Well over a year ago, Gulf News decided that the reader queries coming in, both in terms of volume and specificity needed a section dedicated to answering the issues raised. And, thus, was born the Living in UAE section.
Next came the matter of the right person for it and Huda Tabrez, who was then part of the digital team in the role of Community Web Editor seemed a good fit. Now, 16 months later, she lives and breathes Living in UAE, driven by reader issues, their concerns and queries.
We thought it was time for you to meet her and understand why this section should be a necessary part of your day.
What is the section all about?
The Living in UAE section was launched on November 28, 2019 as a single point of reference for everything you needed to know to make your life easier in the UAE. From elaborating on federal laws and important immigration related procedures like applying for visas or seeking amnesty, to detailed guides on how to pick the right school for your child, or getting yourself set up when you first land in the UAE, the articles provide readers with fact-checked, authoritative and detailed information.
Why was it launched?
Every country has its own specific laws and social structures in place, and it can take some time for a person to familiarise themselves with the regulations, and also get used to the rules of the land. However, in the UAE, this is even more the case, as the country is home to over 200 nationalities, with a transient population as well. The Living in UAE section was launched to provide readers with information they would need to live in the UAE, be well informed and stay updated.
How does it add value to a Gulf News readers’ life?
Over the past year and a half, readers have not only been able to browse through detailed guides on topics like visa and immigration, banking, education, housing and health, they have also regularly written in to Gulf News, raising their everyday queries and concerns, as they know that the information they receive will be reliable and clear. We publish these queries under the Ask Us section.
Living in UAE covers a wide range of topics, which are all essential to living here. When you first land, you would need to know how to apply for your visa, get your mobile SIM in place, open up a bank account and also what an Emirates ID is and how you can get one. Typically, this information would be available somewhere on a number of websites or bank brochures. However, how updated is that brochure in your hand? Have the rules changed recently, making the information outdated? This is where the Living in UAE section has played a pivotal role in facilitating the everyday lives of UAE residents and visitors.
Over a short period of time, the section has established itself as a reliable source of information, as we have a clear focus when it comes to the type of content which is provided. Not only does it have to be verified and reliable, it also has to be clear and to the point so that the reader does not need to go anywhere else, to get any other information that he or she might need. Whether you want to complete a government process like applying for a business licence or a personal task like calculating gratuity or getting a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, you only need to head to gulfnews.com/living-in-uae.
Not only does the information have to be verified and reliable, it also has to be clear and to the point, so that the reader does not need to go anywhere else, to get any other information that he or she might need.
How has Living in UAE established itself as a single point of authoritative information?
The information provided in the section is only from official authorities and established experts.
Earlier this year, we launched a ‘Safety and security’ sub-section, in collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), which provides readers with information critical to their safety. From understanding police procedures to learning how you can protect your family and yourself in case of a fire, the section helps educate readers on how to stay safe and contribute to a safe society.
All the legal queries raised by Gulf News readers and guides on updates to the UAE’s laws are addressed by the top law firms and legal experts in the country. We have also built a healthy line of communication with all the essential government departments, who work closely with us to provide updated and accurate information that readers can rely on.
All your answers can be found at gulfnews.com/living-in-uae.