UAE announces Hajj 2026 registration to begin in September
For citizen interested in the pilgrimage, the registration will open in September 2025. Priority will be given to UAE citizens who have not previously performed Hajj. Registration will take place through Awqaf's official digital platforms, with full details of requirements and procedures to be announced in advance.
Pilgrims are encouraged to prepare thoroughly by ensuring they meet all criteria set by the Authority's electronic registration system, which uses advanced technologies to streamline the selection process. This is part of Awqaf's broader commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence—aligning with the UAE government's strategic goals and the vision of its leadership to provide high-quality services that meet public expectations.
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Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai to Fujairah: Sheikh Mohammed rides Etihad Rail ahead of 2026 launch
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the latest progress of the Etihad Rail project and embarked on a passenger train journey from Dubai to Fujairah, signaling a historic milestone for the UAE's national railway network. Read- The symbolic journey marks a pivotal phase in the development of the country's integrated rail system, with commercial operations of passenger services expected to begin in 2026. Sheikh Mohammed's visit highlights his personal commitment to overseeing strategic infrastructure initiatives that align with the UAE's long-term national development goals. A vision of integration and growth In remarks during the visit, Sheikh Mohammed described Etihad Rail as one of the UAE's most transformative infrastructure projects, bringing broad economic, social, and developmental benefits. Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website 'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future,' he said. 'It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.' He emphasised that the project embodies the spirit of the Union and reflects national aspirations for sustainability, connectivity, and improved quality of life across all seven emirates. Sheikh Mohammed also praised the efforts of the Etihad Rail team, calling their work a source of national pride and a key contribution to the country's future-oriented, sustainable transport system. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing from Etihad Rail engineers and officials on project progress and upcoming milestones. Team members expressed their gratitude for the leadership's continued support and described the visit as a historic moment, reinforcing their dedication to delivering a world-class rail network. Connecting the emirates, empowering communities The passenger train connecting Dubai and Fujairah is part of the broader Etihad Rail vision to link 11 cities and regions across the country, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Once completed, the network will provide a safe, sustainable, and advanced mode of transportation for citizens, residents, and visitors. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and are expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip. By 2030, the system is projected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually. The first four passenger stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with further expansion planned across the network. These strategically located hubs aim to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and boost social and economic ties between communities. The rail system also promises to enhance everyday mobility, empower local economies, and serve as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and sustainable development throughout the country. Leadership endorsement of a national priority Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed at the station by a delegation from Etihad Rail, led by Saeed AlAhbabi, Chief Business Support Officer, along with several senior company executives. Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasised the leadership's role in advancing this national priority. 'We had the honour of hosting Sheik Mohammed aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah,' Sheikh Theyab said. 'His visit demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the UAE's leadership to support transformative national projects that propel our nation forward.' He noted that Sheikh Mohammed has been an integral part of the journey from the launch of the 'Projects of the 50' initiative in 2021, to the full inauguration of the national freight rail network in 2023. 'Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in transportation and take immense pride in the leadership's support for a project that strengthens connectivity and enhances the UAE's global competitiveness.' Pioneering sustainable infrastructure Etihad Rail continues to advance its passenger service preparations with high standards of operational readiness and safety. Each train will offer a modern, integrated travel experience built around comfort, reliability, and sustainability. The network also reinforces the UAE's growing reputation as a regional leader in transport innovation. The national railway is central to the UAE's broader environmental goals, supporting the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As both a freight and passenger network, Etihad Rail plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering traffic congestion, and promoting green alternatives to road travel. The railway is already fully operational for freight, connecting industrial zones and key logistics hubs across the country. The addition of passenger services will complete a vital link in the UAE's transport ecosystem, driving economic integration and improving quality of life nationwide. As the UAE prepares for commercial operations to begin in 2026, the Etihad Rail project stands as a testament to national unity, forward-looking leadership, and a shared vision for a connected, sustainable future.
