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What's On
7 days ago
- Business
- What's On
Save up to 10% on your first home purchase in Dubai
Launched just two weeks ago, this government-backed initiative is a collaboration between the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism, aimed at making homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. Leading developers, including Emaar, Nakheel, Azizi, and Binghatti, have already signed up, pledging direct discounts on properties. Industry insiders suggest these discounts could reach as high as 10% on homes priced up to Dh5 million. So, whether you're considering a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious family villa, this programme could be the perfect opportunity to step into Dubai's property market. Am I eligible? You're eligible if you: Are 18+ and currently live in the UAE Don't own a freehold property in Dubai Want to buy a home under Dhs5 million Are applying alone or jointly (if all parties qualify) Own property in a non-freehold area? You're still eligible! Want to buy a home under Dhs5 million Once registered, you'll get priority notifications for new launches, whether or not you've found the right property yet. What perks do I get as a first-time buyer? No fluff. Here's what you'll actually get: Priority access to off-plan launches from top developers Discounted prices on select new properties Flexible payment plans, including DLD fee instalments via credit card Preferential mortgage rates from participating banks Faster mortgage approvals No extra cost to join the programme (you still pay standard DLD/Developer fees unless specified) Don't need a mortgage? You can still benefit from all property-related discounts. Who's involved? The Dubai First Home initiative is backed by some of the biggest names in real estate and banking. Developers: Emaar, Nakheel, Meraas, DAMAC, Danube, Azizi, Ellington, Dubai Properties, Majid Al Futtaim, Binghatti, Beyond, Wasl, Palma Holding have already signed up, and more are expected to join. These developers are offering direct discounts of up to 10% on selected properties priced under Dhs5 million. So far, 13 developers have officially signed on. Banks: Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates Islamic are participating, each offering tailored mortgage products for first-time buyers. While mortgage interest rates remain stable at an average of ~3.99% for the first three years (before switching to a variable rate), some banks are offering reduced processing fees and may waive valuation costs under the programme. Is it worth it? Short answer: yes. First-time buyers could save Dh8,000 to Dh10,000 in reduced bank fees over the first few years, thanks to waived or discounted charges. On top of that, developers are offering up to 10% off property prices, plus flexible payment plans and faster mortgage approvals. And while mortgage interest rates haven't dropped yet, US rate cuts are expected later this year, which could lead to lower mortgage costs in the UAE, giving buyers even more long-term value. In short, this is a smart time to take your first step into Dubai's property market. I'm sold. How do I apply? You can register online now, via the official DLD website, and if you're not eligible, they'll let you know why so you can reapply later. Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Best time to buy home in Dubai? Govt launches exclusive incentives for 1st time resident buyers
Dubai has rolled out a new initiative to help residents buy their first home, offering a set of exclusive benefits aimed at making homeownership more accessible. The programme, announced on Wednesday, targets first-time buyers and is part of a broader effort to strengthen the real estate market and encourage long-term residency. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, a joint effort by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism, is being introduced in partnership with more than 13 major real estate developers, five banks, and several strategic partners. It forms a core part of Dubai's long-term D33 strategy, aimed at making the city more attractive for residents and investors. Key Features of the First-Time Buyer Programme The programme targets UAE residents over the age of 18 with a valid Emirates ID, who have never owned a home before. It allows them to purchase residential property valued under Dh5 million, with no restrictions on leasing or resale. Exclusive benefits include: Priority access to new project launches Preferential pricing from participating developers Flexible payment plans Interest-free registration fee Customised property matching based on buyer preferences Direct engagement with developers and banks Residents can register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app. In an interview with a local media outlet, Khalid Al Shaibani, Director of the Rental Affairs Department at DLD, noted that residents simply need to state their preference, apartment or villa, budget, and communication method. Once registered, their applications will be routed directly to developers, and financial institutions will be notified of the interest as well. This, he explained, ensures a 'direct matchmaking' process between buyers, developers, and banks. For those who prefer not to register online, brokers will still have access to the programme, ensuring it reaches a wider pool of potential homeowners. Broad Industry Support and Strategic Objectives The programme has drawn strong support from key players in Dubai's real estate and banking sectors. Participating developers include: Emaar Danube Properties Azizi Wasl Dubai Properties Ellington Beyond Nakheel Damac Majid Al Futtaim Partnering banks are: Emirates NBD Emirates Islamic Commercial Bank of Dubai The real estate listing platforms Dubizzle, Property Finder, and Bayut are also collaborating and helping facilitate listings and transactions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Beyond