubai's foreign direct investment and 7% of its Highness Sheikh Hamdan's visit also highlighted the wider transformation of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown districts into thriving business and lifestyle destinations – underscoring the role of DMCC in shaping the urban and economic landscape of Dubai. Today DMCC is home to over 25,000 companies and, in recent years, has seen exponential growth from companies in new industries such as Web3, Crypto, Gaming and AI. Elaborate Trade Report The visit concluded with His Highness being presented with a deluxe edition of DMCC's 2024 Future of Trade report, which explores the shifting dynamics of international commerce and forecasts key trends shaping global on His Highness's visit, Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board, DMCC, said: 'It was an honour to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC and the Dubai Diamond Exchange today." Dr. Buamim added, "This visit is a powerful endorsement of DMCC's role, not only in positioning the UAE as the global leader in diamond trade but also in advancing Dubai's position as a centre of excellence across a wide range of future-focused industries. He further said: "Through long-term investment, bold policy frameworks and a commitment to international partnerships, DMCC has built an ecosystem that enables growth across commodities, technology, services and innovation. As Dubai accelerates the goals of D33, our integrated model will continue to be central to attracting global business and reinforcing Dubai as a leading hub for international trade.'Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of DMCC, said: 'It was a privilege to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC at this historic moment for our diamond industry. Bin Sulayem added, "As we continue to scale our impact through our world-class districts of JLT and Uptown Dubai, attract global institutions, and lead industry dialogues across sectors, DMCC is shaping the future of trade from the heart of Dubai. From precious stones and energy to emerging fields such as AI, Web3 and blockchain, we are building the connected, future-ready ecosystems that global businesses need to thrive – and expect to surpass 26,000 companies this year. By driving innovation, integrity and sustainable growth, DMCC is proud to support the national economic agenda and continue to cement Dubai's status as a world-leading hub for trade and commerce.'Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, added: 'From transforming the global tender landscape in diamonds to advancing growth in Web3, AI and sustainable trade, DMCC is building the next generation of global commerce. His Highness' visit is a strong validation of DMCC's Strategy 2033 that will elevate our future-ready, connected ecosystems to ultimately support innovation, ensure resilience and deliver long-term value. As international markets evolve, Dubai is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a dynamic, responsible and forward-looking global hub.' Leadership Initiative Since 2021, the UAE has led the world in the rough diamond trade and is rapidly expanding its presence across polished and lab-grown segments. Polished diamonds now represent nearly half of the total diamond trade value, while the lab-grown segment has exceeded Dh3.7 billion in trade in the past year. DMCC has played a foundational role in Dubai's rise as a global powerhouse for the diamond and precious stones sector. Through the Dubai Diamond Exchange and its wider ecosystem of more than 1,350 member companies, DMCC has built the specialised infrastructure, regulatory support, and international connectivity required to enable seamless trade across all diamond 2024 alone, the DDE hosted 85 tenders, underscoring its pivotal role as a central platform for the global diamond community. This position is reinforced by the presence of the Kimberley Process Office, the DMCC Vault and a suite of high-impact networking and industry initiatives, including the Tender Best Practice Forum – all of which ensure the highest standards of security, compliance and market engagement. Further strengthening Dubai's comprehensive offering is the expansion of globally renowned institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into Uptown Dubai, cementing its status as a world-leading hub for the diamond trade across every segment of the value chain. Specialised Centres The DMCC continues to play a catalytic role in shaping the future of trade across multiple sectors. As home to over 25,000 member companies from 180 countries, DMCC provides cutting-edge infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and industry-specific ecosystems that support growth in commodities, financial services, and emerging technologies. Through specialised centres such as the DMCC Crypto Centre, the Gaming Centre, the AI Centre and the Tea and Coffee Centres, DMCC is reinforcing Dubai's status as a hub for traditional and digital trade, while actively enabling the next generation of enterprise, and innovation and global business.
Emirates 24/7
26-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, met today in Muscat with His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of Oman. The meeting explored opportunities to further deepen strategic cooperation between the UAE and Oman across various sectors, underpinned by the strong historical and fraternal ties shared by the two nations and their peoples. Held as part of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to Oman at the head of a high-level delegation, the meeting reflected the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the significance of continued high-level exchanges and ongoing ministerial and government engagement, which reflect the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen UAE-Oman ties. He noted that strengthening bilateral ties serves national development goals, particularly in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural spheres. The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination to advance mutual interests and drive comprehensive, sustainable development in both nations. The discussions also touched on ways to enhance Gulf cooperation, with a focus on increasing trade and tourism flows, promoting mutual investments, and encouraging the private sector to play a greater role in launching joint ventures that contribute to growth across the industrial, commercial, and investment sectors. Sheikh Hamdan praised the continued growth of UAE-Oman economic relations. Oman remains the UAE's second-largest trading partner among GCC countries. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations surpassed AED56.1 billion, marking a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. He expressed confidence that further opportunities lie ahead to expand trade and boost tourism flows, especially given the rich and diverse offerings that both countries boast. The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said welcomed H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and the accompanying delegation to Oman, emphasising that the visit reflects the depth of the ties between the two brotherly nations. He noted that the visit would serve to further advance strategic cooperation in support of mutual development goals and continued economic growth. Sayyid Fahd reiterated Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations aligned with the two countries' shared strategic aspirations for the future. The meeting also covered a range of regional and international developments, including the latest updates from the Middle East, and ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. The meeting was also attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers;Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
