Office rents rise 14pc in Abu Dhabi
By Haseeb Haider KHALEEJ TIMES 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Demand for office space in the capital continues to be high as rents have increased by 14 per cent in the second quarter of the year, a report said.
According to property management company Asteco, villas and residential compounds are being converted to offices to absorb some of the demand, most notably in the Khalidiyah area. Under the circumstances, businesses have no other option but to set up their offices in Al Ain or in the outskirts of Dubai.
"Over the last three months, office rental rates have increased across the board by nearly 14 per cent," the company said.
Asteco said Defence Street witnessed the highest increase of 31 per cent with rents between Dh1,200 and Dh3,000 per square metre. This area, previously a military zone, is currently being re-developed with residential villas, offices and supporting retail.
Khalidiyah is also showing an increase of 28 per cent from last quarter. Rental rates in this area start from Dh1,500 reaching Dh3,500 per square metre, depending on the quality of the building and its facilities. However, similar to the residential market, landlords are pushing prices up to take advantage of the lack of supply regardless of the standard of the offices, the report said.
"The Khalidiyah area is likely to see rents continue to rise due to new commercial buildings being developed," it added. One particular example is an inverted pyramid building with 7,900 square metres of office space, which will offer quality offices and facilities.
Meanwhile, another property management company said present trend of tight office space is likely to continue for another two to three years.
Rebekah Savage, manager at Foundation Property Management Company, told Khaleej Times that present scenario of squeezing availability of office space is likely to persist in coming days.
According to estimates of Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), Ms Savage said that there are 250 buildings in and around Abu Dhabi City Centre are due to be knocked down. She further said 750 buildings to be built in and around Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, however, there are no estimates for the creation of more commercial space in the capital.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
4By Haseeb Haider KHALEEJ TIMES 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Demand for office space in the capital continues to be high as rents have increased by 14 per cent in the second quarter of the year, a report said.
According to property management company Asteco, villas and residential compounds are being converted to offices to absorb some of the demand, most notably in the Khalidiyah area. Under the circumstances, businesses have no other option but to set up their offices in Al Ain or in the outskirts of Dubai.
"Over the last three months, office rental rates have increased across the board by nearly 14 per cent," the company said.
Asteco said Defence Street witnessed the highest increase of 31 per cent with rents between Dh1,200 and Dh3,000 per square metre. This area, previously a military zone, is currently being re-developed with residential villas, offices and supporting retail.
Khalidiyah is also showing an increase of 28 per cent from last quarter. Rental rates in this area start from Dh1,500 reaching Dh3,500 per square metre, depending on the quality of the building and its facilities. However, similar to the residential market, landlords are pushing prices up to take advantage of the lack of supply regardless of the standard of the offices, the report said.
"The Khalidiyah area is likely to see rents continue to rise due to new commercial buildings being developed," it added. One particular example is an inverted pyramid building with 7,900 square metres of office space, which will offer quality offices and facilities.
Meanwhile, another property management company said present trend of tight office space is likely to continue for another two to three years.
Rebekah Savage, manager at Foundation Property Management Company, told Khaleej Times that present scenario of squeezing availability of office space is likely to persist in coming days.
According to estimates of Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), Ms Savage said that there are 250 buildings in and around Abu Dhabi City Centre are due to be knocked down. She further said 750 buildings to be built in and around Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, however, there are no estimates for the creation of more commercial space in the capital.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Ex-Google workers launch 'Cuil' search engine
Agencies Published: July 29, 2008, 10:29
San Francisco: A group of former Google engineers have launched a rival Internet search engine Cuil this week, calling it an improved version of the world's most popular web-scouring tool.
Cuil's founders include former Google staffer Anna Patterson. Patterson intends to upstage Google, which she quit in 2006 to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the Internet.
The end result is Cuil, pronounced "cool." Backed by $33 million in venture capital, the search engine began processing requests for the first time on Monday.
Cuil had kept a low profile while Patterson, her husband, Tom Costello, and two other former Google engineers — Russell Power and Louis Monier — searched for better ways to search.
Cuil's search index spans 120 billion Web pages. Patterson believes that's at least three times the size of Google's index, although there is no way to know for certain. Google stopped publicly quantifying its index's breadth nearly three years ago when the catalog spanned 8.2 billion Web pages.
Cuil won't divulge the formula it has developed to cover a wider swath of the Web with far fewer computers than Google. And Google isn't ceding the point: Spokeswoman Katie Watson said her company still believes its index is the largest.
After getting inquiries about Cuil, Google asserted on its blog Friday that it regularly scans through 1 trillion unique Web links. But Google said it doesn't index them all because they either point to similar content or would diminish the quality of its search results in some other way. The posting didn't quantify the size of Google's index.
A search index's scope is important because information, pictures and content can't be found unless they're stored in a database. But Cuil believes it will outshine Google in several other ways, including its method for identifying and displaying pertinent results.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Agencies Published: July 29, 2008, 10:29
San Francisco: A group of former Google engineers have launched a rival Internet search engine Cuil this week, calling it an improved version of the world's most popular web-scouring tool.
Cuil's founders include former Google staffer Anna Patterson. Patterson intends to upstage Google, which she quit in 2006 to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the Internet.
The end result is Cuil, pronounced "cool." Backed by $33 million in venture capital, the search engine began processing requests for the first time on Monday.
Cuil had kept a low profile while Patterson, her husband, Tom Costello, and two other former Google engineers — Russell Power and Louis Monier — searched for better ways to search.
