Latest news with #ExecutiveRegulation
Time Out Abu Dhabi
21 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UAE passports can now be renewed one year in advance instead of six months
The United Arab Emirates has issued an important update to its passport rules. Starting Monday August 18, Emirati citizens will now be able to renew their UAE passports up to a year in advance of the expiry date. This important update means that UAE citizens will no longer have to wait until six months before their passport is due to expire to renew. The change was announced on Thursday August 14, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It will allow Emirati citizens greater freedom when it comes to planning trips abroad, completing transactions and broadening the use of official digital documents, as currently many services are restricted if your passport is due to expire in six months. The ICP says that the extension of the renewal period will be a significant boost to the passport issuance and renewal system and serve as a pioneering model for other countries in the region and across the world. The change in policy is part of the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to cut red tape and save people time. The UAE passport is considered one of the world's most powerful as it allows holders to jet off to 184 countries and territories without the hassle of pre-arranging a visa. A UAE passport is not an easy one to get, however, as you need to be an Emirati national. While it is possible for foreigners to acquire Emirati nationality, only a very select few will qualify. Categories of foreigners who can be nominated for UAE citizenship include: Investors Doctors Specialists Inventors Scientists Intellectuals Individuals with creative talents These categories were outlined in the UAE Government's 2001 amendment to the Executive Regulation of the Citizenship and Passports Law. If you are a dependent wife of an Emirati citizen, you may also qualify for a UAE passport. And, finally, if you are a newborn baby (and what newborn baby isn't reading this?) of UAE citizens, then you can also get a UAE passport. You might also like… 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
UAE passports can now be renewed one year in advance instead of six months
The United Arab Emirates has issued an important update to its passport rules. Starting Monday August 18, Emirati citizens will now be able to renew their UAE passports up to a year in advance of the expiry date. This important update means that UAE citizens will no longer have to wait until six months before their passport is due to expire to renew. The change was announced on Thursday August 14, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It will allow Emirati citizens greater freedom when it comes to planning trips abroad, completing transactions and broadening the use of official digital documents, as currently many services are restricted if your passport is due to expire in six months. The ICP says that the extension of the renewal period will be a significant boost to the passport issuance and renewal system and serve as a pioneering model for other countries in the region and across the world. The change in policy is part of the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to cut red tape and save people time. The UAE passport is considered one of the world's most powerful as it allows holders to jet off to 184 countries and territories without the hassle of pre-arranging a visa. A UAE passport is not an easy one to get, however, as you need to be an Emirati national. While it is possible for foreigners to acquire Emirati nationality, only a very select few will qualify. Categories of foreigners who can be nominated for UAE citizenship include: Investors Doctors Specialists Inventors Scientists Intellectuals Individuals with creative talents These categories were outlined in the UAE Government's 2001 amendment to the Executive Regulation of the Citizenship and Passports Law. If you are a dependent wife of an Emirati citizen, you may also qualify for a UAE passport. And, finally, if you are a newborn baby (and what newborn baby isn't reading this?) of UAE citizens, then you can also get a UAE passport. You might also like: UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
ROP amends validity, fees for Omani ID and expat resident cards
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has issued Decision No 78/2025 amending provisions of the Executive Regulation of the Civil Status Law, extending the validity period and revising fees for personal identity cards of Omani citizens and resident cards for expatriates. Under the new rules, personal identity cards for Omanis will now be valid for ten years from the date of issue or renewal, as opposed to five years earlier. Issuing, renewing or replacing a lost or damaged card will cost RO10. Resident cards of expatriates will be valid for a maximum of three years. The fee for issuing or renewing a resident card of one-year validity is RO5, RO10 for two years and RO15 for three years. Replacement of a lost or stolen resident card will cost RO20. Issued by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsen al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, the amendments replace Article 21 of the regulation. The changes were made in line with the Civil Status Law (Royal Decree No 99/66), its Executive Regulation (Decision No 40/2007), with approval of Ministry of Finance. The decision was published in Official Gazette Issue 1608 and takes effect from August 7, 2025. The move was welcomed by citizens and residents. 'Royal Oman Police is one of the most active government agencies in terms of innovation and development, especially in the services it provides, which are easy to access and quick to complete through advanced systems. Thank you,' Abdullah al Wahaibi posted on X. Hamad al Awisi, also on X, commented, 'We thank the Lt Gen for this step that facilitates citizens and reduces renewal procedures. However, over time, the card remains vulnerable to damage or loss, especially with daily use. Since the fee for issuing a replacement for a lost or damaged card is the same as the renewal fee, it may be worth reviewing in the future.' Ramesh Iyer, an Indian expatriate in Salalah, said, 'Earlier, we had to renew our resident cards every two years, which meant more paperwork and time off work. With the option of a three-year validity, we save both time and money. For families with schoolchildren, it reduces the stress of renewals every two years.' Salim Akthar, a Pakistani resident in Muscat, added, 'Paying once for three years makes life easier and more organised. It's also helpful for frequent travellers as it eliminates the risk of expiry while abroad. The flexibility shows ROP is considering residents' needs.'
