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British Council Warns Residents on Fake IELTS Certificates Sold Online

British Council Warn Bahrain Residents of Fake IELTS Certificates Sold Online

For those interested to work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, you would know that there are various kinds of document requirements that you need to provide your employer to secure a job. These requirements are also primarily based on the specialization or field of work that you intend to work in.

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

For some, that means taking certain qualification exams to receive certification for a professional job, and this may include taking a language exam such as IELTS in order to qualify for a position or to advance tenure in your job, as in the field of education or public service.

Authorities Caution Residents over Fake IELTS Certificates

In line with this, the British Council has warned residents of Bahrain regarding fake International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certification that is being offered online without taking the examination, as shared in a report by News of Bahrain.

According to Richard Rooze, director at British Council Bahrain, the council is aware of the issue and that they are taking necessary actions to address it.

He shared that it has come to their attention that there are ongoing widespread attempts to commit fraud using the name of IELTS, online and offline. As IELTS is the world’s most popular English language assessment test, it attracts all kinds of fraudsters who are out to mislead test takers to cash in on their need for IELTS results without taking the test proper to qualify for this certification, Rooze explained.

On the scamming methods used by fraudsters, Rooze noted that fraudsters usually advertise on social media channels and other dedicated websites while some even unscrupulously approach test takers personally at test and review centres to entice them with the scam.

Rooze added that in order to convince test takers, scammers would boldly claim that they have access to the IELTS database and that they can change scores and results that appear in the Online Results Verification System to trick them into buying a fake one instead.

Unfortunately, there is still a few number of test takers who fall for this kind of bogus offer. Ultimately though, those who purchase these fake certificates will find the (fake) document useless as they can’t be verified on the official online IELTS portal, Rooze justified.

And so, for those who have a need for this special kind of certification, it pays to note that there are no fast and easy ways to success. Those that have the most fulfilling and long-lasting results are the ones that you usually have to earn through the hard method. Acknowledging these scammers’ offers will only be a waste of time and money, as the fake documents will get you nowhere and they could even cause you trouble.

ALSO READ: Guide to Bahrain Labour Law: Policies on Wages

Not Happy with Your Paid Leaves? Consider Working in This Country

Do you feel like spending your years one after another, but don’t get the much-needed time off from work that you deserve?

ALSO READ: Guide to Bahrain Labour Law – Policies on Wages

Well then, consider looking for a job overseas in the Middle East, as one of the GCC nations is known to be on top of the world when it comes to the number of paid leaves given to employees. Imagine: tax-free pay and almost 50 paid vacation leaves in a year. How’s that for your idea of work-life balance?

Bahrain #1 in the World in Terms of Number of Paid Leaves

According to a study conducted by resume.io – a resume writing online service, the workforce in Bahrain is likely the happiest when it comes to annual paid leaves, which is sanctioned by the Bahrain Labour Law. Here, workers can get up to 49 paid leaves in a year, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Delightful? Definitely. Surprising? Not so much, as the 49 leaves are made up of regular 30 days annual paid leaves on top of 19 public holidays observed in the Kingdom, which include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, National Day, Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday. And as per international labour standards, workers in Bahrain are also entitled to sick leaves and maternity leaves without a pay cut, but this also depends on each company’s policy.

At present, there are over 1.4 million people residing in Bahrain, which is one of the 30 countries in the world that require to give workers an annual leave of 30 days.

Other countries where a 30-day annual leave is mandatory include Finland, France, Spain, Austria, and other GCC countries like Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, as listed by a recent workforce study.

Given this opportunity, workers in Bahrain including expats can maximize their work leaves by visiting other countries and their home countries when it is most convenient to them without having to fear about limited time off from work to do so.

These are just some of the things which make working in the Middle East not only an ideal decision, but also an experience worth pursuing.

As of the latter part of Q2 of 2018, foreign worker employment in Bahrain reached 600,857. The economic sector with the highest number of new work permits for regular workers remain to be the construction sector, with a share of 33.0% of total regular work permits issued, followed by wholesale and retail trade sector, with a 17.9% share, and then the accommodation and food service activities sector at 12.6%, based on the most recent data released by Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

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

Ticket Prices for Expo 2020 Dubai Announced

With massive preparations underway for the upcoming global event in the Middle East – Expo 2020 Dubai — international spectators and guests are looking out for updates regarding participants, activities, promotions, as well ticket sales and prices, among others.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

Being the first event of its kind in the Middle East, organisers are raring to showcase what every participating country can offer to the global market. Also, as businesses and governments are expected to send delegates to the event, we can expect a fully loaded programme for a total of 173 days starting October 20, 2020.

Expo 2020 Dubai Announces Ticket Prices, Sale Dates

Expo 2020 Dubai has announced the ticket prices for the global event, with a one-day pass priced at AED 120, while a 3-day pass is priced at AED 260, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Organisers revealed the ticket prices at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019) exhibition in Dubai. Adults or guests 18 years old and above can purchase a one-day ticket priced at AED 120, while a three-day ticket, which can be used on any three days within the 173-day period at the Expo, will be priced at AED 260.

Each ticket will entitle its holder access to comprehensive international experience, which includes 60 live shows a day, future-shaping tech innovations, performances from world-renowned artists, daily parades, cutting-edge architecture, special celebrations, and more than 200 F&B outlets serving a plethora of cuisines from around the world.

