Weather - Rain Expected in Some Areas as Temperatures Reach 38°C in Abu D…Transport - Dubai Converts Al Satwa Roundabout into Traffic Signal, Cuts Jo…Update - Emaar Founder Teases Dubai Mall Plaza as He Hints at New Landma…
Weather - Rain Expected in Some Areas as Temperatures Reach 38°C in Abu D…Transport - Dubai Converts Al Satwa Roundabout into Traffic Signal, Cuts Jo…Update - Emaar Founder Teases Dubai Mall Plaza as He Hints at New Landma…
Expatriates are not being pushed out of the UAE and Gulf, but nationalisation programmes are raising the bar for foreign professionals, according to Pedro Lacerda, senior vice president of Tasc Outsourcing. Initiatives such as the UAE’s Emiratisation, Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat and Omanisation aim to increase citizens’ participation in private-sector jobs. However, continued economic expansion is expected to sustain demand for international talent across AI, technology, healthcare, finance, logistics, tourism, energy and advanced manufacturing. Employers will increasingly seek professionals with specialist expertise, international experience and skills that are scarce locally. Lacerda calls this an “expat upgrade cycle”, in which foreign hires must demonstrate clear value beyond capabilities that can be developed domestically. The GCC’s workforce is expected to become more blended, combining stronger national talent with international expertise where it adds value.
The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs across areas such as AI, e-commerce, tourism, logistics, digital marketing, business services and wellness.
I'm interested to know which sectors people think have the most potential in the UAE right now, especially for someone starting with a small or medium budget.
I recently came across a detailed guide covering 10 business opportunities in the UAE, including the growth areas, potential models and key considerations:
https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/best-business-opportunities-uae-right-now-10-ideas
Tourism spending in the Middle East is forecast to rise 57 per cent between 2025 and 2030, reaching $408 billion, while international arrivals are expected to hit 316 million. The growth is being supported by rising traveller demand, greater tourism investment and a growing focus on experiences, with Chinese visitors’ leisure nights projected to increase by 160 per cent by 2030. Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the sector, with 91 per cent of Middle East travel businesses reportedly piloting or using AI, while 28 per cent of travellers considering the region have used AI chatbots for trip planning. The figures point to a rapidly evolving tourism landscape across the region.
Businesses across the UAE will pay annual music licensing fees from December 1, 2026, under a new Ministry of Economy and Tourism framework. Restaurants and cafés will pay from Dh1,500, while shops will pay from Dh1,700, with higher charges for larger establishments and venues offering DJs or entertainment. Shopping malls face fees of up to Dh50,000 a year, while hotels, fitness centres, broadcasters and airlines are also covered under the new structure. The fees are intended to protect copyright and ensure creators, composers, performers and music producers receive royalties.
Yes. Families travelling to the UAE between July 15 and September 15 can benefit from an annual tourist visa fee waiver for children under 18 years old travelling with one or both parents. The exemption applies to both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, provided the child's visa application is submitted together with the accompanying parent's application. However, the waiver covers only the visa application fee—parents may still need to pay travel insurance and travel agency service charges, which typically total around Dh120 per child, depending on the agency. If a child is travelling with only one parent, an undertaking letter may also be required. Do you think the UAE should make children's tourist visas completely free, including insurance and processing charges, to encourage more family tourism? Why or why not?
The right visa depends on how often you plan to visit Saudi Arabia and whether your trip is only for Umrah or includes tourism. Travel experts say the new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa is best for Muslims intending to perform Umrah several times a year, allowing multiple entries and up to 90 days' stay in total, but it is restricted to pilgrimage purposes. Meanwhile, the multiple-entry tourist visa offers greater flexibility for those who want to combine Umrah with sightseeing or visits to other cities, while single-entry tourist and Umrah visas are suitable for one-time visits. Regardless of the visa type, pilgrims must complete the required Nusuk registration before performing Umrah, and those wishing to visit Rawdah (Riyaz-ul-Jannah) in Madinah also need to book an appointment through the platform. If you were planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, which option would you choose—a dedicated Umrah visa or a tourist visa that also allows sightseeing? Why?
Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing a strong rise in domestic tourism, with visitor numbers from within the UAE increasing by 47.1% in the first half of 2026. More residents are choosing the emirate for staycations, attracted by family-friendly resorts, wellness retreats, seasonal hotel offers, beaches, cultural attractions and dining experiences. The tourism authority says campaigns such as RAK Moments, along with value-for-money packages and new hospitality projects, are helping position Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round destination. Have you visited Ras Al Khaimah this summer, or are you planning a staycation there? What attracts you the most—beaches, mountains, resorts, or the special summer offers?
I believe the right approach depends on a country's priorities. While easier visa rules can boost tourism, business, and investment, stricter policies may help address security and immigration concerns. The ideal balance is one that protects national interests while making travel and opportunities accessible for genuine visitors.
The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival eligibility to nationals of seven countries — India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa — provided they hold a valid residence permit from an approved country such as the US, UK, EU member states, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Eligible travellers can choose between a 14-day visa (Dh100, extendable once) or a 60-day single-entry visa (Dh250, non-extendable), with an overstay fine of Dh50 per day applicable after the permitted stay period expires. The move aims to facilitate travel, strengthen international ties, and support tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the UAE and partner countries.
Following the announcement of a peace agreement between United States and Iran, many UAE residents affected by months of economic uncertainty say they are feeling renewed optimism about jobs, salaries and business recovery. Workers in sectors such as hospitality and travel described coping with reduced incomes, furloughs and layoffs during the period of regional disruption, but now hope improved regional stability could support tourism, trade and hiring activity again. Experts suggest that stronger business confidence may encourage companies to restart delayed recruitment plans and gradually improve conditions across sectors linked to travel, infrastructure and broader economic activity. For many families, the sense of relief is not only financial but emotional — with hopes of returning children to school or nursery, rebuilding savings, and regaining stability after months of uncertainty. Do you think regional stability could lead to a faster recovery in jobs and household finances across the UAE?
