Dubai's Museum of the Future to Close in September
In Dubai, a significant change is coming to the city’s cultural scene as the Museum of the Future is set to close in September. This closure is part of the preparations for the museum’s relaunch in 2027. For residents and visitors planning to visit the museum, it’s essential to note that the closure will start in September, and the museum will not be open to the public until its relaunch in 2027.
The closure of the Museum of the Future in September will undoubtedly impact the daily routines of those who frequent the area. Visitors who had planned to visit the museum will need to adjust their plans, and locals who often visit the museum will have to find alternative cultural attractions in Dubai. The museum’s relaunch in 2027 is expected to bring new exhibits and experiences, but for now, the focus is on preparing for this significant change.
As the Museum of the Future prepares for its relaunch, the city of Dubai continues to evolve and grow. The museum’s closure is a reminder that even as some attractions close, the city is always looking to the future and planning for new and exciting experiences. The relaunch of the Museum of the Future in 2027 is just one part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance its cultural and tourist offerings.
The Museum of the Future’s closure in September is a significant event in Dubai’s cultural calendar, and its relaunch in 2027 is eagerly anticipated. As the city continues to grow and develop, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest changes and updates. For now, visitors and residents will have to wait until 2027 to experience the new and improved Museum of the Future.
MoHRE Career Counselling Programme Benefits 60,000 Emiratis
UAE Career Counselling Programme Supports 60,000 Emiratis
In Dubai, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that over 60,000 UAE citizens, including job seekers and private-sector employees, have benefited from its career counselling programme. Additionally, more than 3,000 private companies have also benefited from the programme, which aims to enhance private sector establishments' ability to attract and retain national talents.
The programme offers individual and group career counselling sessions focused on developing personal and professional skills, mapping career paths, and enhancing job stability. It also addresses topics such as time and stress management, and integrating and adapting to the work environment. The goal is to improve Emiratis' chances of securing jobs that match their academic qualifications while supporting long-term career development and promoting job stability.
The career counselling programme forms part of MoHRE's strategy to provide a comprehensive system to support Emirati citizens through various stages of their careers and strengthen their participation in the labour market. Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, stated that the programme is part of the ministry's strategy to provide an integrated support system for Emiratis throughout their professional journey. The initiative aligns with the UAE's objectives of building a competitive national workforce capable of contributing to sustainable economic development and advancing the country's strategy for attracting and retaining talent.
The programme has been successful in equipping participants with skills that meet the changing demands of the labour market, including interview preparation, career planning, and identifying suitable employment opportunities. The sessions are held at dedicated training facilities under the supervision of experts and specialists, with programmes designed around labour market research and evolving workforce requirements. Compliant companies will continue to enjoy various forms of support, including financial discounts of up to 80% on MoHRE service fees and priority status in the government procurement system.
The MoHRE career counselling programme is a key component of the UAE's Emiratisation strategy, which aims to increase the number of Emiratis in the private sector. The programme's success is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the UAE's labour market. As the UAE continues to grow and develop, the importance of programmes like the MoHRE career counselling programme will only continue to increase.
The UAE's Emiratisation targets apply to companies with 50 or more employees, and the MoHRE career counselling programme is an essential tool for these companies to attract and retain national talent. The programme's benefits extend beyond the individual participants, as it also supports the growth and development of the UAE's private sector. As the programme continues to expand and evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the UAE's labour market and supporting the country's economic development.
In the context of the UAE's broader economic strategy, the MoHRE career counselling programme is a vital initiative that supports the country's goals of diversification and sustainable development. By providing Emiratis with the skills and training they need to succeed in the private sector, the programme is helping to drive economic growth and reduce the country's reliance on foreign labour. As the UAE continues to move forward with its economic development plans, the MoHRE career counselling programme is likely to remain a key component of the country's strategy for building a competitive and sustainable economy.
Unai Simón six clean sheets breaks record
Spain's Unai Simón Breaks 96-Year World Cup Record
Unai Simón, Spain's goalkeeper, has broken a 96-year World Cup record by achieving six clean sheets in the tournament. This milestone was reached as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-final, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, sending them into their first World Cup final since 2010.
Simón's performance was crucial in the semi-final, where he made a key play by beating France's Kylian Mbappé to a loose ball and then smothering a rebound chance from Désiré Doué. This play exemplified his determination and skill throughout the tournament, which has been a significant factor in Spain's success.
The record-breaking six clean sheets surpass the previous record, with Simón's team now having gone over 650 minutes without conceding a goal, exceeding Walter Zenga's 1990 mark.
This achievement connects to Spain's overall strong defensive performance in the tournament, which has been a key factor in their progression to the final. As Spain prepares for the final, Simón's record and the team's defensive solidity will be crucial in their bid for the World Cup title.
Mashreq digital account for visitors now available
Mashreq Introduces Digital Account for UAE Visitors
In Dubai, a new development is making it easier for visitors to manage their finances. Mashreq, a major Emirati bank, has introduced a digital banking account option aimed at UAE visitors. This move is part of the country's broader shift toward cashless, app-led banking, with tourists increasingly using digital wallets and upgraded ATM-style service channels.
