Latest news with #Dh42
The National
26-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Dubai attracted 5.31 million international visitors in first quarter of 2025
Dubai recorded a 3 per cent annual increase in international visitor numbers to 5.31 million in the first three months of 2025, according to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. The city attracted 18.7 million international tourists in 2024, up 9 per cent annually. Western Europe was Dubai's biggest source market with 1.15 million visitors, accounting for 22 per cent of the overall share, followed by CIS and Eastern Europe with 891,000 (17 per cent) and GCC with 772,000 visitors (15 per cent), the data showed. South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa markets were the fourth and fifth-biggest source markets for Dubai, accounting for 752,000 (14 per cent) and 620,000 (12 per cent) visitors respectively. The North-East Asia and South-east Asia region attracted 474,000 visitors to Dubai, followed by the Americas with 374,000 visitors, Africa at 197,000 and Australasia at 78,000, the data revealed. 'The sustained growth of the tourism sector continues to be vital not only through its direct economic impact, but as a pathway to investment, talent and businesses into the city,' Issam Kazim, chief executive of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said. At an event on Thursday before the Arabian Travel Market, Mr Kazim said Dubai was in a good position to weather economic shocks because of its tourism track record and geographic position. 'I am confident that … Dubai is very well positioned to ride this wave. The diversified approach that we've created for the destination helps us in this,' Mr Kazim said. He acknowledged that some markets will be affected more than others, but that travel remained crucial for doing business. Travel patterns may also shift with people taking either short breaks or fewer holidays with longer stays, he added. 'There are a lot of changes that are happening globally but with the diversified marketing approach that we have designed for ourselves, it gives us a chance to shift our focus as and when needed to make sure that the overall growth continues to be seen,' the tourism executive said. Dubai is seeking to grow the number of tourists, length of stay, spending, contribution to gross domestic product and repeat visits. The emirate's hospitality sector continued to register a strong performance from January to March. During the period, the average daily rate (ADR) rose 2 per cent year-on-year to Dh647, while occupied room nights were 11.19 million and revenue per available room (RevPAR) stood at Dh528, according to the DET data. The average RevPAR last year was Dh42, while the ADR during the period was Dh538. Dubai is looking to establish itself as one of the top three cities in the world over the next decade and double the size of its economy by 2033 as part of its economic agenda. The emirate is pursuing a strategy to diversify its non-oil sector with a heavy focus on tourism, aviation, hospitality, technology and trade. Dubai is simplifying visa procedures and building infrastructure as it aims to attract more tourists to the emirate. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 92.3 million passengers last year, an annual increase of nearly 6 per cent. To accommodate growth in passenger traffic, Dubai is also expanding its second hub, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), with a $35 billion terminal that will have a capacity of 260 million passengers a year once the final phase is completed.
The National
22-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Dubai inflation eases in March on lower transport and food costs
Dubai inflation slowed to 2.8 per cent on an annual basis in March, down from 3.15 per cent in February and 3.2 per cent in January, on the back of lower transport and food and beverage costs. The annual price growth was the slowest recorded by the emirate since October last year, according to the latest data from Dubai Statistics Centre. Transport costs for March fell 3.34 per cent year-on-year and food and beverage costs slid 0.31 per cent. Information and communication as well as clothing and footwear prices also fell during the month. However, housing, utilities and fuels, which account for the biggest part of the consumer price index at more than 40 per cent, rose 7.16 per cent yearly in March, when compared to 7.36 per cent each in February and March. This was because of the rise in housing prices, as apartments and villa rents continued to rise in Dubai, according to Emirates NBD. In the first quarter of this year, Dubai apartment rents were up by about 8 per cent on an annual basis while villas and townhouses were up by about 20 per cent, the lender said in a note on Monday. The costs of education, restaurants and accommodation services, personal care, social protection and miscellaneous good and services also increased during the month. 'Prices were 0.1 per cent lower compared with February, marking the first monthly deflation since July 2024,' Daniel Richards, senior economist at Emirates NBD, said. He added that inflation over the first quarter averaged 3 per cent year-on-year, 'slightly more than our 2025 forecast of 2.8 per cent, but we expect that price growth will be more modest through the remainder of the year than we have seen in first quarter'. Emirates NBD said it projects softer headline inflation in the coming months "largely on the back of lower global oil prices, which have already come down sharply in April". "This will be reflected in prices at the pump and in the transport component of the basket, which accounts for just over 9 per cent of the total," Mr Richards said. The latest data comes as Dubai's economy continues to grow on diversification efforts. The emirate's economy grew by 3.1 per cent in the first nine months of last year, compared to the same period in 2023, reaching Dh339.4 billion ($92.4 billion), with growth largely driven by strides in several sectors, according to a report in February by state news agency Wam. The wholesale and retail trade sector reached Dh83 billion in the first three quarters of last year, a growth rate of 2.9 per cent. The transport and storage sector grew by 5.3 per cent to reach Dh42 billion, while the financial and insurance activities sector increased by 4.5 per cent to reach Dh39.4 billion.
