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Dubai Airports Launch Trial Use of ‘Paper-Free Travel’ Biometric ID System

Where technology is cultivated in places like the UAE, residents can expect new innovations that would benefit them in processes that could further be enhanced by digital applications, or in some cases, even artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

And as the UAE government aims to promote the country as a global nation where both residents and guests can enjoy convenient living through the aid of digital processes and systems, sectors such as retail, aviation, and financing, where information processing can easily be transitioned to digital technology, are most likely to benefit the most.

‘Passport-Free’ Travel to be adopted by Dubai Airports

In line with this, Dubai Airports and the Emirates airline are testing plans to replace traditional passport and paper travel documents with biometrics and face recognition, which is expected to significantly increase the ease and speed by which passengers can move quickly from check-in to their aircraft seat, as shared in a report by the Arabian Business.

The new system, which is known as ‘One ID’ has already undergone trial on flights between London and Dubai, and further trials will be held on flights between Dubai and Australia later this year.

According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, “We ran a trial between London Gatwick and Dubai… and we’re now trying to expand that.”

Griffiths added that the trial confirmed the feasibility of the new technology, in which the idea of a single identity applied in different locations works, and that it can be adopted to work globally.

The One ID system will be used across check-in desks, passport control counters, duty-free shops, airport lounges and boarding queues.

“The vision for One ID is a paperless travel experience where passengers can fly around the world safely and securely using only their individual biometric data. This will be achieved using a trusted digital identity, biometric recognition technology, and a collaborative identity management platform accessible to various authorised stakeholders,” explained IATA Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

Furthermore, a Dubai Airports spokesperson confirmed that the One ID trials will begin later this year.

At present, the Dubai International Airport holds the title of the world’s busiest international airport and last year its annual traffic surpassed 89.1 million. The airport also managed to reduce waiting times by 28 percent, a feat reportedly achieved thanks to the airport’s introduction of smart gates and an advanced operations centre.

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

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

[Guide] Shopping Festivals in Dubai

There’s no question that Dubai has already established itself as a go-to shopping destination of shoppers in the country as well as in the region. With the retail industry cementing itself as a cultural part of the Dubai travel experience, there’s no doubt that a large selection of brands can be found in the emirate, along with unique local items of high quality and value such as perfumes, gold, and carpets.

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

But even though we know there’re plenty of things we can buy in Dubai, where exactly do we look? Or when should we travel to the emirate if we’re coming from a different emirate or country for that matter?

A Guide to Dubai’s 3 Biggest Shopping Festivals

In this post, we will share some tips and basic information about the biggest shopping festivals held in Dubai, so you can maximize your shopping experience when visiting the emirate.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

If you’re visiting during the winter, you will find huge discounts and a wide selection of products on sale in shops around January. The DSF is a mega shopping event held in the emirate annually, where various shops participate in and offer extravagant prizes, such as luxury vehicles like Infiniti and Bentley cars, real estate apartments, cash prizes, and gold!

Other than your retail therapy, coming out for the DSF with the kids will be a treat because here you will also find the DSF carnival, where parks transform into outdoor entertainment stages for theatres and plays, enticing thousands of people to go out and bask in the nice weather during this time of the year.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)

During summer in the UAE or sometime in July, people don’t usually go out because of the intense hot weather, which could reach up to 49 degrees at times. And just around after Ramadan, the Dubai Summer Sale takes place, where establishments design ways to get people to spend their time across various shopping complexes all over Dubai.

For one, seeing Modhesh (the DSS worm mascot) usually signals the beginning of summer in Dubai. This means that people can start heading over to the shopping centres in the city and find out what stores have to offer for the season.

Alternatively, you can also go to the World Trade Center for the Modhesh World – a fun and interactive fun fair for children and those young at heart. Expect competitions, fun rides, educational activities, parades, stage shows, and a food fest, among others.

GITEX Shopper

Aside from retail sales, there are also special kinds of shopping festivals in the emirate, one of which is the GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Festival), which is the great IT sale in Dubai. From gadgets, consumer electronics to all things related to IT, there are plenty of huge discounts and promotions for almost all kinds of tech merchandises.

And for those who wish to get an upgrade for their TV, laptop, smartphone, tablet, home appliances, etc. – this is the place to be. Residents of Dubai can even hold off their tech purchases up until this time, when various shops would put their items on huge discounts and promos, like getting a free 50” TV for a smartphone purchase, or a free tablet when you buy a laptop.

While almost every gadget shop in the emirate offers GITEX promos, the best deals can be sought in the culminating area at the Dubai World Trade Centre, but expect to brave through waves of large crowds on site.

Where these kinds of events are hosted, industries other than retail such as F&B, tourism, as well as services are sure to benefit the most. This means that there are more for the entire family to enjoy when shopping in Dubai!

ALSO READ: Ticket Prices for Expo 2020 Dubai Announced

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.

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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.

Visiting the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

Visiting a different country is all about learning a new culture. By seeing other people’s way of life, we gain new experiences and expand our way of thinking.

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

When we mean to learn about a new culture, we should take into account all aspects of this experience, and that involves a whole lot of things: gaining insight of their language, foods, social customs, as well as their religion. As the UAE is composed of various emirates and embraces a number of nationalities, visiting this country is kind of like being everywhere in just one spot. So if you’re looking to make the best of your trip here, you should look closely at what the Emirati way of life is all about. And a good place to start is the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.

Plan a Trip at the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai. The mosque has adopted an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, which practically welcomes all types of visitors of all faiths to experience and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, as well as learn about the local culture and Islam.

But don’t worry, as the place is welcoming to guests of all faith, respect is widely observed in this important landmark for the people of Dubai. So, remember to keep an open mind when visiting this place to maximize your stay in the UAE.

What to Expect

A 75-minute guided tour is offered by representatives from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which aims to offer visitors an opportunity to understand the Emirati way of life and religion.

During the tour, guests will gain valuable insights on Islamic holidays, rituals, traditions, customs, as well as cuisines. There is also much to be learned about the fasting month of Ramadan in this one-of-a-kind tour.

As the tour aims to have a welcoming and educational atmosphere, guests are also encouraged to ask questions, join the discussion, and take photos while inside the mosque. Guests can even try out a number of traditional Arabic light refreshments such as coffee, dates, and other varieties of food.

The tour is not only for adults, as there are special age-appropriate programs offered for children, as well. Along with this, guests are expected to act and dress appropriately. Traditional attire is available to borrow on-site. Women will be asked to wear a scarf over their head within the building premises, ensuring that their shoulders are well-covered.

Visiting the Jumairah Mosque

Members of the public can visit the mosque either in the morning or in the afternoon. Booking is not required but participants are expected to come at least 30 minutes before the session to register at the majlis just across the mosque.

The standard entrance fee into the mosque is AED 25 for both the morning and afternoon session. Children below 12 years are free of charge.

Mosque Visit Schedule:

The mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays.

The morning tour begins at 10 am, and registration starts at 9:30 am.

The afternoon session begins at 2:00 pm, and registration starts at 1:30 pm.

And to make the trip more memorable, guests can drop by the gift shop inside the Jumeirah Mosque Majlis where they can shop for items such as traditional clothing for men and women, as well as for small gift items, trinkets, and choice souvenirs.

The gift shop is open daily (except Fridays) from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

To know more about the Jumeirah Mosque, you can check out their website here, or you may reach them through the following:

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel No: +971 4 353 6666

E-mail: https://[email protected]

Here is the Google Map Location of the Jumeirah Mosque:

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!