The introduction of this digital account is tied to Mashreq NEO's expansion, the bank's digital platform that provides a range of online banking services. With this new account, visitors can enjoy a simpler, more intuitive banking experience, using AI technology and big data to facilitate transactions. The Mashreq NEO app offers functionalities such as account transactions, bill payments, reward tracking, and financial news updates, making it easier for visitors to manage their finances while in the UAE.
As part of its push for more self-service banking, Mashreq is also upgrading its branch network, focusing on advisory services that encourage greater human interaction between employees and customers. For everyday transactions, the bank's use of state-of-the-art technology enables customers to benefit from a wide range of self-service facilities. This shift is expected to make banking much quicker, easier, and more accessible across the entire network.
The introduction of this digital account for visitors is a significant development in the UAE's banking sector, as it caters to the growing demand for cashless, app-led banking among tourists. With Mashreq leading the way in encouraging the adoption of digital banking in the UAE and across the region, this move is expected to have a positive impact on the country's financial environment.
In the context of the UAE's broader strategy to promote digital banking and cashless transactions, Mashreq's introduction of a digital account for visitors is a welcome development. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and innovative banking solutions, visitors can expect a more seamless and convenient banking experience.
GDRFA Dubai statistics 2026: Faster tourist visas
Dubai Streamlines Tourist Visas, Reports High Service Volumes
In the first half of 2026, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai (GDRFA) reported significant service volumes, including 5,078,078 entry permits and 1,051,978 new residence permits. The GDRFA also announced that single-entry tourist visas can now be approved within 48 hours when submitted through authorized tourism offices. This development is part of the UAE's efforts to enhance its immigration processes and improve customer experience.
Faster Tourist Visas and Revised Residency Rules
The introduction of faster tourist visa approvals is expected to facilitate travel to Dubai, making it more attractive to tourists. The visas remain valid for stays ranging from 30 to 60 days. Additionally, the GDRFA has revised the eligibility criteria for its two-year property-linked residency visa, removing the minimum property value requirement of Dh750,000 for sole property owners. However, applicants must be the exclusive owner of the property to qualify. For jointly owned properties, each owner's share must be worth at least Dh400,000.
The GDRFA has also introduced a smart medical visa in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority, aiming to simplify travel for international patients by integrating visa processing with healthcare services. Furthermore, the UAE has suspended the issuance of new visas to nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Ebola virus.
Unified Overstay Fine and Other Immigration Updates
Effective February 11, 2026, the ICP unified the overstay fine at a flat AED 50 per day across all seven emirates and all visa types, replacing the previous patchwork of rates. There is no grace period for visitors, and the fine clock starts the day after the visa expires. The ICP also granted a temporary 30-day grace period to visitors who had been exempted from overstay fines due to regional airspace disruptions, with a deadline of July 9, 2026, to regularize their immigration status or leave the country.
The GDRFA's customer happiness rate reached 95% in the first half of 2026, with 100% of services completed within 4 minutes. The introduction of a self-sponsored 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing up to 90 days per visit and 180 days per year, is another significant development in the UAE's immigration environment.
The GDRFA's efforts to streamline entry procedures and improve customer experience are part of the UAE's broader strategy to enhance its immigration processes and attract more tourists and residents. By introducing faster tourist visa approvals, revised residency rules, and a unified overstay fine, the UAE aims to create a more efficient and welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike.
Dubai Golden Visa 2026 Sees 66,000 Grants
Dubai Issues 66,000 Golden Visas in H1 2026
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has reported a significant surge in visa and residency transactions during the first half of 2026. The emirate granted 66,000 Golden Visas, issued more than 1.052 million new residency permits, and completed over 5 million entry permit transactions. This growth highlights Dubai's increasing attractiveness as a destination for living, working, and investment.
The impact on the community is substantial, with the large number of new residency permits and Golden Visas issued set to boost the local economy and population. Residents can expect to see an increase in new businesses, services, and job opportunities, as well as a more diverse community. The high volume of entry permit transactions also indicates a significant number of visitors, which will likely have a positive effect on the tourism industry.
The GDRFA Dubai's efforts to enhance its services have led to a 100% digital transformation, with an average transaction processing time of less than four minutes. Customer happiness has reached 95%, reflecting the authority's focus on efficient and innovative government services. This digital transformation is expected to make it easier for residents and visitors to access and utilize the services provided by the GDRFA Dubai, streamlining processes such as visa applications and residency permits.
The surge in Golden Visas and new residency permits is part of Dubai's strategy to attract more talent, investors, and families to the emirate. The government's initiatives, such as the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa and the DubaiNow Domestic Worker Bundle, aim to support tourism, business travel, family visits, and long-term residency. As Dubai continues to grow and develop, it is likely that we will see even more innovative services and initiatives aimed at supporting the community and enhancing the overall quality of life in the emirate.
