The UAE Digital Government has published a comprehensive guide on its official website outlining educational pathways and visa procedures for outstanding international students who wish to study in the country.

Higher Education Opportunities for International Students

International students, including foreign residents and those from outside the GCC, can apply to public and private universities in the UAE, provided they meet each institution’s specific criteria. While public schools admit international students for a fee, numerous universities offer scholarships and academic programs designed for students from around the world.

Recently, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) announced that foreign and resident students may be admitted under certain conditions, including tuition fees and academic performance benchmarks.

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign and Resident Students

According to the UAE Digital Government portal, the key steps to applying for university in the UAE include:

• Researching licensed universities and programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation.
• Reviewing the specific admission requirements of each institution.
• Understanding visa and residency regulations from both the institution and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Consulting the student’s home country embassy in the UAE for advice on application procedures and available scholarships.
• Students supported by foreign government sponsorships should liaise directly with their sponsoring agencies.

International applicants are encouraged to contact UAE embassies abroad or reach out to their preferred institutions directly for accurate and up-to-date information.

Student Visa in the UAE: Key Information

To study in the UAE, international students must obtain a residence visa sponsored by an accredited university, a parent, or a relative.

Key Visa Requirements:

• New students must present a formal admission letter from a recognized university.
• Continuing students must provide a certificate of enrollment.
• A medical fitness certificate issued by a UAE-authorized medical center.
• Visa sponsorship by a university, UAE-resident parent, or close relative.
• Final approval by GDRFA in the respective emirate.

🔹 Tip: Students are advised to consult the UAE Embassy in their home country for specific and updated visa regulations.

Visa Duration and Sponsorship Conditions

• Duration: Student visas are valid for one year, with the option to renew upon proof of continued enrollment.
• Sponsorship: Can be provided by parents (resident in the UAE) or by the university.
• Renewal Requirements: An official letter from the university confirming ongoing study.
• Cost: Visa fees range between AED 5,500 to AED 6,500, depending on the institution and visa type (source: GBS Dubai).

Where to Apply:

• GDRFA e-services portals in each emirate
• GDRFA Dubai website or mobile app
• ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) app
• DubaiNow app

Additional Notes for Families and High Achievers

• Male students over 25 may continue under parental sponsorship if enrolled in a course of at least one year.
• Female students can be sponsored by their parents regardless of age.
• Outstanding students may be eligible for a 5- or 10-year Golden Visa, based on academic excellence (source: Visit Dubai).

Important Reminders

• All student visa applications are subject to approval by the GDRFA in the relevant emirate.
• Applicants must meet both the academic requirements of the institution and the immigration regulations of the UAE.

For aspiring international students, the UAE presents a welcoming and academically rich environment supported by world-class infrastructure, diverse programs, and strong government support for education.

The post UAE Opens Doors to International Students: Visa Rules, University Options, and Scholarship Opportunities Explained appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The foreign ministers of both nations reviewed the enduring and harmonious relationship between Oman and Tunisia, which has been marked by mutual respect, stability, and cooperation across various sectors. Emphasizing the fraternal ties that unite the two countries, the ministers discussed ways to further enhance collaboration in political, economic, and cultural spheres. They also explored opportunities for knowledge exchange in scientific and professional fields.

The discussions included a focus on expanding investment and trade cooperation, with both sides encouraging private sector entities and investment bodies to forge stronger partnerships for shared economic growth. The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, underlining the importance of continued coordination in multilateral platforms and advocating peaceful resolutions to regional challenges to ensure stability and security.

Key sectors identified for intensified cooperation included trade, transport, tourism, renewable energy, industry, technology, food security, and pharmaceutical production. Both parties emphasized the importance of translating these opportunities into actionable initiatives that bring tangible benefits to both nations.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Hilal Al Sinani, Oman’s Ambassador to Tunisia, and His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Omar Al Marhoon, Head of the Arab Department at Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The post Oman and Tunisia Deepen Bilateral Relations During High-Level Talks in Tunis appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The stock opened strong and rose as high as ₹849.85, marking a nearly 15% gain over its IPO price of ₹740 per share. HDB is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Ltd., India’s largest private lender.

The offering attracted significant interest from both foreign and domestic investors, including Morgan Stanley, Allianz SE, and Life Insurance Corporation of India. In total, the IPO was oversubscribed more than 15 times, underscoring investor confidence in the company and the sector.

