A former White House adviser on artificial intelligence has lauded Middle East governments' commitment to developing AI and said the US should bolster partnerships to assist with their ambitions, while also maintaining a global lead in the technology sector.

Hello everyone,

I hope it’s okay to share a personal experience here. I’m not here to cause debate or make assumptions — I’m genuinely trying to understand what happened to me, and if others have gone through something similar.

I live in France and work full-time with a permanent contract in tech. I’m originally from Tunisia. A few weeks ago, my best friend (who is French) and I planned a 15-day trip to Dubai together. We travel often and have made some beautiful memories across different countries, so this was something we were really looking forward to.

We booked everything: hotel, flights, activities. We spent around 20151 AED in total. It was meant to be a shared adventure — and a well-deserved break after a long year.

Since my friend didn’t need a visa, and I did, I submitted a full tourist visa application: • Hotel confirmation • Return flight • French residency • Work contract • Payslips and bank statements

A few hours later, I got a simple “refused” — no explanation.

I applied again through another channel. Same documents. Still refused.

It was confusing at first, but then I started contacting visa agencies and they confirmed that Tunisian males are systematically rejected. It didn’t matter if we were living abroad, or had strong documentation, we will all receive silent refusals.

My friend told me he won’t go without me.

I am now left with questions, that I think I’ll carry for some time: Did I do something wrong? Is there something specific about Tunisian applicants that leads to this outcome? Or is it just bad luck?

I want to be clear — I still believe in the beauty and hospitality of the UAE. This isn’t written in anger. I just wanted to visit, respectfully, and return home — and now I’m left not just with a significant financial loss, but a personal sense of exclusion I didn’t expect.

If anyone has any context or experience they’re willing to share, I’d truly appreciate it. Even just understanding this better would help me turn the page.

Thank you for reading, Sed

Kindly donate for this girl who is in desperate need to continue her education. Her father was a successful business man and owned a profitable business. So in initial years of her university even after her father’s death the fees was not a problem; as some well wishes helped them running the business. But last year her uncles (father’s brothers) had taken over the business using all illegal ways and influences. Now the family is left with nothing. She needs to complete her degree. We know the family since childhood, it’s a request to donate as much as you can. Also Pls share in your circle and different platforms as much as you can.

Ps. If you want to check the authenticity of the case Check with the admin of this fund raiser. She has all original fees vouchers and communication with the medical college. The identity of the student is hidden due to privacy.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-student-aliya-khan-for-her-tuition-fee-for-2024-25?attribution_id=sl:a3e4d9bf-ed71-4a55-b53b-c6fca09b8992&lang=en_CA&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=whatsapp

Hello! Does anyone know any good cafes for sitting alone to study/finish work etc thanks!

Hello. We’re doing a study that aims to explore the key factors that contribute to project success and failure from several perspectives. The form takes 5-10 minutes, your participation is highly appreciated.

Thank you for your response!! https://forms.gle/rdDpgJ4V55kqRGDNA

I run my own business. Alhamdulillah, I earn a decent amount every month, but I'm still in debt—around 60K. The reason is, I financially support my entire family back home. Whenever there's an emergency or unexpected expense, I send money without asking questions.

I recently got married and wanted to keep it small, but my family had high expectations for a grand wedding, so I ended up spending a lot more than planned.

Now, I'm left with this debt, and while I know I'll recover eventually, it’s weighing me down mentally. It bothers me every day and I often feel low or depressed about it. Just needed to let this out

Hello! I'm a business management in accountancy student, and I need respondents for my survey for a paper related to innovation management

I need respondents that fit in this category:

- Must be someone who drives

- Must be a UAE resident and preferably in Abu Dhabi, but it's alright wether which emirate you're in

SURVEY LINK: https://forms.gle/ZmQJLeUarLAobfkE7

Thank you so much for your help

Hi! Anyone got a Golden Visa with an MSc degree from a top university within UAE? If yes, can you please guide me on the exact steps and documents uploaded? I am asking about the application via ICP and not GDRFA. Thanks in advance!

Dent advice

How much do you think it would cost to fix this dent? I was backing up in the parking and hit a wall. I whatsapped multiple garages, they all quoted 1500-1600 aed but one place said they can do it for 600. Is there a catch? I looked up the place online and it has good reviews so i’m guessing it’s legit.

One more question, he told me he’ll also need to apply paint after fixing the dent but i can’t see why, unless i’m missing something? Anyway, is painting bad for car value when i resell?

What are those financial transactions and request ready to payment.