Cuil's search index spans 120 billion Web pages. Patterson believes that's at least three times the size of Google's index, although there is no way to know for certain. Google stopped publicly quantifying its index's breadth nearly three years ago when the catalog spanned 8.2 billion Web pages.
Cuil won't divulge the formula it has developed to cover a wider swath of the Web with far fewer computers than Google. And Google isn't ceding the point: Spokeswoman Katie Watson said her company still believes its index is the largest.
After getting inquiries about Cuil, Google asserted on its blog Friday that it regularly scans through 1 trillion unique Web links. But Google said it doesn't index them all because they either point to similar content or would diminish the quality of its search results in some other way. The posting didn't quantify the size of Google's index.
A search index's scope is important because information, pictures and content can't be found unless they're stored in a database. But Cuil believes it will outshine Google in several other ways, including its method for identifying and displaying pertinent results.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Municipality issues new construction safety rules
Praveen Menon THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 29. 2008
The high number of construction workers being killed or injured after falling from buildings has sparked the introduction of a new set of on-site safety rules.
The municipality yesterday announced all building industry firms will have to meet new standards and that any who fail to do so will be fined.
The major area of change is the safety requirement for workers on tall buildings with four chapters of a new rule book dedicated to this area.
Essa al Maidour, Assistant Director General for Planning and Building Affairs at Dubai Municipality said the new manual was launched following “great concern for safety issues and a need to introduce future standards for the same.”
According to municipality statistics, workers falling from high rise buildings constituted forty-five per cent of the 865 accidents that occurred between 2004 and 2007.
Last year alone, nearly 48 per cent of work site accidents were due to workers falling from buildings.
“We have dedicated four chapters in our new safety manual to this particular issue. This is a serious concern for us and we believe that the consultant as well as the contractor is responsible for these deaths,” said Mr Maidour.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Praveen Menon THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 29. 2008
The high number of construction workers being killed or injured after falling from buildings has sparked the introduction of a new set of on-site safety rules.
The municipality yesterday announced all building industry firms will have to meet new standards and that any who fail to do so will be fined.
The major area of change is the safety requirement for workers on tall buildings with four chapters of a new rule book dedicated to this area.
Essa al Maidour, Assistant Director General for Planning and Building Affairs at Dubai Municipality said the new manual was launched following “great concern for safety issues and a need to introduce future standards for the same.”
According to municipality statistics, workers falling from high rise buildings constituted forty-five per cent of the 865 accidents that occurred between 2004 and 2007.
Last year alone, nearly 48 per cent of work site accidents were due to workers falling from buildings.
“We have dedicated four chapters in our new safety manual to this particular issue. This is a serious concern for us and we believe that the consultant as well as the contractor is responsible for these deaths,” said Mr Maidour.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Oman bars hiring foreigners in some sectors
Reuters Published: July 27, 2008, 15:58
Muscat: Oman said on Sunday a number of jobs have been put off limits to foreign workers under new rules aiming to provide more employment opportunities to Omanis.
The ministry of manpower has begun implementing the restriction by not issuing permits for private sector companies operating businesses such as import and export and clothing to hire foreign workers.
"These jobs are reserved for Omanis to give job opportunities to nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labour," Minister of Manpower Juma Bin Ali Bin Juma told Reuters.
The ban does not apply to banks or oil companies. Like other Gulf Arab oil-exporting nations, non-OPEC Oman relies on foreign workers mainly from Asia and other Arab countries.
According to official statistics, about 25 per cent of Oman's total population of 2.8 million people are foreign workers.
The economy ministry has allocated 275 million rials ($714.3 million) in the 2008 budget as a grant to the private sector to train nationals.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Reuters Published: July 27, 2008, 15:58
Muscat: Oman said on Sunday a number of jobs have been put off limits to foreign workers under new rules aiming to provide more employment opportunities to Omanis.
The ministry of manpower has begun implementing the restriction by not issuing permits for private sector companies operating businesses such as import and export and clothing to hire foreign workers.
"These jobs are reserved for Omanis to give job opportunities to nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labour," Minister of Manpower Juma Bin Ali Bin Juma told Reuters.
The ban does not apply to banks or oil companies. Like other Gulf Arab oil-exporting nations, non-OPEC Oman relies on foreign workers mainly from Asia and other Arab countries.
According to official statistics, about 25 per cent of Oman's total population of 2.8 million people are foreign workers.
The economy ministry has allocated 275 million rials ($714.3 million) in the 2008 budget as a grant to the private sector to train nationals.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi and Dubai among world’s most pricey cities
Vivian Salama THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 26. 2008 8:26PM UAE
ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain among the world’s most expensive cities, though at a lower ranking than last year, a new cost-of-living survey has revealed.
This year Dubai ranks as the 52nd most expensive city, down from 32nd place last year, while the capital is number 62, down from 45th, according to Mercer, the international human resources company that conducts the annual survey. The cities rank second and third in the Middle East respectively, behind Tel Aviv, which ranked 14th. Conversely, a number of European cities have risen in the ranks and dominate the top of the list.
Yvonne Traber, a principal and research manager at Mercer, attributed much of the change to exchange rate fluctuations. “Current market conditions have led to the further weakening of the US dollar which, coupled with the strengthening of the Euro and many other currencies, has caused significant changes in this year’s rankings,” she said.
The survey, covering 143 cities in six continents, is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. It charts the cost of more than 200 everyday items, from clothing and footwear, to groceries, personal care needs, transport costs and dining out, as well as the cost of renting a high quality two-bedroom furnished flat.
