Day: January 1, 2023

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent a congratulatory message to Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba, on the occasion of his country’s National Day anniversary.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has also dispatched similar messages to President Miguel Diaz-Canel and to the Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, on the occasion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that 2,166,821 riders used its public transport, shared mobility means and taxis during the New Year’s Eve 2023.

The figure reflects a 33 percent rise from last year’s number, which was 1,632,552 riders.

The breakdown of ridership was as follows: Metro: 958,161 riders (compared to 640,175 last year), Tram: 49,855 riders (compared to 34,672 last year), and public buses: 395,930 riders (compared to 331,837 last year).

Marine transport means ferried 77,844 riders (compared to 50,398 last year), E-Hailer: 125,651 riders (compared to 96,937 last year), Taxi: 558,079 riders (compared to 476,831 last year), and shared mobility means: 1,301 riders (compared to 1,011 last year).

Lifting public transport riders to the New Year’s Eve celebrations areas went smoothly, thanks to the comprehensive plan mapped out by RTA in collaboration with the Executive Committee for Securing International and Local Events in Dubai.

The metro service continued around-the-clock and more than 200 buses were deployed to lift riders from celebrations locations to the vehicles parking areas designated for the event.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ROME — Dubai ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost tourism to the emirate.

The sudden New Year’s Day announcement, made by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol retailers, came apparently from a government decree from its ruling Al Maktoum family. However, government officials did not immediately acknowledge the decision and did not respond to questions from The Associated Press.

But it follows years of loosening regulations over liquor in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan and began providing home delivery during the lockdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the UAE, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. During the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar, Dubai’s many bars drew commuting soccer fans.

However, a pint of beer easily can cost over $10 at a bar, with other drinks running even higher. It wasn’t immediately clear if this would cause a price drop at alcohol-serving establishments or if it only would affect those buying it from retailers.

Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is part of the wider Emirates Group, made the announcement in a statement.

“Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all,” said Tyrone Reid of MMI. “These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”

MMI did not respond to a question over whether the decision was permanent. However, an ad put up by MMI urged customers to buy from its stores, saying “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.” Dubai residents long have driven into Umm al-Quwain and other emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.

African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be at least partially held by the state or affiliated firms, also announced the end of the municipality tax and license fees.

Under Dubai law, non-Muslims must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to carry plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest — even though the sheikhdom’s vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges seldom asks to see the permit.

Still, relatively liberal Dubai is an outlier among others in the region. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the nearby nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the oil-rich UAE, ended its alcohol license system in September 2020. The announcement Sunday also came as the UAE prepares to introduce a 9% corporate tax in June atop of other fees and charges it levies while avoiding personal income taxes.

Source: Voice of America

AJMAN, The sky of Ajman Corniche was lit up with a massive fireworks show arranged by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, which coincides with the country’s celebrations of the advent of the New Year 2023.

As of early hours, the venues, roads, and areas surrounding the Ajman Corniche were packed with thousands of visitors who reserved their spots to enjoy the unique festivities and watch the dazzling fireworks show at midnight.

Mahmood Khaleel Al Hashmi, Director-General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, congratulated the Emirati people and the world with the advent of the New Year 2023, and wished the country and leadership a year filled with peace, wellbeing, and stability, and a brighter future for all humanity.

Al Hashmi stressed that the whole world looks forward to the UAE’s incredible New Year’s festivities and fireworks, and the World’s Coolest Winter campaign which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, gives a special touch to New year’s celebrations, activities and entertainment, and the winter tourism that take place in the UAE every year. These events aim to encourage locals and residents to discover the amazing tourist attractions across the whole country.

“The emirate of Ajman has succeeded in becoming one of the prominent destinations that attracts tourists especially during the awaited New Year celebrations. Tourists anticipate Ajman as their favourite winter destination due to the advanced infrastructure, natural diversity, and various shopping and entertainment experiences it offers,” Al Hashmi concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency