Dubai – Recent governmental updates have made significant impacts on foreign nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All expatriates are now mandated to register their newborn children by obtaining the necessary birth certificate and Emirates ID within specific timeframes to avoid complications and fines.
According to official guidelines, every foreign national residing in the UAE must register the birth of their child within 30 days of the child's arrival. Parents must provide several documents to initiate the process, including attested Arabic translated marriage certificates, copies and originals of both parents' passports and residence visas, as well as birth notification details from the hospital. After the birth certificate is issued, expatriates must have it attested by both the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, birth certificates stamped by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi or Dubai Health Authority are considered equivalent to the ministry's seal.
After registering the birth, UAE residents are also required to obtain the newborn's Emirates ID and residence visa within 120 days. Failing to do so will result in daily fines of AED100 for each day beyond the stipulated period, with the newborn being unable to exit the country until the process is finalized.
On another front, recent updates to the UAE visa regulations were announced, particularly benefitting Indian passport holders. Starting February 13, 2025, Indian citizens with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from notable nations such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will be able to obtain visas upon arrival at all UAE entry points. This change is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global hub and attract more foreign nationals.
Further demonstrating regional advancements, Saudi Arabia launched its currency symbol for the Saudi riyal, which was approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Ayman Al Sayari, the governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), praised the move, stating, "This decision reinforces Saudi Arabia’s financial identity locally, regionally, and internationally." The gradual introduction of this new symbol is expected to integrate smoothly across financial and commercial transactions.
Shifting focus to real estate, the Dubai Land Department has mandated property owners provide 90-day notice for any increases to rental prices. The introduction of the Smart Rental Index aims to regulate rent adjustments, ensuring landlords adhere to fair practices backed by comprehensive data analysis of contract values and area averages. Failure to comply will prevent landlords from increasing rents regardless of findings.
Adding to the comprehensive reforms, April 15, 2025, will mark the implementation of the most significant personal status law changes within the UAE for decades. This legislation will include sweeping reforms on marriage consent, divorce terms, and custody rights affecting countless families across the region. Notable changes encompass the adoption of the Gregorian calendar for legal proceedings and modifications to custody age limits. According to legal experts, the reform will empower wives to seek divorces should their husbands abstain from marital relations for over six months without valid reasoning, irrespective of any pre-arranged agreements.
Continuing the momentum, Dubai's luxury real estate market is seeing unprecedented growth. Reports indicate prime residential property values rose by 6.8% and rental values surged by 23.5% throughout 2024. Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, remarked, "Dubai’s prime residential sector continues to thrive, with demand outpacing supply." This growth is attributed to extensive global interest fueled by increase migrations of high-net-worth individuals to the city, significantly driving demand for ultra-luxury homes.
These governmental updates reflect the UAE's efforts to streamline processes for expatriates, enforce fair housing practices, and adjust social policies. With these impending changes and developments, the UAE aims to fortify its position as a prime destination for expatriates and investors alike.