The cost of living in many European cities has grown more rapidly than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai because, in addition to inflation, the cost of goods is denominated in euros, which have strengthened against the dollar.
On the other hand, soaring oil prices and the rapid growth of GCC economies has fuelled inflation in the Middle East this year at a faster rate than in Europe and the US.
UAE inflation accelerated to a 20-year high of 11.4 per cent last year and will rise slightly to 11.8 per cent this year, a Reuters poll last month showed. Food, beverage and tobacco accounted for 11 per cent of that rise and, according to the Emirates Consumer Protection Society, a division of the UAE Ministry of Economy, food inflation could rise as high as 40 per cent this year.
“The saying goes that Emirates Hills is now more expensive than Beverly Hills,” said Mary Nicola, an economist with Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai. “Day-to-day expenses in terms of groceries and such have become more expensive here.”
Soaring rent prices have also become a burden for UAE residents. A report released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy (DPE) estimated that rents during the first quarter alone increased by 18 per cent.
A recent survey found that rents in the capital had risen by an average of 49 per cent since June of last year and, in some cases, almost doubled since the beginning of the year despite a Government cap of five per cent. The survey by Asteco, a UAE property services company, found that rent for two-bedroom apartments in the Muroor and Tourist Club areas increased by 80 per cent or more in the 12 months from last June.
The annual rent for two-bedroom apartments ranged from Dh180,000 (US$49,000) to Dh194,400 in Hamdan Street, on the Corniche, in the Tourist Club area, Salam Street, Muroor and Khalifa Street. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments throughout the city ranged from Dh110,000 to more than Dh140,000, depending on the quality and location of the unit, the survey found.
In comparison, the UK estate agent Foxtons is offering two-bedroom flats in the fashionable districts of Kensington or Notting Hill for £2,167 (Dh15,843) a month, or Dh190,838 a year. A similar two-bedroom apartment in the Financial District of New York was advertised by the CitiHabitats agency for $4,350 (Dh15,977) a month, or Dh192,000 a year.
Ms Traber said that multinational companies were attracted to countries with a high rate of economic growth. “Companies may assign high priority to expansion in these economies but may have to deal with inflationary pressures due to competition for expatriate-level housing and other services,” she noted.
Ms Nicola said inflation would have an impact on attracting new people to the GCC.
“Businesses trying to set up shop and attract new talent have to fork out more money,” she said.
Worldwide, Moscow ranked as the world’s most expensive city for the second year running, followed by Tokyo, and London. The only US city in the top 50 is New York, which is down from 15th place last year to 22nd this year, due to the weakness of the dollar.
[IMG]https://www.citehr.com/misc.php?do=email_dev&email=dnNhbGFtYUB0aGVuYXRpb2 5hbC5hZQ==[/IMG]
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Vivian Salama THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 26. 2008 8:26PM UAE
ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain among the world’s most expensive cities, though at a lower ranking than last year, a new cost-of-living survey has revealed.
This year Dubai ranks as the 52nd most expensive city, down from 32nd place last year, while the capital is number 62, down from 45th, according to Mercer, the international human resources company that conducts the annual survey. The cities rank second and third in the Middle East respectively, behind Tel Aviv, which ranked 14th. Conversely, a number of European cities have risen in the ranks and dominate the top of the list.
Yvonne Traber, a principal and research manager at Mercer, attributed much of the change to exchange rate fluctuations. “Current market conditions have led to the further weakening of the US dollar which, coupled with the strengthening of the Euro and many other currencies, has caused significant changes in this year’s rankings,” she said.
The survey, covering 143 cities in six continents, is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. It charts the cost of more than 200 everyday items, from clothing and footwear, to groceries, personal care needs, transport costs and dining out, as well as the cost of renting a high quality two-bedroom furnished flat.
The cost of living in many European cities has grown more rapidly than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai because, in addition to inflation, the cost of goods is denominated in euros, which have strengthened against the dollar.
On the other hand, soaring oil prices and the rapid growth of GCC economies has fuelled inflation in the Middle East this year at a faster rate than in Europe and the US.
UAE inflation accelerated to a 20-year high of 11.4 per cent last year and will rise slightly to 11.8 per cent this year, a Reuters poll last month showed. Food, beverage and tobacco accounted for 11 per cent of that rise and, according to the Emirates Consumer Protection Society, a division of the UAE Ministry of Economy, food inflation could rise as high as 40 per cent this year.
“The saying goes that Emirates Hills is now more expensive than Beverly Hills,” said Mary Nicola, an economist with Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai. “Day-to-day expenses in terms of groceries and such have become more expensive here.”
Soaring rent prices have also become a burden for UAE residents. A report released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy (DPE) estimated that rents during the first quarter alone increased by 18 per cent.
A recent survey found that rents in the capital had risen by an average of 49 per cent since June of last year and, in some cases, almost doubled since the beginning of the year despite a Government cap of five per cent. The survey by Asteco, a UAE property services company, found that rent for two-bedroom apartments in the Muroor and Tourist Club areas increased by 80 per cent or more in the 12 months from last June.
The annual rent for two-bedroom apartments ranged from Dh180,000 (US$49,000) to Dh194,400 in Hamdan Street, on the Corniche, in the Tourist Club area, Salam Street, Muroor and Khalifa Street. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments throughout the city ranged from Dh110,000 to more than Dh140,000, depending on the quality and location of the unit, the survey found.
