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UAE Ranks 1st in Region, 5th in Global Competitiveness

UAE Ranks 1st in Region, 5th in Global Competitiveness

Much of what the UAE government is doing is aimed at becoming one of the world’s global nations. Through its efforts to set Dubai as one of the Best Cities in the world, the national government is also looking to lead the world in terms of innovation, technology, and national policies.

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This is not at all surprising, because much of the world can be experienced by visiting the UAE already. This is the inspiration behind the country’s hosting and preparation for the upcoming Expo 2020 in Dubai. With the UAE’s thrusts centred on innovation, equality, and responsible leadership, the recognition is some sort of a resounding confirmation of what the country’s leadership is doing and where it is taking the UAE in years to come.

UAE Ranks 1st in Region, 5th in Global Competitiveness

UAE Leads Region in Global Competitiveness, Ranks 5th Worldwide

The UAE has once again been hailed as the top country in the region, and fifth in the world in terms of competitiveness, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019, published by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

In 2016, the UAE ranked 15th, and barges into the top 5 this year for the first time, as it claims the first spot in business efficiency, outshining other economies in areas such as productivity, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, the report has shown that the UAE has outperformed advanced economies such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, rising 23 positions from last year’s rankings.

Globally, the UAE climbed two spots up to settle on the 5th position in the 2019 rankings while maintaining its lead in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Of note, the UAE’s strongest performance is in the following indicators: Business Efficiency (1st), Government Efficiency (2nd), and held the first five ranks globally in other sub-indicators.

Furthermore, the UAE came first globally in Management Practices, second in International Trade, Productivity and Efficiency, Basic Infrastructure, Attitudes and Values, and third globally in Public Finance and Tax policy.

Commenting on the UAE’s landmark achievements, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: “We entered the competitiveness race ten years ago and the UAE is now leading the region and taking the fifth ranks globally.”

According to Sheikh Mohammed, the competitiveness race has “no finish line and dominance will be for those working hard, toiling and giving tirelessly.”

The Dubai ruler added that they will continue to develop the UAE’s national competencies, government services, and basic infrastructure.

The UAE took the lead in three factors: Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency, and Infrastructure.

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WHO Awards Bahrain PM with Global Leader Healthcare Distinction

WHO Awards Bahrain PM with Global Leader Healthcare Distinction

In a small island such as Bahrain, with a total population of around 1.5 million, one would think that social services including healthcare delivery has always been well taken care of.

ALSO READ: Bahrain Ranks No. 2 on Expat-Friendly List

Throughout history, Bahrain has managed to provide universal healthcare dating back to as early as 1960s. By this standard, government-provided health care has always been free to Bahraini citizens and heavily subsidised for non-Bahrainis. As such, the quality of health care in Bahrain is generally high and equal to that in Western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.

WHO Awards Bahrain PM with Global Leader Healthcare Distinction
Credits: MOFA.gov.bh

Bahrain PM Recognized with Global Leader Healthcare Award

Because of such standards, Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has been recognized by the World Health Organization for his leadership in advancing global healthcare, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

Prince Khalifa was awarded the first-ever WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders Honour by the health organisation’s leader Dr. Tedros Adhanom.

The award has been given to the Bahraini leader for his commitment to creating access to affordable healthcare for the kingdom’s citizens.

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WHO Awards Bahrain PM with Global Leader Healthcare Distinction

Healthcare in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain, for the longest time, has taken steps to provide nationals with free and heavily subsidised healthcare. Expats can also access this service, but will tend to receive subsidised services requiring a small co-payment.

Despite the country’s rapid development, Bahrain’s relatively small population means that long queues or delayed appointment times are uncommon, even in public healthcare facilities.

And while expats have access to the public system in Bahrain, many opt to get private medical insurance and to use private facilities instead of public ones. Expats will also find that the standard of care throughout the country is excellent as a large portion of healthcare workers come from the expat community, as well – however, it is important to be aware that specialist treatment centres may be limited and it may be necessary to seek such treatment outside of the country.

Overall, Bahrain as a country is continuously evolving, and with the current number of expats residing in the Kingdom, changes regarding healthcare costs, delivery, and accessibility, are expected to improve still.