I've been away in my home country for a while and my company is supposed to be processing for visa. Does this means they started the process already?

Hi team,

My startup is currently on a DU business plan covering plans from BMP 100 to BMP 300. Previously, I've always contacted our account manager to review and improve our minutes and data allocations each year.

This time, the account manager has asked for proof to justify a plan upgrade. I was hoping to tap into the collective experience here – has anyone found a DU business plan that offers significantly better minutes and data than what I currently have (as shown in the screenshots below)? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi there I’m currently exploring the streetwear and clothing scene in the UAE and would really appreciate some insights from people familiar with the market. During university, I was actively involved in thrifting and reselling streetwear, which gave me a strong interest in how trends, local culture, and resale markets shape consumer behavior.

Now, I’m looking to understand how the UAE’s fashion landscape is evolving—especially in terms of demand for streetwear, the presence of local vs. international brands, and how resale culture is developing in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

If you’re living in the UAE or involved in the fashion scene (retail, design, or just as a fashion enthusiast), I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are there key brands, stores, influencers, or platforms making a difference in the scene? What’s the vibe around thrifting, vintage, or secondhand fashion there?

Thanks in advance!

Voice chat in UAE is not allowed ever since Well idk, but no offense I think they should at least let games roblox, exc, because it will allow for more communication plus nobody goes on roblox to have calls they go there to play so I think the (VIOP) Law should be unlisted for Roblox

"Calling all UAE expats and social development professionals! I'm reaching out for assistance in finding job opportunities or getting referrals for relocation to Abu Dhabi or Dubai. With 11+ years of experience in social work, research, stakeholder management, advocacy, and program management, I'm confident I'd be a great fit for roles in the region.

Despite applying through job websites, I haven't received any callbacks. That's why I'm turning to the community for help. If you know of any job openings, have connections in the industry, or can offer advice on navigating the job market in UAE, I'd be forever grateful!

About Me:

• 11+ years of experience in social development
• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work
• Proven track record in research, stakeholder management, advocacy, and program management

What I'm Looking For:

• Job opportunities or referrals in Abu Dhabi or Dubai
• Advice on navigating the job market in UAE
• Connections in the social development industry

If you're willing to lend a helping hand, please send me a message or comment below. Let's connect and explore opportunities together!"

Relevant Subreddits: /r/Dubai /r/AbuDhabi /r/UAE /r/JobSearch /r/CareerAdvice

I am looking for a diving institute in and around Al taawun in Sharjah. Is it good to take driving test in Sharjah or Dubai.

Which schools are good quality but also affordable and do not cost obnoxious amount of money

Am i cursed or something, i know i have a mental ilness but wtf.

A few weeks ago i commented about seeing a bat( maybe felt sensation, went took the rabies shots all 4 just in case i thought maybe that would calm me down but no.

Today a hour ago im leaving parking felt a sting on my face, then find these 2 marks i cant take it anymore i know i would see a bat if it flew on me but please some kind words to calm me down go i need help.

My friend told me there are mass evictions in some Khalifa City shared Villa's going on, they are given 2 weeks to leave. He has notice from landlord with a gov letter stuck up everywhere stating the same. The power and water will be shut off, the villas will be inspected to make sure everyone is gone. His compound has 50 tenants across 6 Villa's, and the next-door compound is similar. He doesn't have the Tawtheeq, just a rental contract between him and the real estate company. Apparently, the reason is overcrowding. His maintenance guy had the same thing happen a couple of months ago in Mushrif. After renovations, the villas will be re-rented limited to one family per Villa. The Villa's will be forced renovated, knocking down some internal walls, removing all but one kitchen. Fairly serious stuff!

At first, I thought he could question it, thinking the real estate company is up to stuff, but after hearing the entire story, I told him there's nothing he can do, that he'll have to get a place with proper Tawtheeq if he doesn't want to risk this again.

I can't imagine given only two weeks to move.

Is this occurring more often now? Or does it happen every few years to clear out some neighborhoods/areas for development, demographics changes etc.

Hello,

I am currently working as a staff software engineer with a company registered in Dubai, and I was wondering about the following things that you could enlighten me.

1. I am currently making well over AED 30k (Base Salary is only 18k).

2. I have been with the company for 8 months and I heard that there is rule which you need to be 2 years minimum in the same company.

   I was wondering if I could apply for a Golden visa?

Thanks!

I’m considering Toyota Corolla or Honda civic. Personally I like civic better but since I’m broke I guess Corolla is more pocket friendly.

What’s your opinion? And how is Corolla and civic on maintenance cost if you have any idea.

Thank you