Single-day and three-day tickets will be offered to international travellers in bundles to be sold by Authorised Ticket Resellers, contracted with Expo 2020 starting next month. These tickets will be put on sale for the public starting April 2020, although visitors will be able to purchase monthly and season passes directly from the Expo around Q4 of 2019. Further details will be announced by the organisers as the event date draws closer.

There will be a wide range of discounts, which include free access for children aged five and under, and seniors aged 65 and over. Youth aged six to 17 and students of any age may avail a 50% discount on tickets, while people of determination will be given complimentary access, and their carers may accompany them for tickets half the price.

The Expo School Programme will also offer specially curated trips for school students of all ages and provide them with information on the Expo sub-themes.

The event will focus on the three Thematic Districts, which will touch on the Expo’s subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, as well as the 192 Country Pavilions on site.

Throughout the duration of the event, there will also be site-wide observances of special days in the UAE which include Diwali, UAE National Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and International Women’s Day.

To know more about Expo 2020 Dubai, be sure to check out their official page.

Central Park in Dubai

Just recently, Dubai has announced that it will build its own Dubai Central Park. If you ever dreamed of visiting the New York’s Central Park but stuck here in Dubai for some reasons like work or insufficient time and money to travel, now is your chance to get the central park’s experience in this city!

Dubai is really making big steps to make a more entertaining environment for its residents. This is not just beneficial to the citizens of UAE but as well as to expats living and working in this city. When in Dubai, you won’t feel like you are a foreign national because the environment is designed for all the people of different countries.. No one would feel out of the place in this place. To know more about the future Dubai Central Park, here’s the things you need to know.

Location of Dubai Central Park

The Dubai Central Park will be located in City Walk. This is will be inspired by the original New York’ Central Park. If you always spend your time in City Walk, this will be a new attraction perfect for your entertainment cravings.

Everything About Dubai Central Park

The Dubai Central Park will be a 230,000 SQM establishment in the heart of City Walk. This will include a 12 mid-rise residential buildings with terraces. The 40,000 SQM of this place will be designated for private park. This tourist attraction will have tennis and basketball courts, several cafes, swimming pools, spa salon, and a large multi-purpose complex for games and plays.

Dubai has not released the date of the completion of the said central park yet. As far as we know, the residential buildings will compose of 187 units with one to four bedrooms where people can watch over the park and nearby establishments. There will also be large lobby with concierge and two huge rooftops that will be filled with different flowers and plants. What a great them, right?

Dubai Central Park is going to be a big hit for the city. For sure, there will be more tourists visiting its location upon its completion. The said attraction is just near City Walk’s retail malls and Dubai Arena that will be built soon. If you are a concert goer and shopaholic citizen of Dubai, this establishment will satisfy will surely satisfy your being!

Social Media Usage in UAE – Penalties and Fines

There are certain rules and policies that you should follow when using social media or doing online activities in the UAE. Just like other Middle East countries such as Qatar, Saudi, etc., the UAE has strict laws and imposes Fines and penalties if somebody complains about what you post. So please check out these rules to be aware how to behave online.

Also Read: Why it is Illegal to Work if You Have a Tourist/Visit Visa, Convert it First to an Employment Visa

Internet is indeed one of the greatest millennial invention. Because of the internet, we are able to access files and data whenever and wherever we are. We are able to communicate with our loved ones across the globe as well. In fact, some people have found the life of their lives via online. These are just few helpful things among many the technology has produced for us. Do you wonder what our life would be without the internet?

6 Major Rules of Using Social Media in UAE

Commonly, people used social media platforms in order to connect to the online world. Popular apps such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram have gained billions of user, still counting. If you are frequent user of these apps and happened to be in United Arab Emirates, you must know that there are some rules to follow when you use social media. For better understanding, we listed 6 common rules an expat in UAE should be aware of.

No to online prostitution. Online prostitution is considered illegal in UAE. So if you don’t want to be fined and serve time in jail, better use social media as conservative as you can.
Respect each other’s privacy. Although the internet can be too open sometimes, privacy should still be observed. If you are caught violating this rule, you will have to pay up to AED 1,500,000.
Rumors or gossips are as bad a crime. Using the social media to post rumors and gossips are not allowed in UAE, especially when it involves the security, peace, and order of the country. Avoid this so you don’t have to spend a second in jail.
Get consent first before posting someone’s picture or information. The sentence is as clear as sky. Getting one’s permission post is a must. If you happen to break this rule, you are going to pay up to AED 150,000 and even spend time in prison. Better yet, just avoid posting photos of others.
No sharing or posting of information that are against the Islamic moral and values. When you use the social media, use it rightly. We should be aware that anything that will hurt the Islamic moral and values is an offense and has an equivalent punishment.
No to illegal online sites. There are apps that are banned in UAE, Skype and Facetime for example. If you’re caught using illegal channels or without a license to use those apps, you’re going to face at least 1 year in jail or pay fine equivalent up to AED 250,000. VPNs area also illegal in the UAE.

Be careful what you post as it can get back to you if you post something negative, demeaning and invading other’s privacy. This is done with extra caution if you are in the gulf region as there are corresponding (and sometimes ridiculously huge) fines and sanctions for violators.

Social media platforms are a big help to all of us. If users remain responsible, there won’t be any problems with its usage. You must be aware of the rules wherever you are because knowing the rules can save you. After all, you don’t want to end up in jail or pay these penalties.