The UAE has reduced the validity of residency visas for free zones from three years to up to two years.
Individual free zones have been updating their clients via circulars about the new rule that's effective from October 3.
It said all residence visas that are currently under process will reflect the new validity.
Meanwhile, residence visas that have already been issued will remain valid for the three-year time frame until renewal.
WTO advances world’s first digital trade rules despite opposition
A group of World Trade Organisation members agreed on Saturday to sidestep adoption hurdles for the world's first baseline on digital trade rules, opting to bring the agreement into force among consenting participants, the WTO said.
Abu Dhabi boosts transparency, governance in real estate sector
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has issued a package of administrative decisions to strengthen transparency, governance and investor protection across the real estate sector.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber dedicates leadership award to UAE President, frontline workers
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, has received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington D.C.-based Middle East Institute (MEI).
Dubai achieves highest-ever ranking in Global Financial Centres Index
Dubai has achieved its highest ever ranking in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), climbing to seventh place, underscoring the emirate’s rise as one of the world's most influential financial hubs and its importance in the global financial system.
Stocks gain with oil prices easing on optimism from possible ceasefire talks
Global equity markets, including from the U.S., Europe and Asia, rose while oil prices fell on Wednesday, as traders cheered news of ceasefire proposals to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A cabinet meeting, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday approved a series of national strategies and international agreements, to strengthen the country's resilience and global position.
The UAE announced it is continuing to respond to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, with a further alert issued by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) on its official channel on Sunday at 3:23 p.m.
UAE air defences intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones launched from Iran on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said, adding they've engaged 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 UAVs since the start of the attacks.