This listing is India’s largest IPO since Hyundai Motor India Ltd.’s $3.3 billion debut in October, and comes amid renewed momentum in institutional placements and public listings after a quieter period following 2024’s market highs.

India’s booming $5.4 trillion stock market, fueled by foreign inflows, has been pushing benchmark indices toward record highs. Analysts suggest that HDB’s robust listing could set the tone for other big-ticket IPOs expected later this year, such as Tata Capital Ltd. and the Indian unit of LG Electronics Inc.

Role of Shadow Lenders

As a shadow lender, HDB caters to borrowers typically underserved by traditional banks — often due to limited credit history or lower income levels — making companies like it vital in India’s financial ecosystem.

The Reserve Bank of India’s recent monetary policy moves, including interest rate cuts and liquidity support, have created a favorable environment for NBFCs. “There will be investor interest because of HDB’s asset size and parentage. It’s a strong brand play,” said Rajnath Yadav, analyst at Choice Equity Broking Pvt. He noted that policy tailwinds could further boost shadow lenders like HDB.

Attractive Valuation

HDB holds a loan book of nearly $12 billion, operates over 1,700 branches, and employs around 90,000 people, according to its IPO filing.

Rajiv Mehta, an analyst at Yes Securities India Ltd., said the IPO valuation appeared “palatable,” making it an attractive opportunity for investors. The shares were priced at roughly 3.4 times book value on a trailing 12-month basis — a discount compared to peers like:

• Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. (5.7x),
• Bajaj Finance Ltd. (6x), and
• Sundaram Finance Ltd. (4x+),
  according to Bloomberg data.

Backed by Major Investment Banks

A consortium of 12 investment banks helped structure and manage the HDB IPO, including BNP Paribas SA, JM Financial Ltd., and Bank of America Corp.

The successful listing underscores investor optimism in India’s financial sector and highlights the growing appetite for quality offerings amid a bullish market environment.

The post HDB Financial Shares Surge in Market Debut After $1.5 Billion IPO appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The highlight of the week is the mainboard IPO of Arisinfra Solutions, a construction material distributor. The company aims to raise ₹499.6 crore through a pure fresh issue—meaning no Offer for Sale (OFS) component is included. The IPO opens on June 20 and will remain open for three days. The price band is set at ₹210–₹222 per share.

The other five IPOs this week fall under the SME category:

• Patil Automation and Samay Project Services will open their IPOs from June 16 to 18.
  • Patil targets ₹69.61 crore with a price band of ₹114–₹120.
  • Samay aims to raise ₹14.69 crore, with a price band of ₹32–₹34.
• Eppeltone Engineers, a New Delhi-based electronic energy meter firm, will open its IPO from June 17, aiming to raise ₹43.96 crore with a price band of ₹125–₹128.
• Influx Healthtech launches on June 18, targeting ₹58.56 crore via a mix of fresh issue (₹48 crore) and OFS (₹10.56 crore). Its price band is ₹91–₹96.
• Mayasheel Ventures, a company in the road construction sector, opens its IPO on June 20, aiming to raise ₹27.28 crore. The price band is ₹44–₹47.

On the listing front, IPOs of companies like Oswal Pumps, Monolithisch India, and Aten Papers & Foam, which closed recently, will debut on the exchanges this week:

• Oswal Pumps (mainboard IPO worth ₹1,387.3 crore) will list on June 20.
• Monolithisch India (₹82 crore IPO) and Aten Papers & Foam (₹31.7 crore IPO) will close their subscriptions on June 17.
• Sacheerome will list on the NSE Emerge on June 16,
• Jainik Power on June 17,
• Monolithisch India on June 19, and
• Aten Papers & Foam on the BSE SME platform on June 20.

This flurry of IPOs highlights renewed investor interest in the market despite global uncertainty.

The post IPO Rush This Week: 6 Companies Launching, 5 Gearing Up for Market Listing appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

As of this morning, the rupee has weakened to ₹23.27 against the dirham, after hovering around the ₹23.00–₹23.10 range over the past 10 days. Not long ago, the INR had strengthened slightly to ₹22.89.

“This dip to ₹23.30 levels was expected this week, particularly with the US dollar gaining strength since Monday and picking up further on Wednesday evening,” said Neelesh Gopalan, Treasury Manager at a Dubai-based fintech firm. “The dollar is likely to continue its upward trend, which could push the rupee further down to around ₹23.40 against the dirham.”

Could INR Fall Further?

