UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival Options For Tourists
As the UAE moves to ease tourist entry in 2026, travelers from select nationalities can now stay for up to 60 days on a visa-on-arrival. This change is part of a broader push to reduce friction for inbound tourism and boost the country’s appeal to visitors. In contrast, the US, parts of Europe, and several Asian destinations are moving in the opposite direction, raising visa fees and tightening entry requirements.
For tourists planning to visit the UAE, the extended visa-on-arrival stay means more flexibility and less hassle when it comes to travel planning. However, it’s essential to verify nationality-specific eligibility and permitted stay length before departure, as visa-on-arrival rules and fee schedules can vary by passport and change with limited notice. Travelers should also be aware of any conditions, such as passport validity, onward ticket, proof of funds, and insurance, that may apply to their visa-on-arrival.
Business travelers and employers should also take note of these changes, as they may impact corporate travel budgets and lead-time policies. With the UAE expanding its visa-on-arrival options, it’s an excellent opportunity for companies to review and update their travel policies to take advantage of the new rules. On the other hand, the tightening of entry rules and raising of visa fees in other regions may require adjustments to travel plans and budgets.
The UAE’s move to ease tourist entry is a strategic decision aimed at boosting tourism and increasing the average length of stay. By reducing friction for short-notice travel, the country hopes to attract more visitors and encourage them to stay longer, resulting in higher spend per trip and more domestic flights. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for travelers and businesses to stay informed about the latest visa rule changes and plan accordingly.
The UAE’s updated visa-on-arrival rules for 2026 specify exactly which nationalities are newly eligible, and whether they receive a 30-day, 60-day or 90-day stay on arrival, depending on passport type and category. The UAE’s visa-on-arrival framework sets out the applicable fees (if any) for each visa-on-arrival category, including any extension charges and overstay penalties that apply after the permitted stay expires.
The UAE’s visa-on-arrival policy is administered through emirate-level residency and foreigners affairs authorities, including GDRFA Dubai and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for other emirates and federal services.Travelers can check the GDRFA website for the latest information on visa-on-arrival eligibility and requirements. For those planning to visit other regions, it’s essential to research the specific entry requirements and visa rules for their destination, as these can vary significantly.
As the travel environment continues to shift, it’s essential for travelers and businesses to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and plan accordingly. With the UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival options and other regions tightening their entry rules, it’s crucial to understand the implications of these changes and adjust travel plans and budgets accordingly.
Here are some key steps to take:
- Verify nationality-specific eligibility for visa-on-arrival before departure.
- Check the permitted stay length and any conditions that may apply to your visa-on-arrival.
- Research entry requirements and visa rules for your destination, including any changes to fees or regulations.
- Review and update corporate travel policies to take advantage of the UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival options.
- Plan ahead and allow for sufficient lead time when applying for visas or making travel arrangements.
UAE entry conditions for visa-on-arrival travellers include minimum passport validity requirements and may require proof of onward travel and accommodation, with requirements varying by nationality and carrier check-in rules.The UAE’s 2026 update clarifies whether visa-on-arrival stays can be extended in-country, the maximum total stay allowed after extensions, and the process and authority handling extensions in each emirate.
The 2026 change is positioned as part of the UAE’s tourism and business-travel facilitation agenda, with the government linking easier entry to higher visitor volumes and longer average stays.
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement
Ronaldo Eyes Farewell Season
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season will likely be his final year in professional football. The 41-year-old Portugal forward made this revelation in an interview with Vogue, where he expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy and spend more time with his family. Ronaldo's comments come after Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in the last 16 against eventual champions Spain.
Ronaldo's decision to potentially retire from football will see him miss the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. He has already confirmed that the recent World Cup was his last, and his current contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. Despite this, Ronaldo has not announced a definitive retirement date, leaving the possibility of continuing beyond the mentioned timeframe.
The Portugal icon has scored three goals in the recent World Cup and remains one of the sport's biggest names. His interview with Vogue also comes shortly after his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez, where they discussed their plans for life beyond football. Ronaldo hopes to travel, play more padel, and enjoy time with his family after years of training, competition, and sacrifice.
Ronaldo's potential retirement will mark the end of an era in football, with the legendary player having spent over 25 years at the top of the sport. His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, and his decision to retire will have a significant impact on the football world.
The 2030 World Cup will be one of the first major tournaments without Ronaldo's participation, and it will be interesting to see how his absence affects the sport. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Ronaldo will indeed retire after the current season or if he will continue to play beyond his mentioned timeframe.
In the context of his career, Ronaldo's potential retirement is a significant development, coming after a long and successful career with numerous achievements. His decision to retire will be remembered as a key moment in football history.
Trump Iran Deadline Expires: War Continues
Trump's Iran Deadline Expires, War Drags On
The 60-day deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the United States and Iran to turn their June 17 ceasefire framework into a broader settlement has expired. As of August 17, the war between the two nations continues, with no signs of a lasting peace agreement. The US and Iran remain locked in an economic and political stalemate, with neither side willing to make the necessary concessions for a settlement.
The June deal had envisioned a broader settlement within two months, addressing Tehran's nuclear program and helping to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, with the deadline now expired, the situation remains uncertain. There have been no publicly reported US strikes on Iranian targets since late July, but the military lull masks the effective collapse of the June memorandum of understanding.
US Vice President JD Vance has warned that the US has "tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, adding that he is "hopeful" negotiations will avoid them being deployed. President Trump has also expressed hope that a complete regime change could pave the way for more pragmatic and less radical leadership in Iran.
