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Living in the UAE

Dubai Changes in July 2026: 9 Updates Residents Need Now

Updated 29 July 2026: July’s announcements have moved quickly — and several early reports are now out of date. Dubai Summer Surprises is live, the school holiday has begun, a tightly defined visa grace period has closed, and Etihad Rail has confirmed the exact date its Dubai station will open. Most importantly, Armenia’s visa rule…

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Smiling family in an office holding a UAE passport and residency approval document with Dubai skyline behind them
Living in the UAE

UAE Golden Visa: The Complete Guide for 2026

The UAE Golden Visa in 2026 is a long-term residency visa that lets you live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a company or employer to sponsor your residency. It comes in 5-year and 10-year versions, is renewable, and covers your immediate family. Here is everything you need to know — How Much…

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A man at a table reviews documents next to a laptop and a cup of coffee in a living room setting.
Living in the UAE

UAE Sick Leave Law 2026: Pay, Days & Medical Certificates

Private-sector employees covered by the UAE’s federal Labour Law can take up to 90 days of sick leave per year after probation: the first 15 days at full pay, the next 30 at half pay and the remaining 45 without pay. The leave can be continuous or split across separate illnesses. The employee must notify…

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Traveller holding a passport and smartphone displaying a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation confirmation at a UK airport border control area.
Travel

UK ETA for Dubai & UAE Travellers: Your Ultimate Guide to Seamless UK Entry

✅ Updated June 2026 — UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now required for all British nationals visiting Dubai and the UAE, including transit. Cost: £10 per person. Processing time: usually within 3 working days, though we recommend applying at least 1–2 weeks before travel. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your…

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A group of four people in a meeting around a table with laptops and notebooks, with a large window view of a city skyline featuring a tall skyscraper in the background. One individual is holding a document labeled 'Freelance.'
Living in the UAE

UAE Freelance Visa: Navigating New Rules & Stricter Reviews

Feeling confused by the stricter checks on the UAE freelance visa? You’re not alone. In a move to strengthen the gig economy, authorities have tightened the review process for the self-employment visa, leaving many aspiring and current freelancers anxious about conflicting information and the fear of rejection. The dream of working independently in the UAE…

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A person stands with a suitcase at an airport gate, looking out at an airplane and the Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa visible at sunset.
Living in the UAE

Moving to the UAE: The Definitive 2026 Expat Relocation Roadmap

The images are iconic: shimmering skyscrapers piercing a desert sky, luxurious shopping malls, and a lifestyle a byword for ambition and opportunity. But behind the glamour of relocating to Dubai or Abu Dhabi lies a complex reality of paperwork, cultural nuances, and logistical hurdles. If you’re moving to the UAE, you’ve likely found yourself lost…

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A person sitting outdoors using a laptop and smartphone learning how check UAE visa status, with a city skyline, including tall skyscrapers, visible in the background.
Living in the UAE

How to Check UAE Visa Status Online: ICP or GDRFA Dubai

To check a UAE visa, use the authority that issued it—not the emirate where you happen to be standing. Use GDRFA Dubai for a Dubai-issued entry permit or residence file. Use ICP for visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah. Choose the inquiry that matches your question:…

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A man in a suit smiling and holding up an identification card with the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in the background under a clear blue sky.
Living in the UAE

Get Your Emirates ID Faster: 2026 Guide to the Fastest Ways

How to get your Emirates ID faster is the goal for every resident in 2025. You want a clean plan. You want zero drama, and you want a card that arrives without delays. This guide gives you the steps that work right now. I tested each step against current rules and service updates. I also…

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