With June traditionally seeing one of the highest volumes of remittances from the Gulf to India, Indian expats are watching closely for currency movements. A further drop in the rupee could mean more favorable exchange rates for those transferring funds.

There is still room for the rupee to decline further. In fact, the INR touched a record low of ₹23.92 against the dirham in February of this year. Since then, the currency had shown signs of recovery — largely attributed to market pressures on the US dollar, including concerns over the US economy and trade policy decisions.

Although many of the proposed US import tariffs were delayed, uncertainty around a potential recession or stagflation in the US continues to impact global currency trends — keeping the rupee’s trajectory under close scrutiny.

For Indian expatriates, the recent currency dip might offer an ideal window to maximize remittance value, especially with upcoming financial obligations back home during the mid-year period.

The post Indian Rupee Drops Against Dirham — A Timely Boost for UAE-Based NRIs Sending Money Home in June appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, who attended the launch of the new office in Bengaluru, said the initiative represents a strategic step that will elevate economic cooperation between Dubai and India.

“It lays the foundation for a new chapter of economic integration, stronger business partnerships, and the development of the digital economy,” Sheikh Hamdan said during an event held by Dubai Chambers in Mumbai, coinciding with his official visit to India.

The Chamber’s first office in India was launched in Mumbai in 2018. With the opening of the Bengaluru office, the number of international representative offices has now risen to 34. This expansion is part of the Dubai Global initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan, which aims to establish 50 offices around the world by 2030. The initiative seeks to attract foreign direct investment and support Dubai-based companies in exploring new business opportunities across 30 global markets.

Boosting investments

Sheikh Hamdan also met with Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, in Mumbai. The meeting reflected the two nations’ continued efforts to strengthen their strategic economic partnership.
Additionally, in Sheikh Hamdan’s presence, Dubai Chambers held a high-level business meeting in Mumbai, attended by senior officials and business leaders from both sides.

In their addresses at the event, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, and Minister Goyal highlighted the strength of economic ties between the two nations. They noted that the new office marks a significant step toward expanding cooperation and supporting the ambitious goals of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said that the Mumbai and Bengaluru offices will help accelerate the flow of investments between Dubai and India.

“Dubai International Chamber’s network of international offices plays a vital role in raising awareness among global businesses and investors on the high-potential opportunities Dubai offers across diverse sectors, while also encouraging multinational companies to benefit from the emirate’s competitive and business-friendly environment,” Al Mansoori said.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chamber, underlined that Dubai’s leadership has long recognised that international trade and deeper connections with global markets are central to the emirate’s future economic growth.

“The Dubai International Chamber plays a vital role in advancing this vision. By strengthening partnerships with key economies such as India, we are not only reinforcing Dubai’s role as a hub for international collaboration but also creating pathways for Emirati businesses to explore new global opportunities,” Sulayem added.

The post Dubai Chamber’s new office in India ‘strategic step’ to boost economic cooperation: Sheikh Hamdan appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The Dubai-India Business Forum, held in Mumbai on Tuesday, gathered 200 industry leaders, including about 40 who flew in from Dubai. R Mukundan, Vice President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), livened up the discussions by highlighting the crucial importance of the twin cities in global business.

“The power of India and the power of the UAE, and Dubai and Bombay [the old name for Mumbai], is so strong that an American colleague came here, landed at my office, and said: ‘Now I realise, if you are not in Dubai or Mumbai, it’s goodbye.’ So, that tells you the huge power of what these two countries, in combination, can do,” Mukundan said, to cheers and applause from the audience at the forum organised on the sidelines of the visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to India.

Mukundan pointed out that the cultural similarities between India and the UAE, coupled with their shared ambition to act swiftly while building and valuing deep personal relationships, are the driving forces behind this dynamic synergy.

“India offers immense potential, as well as all the strengths Dubai has.”
Mukundan noted that with India pivoting toward digitalisation and sustainability, Dubai’s experience, especially in areas like fintech, creates fertile ground for mutual growth.

“Dubai is the way the entire world wants to be in the future,” he said, earning another round of applause.

Robust strategy
Mohammad Ali Rashid Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said that Dubai is an ideal platform for startups, with events like Expand North Star attracting the largest number of startups from India.

“We had more than 300 startups coming from India. This has never happened, even with Silicon Valley or other places. Now, India is considered the third-largest producer of unicorns. This shows the very robust strategy India has in place.”

Lootah highlighted how Dubai has transformed itself into a business hub, not only for the Middle East but for Africa as well.