In comparison, the UK estate agent Foxtons is offering two-bedroom flats in the fashionable districts of Kensington or Notting Hill for £2,167 (Dh15,843) a month, or Dh190,838 a year. A similar two-bedroom apartment in the Financial District of New York was advertised by the CitiHabitats agency for $4,350 (Dh15,977) a month, or Dh192,000 a year.
Ms Traber said that multinational companies were attracted to countries with a high rate of economic growth. “Companies may assign high priority to expansion in these economies but may have to deal with inflationary pressures due to competition for expatriate-level housing and other services,” she noted.
Ms Nicola said inflation would have an impact on attracting new people to the GCC.
“Businesses trying to set up shop and attract new talent have to fork out more money,” she said.
Worldwide, Moscow ranked as the world’s most expensive city for the second year running, followed by Tokyo, and London. The only US city in the top 50 is New York, which is down from 15th place last year to 22nd this year, due to the weakness of the dollar.
[IMG]https://www.citehr.com/misc.php?do=email_dev&email=dnNhbGFtYUB0aGVuYXRpb2 5hbC5hZQ==[/IMG]
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
New visa system launched
The National Staff
Last Updated: July 29. 2008 11:18PM UAE / July 29. 2008 ABU DHABI/DUBAI // The new visa system was inconsistently applied on day one, with some officials saying they did not have key information about the new rules.
The changes, which mainly affect non-exempt people from countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia, came into effect yesterday, but staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a major embassy said they had not received official notification of the new regulations, and were still working under the old rules. At Dubai International Airport officials said the rules were applied, although some requirements – such as compulsory health insurance – were waived because the necessary infrastructure was not in place.
People entering the UAE now must apply for a tourist visa, through a registered tourist company or hotel, a visit visa sponsored by a direct relative living in the UAE, or one of 14 other visa types, such as a conference or a medical visit visa.
Anyone wanting to work in the UAE needs a work permit sponsored by an employer. The regulations also require people to leave the country when any existing visa expires, and those seeking to re-enter immediately are unlikely to be granted another visitor visa.
The rules, from which 33 nations are exempted, are intended to give officials better information about people entering the country, including the specific reason they are here. A Ministry of Interior official said immigration departments had implemented the new system nationwide. “It has been applied across the board,” he said.
However, officials at centres affected by the changes such as embassies and airports said they had been unable to implement the new rules fully.
It was “business as usual” at Abu Dhabi airport, said an airline official who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to comment. Airline staff, responsible for checking the validity of passengers’ visas before they board a plane, were not given clear instructions about the visa changes. The official said no one at the airport knew what the new policies were or whether immigration or airport staff should be collecting fees for tourist visas.
He also questioned whether immigration staff had installed the infrastructure for the changes.
“Whilst these proposed changes are well-intentioned, the way they have been communicated to date could certainly have been better. There appears to be an information vacuum regarding exactly when the changes come into force and, critically, what airport processes are being put in place to make them run smoothly,” he said.
“Clarification is urgently required on these matters so that the airport authorities and airlines can best advise passengers of how these changes will affect them.”
All passport systems at Dubai Residency and Naturalisation Department (DRND) border points were shut down for 10 minutes for the system changeover at 11.50pm on Monday.
Brig Obaid bin Suroor, the acting director of the DRND, said: “We supervised the transition at the Dubai International Airport departure and arrival passport control counters to ensure the switch was completed smoothly. The systems were switched off at exactly 11.50pm and restarted at 12.00am to handle the large number of passengers on both sides.”
According to the DRND, the main offices and centres also had a smooth transition to the new visa regime. “There were no issues to mention. We continue our campaign to raise awareness amongst the public and offer an overview of the requirements to our key strategic partners about the new amendments and the list of visas and prerequisites.”
The DRND assigned 44 extra IT staff to supervise and follow the transition process of the new system. Brig Suroor also formed a team of senior officers to answer queries from individuals, corporations and public relations officers about the new visa regulations.
The Indian Embassy said yesterday it had not received any official letter from the immigration office about the new visa rules. A spokesman said the only information it had was from media reports.
Travellers said they were largely unaffected by the changes and many passed through immigration on visas arranged under the old system. But some said they were concerned about the impact when the rules were fully implemented.
Tarik Shehzad, who was waiting with his family at the entrance to Abu Dhabi airport, said: “I haven’t a clue what is changing or what is going on.”
Another visitor, Mr Jai from India, said: “I came on a tourist visa expecting lots of problems but I walked through with no problems, which surprised me. My uncle applied for me a few weeks ago, so it was all organised for my arrival.”
A man representing a Jebel Ali-based electrical company who was waiting for 90 men to start work for the company in the free zone said there had been no difficulties getting them into the country.
“About half of them are out already,” he said outside the arrivals gate. “None of them have said anything about problems passing through. Our company’s HR department organised all their work visas. There are no problems if the paper work is in order.”
It was calm at the Al Hili border crossing between Al Ain and Buraimi in Oman. Hundreds of people made visa runs across the border before today, according to a hotel operator in the area.
“Daily, I normally have around 150 guests in the hotel, staying to change their [UAE] visas,” said Jamal al Safar, the manager of the Al Salam Hotel in Buraimi. “But, in the last few days, I have had around 250 people trying to change their visas before [yesterday].”
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
The National Staff
Last Updated: July 29. 2008 11:18PM UAE / July 29. 2008 ABU DHABI/DUBAI // The new visa system was inconsistently applied on day one, with some officials saying they did not have key information about the new rules.
