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 the public holiday announcement for Eid Al Adha in August, to the news that paid parking is being introduced in Dubai Marina Mall, here are all the big news stories you should know about this week.
UAE public holiday declared for Eid Al Adha
The public and private sector holiday dates have been announced for Eid Al Adha 2019. Both sectors will enjoy four days off on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed on Thursday morning, reports The National. The holiday will begin on Saturday, August 10, and employees will be off Tuesday, August 13. Work will then resume on Wednesday August 14.
Paid parking is being introduced at Dubai Marina Mall
Shoppers take note, Dubai Marina Mall is set to introduce paid parking later this month for the first time. Free parking will remain during a trial basis from July 1 to 20, with paid parking set to be introduced from July 21. Once paid parking goes live, the tariffs will apply from Sunday to Thursday, with parking remaining free on weekends. From Sunday to Thursday, parking will be free for the first three hours, and then cost Dhs20 for every hour thereafter.
Sheikh Mohammed to reveal worst government services in Dubai
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has issued a stark message to government officials, warning them that anything short of the best is not acceptable. The Dubai Ruler announced via social media that he has issued an instruction to evaluate 600 government service centres across Dubai, with the five best – and worst – performing centres to be named publicly. The evaluation of government service centres has already begun, with the announcement scheduled for September 14.
Abu Dhabi is getting the world’s largest snow park
The UAE is set to get a ‘cool’ new attraction as a new snow play park, four times the size of Ski Dubai, is set open on Reem Island, Abu Dhabi next year. The new destination will feature 13 rides and attractions including Snowflake Garden, Flurries’ Mountain and Crystal Carousel.
A new system is being introduced to rank universities in Dubai
HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council has introduced a rating system for Dubai universities. Going forward, universities in Dubai will now be ranked on a scale from one to five stars. The rating is based on three main factors: key standards (quality of teaching, recruitment, research and development etc.), secondary standards (quality of educational programmes and the learning environment) and optional standards such as culture, arts, quality of life, creativity and social responsibility.
UAE cabinet confirms sectors eligible for 100 per cent foreign ownership
The UAE cabinet has approved the sectors and economic activities eligible for up to 100 per cent foreign ownership in the UAE, it announced on Tuesday. In a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the cabinet announced that 122 economic activities across 13 sectors were specified to be eligible for up to 100 percent foreign ownership.
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