How to Verify Your Grace Period Following UAE Residence Visa Cancellation

If you’ve had your UAE residence visa cancelled or expired, it’s important to know how long you can remain in the country to secure employment.

The UAE offers flexible grace periods ranging from 30 days to 180 days, depending on your visa category.

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To check your specific grace period, residents can utilize the online services provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access this information:

  1. Visit the ICP smart services portal at https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
  2. Click on ‘Public Services’ and select ‘File Validity.’
  3. Choose to search by either ‘file number’ or ‘passport information,’ ensuring to select ‘Residency.’
  4. If you opt for passport information, enter your passport number, expiry date, and nationality. For a file number, provide your Emirates ID number, Unified Number, or file number.
  5. Enter your date of birth and nationality, complete the captcha, and click ‘Search.’

Once completed, you’ll be able to view the number of days you are allowed to stay in the UAE.

Additionally, when you receive your residence visa cancellation form, it will indicate the exact date by which you need to leave the country or change your residency status.

During your grace period, you can either exit the UAE or apply for a new residence visa.

For those holding certain residency categories, such as Golden and Green visa holders, the grace period extends to six months.

Other eligible categories include widows or divorcees of foreign residents, students sponsored by UAE educational institutions, and skilled professionals classified at the first and second levels by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

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Staying informed about your visa status and grace period is crucial for a smooth transition during this time.

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Why UAE Banks Are Switching from SMS and Email OTPs to App Authentication

Why UAE Banks Are Switching from SMS and Email OTPs to App Authentication

Starting July 25, 2025, banks in the UAE will begin replacing one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS and email with app-based authentication, following new guidelines from the UAE Central Bank.

This transition aims to enhance security and reduce fraud risks in digital banking.

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The complete phase-out of SMS and email OTPs is expected to be completed by March 2026. Financial experts emphasize that app-based authentication offers greater safety than traditional methods, which are vulnerable to interception and fraud.

Jay Adrian Tolentino, a financial coach, noted that app-based approvals are essential for modern banking security, while Kartik Iyer, another expert, highlighted that this change is overdue due to the increasing sophistication of scams.

Traditional SMS and email OTPs have been linked to various security risks, including SIM swap attacks and phishing scams.

In contrast, in-app authentication provides a more secure alternative by keeping OTPs within the banking app and utilizing biometric methods for verification.

While the move promises stronger security, experts caution that ongoing vigilance is necessary to combat evolving fraud tactics.

The effectiveness of the new system will depend on how well banks implement it and how customers adapt to these changes.

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10th Local Dates Festival Kicks Off at Souq Waqif, Showcasing Qatar’s Agricultural Heritage

10th Local Dates Festival Kicks Off at Souq Waqif, Showcasing Qatar’s Agricultural Heritage

The 10th edition of the Local Dates Festival was officially inaugurated at East Square, Souq Waqif, under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipality and the Souq Waqif Management.

The event showcases the richness of Qatar’s agricultural sector, with the participation of over 100 Qatari farms, and is scheduled to run until August 7, welcoming visitors daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00 PM.

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Held in an environment that evokes Qatar’s cultural and agricultural heritage, the festival provides a platform for local farms to exhibit high-quality date varieties and related products.

The event aims to strengthen public appreciation for the role of dates in Qatari tradition and cuisine while promoting local agricultural production.

The opening ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Eng. Fahad Mohamed Al Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, and Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nama, representative of the Private Engineering Office.

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Also present were Yousef Khalid Al Khulaifi, Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department, and Mohamed Abdullah Al Salem, Director of Souq Waqif and General Supervisor of the Festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Khulaifi noted the remarkable evolution of the festival since its inception in 2016, when only 19 farms participated.

He affirmed that this year’s participation of 116 farms underscores the growing commitment of Qatari farmers to enhancing the quality and variety of local dates.

Al Salem emphasized the strategic importance of Souq Waqif’s central location in Doha, which naturally attracts large visitor numbers, facilitating direct engagement between farmers and consumers.

He added that the festival venue was fully equipped by the Ministry to provide an optimal setting for both exhibitors and attendees.

Highlighting the economic and cultural value of the event, Al Salem revealed that last year’s edition recorded sales exceeding 240 tons of dates, expressing confidence that this year’s results will surpass that figure due to the superior quality of produce and increased farm participation.

The Local Dates Festival stands as a key initiative within Qatar’s broader efforts to promote agricultural sustainability and food security.

By encouraging innovation and quality improvement among local producers, the festival aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting national development while preserving heritage and fostering economic self-reliance.

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Saudi Arabia Launches Self-Driving Taxis in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has officially launched the initial pilot phase of autonomous vehicles, marking a significant advancement in the country’s smart, AI-driven transport systems.

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Key Highlights

  • Inauguration: The program was inaugurated on Wednesday by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser. He emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering cutting-edge technologies and creating a safe, intelligent transport ecosystem.

Operational Areas

  • Locations: The project will operate in real-life settings across seven key areas in Riyadh, including:
    • Terminals 2 and 5 at King Khalid International Airport
    • Roshn Business Front
    • Princess Nourah University
    • North Train Station
    • Headquarters of the Transport General Authority
  • Designated Points: A total of 13 pickup and drop-off points have been established for the autonomous vehicles.

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Collaborative Development

  • Partnerships: The project is a collaborative effort involving multiple sectors, including:
    • The Ministry of Interior
    • SDAIA (Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority)
    • The Geospatial Authority
    • Private firms such as AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to localizing innovation and enhancing public-private collaboration.

Safety and Oversight

  • Monitoring: The vehicles will be closely monitored by onboard safety officers throughout the 12-month pilot phase.
  • Regulatory Oversight: They will operate on major highways and urban roads under the direct regulatory and technical oversight of the Transport Authority.

Future Goals

  • Sustainable Mobility: Al-Jasser stated that the initiative signifies the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mobility and economic growth, describing it as “a model for smart and secure transport partnerships.”
  • National Rollout Preparation: The pilot aims to set the stage for a broader national rollout, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in autonomous mobility within the region.

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