UAE tourists in Japan can extend visa-free stay to 90 days from July 1
The period of stay for UAE nationals holding ordinary passports in Japan will be extended to 90 days instead of the previous 30 days.
This decision will be implemented starting July 1, 2025, the UAE Embassy in Tokyo anounced.
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Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Hajj 2025 begins: Thousands of UAE pilgrims arrive in Makkah for sacred journey
As Haya Qawas stepped into the view of the Holy Ka'aba, she felt as if she had been transported to another world. The sight of the sacred stone building brought her to tears, and her heart raced with joy. "It was like I had been waiting for this moment my whole life," she told Khaleej Times. Qawas is among thousands of pilgrims from the UAE who have travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah. This year, Saudi authorities have implemented stricter measures to protect pilgrims from the intense heat, as temperatures are expected to soar above 40°C. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9. What is Hajj? Hajj is a religious obligation for all Muslims, with exceptions made for those who are elderly, disabled, or financially unable to participate. It is a spiritual milestone in the life of every Muslim, where people of all walks of life — rich and poor, young and old — stand together in identical white garments, stripped of status and worldly attachments. 'Those were days of physical exhaustion, but I experienced a kind of emotional and spiritual peace I had never known before,' Qawas said, referring to the journey to Makkah. 'I truly felt close to my Lord, as if my sins were melting away with every tear, every tawaf (the act of walking around the Ka'aba), and every weakness." Abdulrahim Shraim, Qawas' husband, felt much of the same feelings, his heart beaming with joy at the sight of the Ka'aba. This will be his first time performing Haj, and Shraim and an estimated 1.8 mn pilgrims are preparing the long and strenuous journey. The high temperatures will add on to his exhaustion but said that it will be worth it. Her husband, Abdulrahim Shraim, who is performing Hajj for the first time, echoed her sentiments. The high temperatures are adding to the physical fatigue, but Shraim believes the experience will be worth it. 'All the travel fatigue vanished, and my heart felt so light,' he said. The married couple are among the estimated 1.8 million pilgrims who will be performing Hajj this year. 'Greater reward' When Khaleej Times last spoke to Sarah Tiry, she was preparing to embark on a night journey to Mina, an area 8km southeast of the city of Makkah which houses hundreds of thousands of tents to accommodate pilgrims. The stay-at-home mum from South Africa will board a bus along with her group that will leave for Mina at 2.30am. From there, she expects to make the trek from Arafah to Muzdalifah. 'There are times where the bus route may have taken an extra hour to reach our hotel, but that was due to the police blockages around the Makkah area, but Alhamdulillah we are meant to bear with a little inconvenience for the greater reward of this journey,' she said. Tiry also shared that she had prepared for the heat by wearing a cotton hijab and using unscented products, as Muslims in the Ihram, a sacred state a Muslim must enter in to perform the Haj, cannot use perfumes or strongly scented products. Although travelling with her husband, she found companionship and support from two women she met during the trip. 'I've made 2 friends and it's like we've known one another forever,' she said. 'The support, familiarity and companionship you get is like no other in a short space of time. It's something you need while you're here as a lot of the time you won't be with your partner." Layali al-Tashriq Jaseem Khateebi, a Dubai resident, is also travelling with his wife and other family members for Hajj. 'We haven't started our journey to Mina yet. Because of the extreme heat, we will either go later this evening or early tomorrow morning." The stay in Mina, known as Layali al-Tashriq, is a time for pilgrims to recite the Holy Quran, offer prayers and nawafil, perform dhikr, and listen to Islamic lectures. Currently, Jaseem and his group are staying in Aziziya, a neighbourhood close to the holy sites. Khateebi described the crowds this year as massive, and while travelling to the holy sites is difficult due to the heat, he noted that most pilgrims stay inside their accommodations during the hottest part of the day. 'During the afternoon, hardly anyone steps outside, it's just too hot. Most pilgrims stay inside their hotels or accommodations until the temperatures drop,' he said. Jaseem added that many prefer to visit Masjid Al Haram in the evening or early morning. Despite the scorching heat and the large number of pilgrims, Jaseem commended the organisers for ensuring a smooth and safe experience. 'There are clear signage, regular announcements, and people helping us all along the way. It gives us peace of mind, especially for the elderly in our group,' he added. Organisations across the UAE, including the Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Centre and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, sponsor free Hajj trips for Emiratis who are unable to afford the pilgrimage, including the elderly, widows, and divorced women. The official Hajj delegation of the country will also look after UAE pilgrims in the holy site by giving them free healthcare services and preparing them for their journeys.
