Latest news with #FatimaAlNuaimi
Qatar Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MSDF, GTA come together to raise tax compliance awareness among ‘Home Grown' project owners
QNA Doha The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), in cooperation with the General Tax Authority (GTA), organised an awareness workshop for owners of 'Home Grown' projects entitled 'Your Step Towards Tax Compliance for Home Grown Projects.' Through this workshop, MSDF aims to enhance tax awareness among Home Grown project owners, simplify procedures for taxpayers, support voluntary compliance, and provide an interactive platform for raising direct inquiries with relevant specialists. Commenting on the programme, Director of the Family Empowerment Department at MSDF Fatima Al Nuaimi said that the ministry is keen to provide full support to the owners of 'Home Grown' projects and to strengthen their role in the local economy, adding that these efforts aim to instil a culture of sustainability and encourage individuals and families to shift from consumption to production. The programme of the workshop, delivered by GTA, featured several key discussions, including requirements for filing tax returns and paying income tax, registration methods and procedures for various licences including home-based businesses, filing a Simplified Tax Return through the 'Dhareeba' platform, data update processes, and the verification of residency for GCC citizens. Additionally, the workshop addressed financial penalties for late tax return filings, the Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, and the process for cancelling tax number registration. The workshop also shed light on the individuals and entities required to submit a tax return, which include the following categories: all companies, regardless of their commercial activity status, and individuals engaged in economic activities within the country, even those with tax exemptions. The workshop further clarified that companies eligible for income tax exemption are: those wholly owned by Qatari citizens or citizens of GCC countries, on the condition that they demonstrate proof of residency in Qatar. GTA also highlighted its '100 percent Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative', effective from March 1 to August 31, which intends to support companies and alleviate their tax burdens by providing a full exemption on unpaid penalties, as per the Income Tax and Excise Tax Laws. Consequently, the tax return filing deadline has been extended to align with the initiative's duration, in accordance with the approved regulations and provisions.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
UAE travel trends shift as European heatwaves make summers unbearable
As extreme heatwaves sweep across Europe in summer 2025, a growing number of UAE residents are reconsidering their traditional travel destinations. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain, once popular summer escapes from the UAE's desert heat, are now facing record-breaking temperatures, sometimes even exceeding those in the Gulf region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Monday, wildfires erupted in Turkey and France, prompting emergency evacuations of over 50,000 people, as an early summer heatwave swept through southern Europe. Health warnings were issued across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. Even the Netherlands, known for its temperate climate, issued alerts for high temperatures and humidity. A Chance to Try Something New Fatima Al Nuaimi, a 34-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, is among many UAE residents altering their travel plans due to rising European temperatures. She told ABC News that her family has traditionally spent two to three weeks every summer in southern Europe, often divided between France and Italy. 'This year, when I checked the weather in June and July, it was already crossing 35 degrees. We didn't want to be stuck indoors the whole time,' Fatima said. Fatima said her decision was largely driven by concerns for her two young children. 'When it's that hot, there's very little you can do with kids. Sightseeing becomes a burden, and outdoor activities are limited. It defeats the purpose of the trip,' she explained. In search of a more comfortable climate, Fatima and her family chose to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand—a destination they had never visited before. With current temperatures ranging between 14 and 18°C, New Zealand offered not only relief from the heat but opportunities for outdoor adventure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It's winter, so the kids can still be outside, explore nature, and we don't have to worry about overheating,' she said. The family also found the switch financially sensible. 'Flights were more available, and it turned out to be a little cheaper than our usual Europe trips. We're treating it as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima added. A Clear Shift in UAE Summer Travel Preferences Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. According to Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales at Jovial Travels, climate is now a deciding factor for many UAE travellers. 'We are seeing a clear shift in the way people plan their holidays, with now a key factor in travel decisions,' she told Gulf News. 'Many of our clients are adjusting their itineraries to avoid periods of extreme heat and are showing greater interest in sustainable travel options.' She also noted an increase in demand for eco-friendly accommodations and responsible tourism. 'There is a growing awareness about the environmental impact of tourism, and travellers are asking for responsible experiences. At Jovial Travels, we are committed to guiding our clients towards choices that are both memorable and mindful of the planet,' she said. Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to The National. 'Summer used to be mostly Europe. It's still there, but many are waiting until the last minute because of the heat. These last few years, it's getting hotter there,' he said. Al Rais noted that alternative destinations are growing in popularity. 'Some are choosing alternatives like Cape Town or the Gold Coast. In Cape Town, it's winter, so you get 13 to 15 degrees. Switzerland is still a good option because the mountains help, but overall, people are being more careful.' What This Means for UAE Travellers in 2025 With European destinations facing climate uncertainty, UAE holidaymakers are increasingly prioritising weather comfort, safety, and sustainability when making their summer travel plans. From Queenstown's crisp winter air to the coastal coolness of Cape Town, families are discovering new places beyond the traditional European hotspots. For many, this shift is more than a temporary detour, it may signal a lasting change in UAE summer travel trends. 'We're treating this as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima Al Nuaimi said, echoing what may soon become the new mindset of the modern UAE traveller.
Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Too hot for Europe? UAE residents change summer plans amid extreme heatwaves
As extreme heatwaves continue to sweep through parts of Europe, some UAE travellers are reconsidering their summer holiday destinations. Regions like southern France, and countries Italy and Spain, once popular escapes from the Gulf's heat, are now experiencing similar, or in some cases, worse, temperatures during peak travel months. On Monday, firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey and France, and more than 50,000 people were evacuated as an early summer heatwave hit Europe. Health alerts were issued in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Germany. Even the Netherlands, used to a milder climate, issued a warning for high temperatures in the coming days, coupled with high humidity. A chance to try something new Fatima Al Nuaimi, a 34-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, is among those who changed their plans. For years, her family's summer tradition involved spending two to three weeks in southern Europe, often split between France and Italy. 'This year, when I checked the weather in June and July, it was already crossing 35 degrees. We didn't want to be stuck indoors the whole time,' she said. Fatima explained that she was especially concerned about her two young children. 'When it's that hot, there's very little you can do with kids. Sightseeing becomes a burden, and outdoor activities are limited. It defeats the purpose of the trip.' Instead, Fatima's family opted for Queenstown, New Zealand, looking for cooler heads and outdoor adventure. 'We've never been there before, but the weather there looks much more comfortable, around 14 to 18 degrees. It's winter, so the kids can still be outside, explore nature, and we don't have to worry about overheating,' she explained. Beyond comfort, the switch also made sense financially. 'Flights were more available, and it turned out to be a little cheaper than our usual Europe trips. We're treating it as an opportunity to try something new.' Fatima's choice aligns with what agents are seeing across the board. 'A clear shift' Travel agents are noticing this trend too. Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales at Jovial Travels, said, 'We are seeing a clear shift in the way people plan their holidays, with global warming now a key factor in travel decisions. Many of our clients are adjusting their itineraries to avoid periods of extreme heat and are showing greater interest in sustainable travel options.' She added that requests for eco-friendly stays and experiences have gone up. 'There is a growing awareness about the environmental impact of tourism, and travellers are asking for responsible experiences. At Jovial Travels, we are committed to guiding our clients towards choices that are both memorable and mindful of the planet.' Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, said the shift is becoming more evident. 'Summer used to be mostly Europe,' he said. 'It's still there, but many are waiting until the last minute because of the heat. These last few years, it's getting hotter there.' 'Some are choosing alternatives like Cape Town or the Gold Coast,' he added. 'In Cape Town, it's winter, so you get 13 to 15 degrees. Switzerland is still a good option because the mountains help, but overall, people are being more careful.'
Qatar Tribune
05-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MSDF organises workshop on 'Naqda' embroidery at MIA
DOHA: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), represented by the Family Empowerment Department, is organizing a training workshop titled 'Preserving Cultural Crafts - Naqda Embroidery'at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The workshop is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to support traditional crafts and aligns with its broader programs aimed at empowering productive families and developing the skills of individuals working in the field of family empowerment. To this end, the Ministry collaborates with relevant institutions and implements training projects that preserve cultural heritage while providing support services that create new opportunities for participants. The workshop highlights Naqda, a traditional craft deeply rooted in Qatari heritage. It will cover the concept, history, and cultural importance of Naqda embroidery, in addition to introducing the traditional tools and fabrics used. Participants will also have the opportunity to view design samples and patterns associated with the craft. Furthermore, the workshop includes hands-on training in applying Naqda embroidery to garments such as the Milfa and Bukhnag. The goal is to equip participants - particularly women - with the skills to incorporate this heritage craft into contemporary designs such as abayas and souvenir items, thereby enhancing prospects for sustainable production and improved marketability. In this context, Fatima Al Nuaimi, Director of the Family Empowerment Department, stated that the workshop aims to train and transform participants from consumers into skilled artisans. It also seeks to empower entrepreneurs by attracting and training new groups interested in learning the Naqda craft. She noted that the Ministry aspires for the workshop to achieve its objectives by enabling participants to launch new production projects that creatively merge Qatari heritage with modern design, with opportunities to promote their products through exhibitions and Ministry-affiliated marketing platforms. The Family Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Social Development and Family is committed to realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering a sustainable environment for productive national entrepreneurs. The Ministry continues to support and encourage development initiatives in coordination with relevant stakeholders, while guiding and promoting the efforts of the private sector and civil society organizations to establish or fund development projects that contribute to the economic and social empowerment of individuals and families.