Tip of the iceberg
Adeeb Ahamed, Chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) Middle East Council, highlighted the deep cultural and business ties between the two countries.

“A large part of the fabric of Indian and UAE businesses, especially in Dubai, shares the same pattern – mostly family-owned, family-run businesses,” he said, explaining the shared values that underpin the thriving economies. The UAE is increasingly becoming a springboard for Indian companies to tap into international investments, while UAE-based companies are keen to expand into India’s diverse markets.

“I think we are only touching the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more interaction necessary to involve more first-generation and second-generation companies, to understand each other’s strengths and how we could invite more FDI into India and leverage those investments to make the UAE a knowledge-led hub of the future as well,” Ahamed added.
Meanwhile, Anant Singhania, past President and current Managing Committee Member of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the role of innovation in the relationship. Dubai’s vision, such as building Ski Dubai in the middle of a desert, and India’s vast pool of skilled professionals and robust systems, he noted, create a complementary synergy, and could be the key to a progressive future.

The post UAE-India ties: If you’re not in Dubai or Mumbai, it’s goodbye, forum hears appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The measure, announced in Interior Minister Decision No. 425 of 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to the country’s driving licence system in recent years.
Published in the Kuwaiti Official Gazette, the decision amends key provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 76 of 1981, redefining the conditions under which licences are issued, renewed, and categorised. Those without proper documents, often referred to as Bidoons, will continue to receive licences that are valid only for the duration of their review cards.

Private licences
The new regulations provide a clearer framework for the classification of driving licences. Private licences are issued for vehicles carrying up to seven passengers, including small transport vehicles with a load capacity of no more than two tonnes, as well as taxis. These licences now follow the updated validity periods based on residency status.
General driving licences are divided into two categories. Category A applies to drivers of heavy transport vehicles carrying more than 25 passengers, public transportation vehicles, and trucks with a load capacity exceeding eight tons, including those used for hazardous material transport and driving instruction.

Category B covers vehicles that carry more than seven but fewer than 25 passengers and transport vehicles with a load capacity between two and eight tons. Drivers holding a Category B licence are not permitted to operate vehicles that fall under Category A.

Category A
Motorcycle licences have also been restructured under two categories. Category A covers all types of motorcycles, including those used for training and off-road instruction, while Category B is limited to motorcycles with three or more wheels. As with other licenses, validity periods are tied to the driver’s residency status.

In addition, new provisions have been introduced for those operating vehicles in specialised sectors. Construction, industrial, agricultural, and tractor vehicles now require dedicated licenses under the new framework, subject to the same validity rules.

The regulations also introduce a special activity licence for vehicles used exclusively in designated service activities. This licence is tied to the specific job function listed in the permit and is not valid for general road use. It becomes void if the holder changes profession or if their residency status in Kuwait is terminated.

The Ministry of Interior emphasised that while the application procedures and licensing fees remain unchanged, strict adherence to the new classifications and validity periods will be enforced. Previously issued licences will remain valid until their expiration date, after which renewals must comply with the new rules.

Kuwaiti authorities say the overhaul aims to enhance road safety, improve regulatory oversight, and align Kuwait’s transportation policies with international standards.

The post Kuwait cuts expat driving licence validity to 5 years in major overhaul appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The Adani family and Emaar are discussing the structure of a transaction, which could include an unlisted Adani unit infusing about $400 million in equity, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

An agreement could be reached soon as April, but there’s no guarantee of a deal as talks are ongoing, the people said. Representatives for Adani Group and Emaar didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Emaar said in January it was in discussions with some groups in India, including Adani, about a potential sale of a stake in Emaar India Ltd.

Portfolio boost
An acquisition of the Emaar unit would enlarge Adani’s real estate portfolio in India, which covers 24 million square feet of property and another 61 million under development, according to its website.

The Adani family’s real estate unit emerged as the top bidder to redevelop one of the largest housing projects in Mumbai at an estimated 360 billion rupees, Bloomberg News reported this month.

Adani is also in redeveloping Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, one of the biggest in the world and the backdrop to Hollywood movie Slumdog Millionaire.

Emaar India is developing residential and commercial projects in places including New Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The post Is Adani group planning to buy Emaar’s India projects appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The company confirmed it will maintain dividends at Dh3.7 billion ($1 billion) for a second consecutive year.

