News
News and updates on what’s happening in Dubai. Announcements and important information about the emirate that the residents should be aware of. Here we share current events and advisories, as well as trends for your reference.
OWWA Vows Faster, Clearer Transactions for OFW Families
ARTA, DMW, and OWWA opened Ease of Doing Business Month 2026 with a call for faster and more humane services for OFWs. Officials highlighted “red carpet” service, anti-red tape reforms, digitalization, and stronger No Gift and No Fixer policies to protect migrant workers and their families.
OWWA Marks 10th Charter Year With 3 New OFW Programs
OWWA marked the 10th anniversary of Republic Act No. 10801, or the OWWA Act, by signing three Memorandum of Instructions. The programs focus on skills training, lifelong learning, and updated livelihood support for returning OFWs under Alagang OWWA and reintegration efforts.
Dubai Opens First Smart Bus Station at Mall of the Emirates
Dubai’s RTA has opened the Mall of the Emirates Smart Bus Station, the city’s first smart bus station. It serves 11 bus routes and connects directly to the Metro. The station offers real-time bus updates, digital customer services, AI-powered cameras, ticket top-ups, and solar-powered sustainability features.
Ship Carrying PH Crew Hit in Hormuz, Safe Passage Deal Reviewed
Senator Erwin Tulfo wants the DFA to ask Iran if its safe passage assurance for Filipino seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz still stands. This comes after seven Filipino crew members aboard CMA CGM San Antonio were injured in a reported drone attack on May 5.
Woman Detained at UAE Airport Over Instagram Comment About ‘Fake Handbag’
A woman traveling with her family was detained at a UAE airport after authorities flagged her for a legal complaint stemming from an Instagram comment.....
1 in 361 Applicants: Ultra-Competitive Odds of Landing a Job at Emirates Group is 0.28%
According to the Emirates Group's 2025-26 annual report, the company received 3.5 million job applications but hired only 9,700 people. This reflects an ultra-competitive recruitment process, with just 0.28% of applicants securing a position.
Philippine Economy Grows 2.8%, Slowest Since Pandemic
The Philippine economy grew by 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, based on PSA data. Services helped support growth, while agriculture and industry declined slightly. Household spending, government spending, exports, and imports rose, but capital formation fell during the same period.
Philippines Pushes Stronger OFW Protection at UN Migration Forum
The Philippines reaffirmed its call for stronger migrant worker protection at the International Migration Review Forum in New York. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said discussions covered labor rights, ethical recruitment, remittances, financial education, consular cooperation, and better reintegration support for returning OFWs.
Nearly 3,000 OFWs Sought Cash Aid from MWO Dubai
Nearly 3,000 OFWs in Dubai and the Northern Emirates applied for Philippine government financial aid after the Middle East crisis affected their jobs and income. MWO Dubai said many applications came in within minutes, with salary cuts listed as the most common reason for seeking help.
MWO Dubai Batch 4 Financial Aid Now Closed: 1,100 Slots Now Full
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Dubai has announced that the Batch 4 online application links for the DMW one-time financial assistance for OFWs are now....
