Tourists arriving in the UAE have started receiving a pleasant surprise at the airport.
All visitors above the age of 18 are being given free pre-paid sim cards.
The cards are valid for a month and include three minutes of talk-time along with 20MB of free data.
Authorities say 10,000 of them have already been given to tourists.
It makes Dubai the first destination in the world to provide a complimentary service.
Some Dubai flights cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
Some flights operating at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) were cancelled or delayed on Friday due to adverse weather conditions.
Dubai deploys special patrols, emergency crew to monitor traffic during rains
Dubai Police has deployed a number of patrols, while Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has positioned more than 2,000 staff to respond to any emergencies due to the unstable weather conditions.
UAE leaders congratulate Morocco on FIFA Arab Cup win
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages congratulating King Mohammed VI and Morocco following their win at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar on Thursday.
UAE ministry urges remote work for private sector in weather-hit areas
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is urging private sector companies in areas most affected by the current weather to implement remote work on Friday, December 19.
UAE completes loading aid ship with 10 million meals for Gaza
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian Ship has completed loading over 10 million meals at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai declares remote work for govt. staff, private sector urged to follow suit
Dubai has declared remote working for all government entities on Friday, December 19, due to the unstable weather forecast across the country, with the private sector urged to do the same.
Dubai carriers issue travel advisory amid fluctuating weather
Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) are advised to check their flight status and allow extra time for their journey due to adverse weather.
Dubai Police fully prepared for weather-related emergencies
Dubai Police say they are fully prepared to respond to any emergencies amid unstable weather conditions, with land and marine rescue teams deployed across the emirate.
Dubai public parks, beaches closed for two days
Due to unstable weather conditions, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.
More rain forecast in Dubai for late Thursday, says NCM
More rainfall has been forecast for Dubai from late Thursday to early Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said, warning residents to exercise caution.
UAE issues federal decree-law establishing National Media Authority
The UAE has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Media Authority as a public federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.
UAE leaders laud 'deep-rooted partnership' on Qatar's National Day
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages congratulating Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the country's National Day, which falls on December 18.
Dubai authorities urge caution amid unstable weather
Dubai authorities are urging the public to take precautions as unstable weather is forecast from Wednesday, December 17, through to Friday, December 19.
UAE steps up Gaza relief efforts as winter storm intensifies
The UAE’s humanitarian mission in the Gaza Strip is stepping up relief efforts as winter storms worsen conditions for displaced families.
UAE, Azerbaijan Presidents strengthen bilateral cooperation
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Azerbaijan's leader Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai unveils unified platform to drive future innovation
Dubai is launching a unified platform to advance research, development and innovation across the emirate.
UAE announces new cut-off age for KG, Grade 1 school admissions
Starting the 2026–2027 academic year, the cut-off age for admissions to Kindergarten and Grade 1 will shift to December 31, from the previous date of August 31.
Dubai Police recognised as world’s most agile police force
Dubai Police has been named the world’s most agile police organisation after receiving accreditation from the Business Agility Institute.
UAE honours Professor Majed Chergui with 'Great Arab Minds' award
Professor Majed Chergui has been honoured with the UAE's "Great Arab Minds" award in Natural Sciences for his pioneering contributions to capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale.
UAE issues yellow alert as dusty conditions reduce visibility
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the road after UAE weather bureau issued a yellow dust alert and warned of visibility dropping to less than 2,000 metres in some parts.
Some flights operating at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) were cancelled or delayed on Friday due to adverse weather conditions.
Dubai Police has deployed a number of patrols, while Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has positioned more than 2,000 staff to respond to any emergencies due to the unstable weather conditions.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages congratulating King Mohammed VI and Morocco following their win at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar on Thursday.