The changes, which mainly affect non-exempt people from countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia, came into effect yesterday, but staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a major embassy said they had not received official notification of the new regulations, and were still working under the old rules. At Dubai International Airport officials said the rules were applied, although some requirements – such as compulsory health insurance – were waived because the necessary infrastructure was not in place.
People entering the UAE now must apply for a tourist visa, through a registered tourist company or hotel, a visit visa sponsored by a direct relative living in the UAE, or one of 14 other visa types, such as a conference or a medical visit visa.
Anyone wanting to work in the UAE needs a work permit sponsored by an employer. The regulations also require people to leave the country when any existing visa expires, and those seeking to re-enter immediately are unlikely to be granted another visitor visa.
The rules, from which 33 nations are exempted, are intended to give officials better information about people entering the country, including the specific reason they are here. A Ministry of Interior official said immigration departments had implemented the new system nationwide. “It has been applied across the board,” he said.
However, officials at centres affected by the changes such as embassies and airports said they had been unable to implement the new rules fully.
It was “business as usual” at Abu Dhabi airport, said an airline official who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to comment. Airline staff, responsible for checking the validity of passengers’ visas before they board a plane, were not given clear instructions about the visa changes. The official said no one at the airport knew what the new policies were or whether immigration or airport staff should be collecting fees for tourist visas.
He also questioned whether immigration staff had installed the infrastructure for the changes.
“Whilst these proposed changes are well-intentioned, the way they have been communicated to date could certainly have been better. There appears to be an information vacuum regarding exactly when the changes come into force and, critically, what airport processes are being put in place to make them run smoothly,” he said.
“Clarification is urgently required on these matters so that the airport authorities and airlines can best advise passengers of how these changes will affect them.”
All passport systems at Dubai Residency and Naturalisation Department (DRND) border points were shut down for 10 minutes for the system changeover at 11.50pm on Monday.
Brig Obaid bin Suroor, the acting director of the DRND, said: “We supervised the transition at the Dubai International Airport departure and arrival passport control counters to ensure the switch was completed smoothly. The systems were switched off at exactly 11.50pm and restarted at 12.00am to handle the large number of passengers on both sides.”
According to the DRND, the main offices and centres also had a smooth transition to the new visa regime. “There were no issues to mention. We continue our campaign to raise awareness amongst the public and offer an overview of the requirements to our key strategic partners about the new amendments and the list of visas and prerequisites.”
The DRND assigned 44 extra IT staff to supervise and follow the transition process of the new system. Brig Suroor also formed a team of senior officers to answer queries from individuals, corporations and public relations officers about the new visa regulations.
The Indian Embassy said yesterday it had not received any official letter from the immigration office about the new visa rules. A spokesman said the only information it had was from media reports.
Travellers said they were largely unaffected by the changes and many passed through immigration on visas arranged under the old system. But some said they were concerned about the impact when the rules were fully implemented.
Tarik Shehzad, who was waiting with his family at the entrance to Abu Dhabi airport, said: “I haven’t a clue what is changing or what is going on.”
Another visitor, Mr Jai from India, said: “I came on a tourist visa expecting lots of problems but I walked through with no problems, which surprised me. My uncle applied for me a few weeks ago, so it was all organised for my arrival.”
A man representing a Jebel Ali-based electrical company who was waiting for 90 men to start work for the company in the free zone said there had been no difficulties getting them into the country.
“About half of them are out already,” he said outside the arrivals gate. “None of them have said anything about problems passing through. Our company’s HR department organised all their work visas. There are no problems if the paper work is in order.”
It was calm at the Al Hili border crossing between Al Ain and Buraimi in Oman. Hundreds of people made visa runs across the border before today, according to a hotel operator in the area.
“Daily, I normally have around 150 guests in the hotel, staying to change their [UAE] visas,” said Jamal al Safar, the manager of the Al Salam Hotel in Buraimi. “But, in the last few days, I have had around 250 people trying to change their visas before [yesterday].”
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
New visa rules: the facts
Citizens of 33 countries are exempted from any visa fees, no matter what the purpose of their trip, and will be granted an entry visa free of charge at airports, seaports and border crossings. Such visas are valid for one month and can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Those wishing to stay more than two months can apply for a long-term visit visa, which is good for three months. These are issued by the Ministry of Interior and UAE embassies and consulates. Nationals of exempted countries are not required to pay deposits or have health insurance.
These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vatican City.
Tourist Visas
The tourist visa is initially issued for one month for Dh100. It can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Nationals of all countries are eligible to apply for tourist visas. The visas are issued directly by travel agencies and companies involved in the tourism industry such as hotels.
Expatriates
Expatriates living in GCC countries can obtain a one-month entry visa for Dh100. The visa can be renewed for a second month for Dh500.
Deposit and Insurance
Financial deposits and health insurance are prerequisites for obtaining any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas, except for citizens of the exempted countries.
