UAE Expat Diaries

Hello expats! Some good news this Hag al Layla season. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches,  Dubai Cares  collaborated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications to launch  ‘Gaza In Our Hearts’.  This campaign will extend a helping hand to the people of Gaza who are facing immense challenges, providing them with vital aid such as meals, food baskets, and sturdy tents. In partnership with  Anera (American Near East Refugee Aid),  Dubai Cares is striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by hardship. Leading ‘Gaza In Our Hearts’ is Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares, whose mission of community engagement and empowerment shines through. By inviting people like you and me, from all walks of life to participate in this initiative, Dr. Al Gurg is serving as a platform of responsibility and solidarity within the community. Through this action, we can make a HUGE impact on the lives of Gazans. Under the leadership ...

Hi expats and climate enthusiasts!  If you have heard of the COP28 Summit around November-December last year, then you would know that there were many things achieved about climate action. One of which is the UAE consensus, which is  an agreement that unites nations in a landmark response to the Global Stocktake, aiming to achieve the first-ever consensus on transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in an equitable manner. The consensus also outlines the unprecedented global aim to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.   President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, lauded the dedicated efforts of COP28 negotiators, representatives of the COP28 Presidency Office, and conference organizers. The gathering, held in Abu Dhabi, served to honor their exceptional contributions in realizing historic climate progress through the UAE Con...

Hi expats!  Dina here.  Our Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, presided over the 41st session of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed led the UAE delegation at the summit, which was held to discuss crucial issues of regional security and partnership. The session attracted notice when Tunisian President Kais Saied hosted Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed and other Arab Interior Ministers at the Carthage Palace. This gathering, held amid Tunisia's capital, discussed the need for regional leaders to work together and communicate to address common concerns. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed conveyed the warm regards of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed gratitude for the gracious hospitality extended by Tunisia. This highlighted the strong friendship between the UAE and Tunisia. The discussions covered a wide range of topics strengthening joint Arab efforts in security and policing, with th...

Hi expats! Good news for everyone! The UAE has successfully completed all 15 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan, leading to its removal from the ‘grey list’ of countries at risk of illicit money flows. This accomplishment shows that the UAE is committed to upholding international standards and reaffirming its position as a global economic and investment hub. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, attributes this success to the efforts of various ministries, the federal government, and local entities. The achievement is a commitment to combatting financial crimes and ensuring the integrity of the global financial system. Sheikh Abdullah emphasizes the UAE’s adherence to international laws and conventions, a crucial step in safeguarding the global financial system. This commitment sends ...

Since 1972, the roots of the diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany were planted, solidifying their cooperation. Fast forward to the present, where their alliance has blossomed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a journey of collaboration. The depth of this partnership is seen in the consistent growth of direct connectivity. As of January 2024, 110 weekly direct flights facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods between the UAE and Germany. This air link strengthens trade and cultural exchange. Germany has become a good friend in the UAE's growth story. The top sectors where Germany has made significant investments in the UAE are quite telling. Renewable energy leads with $1.15 billion. Following closely are the sectors of transport and housing, boasting investments of $573 million, and software and IT services, contributing $238 million to the tech industry. These investments not only improve the UAE's economic divers...

Hi expats!  Let's get into the topic of climate action.  COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the need for "trillions" of dollars to accelerate the green transition. Speaking at an event in Paris organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA), he highlighted the progress made during last year's UN negotiations in Dubai. The agreement reached in Dubai aimed to triple global renewables capacity and move away from fossil fuels, but key details, especially regarding funding, remained elusive. COP28 president Jaber, who is also the chief of the UAE's national oil company ADNOC, stressed that finance is the "key enabler of positive change at the speed and scale" required. However, the failure of wealthy nations to meet their goal of providing $100 billion per year by 2020 has strained trust, with indications that the target was likely reached only in 2022. The UN-backed climate finance expert group estimates that emerging economies (excluding China) ...

Hi expats! On Monday, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan kicked it with President Felix Tshisekedi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Qasr Al Shati. They had an important talk at Qasr Al Shati, focusing on making their countries better friends. The leaders chatted about making their countries even better buddies. They looked at ways to team up in lots of areas like helping each other grow economically, trading stuff, and using renewable energy. A cool part of the discussion was about making more money together. Both leaders agreed that teaming up could help both the UAE and Congo to grow and be more successful. They want to find new ways to invest in projects that benefit both sides. They also talked about trading things between their countries. Both leaders want to work together on projects that help their nations grow and get better. It’s like sharing good stuff to make everyone happy. They even discussed using clean energy, like wind and solar power. Both leaders...

