Latest news with #MohammedAhmedAlMarri
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE Golden Visa: 2 Thai women granted 10-year residency for promoting date farming
Two Thai women were granted the UAE Golden Visa in recognition of their efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly date palm cultivation. The recognition was granted by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), whose director general, Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, personally met the two Thai women who are participating in the ongoing Dubai Dates Festival. The annual event, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre, celebrates Emirati agriculture and cultural heritage. The recipients, owners of Orawan Farm in Thailand, manage over 5,000 fruit-bearing date palm trees. Beyond cultivation, they have gained attention for creatively promoting the health benefits of dates through TikTok, helping expand global awareness of the fruit's significance. Recognising their role in 'promoting date cultivation beyond the UAE and spreading Emirati heritage and values globally," the GDRA nominated them for the Golden Visa — marking the first time he visa has been awarded to foreigners for cultivating dates outside the Emirates. According to Thai PBS World, dates in Thailand are mostly grown in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and in the Northeastern provinces, with yellow Barhi dates as the most popular variety. The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden Visa.
UAE Moments
6 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
No Visa Renewal in Dubai Without Clearing Traffic Fines
Residents in Dubai will now have to settle all outstanding traffic fines before they can renew, cancel, or transfer their residency visas, according to a new policy rolled out by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The new electronic system, which links GDRFA transactions with the Dubai Police Traffic Fines system, is currently in its pilot phase. Under this initiative, any visa-related request submitted from within the UAE, whether for renewal, cancellation, or modification, will not be accepted unless all traffic fines have been paid in full. What This Means for Residents In short, if you have unpaid traffic fines, you won't be able to process your visa. The GDRFA is urging everyone to clear their dues before starting any residency-related procedure. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, emphasized during a recent media briefing that this policy is about encouraging responsibility, not creating hardship. 'We are doing everything for the residents. Live here, follow the rules,' Al Marri said. He explained that if the amount is too large to pay all at once, residents can request to pay in instalments. The focus is on compliance and respect for the law, not making life difficult. Growing Problem of Unpaid Fines Al Marri pointed out that a concerning number of people are ignoring their traffic fines, allowing them to pile up over time. Some residents even owe tens or hundreds of thousands of dirhams. Despite repeated awareness efforts by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior, many have continued to delay payment. 'The UAE is a nation governed by the rule of law,' Al Marri said, noting the country's commitment to safety, justice, and equal rights. 'We call on all residents to adhere to traffic regulations and settle any fines promptly.' Proof of Payment Now Required To move forward with visa procedures, residents must now show proof that their traffic fines have been paid. Authorities are encouraging residents to check their status early and settle any outstanding amounts before they apply. The GDRFA also said it is open to discussing payment plans for residents who may be facing large outstanding amounts. Bigger Vision: A Law-Abiding Dubai Al Marri made it clear that this policy isn't just about fines, it's about building a better, more law-abiding city. The initiative is part of a broader goal to boost coordination between government departments and promote safer, more respectful behavior on the roads and in the community. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a city free from traffic violations,' Al Marri said. 'A city where public spaces reflect the progressive image of the UAE.' So, if you're due for a visa renewal or planning to leave the country, make sure your traffic record is clear. Dubai is serious about its laws and it expects everyone living here to be, too.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Arab Times
Dubai Expats Must Exit The UAE Immediately After Job Loss
DUBAI, July 23: Dubai's top immigration official has issued a stern warning to expatriates: overstaying your visa after losing your job is illegal, and authorities are stepping up enforcement. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, reminded residents that visa and residency laws must be respected, even during uncertain times. 'If you follow the rules, no one will question you,' he said. 'No one will come asking why your residency wasn't renewed or why you're overstaying, because you would've left the country like you're supposed to.' His remarks come as the UAE intensifies efforts to crack down on residency violations. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), more than 32,000 people were caught breaking the Foreign Entry and Residency Law in the first half of 2025 alone. Al Marri stressed that individuals who lose their jobs should exit the country promptly and only return after securing new employment from abroad. 'You may say, 'I lost my job and I'm trying to find another one.' That's fine, but there's a system in place,' he said. 'You don't have to break the law. If you follow the rules, everyone's happy.' The reminder underscores the UAE's zero-tolerance stance on immigration violations and aims to ensure that all foreign residents stay compliant with the grace period provided after employment termination or visa cancellation.
Hi Dubai
07-07-2025
- Hi Dubai
GDRFA Launches ‘Ideal Face 2' Booth at Dubai Airport to Promote Positive Behaviour
Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched the "Ideal Face 2" booth at Dubai International Airport, aiming to promote ethical behaviour and reinforce social values among residents and visitors. Unveiled under the slogan 'This is the Dubai we want,' the initiative is designed to showcase and celebrate acts of kindness, honesty, and respect—reflecting Dubai's commitment to fostering a culture of civility and compassion. The booth, located at Terminal 3 Departures, is open daily until July 13. It offers an interactive experience where travellers can engage in creative activities, learn about key social values, and even pledge their personal commitment to positive behaviour. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, visited the booth alongside senior officials from GDRFA and Dubai Airports. The delegation explored the platform's various sections, which have already seen strong engagement from the community. Lt. Gen. Al Marri said the initiative is a practical step towards embedding the UAE's vision of a values-driven society, adding that it positions Dubai as a global example of human-focused progress. The platform stands as part of ongoing efforts to highlight exemplary conduct and strengthen social cohesion through everyday interactions at one of the world's busiest airports. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Malaysia Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
'Ideal Face 2' booth at Dubai Airport promotes culture of civilised conduct in society
DUBAI, 3rd July, 2025 (WAM) -- The "Ideal Face 2" booth was launched at Dubai International Airport by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA) under the slogan "This is the Dubai we want", aiming to foster positive behaviour and promote a culture of civilised conduct in society. The initiative highlights and encourages exemplary models of good conduct, reflecting the emirate's image as a leading example of social and humanitarian values. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, visited the booth alongside Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of GDRFA, a number of senior officials from the Directorate, and Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President - Passenger Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports. They were briefed on the platform's various interactive sections and the level of community engagement it had successfully fostered. Located in Terminal 3 Departures, the booth is open daily until 13th July. It offers an interactive environment where visitors can engage in creative activities, learn about the values the initiative promotes, and share stories highlighting acts of kindness, honesty and respect. Visitors are also invited to take a personal pledge to uphold these values, contributing to the spread of positive conduct in the community. Lieutenant General Al Marri affirmed that the platform represents a practical embodiment of the UAE's vision to embed positive values within society. It offers an on-the-ground interactive experience that honours and celebrates ethical behaviour, underscoring Dubai's role as a global model of human-centred engagement.
