Latest news with #YOUSUFSAIFUDDINKAPADIA
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Climate
- Al Etihad
Hajj pilgrims gather in Makkah, world's largest cooling system to provide comfort
2 June 2025 13:50 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI) More than a million Muslim pilgrims poured into the holy city of Makkah ahead of the annual Hajj, with authorities vowing to hold a safer pilgrimage amid searing desert heat and a massive crackdown on illegal have beefed up heat mitigation were forecast to exceed 40°C this week as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings starts on Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage, according to year, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness following the lethal heatwave of areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, Saudi Arabia's Hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP last Monday, with temperatures topping 40° latest artificial intelligence technology will also help monitor the flood of data and footage, including video from a new fleet of drones, from across Makkah to better manage the mammoth the punishing heat, pilgrims were overjoyed as they arrived in the holy city. World's Largest Cooling System The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, with a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons, to provide a comfortable and spiritually uplifting environment for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world as part of its intensive preparations for the 1446 AH Hajj season. The Grand Mosque is served by two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad station, with 35,000 tons, both covering the extensive expansions and vast areas within the Grand systems maintain moderate temperatures ranging from 22 to 24°C, utilising advanced air purification technologies that remove 95% of impurities to ensure ideal air quality for pilgrims. Safety Guidelines The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also issued safety guidelines in light of high temperatures at the holy sites, urging pilgrims to remain in their tents on Arafah Day from 10 am to 4 pm and advising against venturing to Jabal Al-Rahmah or Namirah Mosque to avoid exposure to extreme ministry emphasised the importance of adhering to the authorisation schedules set by the relevant authorities and ensuring compliance at all stages of movement between the holy sites. It also stressed the necessity of using the approved means of transport, as outlined in the official transportation plan, and refraining from walking between locations during the designated times. 'Blessing from Allah' "This is really a blessing from Allah," Abdul Majid Ati, a Filipino lawyer and Sharia counsellor, told AFP near the Grand Mosque."We feel so peaceful and safe in this place."The rites in the holy city and its surroundings, which follow a lunar calendar, fall again this year during the hot month of June. Crackdown on illegals In the run-up to this year's Hajj, Saudi authorities launched a widespread crackdown on unregistered worshippers, using frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text permits are allocated to countries on a quota system and distributed to individuals by with hefty fines, those found illegally entering Makkah during the Hajj face a potential 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. (with inputs from AFP and SPA)
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Over 1.4 million motorists in Abu Dhabi benefit from traffic fine discounts in 2024
27 May 2025 00:30 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA, AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Traffic fine discount schemes have provided much respite to millions of motorists across the UAE over the years, including Abu Dhabi's ongoing 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' to a recent report by Abu Dhabi Police, around 1.4 million motorists benefitted from the emirate's campaign in 2024 alone - a 20.77% rise compared to schemes are part of the UAE leadership's broader approach aimed at easing financial pressures faced by citizens and residents through practical, humanitarian measures. While most emirates announce fine discounts - up to 50% - around major national occasions and for limited periods, Abu Dhabi's campaign has been consistently active for several years. How the Scheme WorksThe 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' initiative offers motorists a 35% discount on traffic fines if they are paid within 60 days of the violation date. If the payment is made after 60 days but within one year, a 25% discount applies. However, the discount does not extend to severe violations, Abu Dhabi Police said. In addition to the discount, the campaign enables traffic fines to be paid in interest-free instalments over a 12-month period through participating banks. The scheme applies to both vehicle and driver Dhabi Police regularly issues reminders to motorists to take advantage of the scheme, reminding the public of its benefits and deadlines through a series of General Mahmoud Yousef Al Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate in the Central Operations Sector, said that the campaign seeks to promote happiness and positivity among users. He added that the Directorate has made sustained efforts to deliver services via channels equipped with advanced features that streamline user experience and enhance customer campaign also includes a broad awareness component. In collaboration with the Community Police Department, the Directorate hosts workshops and community councils, alongside awareness films that are shared via social pages, print, and broadcast media. Officers also regularly distribute informative booklets among Musallam Mohammed Al Junaibi, Director of the Traffic Violations Collection and Follow-up Department, explained that the awareness campaigns seek to encourage vehicle owners to pay traffic fines by informing them of the benefits of early payment and the potential consequences of delays. Easy Payment ServiceIn January 2024, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, launched an 'easy payment' instalment option for settling fines issued by the ITC. Currently, the service is available to credit card holders from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Mashreq Bank, provided they contact the bank within two weeks of payment to request an instalment plan. Fines can be paid via Abu Dhabi Government's digital platforms, including Tamm Smart App, or through in-person transactions at customer service and happiness counters. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
02-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
13 types of UAE work permits you should know about
2 May 2025 15:05 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)The UAE Labour Relations Law and its executive regulations have provided private sector establishments with various types of work permits to meet their workforce needs. This facilitates bringing in workers from abroad or contracting with those already within the country, thereby tapping into both local and global talents. Here's a list of the 13 types of permits for registered establishments and individuals: - A work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE- Transfer work permit: To transfer a foreign worker from one establishment to another- A work permit for a resident on a family sponsorship- A temporary work permit: To hire a worker to complete a job within a specific period- One-mission work permit: To recruit a worker from abroad to complete a temporary job, or a particular project for a specific period- A part-time work permit: To recruit a worker under a part-time contract where his working hours or days are less than his full-time contract. The worker can work for more than one employer after obtaining permission from the ministry- A juvenile permit: To recruit a juvenile between 15 and 18 years- Student training and employment permit: To employ a 15-year-old student who is already in the UAE, according to specific regulations and conditions that ensure a suitable training and work environment- UAE/GCC national permit: To employ a UAE or a GCC national- A golden visa holder permit: To employ a worker holding the UAE's Golden Residence visa- Private teacher work permit for workers who wish to obtain a work permit for private tutors in cooperation with the Ministry of Education- National trainee permit: To train a UAE national according to the accredited academic qualifications- A freelance permit issued to self-sponsored foreigners in the UAE, who provide services or perform tasks to individuals or companies (without being sponsored by a specific employer in the UAE and without having an employment contract)It is noteworthy that according to Article 6 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector, known as the 'UAE Labour Law', it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued according to the procedures set out by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).The cost of issuing and renewing a work permit ranges from Dh250 to Dh3,450, depending on the company's classification: A, B or C. How to apply To apply for a work permit, the establishment must:- Have a valid trade licence- The application must be filed by the authorised signatory of the establishment MoHRE may refrain from issuing or renewing, or may cancel work permits if the establishment:- Provides incorrect documents- Is fictitious or does not exercise its registered activity - Is not compliant with the 'Wages Protection System' or any other system adopted for the regulation of the national labour market.