Visit visas
There are two types of visit visas. Short-term ones, issued for one month, are non-renewable and cost Dh500. Long-term ones, issued for three months, are also non-renewable and cost Dh1,000. The new law allows residents to sponsor their spouses and direct relatives. Distant relatives can only be sponsored after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior’s under secretary. Only Emiratis are permitted to sponsor friends. A visit visa does not permit visitors to work in the country. If a person happens to find a job while visiting, they should fly to their home country before entering on a work permit, which the employer should secure. Officials say they will not grant visit visas to those who reapply for one immediately after leaving. The same applies for other types of visas.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
- Last Updated: July 29. 2008 12:18AM UAE / GMT from THE NATIONAL
Citizens of 33 countries are exempted from any visa fees, no matter what the purpose of their trip, and will be granted an entry visa free of charge at airports, seaports and border crossings. Such visas are valid for one month and can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Those wishing to stay more than two months can apply for a long-term visit visa, which is good for three months. These are issued by the Ministry of Interior and UAE embassies and consulates. Nationals of exempted countries are not required to pay deposits or have health insurance.
These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vatican City.
Tourist Visas
The tourist visa is initially issued for one month for Dh100. It can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Nationals of all countries are eligible to apply for tourist visas. The visas are issued directly by travel agencies and companies involved in the tourism industry such as hotels.
Expatriates
Expatriates living in GCC countries can obtain a one-month entry visa for Dh100. The visa can be renewed for a second month for Dh500.
Deposit and Insurance
Financial deposits and health insurance are prerequisites for obtaining any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas, except for citizens of the exempted countries.
Visit visas
There are two types of visit visas. Short-term ones, issued for one month, are non-renewable and cost Dh500. Long-term ones, issued for three months, are also non-renewable and cost Dh1,000. The new law allows residents to sponsor their spouses and direct relatives. Distant relatives can only be sponsored after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior’s under secretary. Only Emiratis are permitted to sponsor friends. A visit visa does not permit visitors to work in the country. If a person happens to find a job while visiting, they should fly to their home country before entering on a work permit, which the employer should secure. Officials say they will not grant visit visas to those who reapply for one immediately after leaving. The same applies for other types of visas.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Debts to death
2 August 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES.
The number of suicides by Indians in the UAE has been increasing steadily since 2003, thanks debt traps they are falling in. The high cost of living and increasing financial commitments back home force expatriates to go for loans from banks, moneylenders, and credit cards, reports RIYASBABU
The Gulf dream of Indian expatriates is turning sour and sometimes deadly too. The good old days when one could come to the Gulf countries, make money, give a decent life to one's family and retire with contentment are over.
Now, an increasing number of Indian expatriates are falling into huge debt traps leading them to commit suicide.
For instance, 92 Indians committed suicide in Dubai and the Northern Emirates so far this year, according to an official of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
The statistics available in the consulate reveal that 109 Indians in these emirates took the extreme step in 2006 and 118 in 2007.
The number of suicides by Indians, in fact, has been rising steadily — 40 in 2003, 70 in 2004 and 84 in 2005.
Indian expatriates have been flocking to the UAE since the 1970s when oil was struck and approximately 1.5 million Indians are living in the country now.
Social organisations blamed the financial institutions for trapping the less fortunate people by providing them credit cards and loans on easy terms and conditions.
K. V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the UAE-based Pravasi Bandhu Trust that launched an initiative called "Sandwanam" (Consolation) in 2006 to help the Indian expatriates get over depression and suicide tendency, said, "We are getting two calls on an average everyday from people who are in deep depression. As much as 75 per cent of the cases coming to us are of deep depression due to financial crisis and lack of opportunity to share their feelings to others." Most of the callers have taken loans in India to pay the recruiting agents. After coming to the Gulf, they are again forced to take loans from banks and private lenders and make purchases on credit cards, he said.
The research carried out by Sandwanam reveals that depression linked to accumulated debts was the main reason behind 75 per cent of the suicide cases. Fifteen per cent of the suicides were due to family issues and 10 per cent job-related stress.
"The low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE falling into debt traps have become quite common. A good number of Indians could not pay even the interest to the lenders. The main sources of loans is banks, credit cards and illegal lenders," said Shamsudheen.
The interest rates vary depending on the source of the loan. While the banks are charging up to 8-9 per cent, the credit card companies charge up to 30 per cent and private lenders anything between 72 per cent and 120 per cent.
"The spending habits of the expatriates and their dependents are playing a very important role. Once one person becomes a non-resident Indian (NRI), the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner," he pointed out.
"As the cost of living has increased drastically in the GCC countries over the last three-four years, they could save less. In the same period, the Indian rupee appreciated which meant the money they remit to India would fetch fewer rupees. Besides, the cost of living has gone high back in India too, forcing the families to demand more money from the hapless NRI. These are the three circumstances compelling them to take loans to meet the financial requirements," Shamsudheen said.
Joseph Bobby, a volunteer with the Valley of Love, another social organisation supporting people in distress in the UAE , also said the main reason behind most of the suicides by Indians in the country is financial crisis.
The cost of living has been increasing in the UAE day by day. However, the salaries remain the same. These make a lot of people struggle to make both ends meet. Financial institutions capitalise on this situation by providing such people with easy loans and credit cards which later trap them in a mountain of debts," he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
2 August 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES.
The number of suicides by Indians in the UAE has been increasing steadily since 2003, thanks debt traps they are falling in. The high cost of living and increasing financial commitments back home force expatriates to go for loans from banks, moneylenders, and credit cards, reports RIYASBABU
The Gulf dream of Indian expatriates is turning sour and sometimes deadly too. The good old days when one could come to the Gulf countries, make money, give a decent life to one's family and retire with contentment are over.
Now, an increasing number of Indian expatriates are falling into huge debt traps leading them to commit suicide.
For instance, 92 Indians committed suicide in Dubai and the Northern Emirates so far this year, according to an official of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
The statistics available in the consulate reveal that 109 Indians in these emirates took the extreme step in 2006 and 118 in 2007.