Hi expats! Good news: Banks and financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are gearing up to launch the Jaywan payment card in the second quarter of this year. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, aims to revolutionize the country's financial landscape. The plan involves a phased rollout of Jaywan, with the issuance of debit cards slated to commence in Q2 2024. Andrew McCormack, the Chief Operating Officer at AEP, revealed an aggressive growth plan for Jaywan in an official statement. "We have an aggressive growth plan for Jaywan, hoping to launch debit cards in Q2 2024 with select partners who are ready to issue. Over the next few years, the Central Bank of the UAE (will) mandate all banks to issue Jaywan as debit cards to their customers in the UAE," McCormack announced. In 2023, the Central Bank of the UAE took a significant step by establishing Al Etihad Payments (AEP) a...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put $500 million to propel research and development in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Spearheaded by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), this seeks to accelerate progress and foster collaboration on a global scale. The investment is a strategic vision for advancing AI capabilities. $200 million has been allocated to provide technology access to developing countries. This aligns with the UAE's aim to boost inclusivity and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements reach far and wide. Additionally, the Falcon Foundation, a nonprofit initiative with a budget of $300 million, will focus on developing open-source generative AI models, believing in the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping the future of AI. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) acting as the research arm of ATRC, will lead the charge with a $300 million initiative under the Falcon Foundation.. Dr. Ray O. Johnson, the CEO of ...

In a move to bolster the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale, the UAE's AI Office has recently inked three groundbreaking agreements with Austria, Mongolia, and Colombia. These Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signify a pivotal step towards fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the realm of AI across diverse sectors. Led by Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, these agreements underscore the UAE's commitment to fortifying international partnerships aimed at leveraging AI to enhance various vital sectors and positively impact people's lives.  Al Olama emphasized the UAE's relentless pursuit of forging meaningful collaborations to develop frameworks that empower sectors crucial to societal advancement. This strategic approach resonates with the visionary leadership's commitment to positioning AI adoption as a transformative force, shaping the futur...

‍ Working from home has become the new norm for many professionals, and for those residing in Dubai, it comes with unique experiences. Imagine sitting at your home office, laptop at the ready, when suddenly, a heavy rainstorm hits the city. The usual hustle and bustle of Dubai takes a backseat as the rain pours down, creating a tranquil atmosphere outside your window. This unexpected weather event brings about a change in scenery as well as circumstances, turning your home office into a cozy haven. As you sip on a hot cup of coffee, you can't help but feel grateful for the flexibility that working remotely provides. The sound of raindrops hitting the pavement becomes your background music, adding a soothing touch to your work environment. Overview of Dubai's weather patterns and rainstorms Dubai is known for its desert climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce, with an average annual precipitation of less than 100mm. However, when rain does fall, it...

Hi expats! Recently, in an article published about the country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was described as a " bridge builder punching above its weight", further describing  the value of fostering connections and reconciliation stands out as paramount. This was particularly evident in 2023, especially in the Middle East, where longstanding tensions were exacerbated by a tragic conflict in the Levant. With a population of 9.3 million and an economy ranking 31st globally, the UAE leverages its economic prosperity to become a key player on the international stage. Let's explore the aspects of diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the UAE, from the Abraham Accords to UN Security Council leadership, and its aim for climate action and global engagement. 1. Economic Powerhouse The UAE's economic strength, reflected in its 31st global ranking in terms of GDP, is important as shapes its diplomatic future. The country's wealth affords it a unique position, allowing it t...

  Hi expats!  Bridgetower Middle East, a $250 million funding platform, has emerged within the prestigious Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This development signals the region's increasing embrace of digitalization, with enterprises across the UAE and the Gulf region recognizing the vast potential of blockchain infrastructure and digital assets. Bridgetower Middle East aims to revolutionize institutional investment in digital assets by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including turnkey institutional staking, access to cutting-edge data center capabilities, and crucial private equity and venture capital support. The platform's introduction of staking, where investors earn income on their crypto assets by securing the blockchain, represents a significant leap forward in the realm of digital asset investment. Backed by industry stalwarts Deus X Capital and Bridgetower Capital, Bridgetower Middle East is poised to reshape the region's digital landscape. Tim Grant, CEO...

Hi expats! This blog is all about US.  The unveiled Annual Global Hiring Report by Deel has brought to light the UAE's achievement as the most favored destination for international professionals seeking employment visas. We'll talk about the key findings of the report and explore what makes the UAE a standout global business hub. The data-driven insights from Deel's comprehensive analysis paint a vivid picture of the UAE's ascent on the global stage. Topping the charts for international professionals, the UAE now stands as a beacon for skilled individuals worldwide, firmly establishing itself among the top choices for those seeking exciting career opportunities abroad. Breaking down the numbers, the report highlights the UAE's growing influence in the hiring landscape. Noteworthy is the fact that France, India, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom have emerged as the top destinations for UAE recruiters. This underlines the country's commitment to building a diverse a...