UAE Updates: Flexibility and Travel Easements

July Updates in UAE: Flexibility, New Rules, and Travel Ease

In July, several new regulations and measures come into effect in the United Arab Emirates, impacting daily lives here – whether regarding travel, work, healthcare, or the summer school break. Below, we have compiled key changes to pay attention to this month.

Visa-Free Travel to Armenia

From July 1, foreigners with a residence permit in the UAE can travel to Armenia visa-free, provided their residence permit is valid for at least six months upon entry. Previously, this applied only to UAE citizens, requiring others to obtain a visa.

The visa exemption allows a 90-day stay within any 180-day period and is available to holders of residence permits issued by all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Emiratization Deadline for Employers

Companies with at least 50 employees had to meet the emiratization targets for the first half of the year by June 30, which requires that at least 1% of skilled workers be Emiratis. Authorities also check if companies have registered their Emirati employees in the social security system and paid the corresponding contributions.

Flexible Summer Work Schedule in Dubai

From July 1 to September 12, some governmental employees in Dubai will switch to a four-day workweek under the "Our Flexible Summer" program. Two workgroups are established: one works from Monday to Thursday for 8 hours daily and has Friday off entirely; the other works from Monday to Thursday for 7 hours daily and 4.5 hours on Friday.

Remote Work on Fridays in Ajman

In Ajman, public servants can work remotely on Fridays during the summer period from July 1 to August 22. Weekday working hours are reduced by one hour, with the official work schedule running from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Institutions are responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted provision of public services.

Legalization of Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches

From July 29, nicotine-containing but tobacco-free pouches will legally be available in the UAE. These pouches can help individuals quit smoking by releasing dopamine, which reduces withdrawal symptoms and nicotine craving. The regulation aims to promote health awareness and smoke-free alternatives.

New Public Health Law in Dubai

Dubai is introducing new legislation to curb the spread of infectious diseases. The regulation prohibits concealing diseases and behavior that might – even accidentally – infect others. Affected individuals can only travel or leave home with health authority permission, except when seeking medical care.

School Summer Break

Schools' summer break begins in early July and lasts until the end of August. Many parents look for summer camps so their children can spend the vacation actively and productively, while others opt for foreign travel to escape the heat. The summer break not only reshapes family logistics but also significantly impacts tourism.

Midday Work Ban

To protect outdoor workers, working under direct sunlight is prohibited daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM between June 15 and September 15. Violating the rule brings a fine of 5,000 dirhams per employee, up to 50,000 dirhams. The goal is to prevent heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses.

Summary

The changes taking effect in July in the UAE clearly point towards societal well-being, sustainable work, public health, and expanded travel opportunities. Whether as a local resident or with a foreign residence permit, it is worth staying informed about these changes to make the most of summer – responsibly, flexibly, and consciously.

(The article source is a summary of changes in July.)