Startup Saudi

Freelancers and social media influencers in the UAE must complete their corporate tax registration by March 31, 2025, if their 2024 business revenue exceeds Dh1 million by July 31, 2024. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) classifies a 'natural person' as any individual, whether resident or non-resident, involved in business activities in the UAE, including sole proprietors and individual partners in unincorporated partnerships. #UAE #CorporateTax #Freelancers #Influencers #TaxRegistration

Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the UAE's game-changing satellite, Etihad-SAT, revolutionizing Earth observation for disaster management, oil spill detection, and more. The launch, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is scheduled for the first week of March 2025 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Developed with South Korea's Satrec Initiative, the 220kg satellite will operate in Low Earth Orbit, utilizing advanced SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology for high-resolution imaging in any weather condition. This launch marks a significant milestone in the UAE's space journey, boosting its Earth observation capabilities. #SpaceX #ElonMusk #EtihadSAT #UAE #SatelliteTechnology #EarthObservation

In March 2025, the UAE will introduce a new federal decree-law to update its traffic regulations, including a lower legal driving age of 17, and regulations for newer forms of personal transport such as e-bikes and e-scooters. The law also introduces stricter penalties for traffic vio_lations, with dru_nk driving offenders facing fines up to Dh100,000 and/or impr_isonment, jaywalkers facing increased fines, and those involved in hit-and-run ac_cidents facing up to two years in pris_on and a Dh100,000 fine. These changes aim to enhance road safety and ensure the proper regulation of emerging transport modes. #UAETrafficLaw #LowerDrivingAge #StricterPenalties #RoadSafety

Dubai Municipality has announced extended operating hours for public parks and recreational facilities during Ramadan 2025, allowing visitors more leisure time to enjoy these spaces. Parks such as Mushrif Park, Al Khor Park, and Zabeel Park will remain open from 9 am to 11 pm, while Mushrif National Park and Mamzar Park will be open from 8 am to 10 pm. Safa Park will operate from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Children’s City will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 4 pm on weekends. Quranic Park will be accessible from 8 am to 10 pm, and Dubai Parks will remain open until 1 am. Al Marmoom Lakes and Suhaila Lakes will be available 24/7. These extended hours aim to offer visitors ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and Ramadan events. #Ramadan2025 #DubaiParks #ExtendedHours #DubaiMunicipality

Service charges in Dubai are expected to increase by up to 10% this year due to higher operational costs, including maintenance, district cooling, and utilities. Older buildings require frequent upgrades and replacements. Properties like Bulgari Resort and Dubai Marina see higher rates, impacting buying decisions. #DubaiProperty #ServiceCharges #RealEstate #MaintenanceCosts #DistrictCooling #DubaiMarket

Dubai businessman Mirwais Azizi has donated Dh3 billion to the Fathers Endowment campaign to build a non-profit hospital in memory of his daughter, Farishta, who passed away from can_cer. The hospital will provide free and affordable can_cer care and feature a research facility for advanced treatment. #Dubai #Care #NonProfit #AziziGroup #Philanthropy

Dubai Esports and Games Festival Returns in April with Citywide Events. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will return for its fourth edition from April 25 to May 11, 2025. This year’s festival promises an exciting mix of entertainment, esports competitions, and industry events, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global gaming hub. Highlights include meet-and-greets with top stars, world-first game showings, the GameExpo, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and interactive experiences. The GameExpo, featuring eight gaming zones, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9-11. DEF offers something for everyone, from casual gamers to esports enthusiasts. #DEF2025 #DubaiGaming #EsportsFestival #GameExpo #DubaiEvents

Pakistani education fintech startup EduFi has made history by winning the Rocket Fuel Pitch International Competition, beating over 2,000 competitors. The competition was held during the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Saudi Arabia, where EduFi’s innovative approach to student financing impressed judges. EduFi streamlines the borrowing process for students, offering credit vetting and paying tuition upfront, with students repaying monthly as they study. Founder and CEO Aleena Nadeem, an MIT graduate, was awarded a $250,000 cash prize for her company’s success. This victory marks the first time Pakistan has claimed the top spot at the prestigious competition. #EduFi #TechInnovation #Pakistan #Startups #EducationFintech

"Ramadan with the Family" Initiative: Distance Learning Fridays for Public Schools.The Ministry of Education has launched the "Ramadan with the Family" initiative. Designating Fridays as distance learning days for public school students during Ramadan 2025. This initiative allows students to balance academic progress while engaging in spiritual and family activities. Students with pre-approved exams on Fridays will continue to attend as scheduled, while teaching staff will remain available at schools for those opting for in-person learning. The initiative encourages students to embrace cultural traditions, strengthen family bonds, and participate in meaningful learning experiences. #RamadanWithTheFamily #DistanceLearning #Education #SpiritualGrowth #FamilyTime #HolisticLearning #Ramadan2025 #AcademicBalance #CulturalValues #UAE

Saudi Arabia Calls for Ramadan 2025 Crescent Sighting. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has urged Muslims to sight the Ramadan 2025 crescent on Friday, February 28. If the Moon is seen, Ramadan will begin on March 1; otherwise, it will start on March 2. The moon sighting committees will verify reports, and Muslims are encouraged to participate as an act of righteousness and piety. The UAE’s International Astronomy Center also predicts Ramadan to start on March 1, based on astronomical calculations. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid al-Fitr will begin on March 30, with public holidays from March 30 to April 1. If it extends to 30 days, Eid will start on March 31, with holidays from March 31 to April 2. #Ramadan2025 #SaudiArabia #MoonSighting #EidAlFitr #IslamicCalendar #RamadanMubarak #CrescentSighting