its practical benefits, the programme serves as a strategic lever in Dubai's broader economic planning. It is closely aligned with the D33 strategy, a long-term roadmap to double the size of the city's economy by 2033, and part of a drive to reach Dh1 trillion in real estate transactions. Speaking to local media, Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, shared that Dubai is already attracting 10,000 new investors each month. The hope is that these figures will rise further, supported by initiatives like this, which bridge public policy with private sector execution. Homeownership as a Social Anchor, and a Step Toward 2040 For years, Dubai has attracted people with ambition, but not always permanence. Renting was the norm, even for long-term residents. That may be changing. With its new first-time buyer initiative, the city is encouraging residents to go from tenants to homeowners. It's not just a financial shift, but a social one too. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, described the move as a way to foster stability and belonging, calling homeownership a foundation for building strong, lasting communities, key ingredients in any livable city. The programme, he said, offers not just financial opportunity but emotional investment, giving residents a chance to call Dubai home in a deeper, more permanent way. 'To many residents who've dreamed of owning their home here in Dubai, their time is now,' he said. Looking ahead, the initiative aligns with Dubai's long-term goal of growing its population to 5.8 million by 2040. For that vision to succeed, residents must see the city not just as a place to work, but as a place to live and thrive. As Mohamad Kaswani, Managing Director of Mortgage Finder, noted, the programme is a 'powerful enabler' of that future, helping Dubai evolve into a city where growth is matched by inclusivity, and where long-term residency feels not only possible, but encouraged.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can you smoke in public in UAE? Rules, fines, permitted areas: What you need to know
In the UAE, smoking in public is largely banned unless you're in a designated outdoor area or a licensed, enclosed smoking room/ Representative image The United Arab Emirates has some of the most comprehensive tobacco control laws in the region. Whether you're a smoker, a vaper, or a shisha user, it's essential to understand where smoking is permitted, and where it could cost you a hefty fine. This guide explains the UAE's current smoking laws, what's allowed, what's banned, and who is most protected under federal legislation. Where Smoking Is Not Allowed Smoking, whether it's traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or shisha, is prohibited in most enclosed public spaces. Here's where smoking is strictly banned: Shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, indoor cafés, and hotels (unless they have licensed smoking rooms) Offices, government buildings, and other indoor workplaces Public transport, including the Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and airport terminals Educational institutions such as schools and universities Healthcare facilities and sports venues Places of worship Public parks, beaches, and recreational areas (unless designated smoking zones are clearly marked) Indoor smoking is only allowed in designated smoking rooms that are: Fully enclosed Isolated from non-smoking areas Equipped with proper ventilation Officially licensed and approved Laws Protecting Children The UAE places a strong focus on protecting children from tobacco exposure: Federal law prohibits smoking in private or public vehicles when a child under the age of 12 is present. (Violators can face fines starting from Dh5,000.) Under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, also known as Wadeema's Law, smoking in the presence of children is prohibited, both in public and private settings. Sales Restrictions Sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 is strictly forbidden. Sellers must verify the buyer's age. Failure to comply can lead to: Jail terms of at least three months Fines starting from Dh15,000 In serious cases involving child endangerment, fines can reach up to Dh1 million Shisha and Vaping Rules Shisha Regulations Shisha cafés in the UAE are subject to strict location and operating rules to protect public health and maintain community standards. Under current regulations, these establishments must not be located within 150 metres of certain sensitive sites—unless granted a special licence. These restricted areas include: Residential buildings Schools, colleges Mosques In addition to location rules, the Dubai Municipality has implemented a complete ban on smoking shisha in public recreational spaces, including: Public parks Beaches Other recreational areas Dubai also prohibits pregnant women from entering shisha cafés, regardless of whether they intend to smoke. Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the restrictions go even further. Since 2008, the emirate has enforced a blanket ban on smoking in all public areas, which includes shisha use across the board. Vaping Regulations In the UAE, vaping is regulated in the same way as traditional cigarette smoking. It is strictly prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, which includes locations such as: Offices Indoor public areas Vaping is only permitted in licensed smoking rooms that meet official requirements. These rooms must be: Properly ventilated Fully enclosed and isolated from non-smoking areas All vaping-related rules fall under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which governs all forms of tobacco consumption. This includes: Electronic cigarettes Vape devices Designated smoking areas are allowed, but only if they fully comply with licensing and safety standards. Where Smoking Is Allowed Despite the UAE's strict anti-smoking laws, there