Category: Life & Style

According to the World tourism & Tourism Council (WTTC), Singapore is on track to break its all-time international arrivals record in 2025, positioning it as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. The city-state is outperforming regional rivals like Thailand and the Philippines, cementing its status as a worldwide tourism powerhouse.

According to new study, international arrivals in Singapore are expected to reach approximately 16 million by 2025, representing a 9.6% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Indian travellers account for a large share of this rise, with numbers predicted to increase from 1.11 million in 2019 to a record 1.25 million in 2025.

In spite of a delayed recovery in Chinese outbound travel globally, Singapore continues to be a preferred destination for Chinese tourists, with an estimated 2.8 million visitors in 2025. Meanwhile, Malaysia is expected to break its 2016 tourist record by nearly 7% this year, while Thailand anticipates a 5% increase in international arrivals.

The country’s tourism industry is predicted to earn $66.1 billion in 2024, supporting 570,000 employment, and roughly $80 billion by 2030, solidifying its position as a global travel and tourism leader.

Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a significant employment hub, especially for blue-collar Indian immigrants. The emirate’s construction, logistics, and industrial sectors are expanding quickly, which is driving up demand for trained and semi-skilled personnel.

Abu Dhabi increasingly attracts more workers, particularly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, with better job stability and higher earnings.

Employment has significantly increased due to the government’s emphasis on infrastructure projects. A sizable workforce is needed for large-scale improvements to airports, business areas, transportation networks, and urban housing. Masons, electricians, and plumbers are in high demand and are offered competitive pay by construction businesses.

The industrial sector in Abu Dhabi is also flourishing. The growing manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors are driving up demand for technicians, welders, and machine operators. Similar growth is being seen in logistics and transportation, with ports and warehouses needing additional workers.

Pay increases continue to be a major motivator. Compared to other emirates, Abu Dhabi offers salaries that are 15–30% greater. According to reports, the number of Indian workers has increased by 69%, and they currently make up about 40% of the foreign workforce. Abu Dhabi is becoming the next major employment destination in the UAE due to sustained investments and increasing job stability.

Qatar’s government has signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI, a California-based AI data startup, to use artificial intelligence solutions for enhancing public services. According to reports, the alliance would focus on implementing AI-powered technologies and delivering specialised training to improve government operations in the Gulf State.

Trevor Thompson, Scale AI’s worldwide head of growth, highlighted the agreement’s larger significance. He suggested that the collaboration might serve as a model for other governments trying to use artificial intelligence to overhaul the public sector.

The agreement will make it easier to implement modern technologies such as automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making to streamline processes and increase productivity. Over the next five years, Scale AI is expected to create more than 50 possible AI applications for the Qatari government. However, the deal’s financial terms have not been released.

Qatar, a major gas producer and vital US ally, is actively pursuing AI leadership, vying with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Scale AI, formed in 2016, focuses on curating and labelling big datasets for AI training. Its clients include IT heavyweights like Microsoft, financial firms like Morgan Stanley, and AI pioneers like OpenAI and Cohere.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the UAE has formally established updated working hours for federal government employees. Public sector workers will work from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday, according to confirmation from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (Fahr). Working hours will be further shortened on Fridays, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Employees will therefore put in 1.5 hours less on Fridays and 3.5 hours less on weekdays.

These timings will not apply to certain personnel whose job functions need different hours. Federal agencies and ministries are permitted to maintain flexible work schedules as long as they respect daily deadlines. Departmental policies may allow up to 70% of workers to work from home on Fridays.

According to the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Ramadan is anticipated to start on March 1, 2025. The crescent moon is expected to be visible on the evening of February 28, marking the beginning of the holy month, according to the UAE’s International Astronomy Centre. On Shaban 29th, official moon-sighting committees will confirm this.

From February 20 to 23, Saudi Arabia commemorated the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 with a national celebration known as “Founding Day.” The Kingdom’s rich legacy was showcased through cultural and historical activities held in over 15 cities.

Reaffirming the close ties between the two countries, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

With more than 8,000 flags covering significant monuments, Riyadh saw a lively change. The Ministry of Culture oversaw a variety of initiatives nationwide, such as Strong Ties at Boulevard City, where guests helped create an interactive art piece that promoted unity, and Memory of the Land, which took place throughout several cities.

From February 21 to 23, AlUla hosted the Al Sarraya Festival, which provided an immersive historical experience of Saudi Arabia. An environmentally friendly light show modelled after fireflies and stars were used to illuminate the event in place of traditional fireworks.