Al Etihad
20-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi issues fines to preserve emirate's public appearance
20 Apr 2025 20:30 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI) The emirate of Abu Dhabi has issued regulations on the illegal use of windows and balconies, and how to maintain their Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi DMT) took to social media to issue a notice on the implementation of regulations prohibiting the placing of laundry or the cleaning of carpets and covering on windows and balconies overlooking public post highlighted the nature of violations and corresponding fines. According to Clause No. 12 of the rules, placing drying racks outside windows or balconies on any side of the buildings overlooking a public road would be subject to an initial fine of Dh500. The fine would be doubled to Dh1,000 for the second violation, and Dh2,000 for a third and repeated No. 15 of the rules stated that cleaning or placing carpets, coverings, or other items on windows and balconies facing the public road would be subject to an initial fine of Dh500, which would be doubled to Dh1,000 in case of a second violation, followed by a fine of Dh2,000 for a third and repeated awareness campaigns aim to maintain the beautiful appearance, combat such distorting elements and ensure compliance with the laundry-drying laws in the emirate. These campaigns are launched pursuant to the Law No. 2/2012 for the maintaining the general appearance, health and tranquility in Abu Dhabi Municipality has reiterated the importance of adopting modern laundry-drying techniques such as electric driers, and clothes drying racks instead of hanging laundry over the balustrade directly overlooking the emphasised that this resolution, which enforces amendments to the law on maintaining public appearance, health, and tranquility, is part of an ongoing series of legislative efforts that embody Abu Dhabi's vision for a thriving and sustainable future. Fine discount Earlier in 2024, The DMT issued Administrative Decision No (220) of 2024 concerning the enforcement of violations, fines, and administrative penalties related to Law No (2) of 2012, concerning the preservation of public appearance, health, and tranquillity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This decision also ensures the implementation of Law No (10) of 2022, which amends Law No (2) of new resolution authorises municipal inspectors to detect violations, notify offenders, and offer them the opportunity to settle by paying 75% of the fine on the condition that the violation is compliance is not achieved, the municipality will rectify the violation at the violator's expense. Violators have the right to appeal within a week of the violation issuance. Increased fines Moreover, the resolution stipulates that repeating the violation will be considered an aggravating circumstance that will result in increased fines for offenders. The same penalty applies to those who fail to remedy violations within the specified timeframe. Public appearanceFurthermore, the new resolution encompasses a range of regulations addressing maintaining public appearance, preservation of public spaces, and disturbance in public spaces. It includes guidelines for camping and events, satellite dish usage, abandoned vehicles, and maintenance of walls and road signs. The regulations for public appearance address activities that negatively affect the visual appeal of buildings and structures, such as neglecting property maintenance to the extent that it negatively impacts the public appearance or poses a threat to public safety. Other violations include installing car parking shades without a permit, improper handling of flags or banners, failing to provide appropriate waste containers in establishments and commercial premises, decoration of building facades, and inappropriate storage of materials on rooftops, balconies, or pathways between residential properties.
Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Police arrest 237 beggars during Ramadan 2025
15 Apr 2025 14:26 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)Over 200 beggars were arrested in Abu Dhabi during this Ramadan across the emirate, affirming Abu Dhabi Police's continued efforts to combat this phenomenon, a statement issued by the force said. Brigadier Musallam Mohammed Al-Ameri, Deputy Director of the Criminal Security Directorate, stated that beggars attempt to gain the sympathy of community members by fabricating stories to obtain money, which tarnishes the civilized image of society - a form of covert deception using misleading fraudulent a statement issued by the force, 237 beggars were arrested during the holy month of Ramadan this official reiterated the police departments' commitment to conducting continuous campaigns to apprehend beggars, regardless of their begging methods and deceitful tactics used on the urged the public to cooperate with Abu Dhabi Police in curbing the practice of begging by ensuring not to give alms or Zakat to beggars, and instead giving charity and donations via government approved channels, institutions, and charitable associations to ensure that donations reach deserving explained that giving money or alms to people encourages the practice of begging, which results in the spread of crimes they commit under the guise of security authorities intensify their efforts to combat the phenomenon of begging ahead of Ramadan, in particular. The public is urged not to sympathise with beggars and to report cases to relevant authorities. Beggars are considered violators of the law, deceiving people to take their money, and over the years authorities have succeeded in significantly reducing their numbers during the holy month of to Articles 476 and 477 of the Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 issuing the Law on Crimes and Penalties, anyone who organises begging, committed by an organised group of two or more persons, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months and a fine of not less than Dh100, the same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who brings people into the country to use them in organised begging who participates in organised begging shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months and a fine of not less than Dh5,000, or one of these two penalties. How to report beggars in Abu Dhabi? Residents can call 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS on 2828 or email to aman@
