News
Policy updates, China–UAE developments, industry news and official Middle East travel alerts.
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure have signed a binding Definitive Agreement to build and operate a four-vertiport Advanced Air Mobility network. The first phase will connect Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais, targeting commercial launch in the third quarter of 2027. Future expansion plans include two additional vertiports and an inter-emirate connection to Dubai.
Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of UAE debit transactions once its partnership with Al Etihad Payments is fully implemented. The project positions Mastercard as the underlying switching and processing technology provider for the UAE's national card switch and domestic Jaywan scheme. Concurrently, China's UnionPay International is expanding its own partnership with Al Etihad Payments to accept Jaywan cards across its network.
Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of debit transactions in the UAE once its rollout with Al Etihad Payments is complete. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs event, Hai pointed to the UAE partnership as a strategic model for navigating national sovereignty payment initiatives, alongside references to operations in China. The UAE's domestic payments entity is also expanding cross-border acceptance and co-branded card ties with China's UnionPay International.
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has published a list of 100 international universities whose graduates are eligible for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa. Applicants must hold a degree from one of the designated top 100 institutions to qualify under the University Graduates pathway. The list features institutions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
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