The number of suicides by Indians, in fact, has been rising steadily — 40 in 2003, 70 in 2004 and 84 in 2005.
Indian expatriates have been flocking to the UAE since the 1970s when oil was struck and approximately 1.5 million Indians are living in the country now.
Social organisations blamed the financial institutions for trapping the less fortunate people by providing them credit cards and loans on easy terms and conditions.
K. V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the UAE-based Pravasi Bandhu Trust that launched an initiative called "Sandwanam" (Consolation) in 2006 to help the Indian expatriates get over depression and suicide tendency, said, "We are getting two calls on an average everyday from people who are in deep depression. As much as 75 per cent of the cases coming to us are of deep depression due to financial crisis and lack of opportunity to share their feelings to others." Most of the callers have taken loans in India to pay the recruiting agents. After coming to the Gulf, they are again forced to take loans from banks and private lenders and make purchases on credit cards, he said.
The research carried out by Sandwanam reveals that depression linked to accumulated debts was the main reason behind 75 per cent of the suicide cases. Fifteen per cent of the suicides were due to family issues and 10 per cent job-related stress.
"The low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE falling into debt traps have become quite common. A good number of Indians could not pay even the interest to the lenders. The main sources of loans is banks, credit cards and illegal lenders," said Shamsudheen.
The interest rates vary depending on the source of the loan. While the banks are charging up to 8-9 per cent, the credit card companies charge up to 30 per cent and private lenders anything between 72 per cent and 120 per cent.
"The spending habits of the expatriates and their dependents are playing a very important role. Once one person becomes a non-resident Indian (NRI), the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner," he pointed out.
"As the cost of living has increased drastically in the GCC countries over the last three-four years, they could save less. In the same period, the Indian rupee appreciated which meant the money they remit to India would fetch fewer rupees. Besides, the cost of living has gone high back in India too, forcing the families to demand more money from the hapless NRI. These are the three circumstances compelling them to take loans to meet the financial requirements," Shamsudheen said.
Joseph Bobby, a volunteer with the Valley of Love, another social organisation supporting people in distress in the UAE , also said the main reason behind most of the suicides by Indians in the country is financial crisis.
The cost of living has been increasing in the UAE day by day. However, the salaries remain the same. These make a lot of people struggle to make both ends meet. Financial institutions capitalise on this situation by providing such people with easy loans and credit cards which later trap them in a mountain of debts," he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Three types of health policies announced by Dubai for visit visa seekers to the UAE
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter GULF NEWS Published: August 12, 2008
Dubai: The Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) has announced a mechanism to offer mandatory health insurance coverage to visitors, ending speculations among insurance providers, tour operators and residents regarding the new system.
Ministerial decision number 322 for the year 2008 makes health insurance mandatory to obtain any type of visit visa to the UAE. The new rule came into effect from July 29.
[IMG]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kCw7lzw98w/SKJh1b3PhcI/AAAAAAAAD1U/03K2b-b1rq4/s400/visacost.jpg[/IMG]
Brigadier Obaid Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, announced yesterday that the department has concluded an agreement with two insurance companies; Oman and Aman to issue health insurance policies for visitors to Dubai with a minimum coverage of Dh150,000 per person per visit.
As per the agreement, the two insurance companies will offer three different types of health policies according to the visit periods. Prices start from Dh40 for short-term visas valid for 30 days; Dh90 for visas valid for 90 days; and Dh185 for multiple entry visas valid for 180 days. Bin Surour explained that these policies will cover accidents and emergencies during the visitor's stay in the country.
The agreement implied that the beneficiary will receive treatment in a shared hospital room in case of emergencies. It indicated that the two companies will cover 100 per cent of services to be offered to the patient through a network covered by insurance companies in the country.
The agreement also obligates the insurance company to return the body of the insured person to his country in case of death, paying up to Dh7,000 of the costs incurred.
Bin Surour added that the agreement does not cover medical treatment outside the health services providers' network, except in the case of emergency life threatening cases.
The policy also does not cover chronic illnesses and it will include treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses in the emergency room only. It also does not cover pregnancy, delivery and ophthalmology or dental treatment.
Health insurance policies for visitors can be obtained from special counters to be set up at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency's headquarters in Bur Dubai, and other branches in Abu Hail, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport, DNATA office on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Jebel Ali and Bin Souqat Centre in Rashidiya.
Electronic link
Bin Surour added that the system will be linked electronically with the DNRD main electronic online services soon.
When asked why the two companies were selected by the department, Bin Surour said, "The department received a number of proposals from several companies and appointed the companies that offered the most suitable offers and quality of services in order to streamline the procedures for all visitors and ensure a comfortable stay in the country."
However, he added that health coverage policies issued by other companies will also be accepted provided they meet the same criteria including the minimum limit of Dh150,000 and the types of services offered like emergencies and repatriation of bodies.
Meanwhile, visitors who are already covered under a international insurance policy need not take local coverage. Likewise, companies and tour operators that bring in visitors should arrange for health insurance policies for their guests.
Meanwhile, National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has announced it will offer three schemes valid for 30, 60 and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.
This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. The coverage would exclude out-patient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
By Shakir Husain Staff Reporter
Dubai Insurance companies said yesterday they are well-prepared to offer health coverage to foreign visitors but want official guidelines on the subject in order to better design their policies.
They welcomed the introduction of compulsory travel health insurance requirement for people entering the country.
