Hajj pilgrims use smart gates at Dubai Airport. The facial-recognition smart gates eliminate the need for identification documents at different points in the airport. Photo: GDFRA
Hajj pilgrims use smart gates at Dubai Airport. The facial-recognition smart gates eliminate the need for identification documents at different points in the airport. Photo: GDFRA
Hajj pilgrims use smart gates at Dubai Airport. The facial-recognition smart gates eliminate the need for identification documents at different points in the airport. Photo: GDFRA
Hajj pilgrims use smart gates at Dubai Airport. The facial-recognition smart gates eliminate the need for identification documents at different points in the airport. Photo: GDFRA

UAE

More than 800 pilgrims return to Dubai after Hajj

Travellers are assisted with check-out, immigration and security procedures at the airport

Ali Al Shouk
Ali Al Shouk

July 12, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Pilgrims have started to return home to the UAE after performing the first post-pandemic Hajj.

On Tuesday, nearly 850 passengers landed at Dubai Airport Terminal 1. They flew on special Hajj flights operated by Emirates and Saudia Airline.

Last year, visitors were not permitted to perform Hajj due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) made special arrangements to handle the increased number of passengers.

The returning travellers were assisted with check-out, immigration and security procedures.

Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, general director of GDRFA, said more pilgrims are expected to arrive on Tuesday and in the coming days.

“We instructed to finish the procedures quickly for the pilgrims. Today, we welcomed back 850 pilgrims,” he said.

Smart gates and “smart tunnels” allowed passengers to clear passport control in a couple of minutes.

“With the increasing number of passengers practically during holidays and Hajj season, using latest technologies like smart gates and tunnels helped to finish the passenger’s journey smoothly in a record time,” Lt Gen Al Marri said.

Special fast-track services were also provided to travellers when they went to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the month.

Covid rules for people returning from Hajj

Earlier this month, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority issued safety guidelines for the Hajj season.

People returning from Hajj are encouraged to take an optional test on arrival followed by a mandatory test on day four.

They should quarantine for seven days at home.

This year, Hajj was restricted to only those who have not performed it before and those under the age of 65.

