A week in review: Here are the top stories from Dubai this week
Here’s your must-read guide to the city’s biggest news stories…
In a fast paced city like Dubai, it can be hard to keep up with all the city’s happenings. Which is why we’re bringing you the week in review: a short, digestible overview of the weeks biggest news announcements, trending stories and top happenings.
From ticket prices for Expo 2020, to the news that it’s much easier to obtain a liquor license, these are the stories you need to know about this week.
Expo 2020 tickets will start from Dhs120
The ticket prices for Dubai’s Expo 2020, taking place at the end of next year, have been revealed. Tickets will be available in a one day, three day, monthly, or season pass. An adult (18 and over) single day ticket will be charged at Dhs120, while a three-day pass will cost Dhs260 and can be used on any three days of the six month expo. There will be a 50 per cent discount applied to tickets for children aged six to 17 and carers of people with determination, who can enter for free.
Emirates unveils plans for its pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
Dubai-based airline Emirates, the official airline partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, have revealed plans for their striking pavilion at the much-anticipated exhibition. The futuristic looking pavilion has been designed with cutting edge-technology and features slanted architectural ‘fins’ to represent an aircraft’s wings ready to take to the skies. The structure will hold over 800 metres of LED lights, which will be used to put on spectacular shows every night of the 6-month exhibition.
It’s now much easier to obtain a liquor license in Dubai
The process for residents who are looking to purchase a liquor license in Dubai has been significantly relaxed, making it much easier to obtain the license. Previously the requirements for obtaining a license included an NOC letter, tenancy contract and salary certificate. However now all you need to submit your application is your Emirates ID copy, passport copy, visa copy and passport photo. Both MMI and African and Eastern have made the process easier to help more people stay on the right side of the law, and ensure expats know the rules concerning alcohol in the UAE. It is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to drink, transport or store alcohol at home in Dubai to have a liquor license.
Etihad Airways to remove TVs from their short-haul planes
Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways, have unveiled new economy seats for their short-haul flights that will no longer feature individual TV screens for passengers. The new, layout will apply to the narrow-bodied A320 AND A321 planes, which cater to short-haul flights within a 5-hour radius of Abu Dhabi. The ‘ergonomically-designed’ seats, will provide increased knee room for passengers, and will also have a USB charging port and holder for a phone or tablet. So fear not, using their wireless streaming service, you’ll still be able to enjoy more than 300 hours of entertainment to keep you busy during your flight.
Dubai is getting a stunning suspended Sky Garden
Dubai is getting a leafy new tourist attraction – suspended 60 metres in the sky. Sky Garden Project is a stylish, botanical footbridge that is set to link many of the city’s landmarks along the shores of Dubai Creek. At 60 metres in height, it promises stunning panoramic views of old and new Dubai, and will extend an impressive 380 metres in length. The expansive 3,422 square metres will be filled with a vibrant green garden that will have plenty of naturally shaded areas for outdoor activities, multi-level running and cycling tracks as well as some shops and restaurants.
This is what the futuristic Dubai Skypods will look like
View this post on Instagram
You could soon be travelling up and down Dubai in a pod suspended high up in the air. Sip your morning coffee as you fly past the skyscrapers of DIFC, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. The track, which runs alongside Dubai Metro, will have 21 stations and has the capacity to transit 8,400 riders per hour per direction. Reaching impressive speeds of 150 kilometres per hour, the pods can hold up to five passengers so you won’t have to worry about your personal space being compromised.
It’s official: Amazon has launched in the UAE
Almost two years after tech giant Amazon bought UAE-based Souq.com, the e-commerce platform has officially launched as Amazon.ae. Promising to still be home to ‘everything you love about Souq, online shoppers will now be able to get their hands on over 30 million products on the site, including access to 5 million products from Amazon US. For the first time in Amazon history, Arabic language has been introduced to both the website and mobile app.
Dubai Tourism announces new sustainability requirements for Dubai hotels
Hotels across Dubai will be required to comply with 19 new sustainability requirements, according to directives issued by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). In line with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative, hotels will have 18 months to complete the changes, which cover everything from sustainable management approaches and guest education to energy, food and water. The move hopes to advance sustainability performance across the hospitality sector, and to further support positive change within the industry.
Ramadan working hours confirmed for UAE private sector
Ahead of the beginning of Ramadan, the ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that the private sector will have reduced working hours throughout the holy month. Over Ramadan, the ministry said that private sector establishments, institutions and companies would have to reduce normal work hours by two hours, reports Gulf Business. For most companies, working hours will be 9am until 4pm, a two hour reduction from the regular working hours of 9am until 6pm.
— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.