UAE Eid Al Fitr 2024 expected dates; Schengen visa waiver; new tax consultation; Dubai real estate analysis – 10 things you missed this week

Before then, however, weather experts are forecasting another spell of rainy weather in the UAE.

Also in the headlines this week was news that the GCC has entered into negotiations with the European Union to secure Schengen visa-waiver for citizens, Saudi Arabia clarified a ban on “lottery” retail promotions and Qatar Airways teased a new-look First Class cabin on part of its fleet.

Dubai real estate continued to be a hot topic, with analysts giving views on the suitability of villas, townhouses and apartments for investors.

Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors.

UAE Eid Al Fitr 2024 likely to begin on April 10, expected dates for long holiday revealed

Eid Al Fitr, the important religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, based on Islamic astronomical calculations.

Al Jarwan explained that top scholars and experts studied the lunar calendar cycle and concluded that the first day of the month of Shawwal, which directly follows Ramadan, will be April 10. This means that Muslims from the world over will be fasting for a period of 30 days during Ramadan.

The expected birth of the Shawwal crescent in 2024 will coincide with a total solar eclipse on April 8. Calculations show the moon’s crescent should be visible after sunset on April 9 across most of the Islamic world, as it will form before midnight on the 8.

UAE announces consultation on new tax

The UAE has launched a public consultation on tax rules in the country.

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced the launch of a digital public consultation to gather the views of relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) or Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (Pillar Two) (GloBE Rules) as well as other tax matters in the UAE.

The consultation will be open from March 15 2024 to April 10, 2024, and accessible via the Ministry’s website or the UAE’s Government Portal.

UAE announces major passport rule change

The UAE has announced a major change to the validity of passports for citizens. Following a Cabinet decision, it was announced that Emirati passports for citizens over the age of 21 would be valid for 10 years, up from the current five-year spell.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced the change on social media.

He said: “We approved extending the validity period of the UAE passport from five to 10 years for Emiratis aged 21 and above. The new amendments include further facilitations and comprehensive digital services to be provided by the relevant authorities.”

GCC Schengen waiver: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman pursue visa-free travel to Europe

Gulf citizens are pursuing a Schengen visa waiver as they seek unrestricted travel to Europe.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi met in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the Gulf region Luigi Di Maio. During the meeting, they discussed the GCC-European bilateral relations, including issues related to the visa waiver process for GCC citizens in the Schengen area.

Additionally, views were exchanged on various regional and international bilateral issues, according to the GCC General Secretariat. The Secretary General said that the GCC countries look forward to strengthening cooperation between the GCC member states and the EU to support and enhance stability and development in the region and the world.

Sheikh Mohammed announces Nakheel, Meydan to merge under Dubai Holding

Dubai Holding will acquire property developers Nakheel and Meydan Company under directives from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The decision aims to sustain and advance growth through a unified and integrated vision according to state news agency WAM.

Nakheel and Meydan will become part of Dubai Holding leadership under Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Visa-free Eid Al Fitr 2024 holiday ideas for UAE residents

UAE residents are able to enjoy visa-free travel to a variety of destinations, thanks to residency visa status.

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, and schools prepare for extended, spring term holidays, global travel marketplace Skyscanner has identified visa-free travel destinations for residents planning to make use of the holidays.

Dubai real estate: Should you invest in a villa, townhouse or apartment in 2024? Experts weigh in

Dubai’s real estate sector is evolving rapidly, with new developments expanding to new areas. Due to this, investors now face important choices around where and what type of property offers the best opportunities.

Villas, townhouses and apartments all have different features that may appeal more or less depending on the goals and priorities of buyers.

Experts are weighing in on the pros and cons of these options, offering their understanding on where strengthened or weaker potential could lie in 2024.

Qatar Airways announces new First Class cabins

Qatar Airways is set to introduce new First Class cabins as it outlines a vision for future aviation.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, has revealed several major new developments in line with his vision for the future of Qatar Airways.

Designed to invigorate the global airline and its group of businesses, his roadmap for success includes innovation as the key pillar, which is reflected in Qatar Airways’ upcoming products and services, including the introduction of new First Class cabins on some of its fleet.

Saudi Arabia bans ‘lottery’ retail prize draws

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce said that “lottery” prizes, which require the purchase of goods or products to win cash prizes, enter prize drawings, or distribute money within products offered for sale to customers, are prohibited activities in the Kingdom.

The ministry summoned both commercial establishments and individuals who have organized such activities and emphasised that it is working to ensure that regulatory procedures are followed and violators are referred to the Public Prosecution.

According to the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and its Executive Regulations, it is illegal to require a purchase in commercial competitions as a condition for participation. The law stipulates that competitions may not include anything that violates Sharia law or customs observed in the Kingdom.

UAE weather: Rain, strong winds and cooler temperature forecast with a chance of thunderstorms

The UAE is expected to see rain and strong winds again early next week, according to official weather forecasts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has anticipated a change in weather conditions as a deepening upper-air trough brings scattered showers and strong winds starting this Sunday.

In an advisory, the NCM forecasts an increase in cloud cover with the potential for light to moderate rainfall. There is a chance of heavier downpours with intervals of lightning and thunder, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures.

While the UAE rain is expected to ease by Tuesday evening, the report warned against potential hazards. Strong winds are also anticipated, shifting from south-easterly to north-easterly and eventually northwesterly.