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Dubai’s ‘Heart of Europe’ Investors to Qualify for Moldovan Passport

With the recent announcement of the UAE government to grant permanent residency status to its residents who have significantly contributed to the country’s economy and fields of specialization, a new project now follows the government’s footsteps, but it offers a different kind of incentive. Dubai, in particular, has set its sights to become one of the top global cities, advancing its cause across various sectors and initiatives.

ALSO READ: UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

There are a number of construction projects going on in the UAE at the moment, as the economy expects immense growth through various sectors including tourism, agriculture, real estate, and construction among others.

Dubai Project Investors to be Granted Moldovan Citizenship

In line with this, individuals who have invested in a property worth more than AED 5 million in UAE developer Kleindienst Group’s Heart of Europe project this summer will automatically qualify for Moldovan citizenship, the company announced on Wednesday (June 5), as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

Those who would be granted Moldovan citizenship would be able to travel visa-free across the Schengen area and 121 countries around the world.

As per group founder and chairman Josef Kleindienst, surpassing client expectations through every element of their group’s offering is an essential part of their strategy. Kleindienst also acknowledged the need for creating outstanding value that surpasses high-quality structures and innovative builds.

He added that as the demand for nationality by investment continues to grow globally, especially among residents in the Middle East and Asia who are looking for more stability and security than their current passports offer, the additional perk will prove to be of great value to the investors.

In April, Kleindienst Group announced a record sales quarter of over AED 345 million ($93.9 million) for its freehold second homes. This shows a 69% year on year increase compared to its Q1 sales record from last year, the developer pointed out.

By late December of 2018, Kleindienst said it has sold 100 percent of phase one including Sweden Island, Germany Island, St Petersburg Island, and over 80 Floating Seahorse Villas.

With over 2,000 people working on the islands, Kleindienst projected to hand over phase 1 by the end of of this year, as per the announcement.

Having this kind of incentive will provide Dubai residents opportunities to travel across Europe, as a Moldovan passport gives them access to over 100 Schengen-member countries. This is most suitable for investors with much business activities across a wide network of clients all over the world.

ALSO READ: UAE Rolls Out Permanent Residency Status to High-Profile Expats

Gulf Country Announces Mid-day Work Ban for Workers

Gulf Country Announces Mid-day Work Ban for Workers

The summer season is upon us, and for countries where temperatures can exceed past 40 degrees during the day, such as those in the Middle East, there is more harm than benefits in sending labourers to work outside in the sun.

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This is especially true for workers who are involved in construction, mining, and maintenance work, who are typically exposed under the heat of the sun. On the part of employers, having sick workers can mean more expenses and loss of man hours at work, as well.

Gulf Country Announces Mid-day Work Ban for Workers

Oman Imposes Mid-day Work Ban for Workers for Health Risks

Given the nature of these types of work as well as the environmental factors in the region, the Ministry of Manpower in Oman announced that workers on construction sites and those engaged in manual labour in open areas will not be allowed to work for three hours from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during summer months, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

The decision comes in consideration of workers’ safety who are needlessly exposed to the intense summer heat starting in the month of June until August.

“The Ministry of Manpower announces a ban on work on construction sites or open areas from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during June, July and August, to protect the health and safety of workers in these sites,” a ministry official was quoted.

As per Article 16-3 of the Labour Law, “workers cannot work in construction or open sites with high degrees of heat from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during June, July, and August of each year.”

The ministry official also explained, “Because of the high heat during these hours, it becomes important to protect workers from harming themselves in these high temperatures.”

Those who will be found to be in violation of this law will face fines ranging from OMR 100 to OMR 500, or, in some cases, a jail term of up to one month. The penalties can be doubled for repeat violations.

Moreover, the ministry also reaffirmed that it would intensify inspection campaigns at work sites as over 750 companies were found violating Oman’s mid-day break regulations in 2018, according to ministry figures.

Out of the 2,665 companies that faced inspection between June and August of last year, 771 were found to have committed violations. In August, 158 companies were found violating the rule, compared to 362 in July and 251 in June.

Given the climate conditions in desert countries such as Oman, it’s good to know that there are labour policies that protect workers against this crucial factor that could pose severe health issues in the long term.

ALSO READ:  Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Work in Oman

UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term and Multiple-Entry Visas

As the UAE government has recently announced, permanent residency status can now be availed by certain expat groups, as part of the government’s initiatives to open the country’s economy to foreign nationals with highly specialized skills and talents that would benefit the economy and society in the long run.