The National
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
My Sharjah Rent: Voiceover artist transforms Dh42,500 one-bed flat into family home
My Sharjah Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent and asks them what they like and don't like Voiceover artist Tahreem Fatima Hashmi has created a family home in Ganda Tower, near Al Nahda Park in Sharjah, for her three children. Ms Hashimi, who is from Pakistan, says the spectacular views from their 19th floor, one-bedroom apartment were a big reason for moving in. She is also a visual artist, and has brightened up her apartment with calligraphy pieces blending traditional techniques with modern flair. She has lived in her apartment for a year, and pays Dh42,500 a year in rent. She has no plans to move – as long as the rent remains affordable. The main reason I chose to live here is safety and the security of the building. Also, it has great facilities like a swimming pool, gym and a really nice play area for younger kids. There is a really nice walking track which is great to get out and exercise on, away from the traffic. I'm passionate about transforming spaces into warm, inviting and functional homes. Artwork I have put up on the walls of the apartment cheers me up and makes the place feel like our home. My artwork is a reflection of my love for beauty, harmony, and self-expression. Sharjah is much more affordable than other places, so this was one of the main reasons why we chose to live here. Dubai is very expensive and I can't afford that as I'm no longer working full time as a teacher. Both of my girls are working and they are helping with paying the rent so it works well for us. We don't have a lot of space, but the balcony is a great place to look out and enjoy the views. I have tried to make it extra special with some plants. This building is very family-orientated, so there are always young children using some of the play areas. We have not been here that long but the cafes nearby are a good place to meet people and to catch up with what is happening. There is a nice sense of community there. We have parking and we have everything we need here, and there is a market nearby. We are quite new to the area and still getting to know our neighbours – I haven't met many of them yet. There is a lot of coming and going from the apartments, but we all feel safe here, which is the most important thing, and what we were looking for in a building when we were choosing where to live. We don't have a garden here and I love gardening, so that is something I would change. I have tried to make the balcony area as green as possible, but it would be great to have a bit more outdoor space. I would like to be able to grow things and have some plants to attend to.
Khaleej Times
09-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
Some American expats in UAE can renew passport without leaving home; here's how
American expats residing in the UAE can apply for passport renewal or a change in the passport details without having to stand in queues or even leave their home. The applicant must have a valid mailing address in the UAE, and be a current resident of the country. American residents who wish to renew their passport with forms DS-82 and DS-5504 have two options – home pick-up of the documents and drop-off (after renewal) through Emirates Post, or using the dropbox at the US missions in UAE. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. What are these passport forms? The DS-82 form refers to the renewal form for a full-validity (10-year) passport. The DS-5504 form refers to the renewal form, if your current passport is unexpired, issued less than one year ago, and you are doing one of the following: Replacing a limited validity (1 year) US passport for a full validity (10 year) passport Correcting a printing error in a valid US passport Changing your name, provided you have supporting documentation What is the documentation for name change? If the applicant wishes to change the name on the new passport due to marriage, divorce or court order, it is essential to bring the original documents, in addition to a photocopy. The documents must also have English translation, if applicable, and may be one of the following: Marriage certificate Divorce decree Court order The applicant must also provide their Social Security number. If this was misplaced, you must contact the Federal Benefits Unit in Rome for assistance. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must sign the No SSN declaration for adults. Steps to apply Sign and complete the DS-82 or the DS-5504 passport renewal forms. Fill out the form online, and also submit a printed copy with the barcode Gather the documents to include in the package, which you are mailing or putting in the drop-box. Pay the required fees online at the US government's site. Then, print out the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email and include it in the package you send to the US missions. After you pay, and schedule Emirates Post or drop it at one of the US missions, passport processing takes approximately seven to eight weeks. The new passport will be delivered using your pre-paid, self-addressed envelope is using Emirates Post. If you use the drop-box, you will receive an e-mail and will have to collect your passport at the US mission where you dropped off the documents. Through Emirates Post If using Emirates Post to send your documents to the US missions in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, contact them at 6005999999 to schedule a pickup from your home. You can also use their website, create an account, and select a time slot. Passport renewal applications are not available at their physical branches. Pay Dh42 (rates may differ) to Emirates Post staff for the collection. This fee covers both the pick-up of the documents to be renewed, and the drop-off at home once the renewal process is complete. Drop-off at US missions The applicant can also drop off the documents at the US embassy in Abu Dhabi (8am to 2.30pm on Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 10.30am on Friday), or the US Consulate in Dubai (8am to 4pm on Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 11am on Friday. The timings may change, or missions may be closed on US and UAE holidays. Documents, cost DS-82 or the DS-5504 passport renewal forms. In addition to these forms, to know if you require any more, visit the official website of the US Consulate and Embassy in the UAE. Navigate to menu, click on US Passports, and select the 'find your form' section. One white-background coloured passport photo, with 5x5cm dimensions. The photo must be taken in the past 6 months, with no glasses. One photocopy of the data page of previous US passport The passport to be renewed Original name change documents if applicable, along with a photocopy of the same The DS-5504 renewal is free of charge; the DS-82 renewal has a fee of $130 through US or international credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer from a US-based bank account, Amazon Pay, or Pay Pal. Who is eligible? In order to use the mail or dropbox renewal along with the online payment system, you must:
Gulf News
23-12-2024
- Business
- Gulf News
Sharjah approves largest ever budget
Sharjah approved its largest-ever landmark budget for 2025, amounting to Dh42 billion, for the emirate and its residents. A central pillar of the budget is the emphasis on improving living standards through investment in infrastructure, social welfare, cultural initiatives, and tourism. The budget also prioritizes providing housing solutions and job opportunities while supporting public and private sectors to create a robust economic environment. Infrastructure investment takes center stage, constituting 41% of the total budget, a 7% increase from 2024. This allocation underscores the government's focus on developing vital facilities to attract foreign and local investments while supporting sustainable development. The economic development sector receives 27% of the total budget, enhancing the emirate's competitiveness. Meanwhile, the social development sector accounts for 22%, reflecting Sharjah's dedication to social support, education, and healthcare. The 2025 budget introduces innovative financing techniques and tools to strengthen the emirate's financial stability. Emphasis is placed on modernizing electronic payment systems and digital transformation, streamlining government operations, and reducing bureaucracy. These efforts aim to enhance service efficiency and improve residents' experiences with government services. Strategically, the budget outlines initiatives to boost tourism and cultural heritage while fostering Sharjah's position as a regional and global hub for science, culture, and recreation. Investment in human resources remains a priority, with programs aimed at equipping citizens with entrepreneurial skills and creating job opportunities in both public and private sectors. This focus supports the emirate's vision of becoming a dynamic cultural and economic hub. Operational expenses account for 23% of the budget, reflecting a focus on improving service delivery standards across government agencies. Capital projects are allocated 20%, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to infrastructure development. Loan repayments and interest constitute 16% of the budget, a 2% increase from the previous year, showcasing the government's dedication to meeting financial obligations. Social support initiatives receive 12% of the budget, with additional emphasis on sustainability and resource optimization. The government has introduced measures to manage spending more effectively, focusing on high-impact areas to enhance competitiveness. The budget's revenue streams have also seen growth, with public revenues expected to rise by 8% compared to 2024. Operating revenues will constitute 74% of the total revenue, reflecting a 16% increase. Tax revenues are projected to rise by 15%, accounting for 10% of the overall revenue. Customs revenues remain steady at 4%, while oil and gas revenues are set to contribute 2%.