When it comes to the adjusted EBITDA, the UAE entity turned in a higher number for 2024, of Dh9.2 billion, up from Dh7.7 billion helper by higher realised all-in aluminium and bauxite prices and record production of alumina and aluminium. (This was to an extent offset by higher alumina prices and lower bauxite production.)

The EGA 2024 results come just as the global aluminium industry is trying to come to terms with the US hiking tariffs on the commodity’s imports into the country.
Early forecasts for 2025
The ‘volatility’ in aluminium prices is expected to continue due to ‘tensions in global trade’, while ‘the global balance for aluminium is expected to be a 0.5 million tonnes deficit in 2025’.

This will be ‘supporting prices going forward’.

The alumina markets are expected to normalise as more capacity is expected to come online in 2025, says EGA.

The UAE manufacturer has over the recent past expanded its direct interests in the US market through buying 80% in Spectro Alloys in Minnesota.
“With acquisitions in Germany and the United States, and progress developing the UAE’s largest recycling plant, by the end of 2024 we had 140,000 tonnes of secondary production capacity on an annualised basis, with a further 225,000 tonnes of secondary capacity under construction,” said Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA.

New Taweelah facility
EGA is building what will be ‘the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling facility’, in Al Taweelah, with a production capacity of 170,000 tonnes of secondary billet per year. Construction completion is currently 37%, with the first hot metal expected during H1-2026.

The post Emirates Global Aluminium’s 2024 profit at Dh2.6b – maintains dividend at Dh3.7b appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Step#1 – Define your goals
Your investment goals may vary—from starting a business to saving for your child’s education and planning for retirement. Each of these goals might require a different approach, which is why having a clear vision is crucial.

Step#2 – Choose the right accounts

General Investing: These accounts offer flexibility, allowing you to invest independently or with guidance. Funds in these accounts can be used for any purpose.

Retirement Accounts: Many retirement accounts offer tax advantages, such as tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals if you meet specific criteria.

Step#3 – Explore investment options
Investment choices typically fall on a spectrum of risk and return. Cash is the safest but offers lower returns. Bonds provide moderate risk and potential returns, while stocks carry higher risk but can generate greater returns over the long term. A diversified mix of these assets can help protect your portfolio from market volatility.

Step#4 – Determine your asset allocation

For each financial goal, assess your time horizon and risk tolerance:
Conservative: Short time horizon, low risk tolerance. Example: Down payment on a home in seven years (Cash: 5 per cent; Bonds: 71 per cent; Stocks: 24 per cent)

Moderate: Mid-term goals, moderate risk tolerance. Example: College fund for a five-year-old (Cash: 1 per cent; Bonds: 41 per cent; Stocks: 58 per cent)

Aggressive: Long-term goals, high risk tolerance. Example: Retirement decades away (Cash: 1 per cent; Bonds: 8 per cent; Stocks: 91 per cent)

Takeaway tip: Review and rebalance regularly

Over time, your asset allocation can drift due to market changes. Schedule regular check-ins—annually or as needed—to adjust your portfolio based on current goals and market conditions.

Your investment strategy is just one part of your broader financial plan, which should also include budgeting and saving for short-term goals. If you’re unsure where to start, a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance, helping you create a portfolio tailored to your current and future needs.

The post Build the perfect investment mix, a simple guide for every investor appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The attacker was not working for any criminal gang and probably was not even aware whose house he had entered in, said police, citing their investigation carried out so far.

Police picked up a carpenter in connection with the attack on Khan (54) at his apartment in the wee hours of Thursday as he resembled the intruder, and brought him to the Bandra police station for questioning on Friday morning, but released him later.
A senior police official clarified the man was not related to the attack on Khan and no one has been arrested so far.
“The person detained in the morning has been released. He was picked up as he looked like the intruder captured in the CCTV footage. But he had an alibi which was verified by the police.

Based on that, the detained person has been released. Our probe is still on. We are looking at all angles,” said the senior official.

A senior police official clarified the man was not related to the attack on Khan and no one has been arrested so far.

“The person detained in the morning has been released. He was picked up as he looked like the intruder captured in the CCTV footage. But he had an alibi which was verified by the police.

Based on that, the detained person has been released. Our probe is still on. We are looking at all angles,” said the senior official.

“This seems to be a stray incident. The alleged intruder was not working for any gang as per prima facie investigation. He probably was not even aware whose house he had entered in,” he added.

He said more than 30 teams have been formed to track down and nab the attacker, who stabbed Khan in his 12th floor apartment during a robbery attempt.

