Global

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai Virtual Work Visa Enables Foreign Remote Workers to Reside Under Self-Sponsorship

The UAE and Dubai offer a one-year virtual work residence visa allowing foreign professionals employed outside the country to live in the emirate under self-sponsorship. Requirements published by federal immigration authorities include overseas employment proof and a minimum monthly salary of $3,500. The regulation applies to qualifying remote workers globally and is managed via federal and Dubai immigration channels.

Industry News

OCBC Raises Aluminium Price Forecast Amid Slower Gulf Smelter Output Recovery

OCBC has lifted its end-2026 aluminium price forecast to roughly US$3,150 per tonne due to subdued recovery across Gulf smelters. GCC smelter production growth slowed to 2 percent month-on-month in August, while Chinese output rose 4.7 percent year-on-year. Chinese unwrought aluminium and product exports also increased by 17.3 percent during the month.

Industry News

Brent Crude Tops $107 After Strike on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field

Brent crude prices rose over 4% to $107.95 per barrel following an attack on Iran's South Pars gas infrastructure and subsequent retaliatory threats against Gulf energy sites. Iranian media confirmed damage at the Asaluyeh refinery, while benchmark crude remained above $100 for four consecutive sessions. Meanwhile, Iraqi pipeline exports partially resumed amid ongoing regional output disruptions and Strait of Hormuz transit constraints.

China–UAE News

Who Is Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City Chairman and Mubadala CEO?

Khaldoon Al Mubarak has come under the spotlight as the Manchester City financial breaches controversy impacts UK-UAE relations. Al Mubarak serves as the UAE's presidential special envoy to China, managing director and group CEO of Mubadala, and chairman of City Football Group. Reports indicate that major Emirati investments in the UK could be jeopardised by the ongoing Premier League dispute.