Hajj 2022 — in pictures

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba in Makkah. AP
Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba in Makkah. AP
Hajj pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. AP
Hajj pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. AP
Muslims take part in Hajj rituals at the Kaaba in Makkah. AP
Muslims take part in Hajj rituals at the Kaaba in Makkah. AP
Reporters fly over the Grand Mosque. AP
Reporters fly over the Grand Mosque. AP
Hundreds of buses wait to carry pilgrims. AP
Hundreds of buses wait to carry pilgrims. AP
A satellite image shows pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque. SPA
A satellite image shows pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims on the first day of Tashreeq throw the three Jamarat, beginning with Jamarat al-Soghra, then al-Wusta, and then Jamrat al-Aqaba. SPA
Pilgrims walk to cast stones at a pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
Pilgrims walk to cast stones at a pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo
Pilgrims walk before casting their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims walk before casting their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims walk to cast their stones. Reuters
Pilgrims walk to cast their stones. Reuters
Hajj pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil ritual in Muzdalifa, Saudi Arabia. EPA
Hajj pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil ritual in Muzdalifa, Saudi Arabia. EPA
Pilgrims collect pebbles. EPA
Pilgrims collect pebbles. EPA
Pilgrims cast stones. AP
Pilgrims cast stones. AP
Pilgrims cast stones. AP
Pilgrims cast stones. AP
Pilgrims gather atop Mount Arafat during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Pilgrims gather atop Mount Arafat during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Pilgrims pray as they gather at Mount Arafat. EPA
Pilgrims pray as they gather at Mount Arafat. EPA
Saudi Arabia this year is allowing one million Muslims, including some 850,000 from abroad, to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage for the first time in two years. EPA
Saudi Arabia this year is allowing one million Muslims, including some 850,000 from abroad, to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage for the first time in two years. EPA
A Saudi police helicopter patrols over Namira Mosque in Arafat. AP Photo
A Saudi police helicopter patrols over Namira Mosque in Arafat. AP Photo
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat. Reuters
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat. Reuters
Pilgrims arrive on the plains of Mount Arafat. EPA
Pilgrims arrive on the plains of Mount Arafat. EPA
Pilgrims climb Gebel Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon, as people congregate on the plains of Arafat. EPA
Pilgrims climb Gebel Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon, as people congregate on the plains of Arafat. EPA
Pilgrims gather atop Mount Arafat during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
Pilgrims gather atop Mount Arafat during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
A Muslim woman prays atop Mount Arafat. AFP
A Muslim woman prays atop Mount Arafat. AFP
Muslim pilgrims touch the pillar atop Mount Arafat. AFP
Muslim pilgrims touch the pillar atop Mount Arafat. AFP
Pilgrims gather to pray atop Mount Arafat. AFP
Pilgrims gather to pray atop Mount Arafat. AFP
Pilgrims walk towards the Namirah mosque near Mount Arafat. AFP
Pilgrims walk towards the Namirah mosque near Mount Arafat. AFP
Muslim pilgrims pray on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
Muslim pilgrims pray on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy. AP Photo
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Pilgrims pray on the Mountain of Mercy. AP
Pilgrims pray on the Mountain of Mercy. AP
Pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy. Reuters
Hajj pilgrims head to Mina for the day of Tarwiyah as temperatures hit 44ºC. SPA
Hajj pilgrims head to Mina for the day of Tarwiyah as temperatures hit 44ºC. SPA
Pilgrims pray at the Kaaba in Makkah's Grand Mosque on the eve of the first day of Hajj. SPA
Pilgrims pray at the Kaaba in Makkah's Grand Mosque on the eve of the first day of Hajj. SPA
Hajj pilgrims head to Mina for the day of Tarwiyah as temperatures hit 44ºC. SPA
Hajj pilgrims head to Mina for the day of Tarwiyah as temperatures hit 44ºC. SPA
Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
Day 5, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Given the problems Sri Lanka have had in recent times, it was apt the winning catch was taken by Dinesh Chandimal. He is one of seven different captains Sri Lanka have had in just the past two years. He leads in understated fashion, but by example. His century in the first innings of this series set the shock win in motion.

Stat of the day This was the ninth Test Pakistan have lost in their past 11 matches, a run that started when they lost the final match of their three-Test series against West Indies in Sharjah last year. They have not drawn a match in almost two years and 19 matches, since they were held by England at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in 2015.

The verdict Mickey Arthur basically acknowledged he had erred by basing Pakistan’s gameplan around three seam bowlers and asking for pitches with plenty of grass in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Why would Pakistan want to change the method that has treated them so well on these grounds in the past 10 years? It is unlikely Misbah-ul-Haq would have made the same mistake.

West Asia Premiership

Dubai Hurricanes 58-10 Dubai Knights Eagles

Dubai Tigers 5-39 Bahrain

Jebel Ali Dragons 16-56 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2a)
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Read
RESULTS

ATP China Open
G Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt R Bautista Agut (ESP x5)
7-6, 4-6, 6-2
R Nadal (ESP x1) bt J Isner (USA x6)
6-4, 7-6

WTA China Open
S Halep (ROU x2) bt D Kasatkina (RUS)
6-2, 6-1
J Ostapenko (LAT x9) bt S Cirstea (ROU)
6-4, 6-4

ATP Japan Open
D Schwartzman (ARG x8) bt S Johnson (USA)
6-0, 7-5
D Goffin (BEL x4) bt R Gasquet (FRA)
7-5, 6-2
M Cilic (CRO x1) bt R Harrison (USA)
6-2, 6-0

Section 375

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Meera Chopra & Rahul Bhat

Director: Ajay Bahl

Producers: Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak & SCIPL

Rating: 3.5/5

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet

Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder

Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km

THE LOWDOWN

Romeo Akbar Walter

Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher 

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

While you're here
THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

Astroworld
Travis Scott
Grand Hustle/Epic/Cactus Jack

Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ruwais timeline

1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established

1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants

1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed

1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.  

1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex

2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea

2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd

2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens

2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies

2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export

2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.

2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery 

2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital

2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13

Source: The National

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Updated: July 12, 2022, 2:30 PM`
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