Weekend Digest: New Schengen visa rules, passport rankings, Emirates hiring, rare solar eclipse, expat deaths, and more

It’s been a headline-heavy week in the UAE, with key developments spanning travel, finance, immigration, and expat affairs. From stricter visa rules for UAE travellers heading to Europe to a major shift in how banks deliver OTPs, several changes could affect your daily life.

The Indian passport climbed in global rankings, gaining more visa-free access, while Pakistan’s passport remains among the weakest. Saudi Arabia confirmed the death of Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled, known as the ‘Sleeping Prince,’ after nearly two decades in a coma.

Tragically, two Indian expats from Kerala were found dead in separate incidents—one on her birthday and first day at work in Sharjah, and the other, a doctor, whose sudden death is under investigation.

Amid these headlines, stories of inspiration emerged: a 26-year-old Filipina CEO is making waves in the UAE, and rising tennis star Alexandra Eala is set for her US Open debut. Plus, Emirates Group is hiring, with pilot and cabin crew salary details now available.

Here’s a full roundup of the week’s biggest stories — scroll down for your quick recap

On August 2, 2027, a rare total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of three continents, offering one of the longest periods of totality seen in over a century. Read more ➜

UAE travellers applying for a Schengen visa to Switzerland must now complete an online form via VFS Global’s portal before booking an appointment — a new step effective from June 18, 2025. Read more ➜

India climbed eight spots to 77th in the Henley Passport Index over six months, adding two visa-free destinations to reach 59. The passport now offers access to 193 of 227 countries, according to the latest index. Read more ➜

Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud has died after spending nearly two decades in a coma following a 2005 car crash in London. Then 15, the royal suffered severe brain injuries and never regained full consciousness despite extensive treatment. Read more ➜

From humble beginnings in the Philippines to leading a thriving training center in Sharjah, Gerryl Gaid is transforming vocational education and inspiring the next generation of Filipino leaders abroad. Read more ➜

Recent leaks have set the tech world abuzz with claims about major hardware changes coming to Apple’s flagship iPhones. These rumours have yet to be confirmed by Apple, but fans and critics alike can’t help but speculate: could the iPhone 17 Pro/Max finally be the generational leap iPhone devotees have been waiting for? Read more ➜

Emirates Group plans to hire 17,300 people across 350 roles this year, hosting over 2,100 recruitment events in 150 cities to attract pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and IT professionals. Read more ➜

UAE banks will start phasing out OTPs via SMS and email from Friday, July 25, under new Central Bank rules. Customers must shift to app-based authentication for all transactions. Read more ➜

Athulya Sekhar, an Indian expat from Kerala, was found dead in her Sharjah apartment on Saturday — coinciding with her 30th birthday and first day at a new job. The mother of a 10-year-old girl, her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the UAE’s south Indian expat community. Read more ➜

Pakistan’s passport ranks 96th in the 2025 Henley Index, tied with Somalia and Yemen, offering visa-free access to just 32 destinations. Read more ➜

Three years after winning the US Open girls' title, Alex Eala is set for her women’s singles main draw debut in New York. Now ranked No. 56, the 20-year-old Filipina is on the official entry list for the US Open (Aug 24–Sept 7), marking her third Grand Slam appearance this season. Read more ➜

An Indian expat doctor from Kerala was found dead at her apartment in Abu Dhabi early morning on Tuesday Dr Dhanalakshmi, 54, was a general dentist with Lifecare Hospital in Musaffah. Read more ➜