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
NRIs in UAE: How to file Income Tax Return online, complete step-by-step guide
Do you live in the UAE and earn income in India? Here's some good news, the deadline for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) has been extended to September 15, 2025. The extension aims to give taxpayers more time to ensure accurate filing and full compliance with tax regulations. Non-Resident Indians most commonly file for ITR-2, of all the types. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can file your ITR online. This process begins after you've completed the pre-filing stage, where you're required to enter all relevant income and tax-related information. 1. Log in to the e-Filing portal Visit the official e-Filing portal and log in using your PAN (as User ID), password, and captcha code. 2. Begin the Filing Process Once logged in, go to your dashboard and navigate to: e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, a warning message will pop up indicating that your PAN is inoperative. You can either click 'Link Now' to link it immediately or proceed (not recommended). 3. Choose the assessment year Select Assessment Year 2024–25 and click 'Continue'. 4. Select mode of filing Choose 'Online' as your preferred mode and proceed. If you've started a return previously, you'll see the option to 'Resume Filing'. To discard the existing draft and begin anew, click 'Start New Filing'. 5. Specify your filing status Choose the category that applies to you: Individual, HUF, or Others. Click 'Continue'. 6. Select the appropriate ITR form You have two options: Help me decide: Let the system guide you based on your responses to simple questions. I know which ITR form I need: If you're sure, select the correct form from the dropdown and proceed. If you're unsure about which ITR form, schedules, or deductions apply to you, the guided option is the safer choice. 7. Review required documents Before proceeding, you'll see a checklist of documents needed. Click 'Let's Get Started' to continue. 8. Review and edit pre-filled data Your personal details and other information may already be pre-filled from previous records. Review this carefully, make any necessary changes, and complete the additional fields. Click 'Confirm' after each section. 9. Enter income and deduction details Provide your income details from salary, interest, business/profession, etc., and claim applicable deductions under various sections (e.g., 80C, 80D). After completing all sections, click 'Proceed'. 10. Tax Summary and Payment If tax is payable You will see a summary of your tax computation. You can either: Pay now Pay later: But this may attract interest or penalty and flag you as a defaulter. If no tax is payable or a refund is due If there is no tax liability or if you're eligible for a refund, click 'Preview Return' to proceed. 11. Make payment (if applicable) If you chose to 'Pay Now', a message will appear confirming redirection to the 'e-Pay Tax Service'. Click 'Continue', complete the payment, and return to the filing portal. 12. Return to filing dashboard After successful payment, click 'Return to Filing' to resume the ITR submission process. 13. Preview your return Click 'Preview Return' and review the full summary of your inputs. 14. Make declaration Enter your place of residence, tick the Declaration checkbox, and click Proceed to Preview. If you haven't used a Tax Return Preparer (TRP), leave those fields blank. 15. Final review and validation Go through your return one last time and click 'Proceed to Validation'. 16. Error check If errors are detected, you'll need to correct them before submission. If there are no errors, proceed to verification. 17. Verify your return On the 'Complete Your Verification' page, choose your preferred verification method and click 'Continue'. - e-Verification is the easiest, safest, and fastest method. If your PAN is still inoperative, you'll see a reminder to link it with Aadhaar. - If you choose 'e-Verify Later', ensure the return is verified within 30 days of filing, or it will be treated as invalid. 18. Complete e-Verification You can e-Verify using options such as: All done! Once verification is complete:
UAE Moments
9 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Sheikh Mohammed Rides Etihad Rail from Dubai to Fujairah
Sharing moments from his trip on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed called the national rail project a 'source of pride,' spotlighting its role in connecting 11 cities across the country, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, with trains that can zoom up to 200 km/h. 'Proud of our national projects... proud of the Etihad Trains team led by Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed... and proud of a country that never stops working, but adds a new brick every day to its future infrastructure,' he wrote. 🎥 Want to see what the ride looks like? Check out the video shared by Dubai Media Office. محمد بن راشد : خلال رحلة من دبي للفجيرة بقطار الاتحاد للركاب .. القطار سيربط بين 11 مدينة ومنطقة في الدولة من السلع للفجيرة .. بسرعة 200 كم/ساعة . وسيسهم بنقل 36 مليون مسافر بحلول 2030 .. وسيبدأ تشغيله العام القادم باذن الله . فخور بمشاريعنا الوطنية .. وفخور بفريق عمل قطارات… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 2, 2025 The Etihad Rail passenger service is expected to officially launch in 2026 and aims to carry 36 million passengers every year by 2030. During the ride, Sheikh Mohammed got an inside look at the progress and engineering behind the project. 'Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, noted: '(Sheikh Mohammed) has been integral to our journey, witnessing the evolution of our network through its various phases: from the announcement of the 'Projects of the 50' in 2021 to the inauguration of the complete national railway network and the commencement of freight train operations in 2023.' So, what cities will the Etihad Rail connect? Get ready for smoother, faster travel between: Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Fujairah Al Ain Ruwais Al Mirfa Al Dhaid Ghuweifat (bordering Saudi Arabia) Sohar, Oman (via the Hafeet Rail extension) Where will the stations be? Confirmed stations include: Sakamkam, Fujairah University City, Sharjah Possible upcoming stops are being considered near: Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, Dubai