The expiration of the deadline has significant implications for the region, with the risk of a wider regional war still present. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, remains a key point of contention between the US and Iran.
The United Nations had previously voted on a resolution aimed at addressing the crisis, but it was significantly weakened to try to get Russia and China to abstain rather than veto it. The resolution ultimately had little impact on the war, which is now in its fifth week.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with Iran's Mehr news agency reporting several attacks on Kharg island and explosions heard in the area. The US and Iran continue to engage in a war of words, with each side accusing the other of aggression and refusing to back down.
The expiration of the Trump Iran deadline marks a significant turning point in the conflict, with the world watching to see how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the war between the US and Iran is far from over.
Kuwait Bans Tobacco Sales to Under‑21s Jan 2027
All Tobacco Sales to Under‑21s Prohibited in Kuwait Starting 2027
Kuwait will prohibit the sale of all tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under 21 years old beginning January 1 2027, as set out in Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2026.
The ban hits every point of sale inside Kuwait. Grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, exhibitions, vending machines and any outlet within 200 metres of schools or universities must stop selling these products. Online channels, including websites, apps, social‑media platforms and delivery services, are also barred from offering them. Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors will need to register each product with the Ministry of Health and disclose ingredients, nicotine strength, country of origin and batch details.
To stay compliant, businesses should:
- Submit a registration file to the Ministry of Health for every tobacco or nicotine item, attaching the required ingredient list, nicotine concentration, origin and batch information.
- Remove all sales points that target customers under 21 or that are located within 200 metres of any educational institution.
- Redesign packaging so that health warnings, text and images, cover at least 50 percent of the main display area.
- Cease all advertising, promotion, sponsorship, free samples, gifts and discount schemes for the covered products.
- Ensure that any remaining sales at cooperative societies or parallel markets occur only in designated, supervised areas where customers cannot access the items without assistance.
Four Traffic Points Cut for UAE Drivers Starting Aug 17
Drive Accident‑Free on Aug 31, Get Four Points Removed
From August 17, the Ministry of Interior opens registration for an annual road‑safety drive that will wipe four traffic points from a driver’s record if they avoid any violation on August 31, the “Day Without Accidents.”
The offer applies to every motorist holding a UAE driving licence. The Federal Traffic Council and Dubai Police are running the scheme, so any licensed driver across the Emirates can join.
How to join 1. Visit the Ministry of Interior’s official social‑media page (MOIUAE) on August 17 and click the registration link. 2. Enter your details, read the pledge, and sign electronically. 3. Follow the programme’s conditions, keep your vehicle roadworthy, stay off the phone while driving, respect speed limits near schools, stay in your lane, maintain safe distances and give pedestrians priority.
If you meet all the conditions, the ministry will deduct four black points from your traffic file after the August 31 deadline.
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Scholarship Cancellation Risks Rise: 15 Grounds
15 Ways Your UAE Scholarship Could Be Revoked, What Execs Must Know
MoHESR now enforces a framework that lists 15 specific grounds for cancelling a scholarship. The ministry says a scholarship may be terminated if a student breaches the agreement or fails to activate it within three months of signing.
Who Is Affected The rules target every student who receives a scholarship funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, whether they study in the UAE or abroad. The same standards apply to Emirati nationals and foreign scholars alike.
What You Need To Do
- Activate on time, Sign the agreement and activate the scholarship within three months, or the award will be cancelled.
- Maintain grades, Keep your semester GPA at 2.0 or higher for undergraduate programmes and 3.0 or higher for postgraduate programmes; a third‑warning drop triggers cancellation.
- Seek written employment approval, If you take a job inside or outside the UAE, obtain prior written permission from MoHESR; working without it is a cancellation ground.
- Register each semester, Enrol full‑time and provide proof of registration to MoHESR; failure to do so can suspend your allowance.
- Avoid unauthorised absences, Do not exceed the permitted absence limit or withdraw from courses without permission; doing so may lead to disciplinary action or suspension.
- Stick to the approved study period, Do not exceed the study duration set in your scholarship contract unless you receive an official extension from MoHESR.
- Report any change of institution or programme, Changing your degree, specialisation, or university requires MoHESR approval; otherwise you risk cancellation.
- Do not hold multiple scholarships, Receiving another scholarship without MoHESR’s consent will void the original award.
- Stay clear of prohibited organisations, Joining groups that the ministry deems harmful to the UAE’s interests can lead to revocation.
- Submit authentic documents, Forged or fraudulent academic papers are a direct cause for cancellation.
- Maintain legal residency, Cancellation of your study or residence permit, or a court judgment that affects your status, can end the scholarship.
- Provide certified medical reports if health forces a pause, Without proper documentation, health‑related interruptions may trigger cancellation.
- Observe behavioural standards, Actions that damage the UAE’s reputation are grounds for revocation.
- Follow approved learning modes, Studying via distance or non‑traditional methods without MoHESR’s sign‑off breaches the agreement.
- Complete post‑graduation service, If your scholarship requires a service period in the UAE, failing to fulfil it can force repayment of allowances.
MoHESR reserves the right to recover already paid tuition, allowances, or other benefits in seven situations: withdrawing without an accepted reason, repeated academic failure, breaching scholarship conditions, unauthorised absence or study discontinuation, receiving unauthorised financial assistance, not completing the agreed service period in the UAE after graduation, or being paid benefits you were not entitled to.
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