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From driverless taxis and world-class restaurants to corporate taxes and mandatory job insurance, UAE residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as the New Year approaches. Here’s what’s in store for the year ahead.
1. Driverless taxis on Dubai roads
By the end of the year you’ll be able to ride in a driverless taxi. At least 10 of these futuristic robotaxis will start carrying passengers by the end of 2023. These vehicles will be equipped with sensors, cameras and LiDAR systems – light detection and ranging (laser scanning technology) to monitor road conditions and take control to avoid collisions with vehicles. Objects that may not be visible to the human eye.
2. COP28
COP28 will be the most important event in the UAE in 2023, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held in Dubai Expo City from November 30 to December 12 next year. More than 140 heads of state and government and 80,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.
3. Compulsory work insurance
Beginning January 1, employees must enroll in the Unemployment Insurance Program.
Workers with a basic salary of Dh16,000 or less will be required to pay a monthly insurance premium of Dh5. If unemployed for non-disciplinary reasons, the program provides cash benefits for a limited period of time not to exceed three consecutive months per claim.
4. Corporate tax
Businesses will pay UAE corporate tax from June 1. Companies with an annual profit of more than Dh375,000 will pay a 9% tax. Corporate tax will apply to all businesses and individuals conducting business activities in the UAE under a business license.
5. Fines for Failed Emiratization
From January 1, private sector companies with 50 or more employees will have to impose heavy fines if they fail to meet the 2 percent emiratization rate for skilled jobs. Every unemployed Emiratis will be fined Dh6,000 per month.
6. Personal Status Law
A new federal decree on the personal status of all non-Muslim foreigners in the UAE will come into force on February 1 next year. The law regulates various procedures, including those of marriage, divorce and inheritance.
7. The most anticipated holiday destination in Dubai
Dubai’s most anticipated resort, The Royal Atlantis, is due to open in 2023. The hotel has 795 rooms, 90 swimming pools and 17 restaurants, 8 of which are helmed by world-class celebrity chefs. The property will also feature the world’s largest jellyfish aquarium and fire-breathing fountain.
8. Sea World Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s first sea life theme park will be the latest addition to Yas Island’s tourism offering. Between all life on Earth and our oceans.
The 183,000-square-meter bespoke facility is home to more than 68,000 marine animals, including manta rays, sea turtles and reptiles in the world’s largest aquarium, as well as six distinct areas that showcase the complexity, interconnectedness and beauty of life under the sea.
9. Exciting restaurants
With the opening of several exciting new restaurants in Dubai, foodies will have even more options. More than 30 restaurants including Above Eleven (Mariott Palm Jumeirah), City Social (Grosvenor House), Estiatorio Milos (The Royal Atlantis) and Josette (DIFC) will add to Dubai’s thriving culinary scene in the New Year brilliance.
10. Super Music Festival
One of the world’s biggest music festivals will be held in the capital early next year. Ultra Abu Dhabi will be held at Etihad Park on 4-5 March 2023. The event will host two stages—a great room-focused Main Stage and a house-focused Resistance Stage—with a lineup to be announced soon.
11. Snow Park in Abu Dhabi
The world’s largest snow park, Snow Abu Dhabi, opened at the capital’s Coral Reef Mall, bringing residents a fun-filled experience. The 10,000-square-foot park is divided into distinct areas and features 13 world-class rides and attractions in addition to the Snow Garden.
12. The most immersive giant roller coaster in the world
If roller coasters are your thing, the launch of Mission Ferrari at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is for you. Billed as the world’s most immersive giant roller coaster, it offers an exhilarating, high-intensity and multi-sensory 5D roller coaster experience, including the world’s first side-to-side roller coaster.
13. New Dh1,000 notes
A new Dh1,000 banknote will be issued in the first half of 2023. Made of polymer, the banknote will depict the success story of the UAE’s achievements in space and clean energy.
14. Ajman plastic ban
Plastic bags will be banned in Ajman from next year. The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department earlier said they were conducting a study to find the most sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags.
15. Instant payment platform
You may be using an Instant Payments Platform (IPP) for financial transactions.
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) said the IPP will be launched in the first quarter of 2023 with a group of licensed financial institutions.
16. More shops on Sharjah’s newest waterfront
Sharjah’s newest leisure development, Al Heera Beach, will add several restaurants and entertainment areas by the first quarter of 2023. The three commercial units that opened here on December 22 include a restaurant, café and gym.
17. Robot Biobank
The UAE will open its first biobank, which is expected to manage around 7 million samples. The Al Jailia Foundation is investing AED17 million in a state-of-the-art facility aimed at advancing medical research in the areas of genetic disorders, cancer and other chronic diseases and epidemics.
18. The tallest hotel in the world
The world’s tallest hotel may not open in 2023, but it will certainly dwarf the city’s many skyscrapers. The Ceil Tower in Dubai Marina will reach 365 meters high, 9 meters higher than Dubai’s previous record holder, the Gevora Hotel.
19. Chinatown at The Dubai Mall
Next year the Dubai Mall will open a one-stop shop for all things Chinese. Like other Chinatowns around the world, the Emaar-backed business will be home to Chinese shops and bakeries.
20. Mini Soccer World Cup
Ras Al Khaimah will host the 2023 Mini Soccer World Cup. Held every two years, the tournament attracts thousands of spectators and fans from all over the world.
21. Maldives-inspired resort at RAK
A Maldivian resort-inspired hotel is opening in Ras Al Khaimah. Overlooking a mangrove-lined ecological reserve, Anantara Mina Al Arab will feature 306 rooms and overwater villas, the first of its kind in the UAE.
22. Dubai reopens
This is not brand new, but long awaited. The world’s largest and tallest Ferris wheel is likely to reopen in the first quarter of 2023. Bluewater Island attraction was closed for maintenance and renovation in March of this year.
23. New flights to Bangkok, Surat
Emirates will launch a fourth flight between Bangkok and the UAE from January 1. The additional flights will be operated by the airline’s flagship Airbus A380. Meanwhile, Indian budget carrier Air India Express has announced plans to start a daily service between Sharjah and Surat from mid-2023.
Copyright © 2022 Khaleej Times. all rights reserved. Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndicate Information).
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