Good system
"We think it is a good system because the country relies a lot on tourism. We have visitors [annually] more than the population of the country, so it is also good for insurance companies," said Saleh Bin Rashid Al Daheri, vice-chairman of Emirates Insurance Association, an industry group representing 50 insurers.
The UAE receives about 10 million tourists a year and their numbers are growing with the rapid expansion in local tourism infrastructure.
He said most insurance companies have the necessary experience in providing medical coverage and would be able to deliver products to visitors as required by the new visit visa regulation.
Al Daheri, who is a board member of Al Dhafra Insurance Company, however regretted that the industry was not consulted before the government introduced the scheme.
This led to some confusion in the market about financial limit of the coverage, premiums and legal requirements.
"We are hoping that the authorities concerned will issue guidelines to all insurance companies in this regard soon," said Mustafa Vazayil, secretary-general of the Insurance Business Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vazayil, who is also managing director of Gargash Insurance, said the local insurance was already providing medial and travel coverage to outbound travellers.
Rules: Dh1,000 deposit
* Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
* Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
* Expatriates are no longer be allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have a health insurance cover.
* People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
* Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
* Education visas can only be applied by a licensed educational institution.
* Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organisers.
* Visitors have to go back to their home country to renew the visit visa.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter GULF NEWS Published: August 12, 2008
Dubai: The Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) has announced a mechanism to offer mandatory health insurance coverage to visitors, ending speculations among insurance providers, tour operators and residents regarding the new system.
Ministerial decision number 322 for the year 2008 makes health insurance mandatory to obtain any type of visit visa to the UAE. The new rule came into effect from July 29.
[IMG]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kCw7lzw98w/SKJh1b3PhcI/AAAAAAAAD1U/03K2b-b1rq4/s400/visacost.jpg[/IMG]
Brigadier Obaid Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, announced yesterday that the department has concluded an agreement with two insurance companies; Oman and Aman to issue health insurance policies for visitors to Dubai with a minimum coverage of Dh150,000 per person per visit.
As per the agreement, the two insurance companies will offer three different types of health policies according to the visit periods. Prices start from Dh40 for short-term visas valid for 30 days; Dh90 for visas valid for 90 days; and Dh185 for multiple entry visas valid for 180 days. Bin Surour explained that these policies will cover accidents and emergencies during the visitor's stay in the country.
The agreement implied that the beneficiary will receive treatment in a shared hospital room in case of emergencies. It indicated that the two companies will cover 100 per cent of services to be offered to the patient through a network covered by insurance companies in the country.
The agreement also obligates the insurance company to return the body of the insured person to his country in case of death, paying up to Dh7,000 of the costs incurred.
Bin Surour added that the agreement does not cover medical treatment outside the health services providers' network, except in the case of emergency life threatening cases.
The policy also does not cover chronic illnesses and it will include treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses in the emergency room only. It also does not cover pregnancy, delivery and ophthalmology or dental treatment.
Health insurance policies for visitors can be obtained from special counters to be set up at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency's headquarters in Bur Dubai, and other branches in Abu Hail, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport, DNATA office on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Jebel Ali and Bin Souqat Centre in Rashidiya.
Electronic link
Bin Surour added that the system will be linked electronically with the DNRD main electronic online services soon.
When asked why the two companies were selected by the department, Bin Surour said, "The department received a number of proposals from several companies and appointed the companies that offered the most suitable offers and quality of services in order to streamline the procedures for all visitors and ensure a comfortable stay in the country."
However, he added that health coverage policies issued by other companies will also be accepted provided they meet the same criteria including the minimum limit of Dh150,000 and the types of services offered like emergencies and repatriation of bodies.
Meanwhile, visitors who are already covered under a international insurance policy need not take local coverage. Likewise, companies and tour operators that bring in visitors should arrange for health insurance policies for their guests.
Meanwhile, National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has announced it will offer three schemes valid for 30, 60 and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.
This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. The coverage would exclude out-patient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
By Shakir Husain Staff Reporter
Dubai Insurance companies said yesterday they are well-prepared to offer health coverage to foreign visitors but want official guidelines on the subject in order to better design their policies.
They welcomed the introduction of compulsory travel health insurance requirement for people entering the country.
Good system
"We think it is a good system because the country relies a lot on tourism. We have visitors [annually] more than the population of the country, so it is also good for insurance companies," said Saleh Bin Rashid Al Daheri, vice-chairman of Emirates Insurance Association, an industry group representing 50 insurers.
The UAE receives about 10 million tourists a year and their numbers are growing with the rapid expansion in local tourism infrastructure.
He said most insurance companies have the necessary experience in providing medical coverage and would be able to deliver products to visitors as required by the new visit visa regulation.
Al Daheri, who is a board member of Al Dhafra Insurance Company, however regretted that the industry was not consulted before the government introduced the scheme.
This led to some confusion in the market about financial limit of the coverage, premiums and legal requirements.
"We are hoping that the authorities concerned will issue guidelines to all insurance companies in this regard soon," said Mustafa Vazayil, secretary-general of the Insurance Business Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vazayil, who is also managing director of Gargash Insurance, said the local insurance was already providing medial and travel coverage to outbound travellers.
Rules: Dh1,000 deposit
* Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
* Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
* Expatriates are no longer be allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have a health insurance cover.
* People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
* Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
* Education visas can only be applied by a licensed educational institution.
* Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organisers.
* Visitors have to go back to their home country to renew the visit visa.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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