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sultan of Oman issues Royal Decree on Personal Income Tax Law
22 June 2025 19:13 MUSCAT (ALETIHAD)His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday issued Royal Decree No. (56/2025) promulgating the Personal Income Tax Law, after the same was presented before the Council of (1) states that the 'Personal Income Tax Law', attached to this decree, shall be (2) stipulates that the Chairman of the Tax Authority shall issue the Executive Regulation of the law attached to this decree within one year of the date of publication of the same in the Official Gazette. The Chairman of the Tax Authority shall also issue the decisions necessary for the implementation of the Law's provisions. Article (3) cancels the clause (1) of the article (18-bis) of the Income Tax Law issued by Royal Decree No. (28/2009). It also cancels all that contradicts the attached law or contravenes its provisions. Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from January 1, 2028. Know the law The Personal Income Tax Law consists of 76 articles distributed across 16 chapters. The law will impose a 5% tax on the taxable income of natural persons whose gross annual income exceeds 42,000 Omani Rial, derived from specific income types as defined by the law. The law will come into effect at the beginning of Tax Authority said that the Personal Income Tax Law complements the tax system in line with Oman's economic and social conditions and aligns with the role assigned to the Tax also contributes to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on oil revenues, with targets of 15% of GDP by 2030 and 18% by 2040. Additionally, the tax aims to promote wealth redistribution among societal segments, enhancing social justice, while supporting the state budget and specifically financing part of the social protection Authority also affirms that the implementation of the personal income tax follows an in-depth study assessing its economic and social impact, based on income data from various government entities. The study established a carefully considered exemption threshold, revealing that approximately 99% of Oman's population will not be subject to this the exemption threshold is set high at 42,000 Omani Rial, and the tax rate is low at 5%. The law also includes deductions and exemptions accounting for social considerations in the Sultanate of Oman, such as education, healthcare, inheritance, zakat, donations, primary housing, and other Mubarak Al Saadi, Director of the Personal Income Tax Project, confirmed that all necessary preparations and requirements for implementing the tax have been completed. The executive regulations of the law will be issued within one year of its publication in the Official told Oman News Agency (ONA) that an electronic system has been developed by the Tax Authority to promote voluntary compliance and has been linked with the departments concerned to ensure accurate income calculation and verification of tax declarations. The Tax Authority has also strengthened its workforce through specialized training programs in line with the tax implementation requirements. Additionally, guidance manuals for natural and legal persons will be published according to a predetermined schedule.
Broadcast Pro
04-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
UAE announces new media law introducing major reforms to digital content sector
The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels. The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive new system designed to regulate, empower, and drive sustainable growth across the media sector. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to modernise its media landscape and builds upon the foundation established with the Council's formation in February 2023 and the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. Announced at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the launch was led by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector. Both emphasised that the new framework is in line with the UAE leadership's vision for an innovative, future-ready media environment that not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts the UAE's leadership on the regional and international stage. Al Shehhi described the new media system as transformative, combining updated legislation with streamlined services and inclusive policies designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. He pointed to the Media Regulation Law—hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades—as a turning point for the UAE's media sector. The law addresses modern challenges and opportunities, including digital media, artificial intelligence, on-demand platforms, gaming, and other emerging fields. Developed over two years in collaboration with federal and local entities, media professionals, content creators, and international experts, the system is rooted in a partnership-based approach. Al Shehhi highlighted its flexibility and responsiveness to change, its capacity to empower local talent, and its potential to attract investment and foster innovation. He also underscored the centrality of content to the system, noting the importance of clear standards for responsible and balanced media that reflect Emirati values while encouraging creative impact. The ultimate objective, Al Shehhi said, is to transform the media sector into a powerful contributor to the national economy, capable of boosting GDP and enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, flexible regulations, and incentivised exemptions, the system is designed to create an enabling environment for content creators and media businesses alike. Echoing this vision, Maitha Al Suwaidi said the UAE Media Council is spearheading a comprehensive transformation of the national media framework. She highlighted a legislative roadmap tailored to the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a dynamic and globally aligned media ecosystem. According to Al Suwaidi, this roadmap extends beyond legal texts to include policies and decisions that respond to the realities of modern media while remaining anchored in national values. Among the notable elements of the new system is a resolution to regulate social media advertising by individuals. Aimed at building trust and elevating content quality, this measure includes a three-year exemption from permit fees for content creators. Another key component is the introduction of a unified age rating system for media content, developed to protect children and adolescents amid the rising consumption of digital content. In addition, Al Suwaidi revealed that the Council is working on a new licensing policy for digital news platforms. The goal is to establish clear standards that enhance journalistic credibility and accountability. Further regulatory advancements include the adoption of Cabinet resolutions on media service fees and administrative penalties, which aim to create a transparent, accessible, and integrated service system aligned with the UAE's digital government vision. She also stressed the importance of the local content empowerment policy, which supports Emirati creatives and prioritises national content. This includes fee exemptions for selected services to encourage local production and storytelling that reflects the country's identity and values. In closing, Al Suwaidi described the new legislative system as a defining moment in the evolution of the UAE's media landscape. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and quality, the framework offers media institutions and content creators a robust platform for production, innovation, and international competitiveness.
