Weekend Digest: UAE halts balance hike; Schengen visa woes; Eid Al Adha holidays and more

It’s been an eventful week in the UAE, packed with key developments on visas, education, transport, and public safety. From new Schengen visa rules and a judge’s act of kindness praised by the President to fresh work opportunities in Germany for UAE residents — here are the top stories you need to know. Scroll down for a quick recap and stay informed.

In a major new development, the UAE Central Bank has ordered all banks to halt planned hikes in minimum balance requirements for personal accounts. This suspension comes amid concerns over the impact on consumers, following reports that some banks intended to raise the minimum balance from Dh3,000 to Dh5,000 starting June 1, with fees up to Dh105 for non-compliance. Read more ➜

Starting July 1, Germany will no longer allow appeals (remonstrations) for rejected visa applications worldwide, including Schengen visas. Previously, applicants could request a review within a month of refusal. This change follows a successful pilot project aimed at freeing up staff to handle more applications and reduce wait times. The move is intended to improve efficiency in visa processing. Read more ➜

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured a judge from Umm Al Quwain for a compassionate act in 2019. The judge waived a Dh60,000 fine for an Afghan father who overstayed residency visas, personally paying the remaining amount and gifting the father’s son, named Zayed after the UAE’s founder, a UAE flag scarf. The gesture symbolized mercy and cultural solidarity, earning praise nationwide as a true reflection of Emirati values. Read more ➜

The UAE has declared a four-day Eid Al Adha holiday for both government and private sector employees, from June 5 to June 8, covering Arafat Day and Eid. Work will resume on Monday, June 9. Read more ➜

The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) faces scrutiny over a property deal involving "ghost condominium units" sold to the government. Irregularities include no OWWA Board approval and a questionable ₱36 million tax payment by the buyer. The deal involved 52 demolished units still transferred to the government, valued at ₱97 million. These issues led to the OWWA administrator’s dismissal. Read more ➜

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen reflects on Dubai’s growth from the World Trade Centre era to a thriving city. Now a single mother, actress, and entrepreneur, she co-owns Dubai-based Renee Jewellers. Recently, she honoured healthcare workers at the Aster Guardians Nursing Awards, praising nurses as “unsung heroes” and encouraging women to join. At 50, she challenges age and gender norms with her lead role in the crime drama Arya. Read more ➜

Germany has launched a new one-year Opportunity Card, allowing UAE residents—especially South Asian professionals—to live and work in Germany without a job offer or employer sponsorship. This points-based immigration pathway offers a faster, cheaper alternative to studying in Germany, enabling applicants to start working immediately. Applicants need at least six out of 14 points based on age, qualifications, experience, and language skills, with degree holders automatically qualifying. Read more ➜

UAE residents planning trips to Europe for Eid Al Adha or summer are struggling to get Schengen visa appointments, with slots mostly booked and rejection rates rising. Germany, which received over 1.5 million visa applications in 2024, has scrapped its appeal process for rejections, adding to travellers' challenges. While alternative destinations exist, VFS Global advises early planning to avoid issues. Schengen visa applications rose to 11.7 million in 2024, with over 9.7 million visas issued—higher than in 2023 but still below pre-pandemic levels. Read more ➜

Pakistan’s proposed $10 billion high-speed rail between Lahore and Islamabad is drawing criticism as a vanity project amid a deep financial crisis. With low tax revenues, soaring debt, and urgent needs in education and healthcare, critics say the plan is fiscally reckless and offers little benefit over existing road travel. Read more ➜

Renewing a driving licence in Dubai is easy and requires a valid Emirates ID, an eye test, and for some, a medical fitness check. Under-21s pay Dh100; 21 and above pay Dh300, plus Dh20 in fees and Dh140–Dh180 for the eye test. A mobile truck service costs Dh500 extra. Renewals can be done online, via apps, at driving institutes, or self-service machines at 12 locations across Dubai. Read more ➜