UAE tourists in Japan can extend visa-free stay to 90 days from July 1
This decision will be implemented starting July 1, 2025, the UAE Embassy in Tokyo anounced.
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Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Ministry of Sports applauds UAE Chess Federation's pioneering initiative to include resident members in Board of Directors
United Arab Emirates, The extraordinary general assembly meeting of the UAE Chess Federation recently marked a pioneering milestone by adopting the 'List System' for the 2025–2028 Board of Directors electoral term, in alignment with the Sports Law. The Assembly approved the inclusion of resident members on the Board with a representation of up to 30 per cent. This marks a qualitative shift in the way in which sports federation boards are formed, reinforcing the principle of involving all segments of society in the decision-making process, aligning with the vision of the UAE's wise leadership. It also lays the foundation for a new model that responds to the precise needs of the current development phase in the national sports sector. The Ministry of Sports affirmed that the UAE Chess Federation's experience constitutes a historic milestone in the nation's sports governance development journey. The new system will be adopted as a pilot model within a well-studied, integrated approach aimed at assessing the institutional and technical impact of this initiative on the federation's performance and its ability to achieve its goals. This includes evaluating decision-making efficiency, diversity of expertise, speed of initiative implementation, as well as internal governance effectiveness. Based on the outcomes of this experience, a comprehensive analysis will be conducted to help shape future policies for the development of board formation mechanisms across other federations. The approach may be gradually generalised depending on the extent to which the intended objectives are achieved, in alignment with the principles of professionalism, sustainability, and inclusivity within the sports sector. The Ministry considers the inclusion of resident members in the boards of sports federations as a practical embodiment of the values of openness, tolerance, and diversity. This inclusion enhances the contribution of the residents to sports development by harnessing their expertise and talents, further reinforcing the role of sports as a national tool for development, social integration, and empowerment. This experience also highlights the need to integrate elite talents into sports leadership, particularly in specialised areas such as sports marketing, strategic planning, technical analysis, and the adoption of modern technologies. The Ministry believes that involving members with advanced expertise serves as an institutional enabler for achieving performance excellence. This step aligns with the Ministry's vision to develop the administrative structure of sports federations and instate qualified professionals capable of transforming these entities into pioneering institutions characterised by responsible decision-making, agility, and innovation. This initiative highlights the Ministry's efforts to instil a robust governance culture as the guiding framework for all institutional processes within the sports sector. Moreover, the adoption of the electoral list system is considered a significant organisational advancement, reinforcing the commitment of sports bodies to the principles of integrity, transparency, specialisation, and administrative integration. The Ministry views governance not merely as a regulatory tool, but as a comprehensive approach that supports the development of stronger partnerships with all sports institutions. It helps foster a collaborative working environment and contributes to empowering these entities by enhancing their ability to identify talent, increase the number of active sports participants, and improve overall sports performance efficiency. The Ministry emphasises that its support for sports federations goes beyond financial or logistical assistance, extending to the development of effective administrative models, ensuring comprehensive governance, and empowering the board of directors by offering them institutional innovation tools.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi airports traffic surges past 15.8m, heralding stellar 2025
Abu Dhabi Airports recorded more than 15.8 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a 13.1 per cent increase over the same period in 2024, underscoring the aviation sector's remarkable upward trajectory. This marks the 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in passenger traffic, firmly establishing Abu Dhabi Airports as a vital engine of the UAE's economic diversification and global connectivity strategy. Central to this growth is Zayed International Airport (AUH), which alone handled 15.5 million passengers between January and June, representing a 13.2 per cent year-on-year increase. AUH also recorded 93,858 aircraft movements during this period, up 11.4 per cent from 84,286 flights in the first half of 2024. Across Abu Dhabi's five commercial airports, total flight movements reached 133,533 — a 9.2 per cent rise — demonstrating the emirate's growing appeal as both a transit hub and a final destination. The steady climb in passenger numbers comes amid an ambitious network expansion strategy. In the first six months of the year, 16 new destinations were added to Abu Dhabi's global reach. This includes China Eastern Airlines' four-times-weekly service to Shanghai, which is set to become daily in September, Air Seychelles' six weekly flights, Fly Cham's new connection to Damascus, and IndiGo's fresh routes to Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Vishakhapatnam. These additions are positioning AUH as IndiGo's most connected hub in the UAE and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a major node in the global aviation landscape. Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, credited the consistent growth to operational resilience, strategic collaborations, and a clear long-term vision. 'Despite operational headwinds in early 2025, our mid-year results reflect our agility, dedication, and collaborative partnerships. Sustaining 17 quarters of strong growth underlines our role not just as an airport operator, but as a vital facilitator of Abu Dhabi's tourism, trade, and investment ambitions,' she said. Aviation experts said the second half of 2025 is poised to build on this momentum. 'With increasing international airline partnerships, the ongoing recovery and expansion of tourism, and the accelerating pace of global trade, Abu Dhabi Airports is well-positioned to close the year with record-breaking numbers,' said Manoj K. John, founder and CEO of AeroConnections, said. 'Major events, continued infrastructure upgrades, and the expected spike in travel during the year-end holiday season are likely to further elevate the emirate's status as a premier aviation hub,' said John. Cargo operations have also seen substantial gains, highlighting Abu Dhabi's rising significance in global logistics and e-commerce. In the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi Airports handled 344,795 tonnes of cargo — an impressive volume driven by strategic investments and partnerships. One of the key highlights was the signing of a joint venture agreement with JD Property, the infrastructure subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant The partnership will establish a cutting-edge 70,000-square-metre logistics hub in Abu Dhabi, designed to meet growing east-west trade flows, especially in the fast-expanding e-commerce and specialised cargo sectors across the GCC and Mena regions. Abu Dhabi Airports also reached several strategic milestones during the period. Rehabilitation work at Sir Bani Yas Airport was completed, supporting eco-tourism efforts in the Al Dhafra region. AUH earned the prestigious 3 Pearl Estidama rating for sustainable construction and was named the 'Best Airport at Arrivals Globally' for the third consecutive year at the Airports Council International (ACI) ASQ Awards. These accolades reaffirm the airport's reputation as a world-class gateway that meets the highest global standards of service and sustainability. A collaboration with Bombardier advanced at Al Bateen Executive Airport with the development of a dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility was a key factor strengthening Abu Dhabi's aviation ecosystem. This move aims to establish the emirate as a regional centre of excellence for business aviation services. Meanwhile, a new memorandum of understanding with TAQA Distribution will explore the deployment of next-generation utility technologies across airport operations, aligning with Abu Dhabi Airports' long-term vision of digital innovation and environmental stewardship.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Ruler approves allocation of 690 land plots for citizens in Khor Fakkan
Sharjah's Ruler on Monday approved the allocation of 690 land plots for Emirati citizens, furthering efforts to support local development and housing. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed the Department of Planning and Survey to allocate the plots of land to citizens living in Khor Fakkan. The new directive includes 180 residential plots, 450 industrial plots, and 60 commercial plots in the Al Harai area. Work is already underway to level the land, with plans to distribute the plots to eligible beneficiaries within two months. As part of the development, a public park will also be constructed in the area to enhance community facilities. This announcement follows a similar initiative from November last year, when the Sharjah Ruler approved 160 plots for Khor Fakkan residents — 80 commercial plots along Harai Road and 80 industrial plots. Priority was given to citizens holding commercial and industrial licenses. Housing initiatives The announcement also comes on the heels of a broader housing support programme recently approved by the Ruler of Sharjah, endorsing Dh335 million in funding to assist critical housing cases across the emirate. A total of 431 families will benefit from this phase of the housing programme, all of whom fall under urgent housing needs. Earlier this year, on June 9, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved Dh100 million in compensation for owners of old homes in Al Madam who had previously been allocated new residences. He had previously approved a sum of Dh250,000 for each of the 200 owners whose old homes were replaced. Similarly, on January 21, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved the disbursement of Dh15 million to resolve construction delays affecting 70 government homes for Emirati citizens, following a temporary suspension of the project.