Singapore has announced intentions to invest roughly S$1 billion (US$744.8 million or RM3.31 billion) to build a cutting-edge semiconductor research and development (R&D) centre. According to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first budget speech as the country’s leader, this project intends to provide researchers and business partners with cutting-edge technologies to accelerate sector innovation.

Wong stated that the world’s premier IT corporations are eager to grow their presence in Singapore. He emphasised that technologies such as AI and quantum computing stand to benefit from the country’s investment-friendly policies.

Furthermore, the government would invest S$5 billion in the Changi Airport expansion fund, strengthening Singapore’s status as a major global aviation hub. To ensure long-term energy security and sustainability, another S$5 billion will be committed to the Future Energy Fund, which will fund clean energy technology and infrastructure.

Wong addressed the banking industry, announcing a new S$1 billion private credit facility to provide more funding options for high-growth local businesses. He also announced tax breaks for fund managers investing in Singapore stocks and companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, citing concerns about the exchange’s limited appeal to regional enterprises.

The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival program for Indian visitors, now accepting individuals with valid visas, green cards, or residency permits from six additional nations. As of February 13, 2025, Indians with valid visas from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea can now use this service at UAE entry ports such as Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.

This expansion builds on the UAE’s 2024 visa policy, which previously permitted Indian citizens with valid tourist visas or resident cards from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states to obtain visas on arrival. The project seeks to develop tourism linkages and simplify travel procedures.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, passengers who match the qualifying criteria will be issued visas upon arrival at designated entrance checkpoints. To qualify, Indian passport holders must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months after arrival. Furthermore, visa fees will be charged by local legislation.

This progressive move underscores the UAE’s long-standing connections with India, which hosts one of its largest expatriate communities. The initiative will encourage tourism while making it easy for UAE residents’ families to come.

The UAE has announced a $60 million program to promote educational access for visually impaired pupils in Ethiopia. The program intends to fund new schools, improve learning resources, and provide specialised assistance to kids with visual impairments.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Ethiopia’s First Lady, Zinash Tayachew. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State and trustee of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, observed the signing, according to state news agency Wam.

Led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, this effort tackles a crucial need in Ethiopia, where an estimated 1.2 million individuals are visually impaired, with 332,000 classed as blind. The country also has one of the highest incidences of trachoma infection, which is a preventable bacterial eye condition.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed underlined the UAE’s commitment to empowering people with determination around the world and creating inclusive learning environments. The new schools will use assistive technologies, personalised curricula, and vocational training to prepare students for further education and careers.

This programme expands on the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, which opened in Addis Abeba in May 2024.

Russia is strategically expanding tourist connections with the Middle East, focussing on important markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Russia is collaborating with travel industry partners to develop new airline routes, ease visa requirements, and promote bespoke vacation packages to attract affluent Middle Eastern travellers.

Russia has long been a popular tourist destination, owing to its rich cultural legacy and renowned buildings such as the Kremlin and Red Square. However, the recovery from the epidemic has been gradual, pushing the government to focus on courting tourists from economically powerful countries such as the Middle East.

To make travel more accessible, Russia is expanding airline connectivity. Major airlines, like Aeroflot and Gulf Airlines, are starting new direct flights to destinations such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. Furthermore, Russia is increasing visa-free entry, which is already available to UAE citizens, with discussions underway for other Gulf countries.

With the Middle East’s growing thirst for luxury tourism, Russia is an appealing location. Russia hopes to develop itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travellers seeking cultural, luxury, and winter travel experiences by providing seamless connectivity, streamlined travel procedures, and premium tourism experiences.

According to the Global AI Competitiveness Index published by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group, the UAE is one of the top ten countries with the most AI companies per million population.

The survey examined over 55,000 AI businesses worldwide, assessing their density, funding, and technological breakthroughs. The UAE’s strong AI enterprise density ranks it alongside prominent innovation hotspots such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group said, “The UAE’s top ten ranking demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an environment in which AI may thrive.”

The UAE has always proved its commitment to AI. In 2017, it was the first country to appoint an AI Minister. The AI Strategy 2031 seeks to provide USD 91 billion to GDP while reducing operational costs by 50%.

The country has also established the Dubai Future Accelerator Fund, worth USD 2.7 billion, to assist AI-driven projects. The UAE provides a 10-year Golden Visa to AI experts and founded the world’s first AI-focused university.

With world-class digital infrastructure, 5G network coverage surpassing 90%, and advanced AI efforts, the nation is establishing itself as a global leader in AI.