The attacker’s face was captured in CCTV footage. The video showed the assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the ‘Satguru Sharan’ building, where Khan lives, at around 2.30 am.

Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam said robbery was the motive behind the incident and clarified no underworld gang was involved in the knife attack.

The filmstar is recovering well at Lilavati Hospital, where he was taken after the brutal attack by an intruder in the early hours of Thursday that left him with multiple wounds, and is expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors treating him said.

The actor, who suffered multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital, where he was rushed in an autorickshaw.

“We are observing his progress and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest and if he is comfortable, then in two to three days we will discharge him,” said Dr Nitin Dange, neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital.

He said a team of doctors checked on him and made him walk.

“Khan had four main wounds, which were a little deep, two in the hand, one on the neck and the most deep and dangerous was in the spine,” said the neurosurgeon, who led the team of doctors who operated on the actor.

During surgery, the doctors removed a 2.5-inch knife fragment lodged in his spine. They noted that if the knife had gone just 2 mm deeper, it could have caused a severe injury.

“So, we operated and removed it. But from there, the spinal fluid was leaking. Due to that repair, we are keeping him under observation. Today he is doing excellent. Wounds are healing and he has no neurological deficit,” Dr Dange informed.

His health parameters have improved and he has been shifted from the ICU to a special room, he said.

“Today we will be keeping visitors in check, because we want him to take a rest. Only thing we have advised is that he has to take rest for some time, because of the wounds on the back especially, which can have chances of infection, and his movements are restricted for a week almost,” he said.

“Besides visitors, his own movements are being restricted for a faster recovery, said the surgeon.

Doctors have removed the sharp object and done repairing of the spinal injury, he explained.

An image of the sharp object, a knife blade, went viral on social media.

“He is very lucky. We repaired the leaking spinal fluid and the dura which was there. We had to do a repair, which was successful. Today when we made him walk, he was completely okay to walk. He is on a regular diet,” he maintained.

The doctor said Khan was soaked in blood, but walked into the hospital, also located in Bandra, “like a lion”.

“When sir Wali sahib (referring to Khan) came to the hospital, he was covered in blood, but he walked in like a lion with his small child, that is his 6 to 7-year-old son, Taimur,” Dr Dange said.

Meanwhile, autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, in whose vehicle the actor was rushed to the hospital, is hogging media limelight and is being hailed as a hero.

Rana said he was not aware that the passenger with blood-soaked ‘kurta’ he ferried to Lilavati Hospital was popular actor Khan, a Padma Shri awardee.

“It was only when we reached the hospital gate that he called the guard to fetch a stretcher, saying he was Saif Ali Khan,” he told reporters.

Rana said when he was passing by the building where the actor stayed, a woman and a few others asked him to stop the rickshaw.

“Then the person whose white kurta was soaked in blood got in the auto. I noticed he had neck and back injuries, but did not notice the hand injury,” he said.

“He (Saif) walked into the auto. There was a seven-eight year old boy who also boarded the rickshaw,” he said, when asked if the actor’s son Taimur accompanied him to the hospital.

“When we reached the hospital, he called out to the guard at the gate and told him: ‘Please bring a stretcher. I am Saif Ali Khan’,” he said.

The post Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Attacker remains at large, minister rules out underworld link appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The decision, in alignment with the Governorates System under Royal Decree No. (36/2022), grants SEZAD authority over municipal licensing and technical affairs. It aims to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investments, and streamline services for citizens, residents, and investors in Duqm.

His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Muslim Jadad Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, highlighted the potential of this shift to transform investment areas, enhance competitiveness, and foster growth.
Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, emphasized the significance of this development. He stressed that the Zone’s administration’s provision of municipal services to plans that have been lifted from the public benefit status is a strategic step to support economic development and stimulate investments in the region. It also allows for more flexibility in allocating land and developing its uses in line with the requirements of investment and development projects.

Covering approximately 33 square kilometers across nine plans, including the Sai District, the designated areas will benefit from integrated services provided by SEZAD. The administration has already launched operations at the service hall in the commercial district and implemented digital and one-stop services to ensure efficiency.

The post Oman’s Duqm Economic Zone takes over new municipal services appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The move comes at a time when the Indian rupee is trending at near all-time lows of 23.02/23.03 against the dirham. Early this month, the rupee was trading at 23.06.
“The rupee had in fact gained a little yesterday as the overwhelming market expectation was that the RBI would cut rates after holding it level for 10 successive meetings,” said an FX analyst. “if the cut had happened, it would have had a stabilising effect on the rupee for the short-term.”