are still clearly designated and regulated areas where smoking is permitted. These spaces are carefully controlled to ensure minimal exposure to non-smokers and compliance with public health standards. Designated Outdoor Areas Smoking is generally allowed in open-air public spaces, provided there are no signs explicitly prohibiting it. In most cases, cigarette smoking may be permitted on public beaches, unless a specific ban is indicated. However, it's important to note that shisha smoking is not allowed on beaches in Dubai under municipal regulations. Licensed Smoking Rooms Indoor smoking is permitted only in licensed smoking rooms located in certain public facilities, such as: Airports Shopping malls Government buildings These rooms must be: Fully enclosed Properly ventilated Clearly marked to differentiate them from non-smoking zones Licensed Shisha Cafés Shisha cafés may operate either indoors or outdoors, but only under strict regulatory conditions. These include: Municipal approval to operate Adherence to location restrictions (such as minimum distance from schools and mosques) Adequate ventilation systems Entry restrictions, including a ban on pregnant women entering shisha cafés in Dubai, regardless of whether they plan to smoke Tobacco-Free Workplace Policies The foundation of the UAE's strict smoking regulations is laid out in two key federal laws aimed at protecting public health, particularly that of minors and non-smokers. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 – Tobacco Control Law This law sets clear national standards on where and how tobacco products may be sold or consumed. It prohibits: Smoking in all enclosed public spaces Selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 18 Smoking in vehicles when a child under 12 is present Smoking in schools, healthcare facilities, sports venues, and places of worship It also bans The sale of tobacco-themed sweets or candy The use of vending machines to sell tobacco products All forms of tobacco advertising, regardless of format or platform Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 – Wadeema's Law Also known as Wadeema's Law, this legislation is focused on the protection of children's rights and well-being. Key provisions include: A strict prohibition on smoking in the presence of minors A ban on the sale of tobacco products to children Severe penalties for violations that endanger child safety, including potential jail terms and fines reaching up to Dh1 million in serious cases
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Public sector workers in Dubai to get flexible working hours: What you need to know
Under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative, Dubai public sector staff can either take Fridays off or work reduced hours on Fridays, depending on their chosen schedule/ Image (File) Dubai has officially reintroduced its seasonal workplace initiative, 'Our Flexible Summer', offering government employees flexible working hours aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing work-life balance during the scorching summer period. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that the initiative will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025, and will apply across government entities at each department's discretion. This follows a successful pilot conducted in 2024. 'This is all about supporting a better work-life balance for our government teams,' the DGHR said in a public statement, highlighting the initiative's aim to make summer 'a little cooler' for public sector staff. Two Work Schedule Options Under the Initiative Under the temporary model, the standard five-day workweek remains in place, but employees can choose from two flexible scheduling options: Group 1: Work 8 hours per day from Monday to Thursday and take Friday off entirely. Group 2: Work 7 hours per day from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday. The choice of implementation is left to each government department, allowing flexibility across different operations. The DGHR stated that the initiative 'comes after the successful trial run earlier this year' and is intended to increase employee happiness and overall productivity during the UAE's peak summer months. Results from the Previous Trial Phase The program isn't new. In 2024, the Dubai Government rolled out a similar model between August 12 and September 30 across 21 government entities. According to data analysed from that pilot, the initiative: Led to enhanced productivity Created more positive work environments Achieved a 98% satisfaction rate among participating employees, based on official evaluation systems The results confirmed that flexible working arrangements could have a measurable impact on both employee wellbeing and departmental performance. This year's expanded rollout reflects the government's confidence in the model's success. Longer Weekends and Broader Worker Welfare Measures Currently, most government employees in Dubai enjoy a two-and-a-half-day weekend, with a half-day on Friday, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. The new schedule will allow some staff to enjoy a full three-day weekend, depending on the group selected. In parallel, the UAE continues to implement additional summer workforce protections, particularly for outdoor and field-based workers. As of June 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) began enforcing the annual midday break, which bans work under direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, daily until September 15. MoHRE inspectors have already begun site checks, with fines of Dh5,000 per worker for violations, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 in cases involving multiple breaches. In addition, the ministry has set up over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations across the country to support delivery service workers, helping them cope with extreme heat during the peak season.