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE defence firm signs $2.45bn missile boat deal with Kuwait
UAE defence major EDGE has announced the signing of a AED9bn ($2.45bn) contract with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence for the supply of FALAJ3 62m missile boats. This contract marks the largest naval shipbuilding export in the region and ranks among the highest-value naval export deals globally. As the prime contractor, EDGE will lead the programme which includes the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the vessels, in addition to Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and In-Service Support (ISS). UAE and Kuwait missile boat deal EDGE will also provide the ammunition for the vessels, further demonstrating its end-to-end capability offering. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), EDGE Group's naval arm and the UAE's leading shipbuilder, has been selected as the build subcontractor for the programme. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: 'This agreement with Kuwait is hugely significant both in scale and strategic importance. It deepens long-term defence ties between our nations, brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service, and reinforces EDGE's position as a trusted international partner. 'It also reflects the pace of industrial and engineering progress we've achieved in just a few years, and our ability to design, build, and deliver complex naval platforms at scale. 'As we enter a new phase of export-led growth, this programme marks a clear signal of global confidence in what EDGE can deliver.' The FALAJ 3-class missile boat has also been selected by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, ALTAF, formally commissioned into service in February 2025. This operational deployment reflects the vessel's proven capability and performance in regional waters. With the latest agreement, these advanced 62m vessels are tailored to meet Kuwait's operational requirements, offering high performance, advanced combat systems, and enhanced capabilities for littoral defence operations. This latest contract reinforces EDGE's position as a trusted partner for customers seeking turnkey defence solutions and integrated long-term support, while driving the UAE's strategic objectives for defence exports and industrial collaboration.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
These are some exciting things to do in the UAE this June
This June, make the most of the season with exciting offers and experiences across the UAE — from scoring a stylish ride, to sipping sundowners, partying and discovering meaningful jewellery. Whether you're planning your long getaway, catching up with friends, or indulging in some well-deserved self-care, there's something special waiting for you. This Eid Al Adha, SelfDrive Mobility is making headlines with an unbeatable Dh1 per day car rental offer on select models—making it the ultimate travel deal of the season. From 2nd to 9th June 2025, customers can book daily rentals of popular cars like the Suzuki Ciaz, Nissan Sunny, Toyota Yaris, and Suzuki Baleno at just Dh1 per day through the SelfDrive app. The process is quick and hassle-free: simply download the app, select the 'Daily' tab, choose an eligible model, and book your ride in less than a minute—no hidden fees, no fine print. Launched just in time for Eid, SelfDrive's new app also brings a seamless, user-friendly experience, letting users access daily rentals, long-term leases, and corporate subscriptions all in a few taps. Whether you're planning a festive getaway, visiting loved ones, or simply want to cruise around in style without breaking the bank, SelfDrive 's Dh1 per day flash sale ensures your Eid travel plans are not just affordable, but exciting and stress-free. Chill out at voco Bonnington Dubai Whether you're looking to ease into the evening with refreshing drinks, enjoy a relaxed business lunch, or gather with friends after work, voco Bonnington Dubai has curated a trio of enticing offers to suit every mood and moment. At the scenic Leisure Deck, guests can indulge in Sunset Sips—a daily offer select beverages and a snack, set against a golden-hour backdrop by the pool. Meanwhile, the cozy yet contemporary Authors' Lounge hosts the After Work Agenda perfect for unwinding with colleagues or enjoying a solo break. For those mixing business with pleasure, The Cavendish presents a refined weekday Business Lunch, offering a two-course menu ideal for client meetings or casual team gatherings. For reservations, contact: dine@ Have fun at Movenpick JLT Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers is your ultimate go-to for fun, food, and vibes across its two hotspots—UBK and Rohini by Little Miss India. At UBK, enjoy Quiz Game Night with Dh29 drinks, a Saturday Flash Feast with 50% off the à la carte menu, and Paw & Play Sundays and Mondays with 30% off for you and your furry friend. Over at Rohini, Bollywood Night lights up Wednesdays with unlimited drinks and a live DJ for Dh99, while Desi Weekend turns up the heat every Friday and Saturday for Dh129. Need a midday fix? Rohini's Business Lunch serves up authentic Indian flavours starting at Dh85. Whether you're here to party, relax, or refuel—JLT's hottest address has your name on it. For more information and bookings, please contact +971 4 438 0064 Shop at Piece of You Piece of You—the region's go-to destination for personalized jewellery has introduced a stunning new collection of timeless yet fresh pieces crafted in pure 18K gold. Available in rose, yellow, and white gold, each creation is thoughtfully designed to reflect individuality and sentiment. Highlights include quilted heart-shaped earrings with a halo of delicate stones, a joyful floral bracelet with multi-colored enamel accents, and a diamond-studded gold ring that wraps the finger like a ribbon of light. With sparkling diamonds, luminous pearls, and handpicked semi-precious stones, every piece tells a story—yours. Whether you're gifting a loved one or treating yourself, discover jewellery that feels personal, intentional, and full of character at with delivery across the UAE and worldwide.
