UAE investments in Egypt's tourism model partnerships: Minister
Highlighting the significance of recent investments, particularly the Ras El Hekma project, he emphasised their crucial addition to existing ventures and asserted that these collaborations underscore the substantial confidence in the Egyptian tourism market.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai, the Minister said that Egypt's tourism sector demonstrated robust performance in 2024, achieving an approximate growth rate of 6% with approximately 15.8 million tourist arrivals, despite regional challenges encountered throughout the previous year. He further noted the positive trajectory of the Egyptian tourism sector in light of regional circumstances, with Egypt targeting an elevated growth rate for 2025.
He also indicated that the first quarter of the current year witnessed a 25% growth compared to the corresponding period last year, attributing this increase to the continuation of the positive momentum observed in the final quarter of 2024.
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Daily Tribune
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- Daily Tribune
New Dubai Decree Grants Marriage Leave for Emirati Government Employees: Key Rules Explained
In a move aimed at promoting family stability and work-life balance, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree granting marriage leave to Emirati employees working in Dubai government entities. The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, entitles eligible employees to 10 working days of fully paid leave upon marriage. It applies to Emirati staff employed by government departments, free zone authorities (including the DIFC), judicial authorities, and military personnel in the emirate. 🔹 Four Conditions to Qualify: To be eligible for the marriage leave, employees must meet the following criteria: Be an Emirati national employed by a Dubai government entity. Have a spouse who is also an Emirati citizen. Have completed the probationary period, in accordance with the relevant human resources law. Ensure the marriage contract is officially attested in the UAE and was concluded after December 31, 2024. 🔹 Key Benefits: Full gross salary is paid during the leave period, including all allowances and financial entitlements. Marriage leave can be taken either continuously or in parts within one year of the marriage contract date. The leave can also be combined with other types of leave available to the employee. Under special circumstances, unused leave may be carried over to the following year with supervisor approval. 🔹 Exceptions and Provisions: Employees cannot be recalled during their marriage leave, except military personnel. In such cases, unused leave can be resumed post-recall. If an employee is unable to use the leave due to national or reserve service, the entitlement can be carried forward and used within a year of returning to work. If an employee is transferred or newly appointed to another government department without having used the leave, they will retain the right to take it later, subject to the same conditions. Supporting Stronger Families The decree aligns with broader government goals to support early stages of family life and provide a healthy balance between personal commitments and professional responsibilities. Authorities believe this policy will enhance emotional well-being and reinforce the societal value of marriage in the Emirati community.
Gulf Insider
16-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Why India's Rich Are Heading Abroad
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This statement followed a widely circulated story, initially reported by PTI and picked up by Indian outlets, claiming a 'nomination-based' pilot programme had been launched for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, dramatically reducing long-term visa costs. This incident fits into the broader context of a global phenomenon often referred to as the 'great wealth migration'. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 reveals that India remains among the top five countries losing the highest number of millionaires annually. An estimated 3,500 Indian millionaires will leave the country in 2025—down from 5,100 in 2023 and 4,300 in 2024, yet still among the world's highest. More strikingly, these individuals are expected to take with them a combined wealth of $26.2 billion. Globally, 142,000 HNWIs are forecast to relocate in 2025, the highest figure on record. On the receiving end, the UAE is set to welcome the largest net inflow (9,800), well ahead of the US (7,500). A combination of zero income tax, investor-friendly regulations, a luxurious lifestyle, and long-term visa options has cemented the UAE's position as a wealth hub. Its appeal spans continents, attracting affluent individuals from India, the UK, Russia, Southeast Asia and Africa. 'Outside of Europe, strong demand from the UK, India, Russia, Southeast Asia and Africa, facilitated by attractive golden visa options, has reinforced the UAE's position as the world's most sought-after wealth haven (+9,800),' the Henley report said. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is the biggest gainer year-on-year, with an expected net inflow of 2,400 millionaires in 2025. Despite the outward flow, India's millionaire population is growing. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of Indian HNWIs rose by 72%, fuelled by start-ups, stock market gains and rising family wealth. Yet regulatory hurdles, security concerns, taxation and lifestyle aspirations continue to spur emigration. Several factors are driving the migration of India's wealthiest citizens: 1. Tax pressures at home A key push factor is increased scrutiny by Indian tax authorities. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recovered ₹20,000 crore in outstanding dues in Q1 FY25, nearly double the amount from the same period last year. This includes ₹17,244 crore in corporate tax and ₹2,714 crore in personal income tax (as per ET, 8 July). The CBDT has set a ₹1.96 lakh crore recovery target for the fiscal year. Total outstanding tax demands have ballooned to ₹42 lakh crore (from ₹10 lakh crore in 2019–20), according to a parliamentary report dated 1 October 2024.2. Formalisation of the economy India is in the midst of a profound economic transformation. Historically, a substantial portion of its economy operated informally, characterised by cash transactions and limited oversight. 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A new entrant, the Trump 'Gold Card', has also generated buzz. Click here to read more Also read: India Launches E-Visa For Kuwait From July 14: 5-Year Tourist Visas Available Source The Economic Times
Gulf Insider
13-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
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