Indian expats in the UAE and Gulf have benefitted from the dirham-rupee levels, with late November and early December seeing higher than average remittance levels.

Why did RBI not cut rates?
The Indian economy’s growth has been showing signs of slowing down, while inflation has not seen much of an easing.

The post India’s RBI retains base rate at 6.5% despite market hopes of first cut appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The company explained about the increased cost of parking in the ‘premium’ parking spaces and the congestion charges policy. It also explains the concept of the ‘peak and off peak hours’ and the special parking charges around the major events venues.
The updated provisions, effective end of March 2025, introduce variable pricing across the Company’s public parking portfolio, based on the type of parking facility and whether the service is used during peak or off-peak hours, with a special rate applicable during major events.

A key aim of this dynamic approach is to optimise parking management in congested, high-density, high-demand areas, supporting efficient traffic flow throughout the city, particularly at peak times and during grand events hosted by the Emirate.

Details regarding the tariffs and applicable zones will be announced later following the official enactment of the regulation.
Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, said: “The introduction of a Variable Pricing Tariff Policy marks a recent evolution to Dubai’s regulatory parking landscape, representing a strategic step forward for both Parkin and the Emirate.

“This important update, aligns our operations with international standards, reflecting Dubai’s progressive approach to urban mobility and traffic management.
What is the change
“The locations for premium parking spaces were selected based on three criteria: first, ease of access to the area using public transport, such as areas within 500 meters of a metro station; second, areas with high parking occupancy during peak periods; and third, density and congestion, such as markets and commercial activity zones. It was clarified that premium parking spaces include, for example, commercial areas in parts of Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Jumeirah and Al Wasl Road and other locations.”
Three additions to parking policy
The new policy introduces three new additions incorporating the following definitions.
Premium Parking
Parking facilities in high-demand, densely populated areas, including adjacent to or near public transport infrastructure. These spaces will be designated as such by the RTA, with the purpose of improving accessibility and convenience of parking facilities.

Premium Parking spaces will be strategically designated to provide drivers with convenient access to high-demand areas, including public transportation hubs, such as metro and bus stations, as well as central business districts and major shopping destinations. These zones will be clearly marked with dedicated signage and tariff details on display, with additional information readily available on the Parkin website, via the Parkin mobile app and social media channels.

Peak / Off-Peak Hours
Specific periods of high-volume traffic, as identified by the RTA, with a focus on smoother traffic flow and optimised parking availability.
Peak Parking Hours

8am to 10am

4pm to 8pm
Off Peak Parking hours
10am to 4pm

8pm to 10pm

Grand Events Hours
Parking regulations will now consider increased traffic volumes during major events, including but not limited to conferences, exhibitions, festivals and concerts. Specific operating parameters applying to Grand Events will also be determined by the RTA to accommodate temporary surges in parking demand.
Events Hours Tariff
During major events, a specific Event Hours tariff will be implemented in the surrounding areas to effectively manage the temporary surge in parking demand. Special event parking zones with adjusted rates will be activated to accommodate higher vehicle volumes. These zones will be clearly marked during the event, with tariff information clearly displayed and accessible on the Parkin website, via the Parkin mobile app and social media channels.

Implementation Timeline
The updated provisions will be implemented in two phases:

1-Parking fees for areas surrounding major events, including the activation of event-specific tariffs, will take effect in February 2025
2- All other parking fees, including the implementation of Premium Parking and Peak Hours tariffs, will take effect by the end of March 2025

Variable Parking Tariff
The Variable Parking Tariff Policy, set to take effect by the end of March 2025, introduces updated parking fees based on peak and off-peak hours:

• Peak Hours: 8am- 10am and 4PM — 8pm
  o Dh6 per hour for Premium Parking spaces

o Dh4 per hour for all other public paid parking spaces

• Off-Peak Hours: 10am- 4pm and 8pm — 10pm
  o Tariffs remain unchanged, offering affordable parking options
• Free Parking
  o Overnight, from 10pm to 8am

o All day Sunday
The revised policy aims to optimise parking availability while offering flexibility and affordability to drivers based on demand.

The post Explained: Variable paid parking rates and congestion charges in Dubai appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The steep losses in the Adani group’s key firm was matched by heavy selling in its other key businesses, with Adani Power losing 11 per cent and Adani Energy Solutions tanking 20 per cent.