With the new residency status now ready for the taking, many expats have been on the lookout for updates regarding the visa that would accommodate for this change. Expats mainly have been eyeing the costs for these visas, because those eligible to apply may bring their family with them during their stay in the country for the long term.

UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term and Multiple-Entry Visas

UAE Government Rolls Out New Long-Term Visa Costs

As mentioned, long-term residency visas with 10-year validity, which have been rolled out earlier this year, can now be obtained for as low as AED 1,150, the UAE government announced on Sunday (May 26), as shared in a report by the Gulf News.

Based on the eligibility requirements announced earlier, investors in public investment or senior professionals working with the investors, as well as exceptional talents and researchers in various domains, qualify for the 10-year visas.

Investors and professionals who fall under the approved categories can apply to issue or renew the 10-year visa for AED 1,150 (AED 150 for the application and AED 1,000 for issuance). Family members of the applicants can also avail long-term visas at the same cost.

Just last week, two Indian business leaders based in the UAE became the first Indian expats to receive 10-year UAE resident visas.

Vasu Shroff, chairman of the Regal Group of Companies, and Khushi Khatwani, managing director of the Khushi Group of Companies and Al Nisr Cinema Film, were the first Indian expats to benefit from the long-term visa scheme, as well as their families.

In an interview with Gulf News, Vasu Shroff shared that the visa charges are affordable compared to other developed countries.

He noted that he paid a total amount of AED 1,350 for each visa, and this includes service charges. The amount was very affordable for any 10-year visa. Shroff pointed out that the multi-entry visa in the UK costs at least AED 5,000. Noting how this will greatly benefit expats who have been living in the UAE for a long time already, Shroff thanked the government and commended its initiative to retain and attract investors, which makes their lives easier and hassle-free in the UAE.

The 10-year visa scheme was launched back in January and some Arab scientists and experts in the medical field were the first ones to receive it.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for a Spousal Visa in the UAE

Bahrain Ranks No. 2 on Expat-Friendly List

Bahrain Ranks #2 on Expat-Friendly List

Expats move to another country for a number of reasons. Some highly regard the work opportunities available in a county, whereas others look at it through a more holistic approach, taking into consideration social and lifestyle factors, which fall under the quality of life index.

ALSO READ: Bahrain Places Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran Amid Tension in the Region

However, there is not one definitive quality of a country that residents and expats simply put into consideration to base their decision to move into the country. Depending on how long one intends to stay in a country, the social and local aspects will most likely come into play, as well.

Bahrain Ranks #2 on Expat-Friendly List
Credits: Pricey/Flickr

Bahrain Places Second on Expand-Friendly Destinations – Survey

A recent survey released by InterNations, the world’s largest expat community, collected data from 18,000 expatriates representing 178 nationalities in 68 countries for its Expat Insider survey, ranked Bahrain at number 2 among the best countries in the world for expats to make friends.

Mexico topped the list, followed by Bahrain, and Serbia at number three.

Based on the responses of expats living in Bahrain, 77% of the group said that it was easy to make friends in the Gulf State, while 68% shared that it was quite easy to make friends with the locals in the Kingdom.

Moreover, almost 90% of the expats surveyed expressed happiness with their life in Bahrain.

Bahrain jumped four spots from number 6 to number 2 out of the 68 countries in terms of finding friends abroad within a year.

Sterling numbers as 77% of expats in the Kingdom find it easy to make new friends, while 68% said that connecting with the locals is not a problem either.

These numbers can be attributed to the general friendliness of the local population, as 92% of expats rate this factor positively.

Of note, 60% of expats surveyed reported that the locals in Bahrain were very friendly, which was twice the global average of 30%.

The report was compiled based on six categories: quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, family life, personal finance, and cost of living.

Based on the survey, expats found it hardest to make friends in Kuwait, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Norway, Finland, Austria, and Estonia.

According to the report, finding friends is often a major challenge for people moving abroad.

Recently, InterNations also ranked Bahrain as the second best country for women to work abroad, with around 88% of the respondents expressing satisfaction over their jobs in the Kingdom.

Manama, Bahrain’s capital, was also ranked by expats among the top 10 cities in the world for expats to live and work, based on another survey released in November by the German-based company.