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's midday break a major relief for outdoor workers
16 June 2025 00:19 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)The UAE's annual midday work ban came into effect on Sunday - backed by inspections, fines and new rest stations to ensure the safety of outdoor workers - as summer temperatures hit new records. The three-month ban prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3 pm, until September initiative, now in its 21st year, was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in aims to safeguard workers' health and safety during the peak summer months. The UAE recently saw its hottest May day in over two decades, with temperatures hitting 51.6°C on May 24. 'Now in its 21st consecutive year, the midday break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months,' MoHRE said in a statement. To ensure compliance, MoHRE inspectors will conduct regular site visits across the of the public can report violations by calling 600590000, visiting the ministry's website, or via its smart who fail to comply face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, with a maximum penalty of Dh50,000 for multiple to Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, the midday break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99% for several years in a year, the ministry uncovered only 51 violations in 134,000 inspections, which is a marked improvement from the 96 violations reported the year before. In addition to inspections, MoHRE conducts awareness raising campaigns through inspectors' field visits to work sites and labour are expected to provide their workers with shaded areas, adequate cooling devices, sufficient drinking water, and first aid supplies. Mohammad, a construction worker who has been in the UAE for three years, said the midday break is a major relief.'Without this break, working in the sun would be unbearable during summer,' he told Aletihad. This year, MoHRE announced that more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with comfort amenities would be set up for delivery service workers across the UAE throughout the midday break period.'It's a great initiative. The rest stations especially make a big difference for us. I can rest, cool off, and drink some water after riding for hours in the sun,' Ali, a delivery rider in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad. While the midday ban is broadly enforced, the regulations include specific exemptions for critical operations. These include tasks like laying asphalt or pouring concrete that cannot be delayed, as well as emergency repairs to essential services such as water or electricity. Heat Impact on Health Dr. Poornimaraj Chandrasegharan, internal medicine specialist at LLH Medical Centre, Shabiya, said the break is a crucial buffer against serious heat-related illnesses. 'The most severe of these is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where the body temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) and requires immediate medical attention,' she told Aletihad. 'Another common issue is heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.'Dehydration, sunburn, and electrolyte imbalances are frequent among outdoor workers who don't get adequate rest or hydration, she added. In the UAE, summer temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F), particularly between 12pm and 3pm. 'Avoiding outdoor work during this period significantly reduces exposure to extreme heat and helps maintain safer core body temperatures,' Dr. Chandrasegharan said.'This break helps reduce the risk of heat stroke, which typically peaks in the early afternoon, by allowing workers to rest in cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. It also plays a crucial role in minimising dehydration, as less time in direct sun reduces fluid and electrolyte loss through sweat, while providing an opportunity to rehydrate,' she explained. Dr. Chandrasegharan added that supervisors and workers should remain alert to early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 'The most telling sign of heat stroke is high body temperature, specifically a core temperature above 40°C (104°F), often accompanied by altered mental status or behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, slurred speech, or disorientation,' she said. Other early indicators include hot, dry, and flushed skin, a throbbing headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, and rapid, shallow breathing. In more advanced cases, symptoms can escalate to seizures or loss of consciousness, according to Dr. Chandrasegharan. 'Recognising these signs early is critical, as timely intervention can prevent the condition from progressing into a life-threatening emergency.'