The post India’s Adani Enterprises dives 10% at open after founder’s US charges appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

“We’re excited to introduce this ultra-low fare to Salalah as part of our ongoing focus on low-cost travel,” said Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir. “Our mission is to provide passengers with affordable travel choices that don’t compromise on flexibility or value. We’ve worked hard to re-establish our low-cost approach, making air travel more attainable for everyone.”
More than just low fares
The new fare aligns with SalamAir’s strategy to enhance its low-cost model, empowering passengers to customise their travel experiences. Alongside competitive pricing, SalamAir is also rolling out additional services designed to improve convenience and flexibility.
With this fare adjustment, SalamAir reaffirms its commitment to accessible, budget-friendly travel. Passengers can book flights on the Muscat-Salalah route starting December 1 via the SalamAir website (SalamAir.com) or mobile app. Early bookings are encouraged to secure these lowest-ever fares and take advantage of SalamAir’s expanded offerings.

The post Fly Muscat to Salalah for OMR 9.99 as SalamAir launches lowest-ever fare appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The revenues come in lower from a year ago, when Fertiglobe had $1.77 billion for the nine months and a net profit of $366 million. In the July to end September phase, it fell into a loss of $19.3 million.
The short-term results were impacted by ‘external events’, including gas and power supply fluctuations at its Egypt and Algeria operations. There was also a $48 million provision related to potential changes in Sorfet’s gas pricing set up in Algeria, Fertiglobe says.

“Excluding the impact of external factors impacting our operations, our 9M-2024 own-produced sales volumes would have been up 5% year-on-year, reflecting higher operating rates,” said Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe.

“Looking ahead, the impact of such fluctuations should be reduced, supported by improving energy efficiency levels at our facilities in Egypt, as well as the commissioning of a new boiler in Algeria, materially limiting our reliance on the external power grid.”
ADNOC’s transfer of key projects
It was mid-October that ADNOC finally took control of the OCI stake in Fertiglobe as a step towards transitioning the latter to be its low-carbon ammonia platform. Related ADNOC asssets are being transferred to the Fertiglobe stable, notably the 35% equity interest in the Baytown Texas low-carbon ammonia project in the US. There will also be the addition of two low-carbon ammonia UAE projects to Fertiglobe, ‘positioning us as the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia producer by 2029’.
Most importantly, ADNOC’s stakes in the three projects will be transferred ‘at cost’ and when they are actually ready for start-up. This will lead to an ‘immediate contribution to earnings upon transfer’.

“The addition of the US project to Fertiglobe’s portfolio, subject to its expected FID in 2025, represents a major milestone, as it transforms us into a low-carbon ammonia growth platform with global reach and the ability to advantageously serve emerging demand centres across all locations,” said a statement.

The post ADNOC-owned Fertiglobe 9-month revenue at $135 million appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post Bomb threat: Air India Mumbai-New York flight diverted to Delhi. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post Ratan Tata’s successor: Noel Tata appointed chairman of Tata Trusts appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed congratulated the graduates on their hard work and determination in achieving academic success at this prestigious institution. He encouraged them to use the skills and knowledge they acquired to serve their country and community.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and advancing the skills of its national talent and equipping them with cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.

He noted that this strategic focus is essential to driving comprehensive development, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He also praised the role of international academic institutions in Dubai in enhancing the education sector and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading global hub for higher education. These efforts align with the goals of the ‘Dubai Social Agenda 33,’ aimed at fostering an education system capable of fulfilling Dubai’s future ambitions and enhancing its human capital, he said.

Additionally, the Crown Prince of Dubai expressed gratitude to Al Rostamani Group for awarding scholarships to the first cohort of students, and highlighted the commitment of private entities in supporting Dubai’s strategic plans.

220 graduates
Comprising of 220 Emirati students, the inaugural cohort was nominated by various government and private entities across the UAE. In 2022, ESCP Business School, the world’s oldest business school, founded in 1819, launched its seventh global campus—and its first in the region—at the Dubai International Financial Centre Academy.

The campus, founded with the support of Al Rostamani Group, offers a variety of educational programmes and certificates, including several introduced for the first time both regionally and globally.

The ‘Master of Science in Big Data and Business Analytics’ programme, ranked fourth worldwide, focuses on emerging technologies and future trends, tackling challenges in a data-driven world while honing skills in problem-solving, analysis, and strategic decision-making.

The post Hamdan bin Mohammed praises role of international academic institutions in Dubai appeared first on The Gulf Indians.