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Bahrain Places Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran Amid Tension in the Region

Bahrain Places Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran Amid Tension in the Region

Amid the growing tension in the Middle East, onlookers are expressing concern as to the welfare of their citizens in the face of yet another impending face-off between the US, Iran, and Iraq.

ALSO READ: [Guide] What You Need to Know About Working in Bahrain

Historically, there has been a fraught relationship between Iran and the US; however, the position of equally Iranian and US-backed Iraq will also come into play, should matters get out of hand. And since the countries involved are grounded by Islamic ties, neighbouring countries are closely watching the situation, not to mention its potential effect on the economic burdens the region has been experiencing in recent years.

Bahrain Places Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran Amid Tension in the Region

Regional Tension Prompts Bahrain to Issue Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran

In line with this, Bahrain has ordered all of its citizens to immediately leave Iraq and Iran, amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, as shared in a report by Khaleej Times.

For those following the issue in the region, it can be recalled that earlier in May, the US ordered more of its naval and air forces to go into the region as a “warning” to Iran not to engage in any “provocative” acts, after Tehran had threatened shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and also U.S. interests and allies.

A few days after, four civilian vessels were mysteriously attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and Houthis, Iran’s allies in Yemen, targeted Saudi oil installations with drones.

The US operates two naval facilities in Bahrain and has maintained close cooperation with the Kingdom.

In an advisory released by the Foreign Ministry, Bahrainis have been banned from travelling to Iraq and Iran as concerns about a possible conflict have flared since the White House ordered warships and bombers to the region to counter an alleged, unexplained threat from Iran that has seen America order non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq.

In line with this, Bahrainis have also been instructed to exercise utmost caution and called on citizens living in the aforementioned countries to leave the country immediately, and to contact the following numbers for assistance:

  • Embassy of Bahrain in Baghdad: 009647814256980
  • Consulate of Bahrain in Najaf: 009647728672227
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0097317227555

Bahrain is a small, Sunni-ruled island nation located off the coast of Saudi Arabia. It regularly accuses Iran of stirring dissent in its Shiite-majority population. Iran considers Bahrain a staunch supporter of its regional arch-rival, Saudi Arabia.

With the way things are developing, the call by the government to its citizens based in these affected nations is a precautionary measure to limit the incidences of casualties and to protect the interests of its people. At this point, the presence of warships and drones on either territory could only mean that neither of the countries involved intends to back down.

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Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles

Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles

With oil prices taking a hit in recent years, many GCC member countries have started to explore alternative forms of revenue, such as building up other sectors like tourism and education, and then there’s the proposal to impose the value added tax – something that has long been non-existent in the Middle East, which is also one of the main reasons why many expats opt to expand their careers in the region.

ALSO READ: Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Work in Oman

However, as national revenues start to go down, governments could no longer support the social system they cater to, and this creates a situation requiring citizens to pay out of their pockets more to avail basic services. And for this to happen, every citizen needs to have a job. However, going back to the system wherein countries have long been dependent on foreign labourers to power an economy, we all know that something has got to change soon.

Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles
Credits: jurvetson/Flickr

Senior Management to Get Affected by Expat Visa Ban in Oman

In line with this, the government of Oman is looking to extend its expat visa ban once again, but this time, senior management positions in the private sector will be affected as the country continues to push its Omanization policy in a bid to cut unemployment among its citizens, as shared in a report by Arab News.

Under the new provisions of the law, those expats currently working in the specified roles will be able to work until the end of their current residency visas, but will not be able to renew them, as the roles will be entirely delegated to Omanis.

The specified roles as per the Ministry of Manpower include assistant general manager, administration director, human resources director, personnel director, training director, follow-up director, public relations director, assistant manager, and all administrative and clerical duties.

However, the report did not specify how many of the current 37,299 managerial and administrative roles would be given to Omani nationals.

The expat visa ban has been adopted by Oman in January 2018 for a six-month period for certain professions.

Since then, there have been several extensions on the ban, and it has been expanded to cover other industries and professions, which enabled tens of thousands of Omanis to find work.

Historically, Gulf countries have been dependent on expatriate workers to support their economies; with a 2013 study indicating as much as 71% of Oman’s labour force were foreign-nationals.

Since the introduction of the expat visa ban, Oman’s expat population has dropped significantly, which is also a trend noted in other GCC countries with nationalization programmes such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, among others.

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UAE Gov’t to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Gov’t Plans to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Foreign labour has always been integral to the journey of the UAE up to the point to where it is now, and the government has always acknowledged that. Because what the country lacked for in specialized manpower, they look for in expats and pay them well.

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And in line with doing business in the country, the government is still looking for new ways to attract people of high economic and social value, which include businessmen, investors, as well as entrepreneurs.

Gov’t Plans to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

UAE to Introduce 5-Year Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

In line with this, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has laid out its plans to implement the UAE Cabinet’s decision to issue five-year residency visas for entrepreneurs, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

The decision is still aligned with the national government’s vision to improve the conditions for ease of doing business in the GCC state.

For this initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will be in charge of issuing the residency visas, while HUB71 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Future Foundation’s Area 2071 in Dubai will scout eligible entrepreneurs to receive such benefits under the programme.

According to Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Hamli, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the initiative comes at a time when the UAE has become a prime destination for professionals who are looking for exceptional opportunities outside their countries.

Al Hamli committed his support in establishing close integration between various government entities and the private sector to promote pro-business government policies and development programmes.

He added that the latest initiative set up by the government will create a positive effect on the economy and further solidify the country’s position as a global business hub.

Based on the standard guidelines for the initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and HUB71 will develop strategies and plans to attract entrepreneurs into doing business in Abu Dhabi.

For his part, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), explained that entrepreneurs and their families will be provided with a five-year renewable residency visa. This will be a personal visa, which will help ensure the independence of the entrepreneur and promote a pro-business environment.

To become eligible for this special visa, the following requirements must be met by an entrepreneur:

  • A former business that is worth a minimum of AED 500,000; or
  • Has the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country
  • Must have their own insurance coverage and for their entire family for the duration of their residency.

Furthermore, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship can also grant a five-year visa to three executive directors working for the entrepreneur, on the condition that they commit to working exclusively for the entrepreneur during the period of the visa.

Likewise, entrepreneurs will be allowed entry into the country on a six-month multi-entry visa as part of support provided to them to complete procedures to set up their business.

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Saudi Arabia to Offer ‘Green Card’ Residency to Qualified Expats

Saudi Arabia to Offer ‘Green Card’ Residency to Qualified Expats

It’s a known fact that many foreign nationals have been targeting to work in the Middle East for a long time now, mainly for the lucrative jobs available in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among others.

ALSO READ: [Guide] Applying for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

However, while work standards and job opportunities are indeed appealing to foreign nationals, GCC nations almost always do not offer long-term residency to foreigners. However, with a few exemptions, that will soon change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at least.

Saudi Arabia to Offer ‘Green Card’ Residency to Qualified Expats

Certain Expats Can Soon Avail Citizenship in Saudi Arabia

In a monumental decision, Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council approved a draft law known as the “Distinguished Iqama” (residency permit), which provides for qualified foreigners a number of privileges and benefits similar to what citizens enjoy, as shared in a report by the Saudi Gazette.

Under the new law, holders of the Distinguished Iqama will be eligible to have a family status and will be offered the following privileges, which include (but are not limited to):

  • obtaining visit visa for family members and relatives,
  • recruiting domestic workers,
  • owning properties such as real estate, businesses, and
  • having their own means of transport and other advantages.

The 41st ordinary session of the Council, chaired by its President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh, announced the decision as part of the government’s efforts to attract affluent individuals by offering privileges and such special treatment, as do citizens in the Kingdom.

As the newly minted law is still in the process of being finalized by establishing its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) to be reviewed and approved by the council thereafter, one of the apparent requirements for expats who wish to avail this residency permit is to pay a special fee as determined by the Executive Regulatory body from the ‘Center of Distinguished Iqama,’ a new center that will be established for the new law.

Other basic requirements include sufficient financial resources, certificate of no criminal record, health certificate, and a valid passport.

Interested and eligible individuals may apply for either two types of Iqamas: an Iqama good for an unlimited period, or an Iqama valid for one year, which can be renewed annually.

While the initial form of residency to be offered to foreigners apparently favours the rich, the basic explanation for this decision is to ensure that these individuals will be able to strongly contribute to the Kingdom’s growth and economy, and not to become a liability to its current system.

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