UAE Opens Golden Visa to Indians Without Property or Business Investment

UAE Opens Golden Visa to Indians Without Property or Business Investment

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new route for Indian citizens to obtain the prestigious Golden Visa — now without the need to buy property or launch a business. This shift is part of a pilot program that simplifies the path to long-term residency, specifically targeting skilled Indian professionals and creators.

The Golden Visa offers a 10-year or lifetime residency permit that allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. With the new update, eligible Indians can apply by nomination through approved UAE partners and pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).

This initiative reflects the UAE’s strategic efforts to strengthen its knowledge-based economy and deepen ties with India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. The program is expected to receive over 5,000 applications in its first 90 days.

What’s New for Indians?

Under the new scheme:

  • No property purchase, business license, or investment is needed.

  • Applicants must be nominated by approved UAE partner organizations.

  • A fixed one-time fee of AED 100,000 covers lifetime visa eligibility, including admin costs.

  • No recurring taxes or investment maintenance required.

The visa allows unrestricted re-entry and continued residency even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.

Who Can Apply?

The pilot program is open to individuals with experience or expertise in sectors of interest to the UAE, such as:

  • Senior professionals in education, healthcare, and corporates

  • University lecturers, school teachers, and experienced nurses

  • Digital creators (YouTubers, podcasters, filmmakers, authors)

  • Coders, esports professionals, yacht owners, and maritime workers

Application Process:

  1. Contact an authorized agent. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS Global and One Vasco, is managing the nomination process in India.

  2. Submit your qualifications and background at One Vasco centres.

  3. Pay the one-time fee.

  4. Complete background checks, including criminal, financial, and social media history.

  5. Receive Golden Visa approval and lifetime residency rights upon clearance.

This simplified path to UAE residency makes the Golden Visa more accessible to talented Indians from non-investment backgrounds, marking a significant policy shift in the region’s migration landscape.


Sofitel Hanoi Celebrates Tet Trung Thu with New Mooncakes

Sofitel Hanoi Celebrates Tet Trung Thu with New Mooncakes

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2025

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled its 2025 mooncake collection just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it’s nothing short of a cinematic experience.

Drawing inspiration from a historic moment in 1916, when the very first film screening in Hanoi took place at the Metropole itself, this year’s theme, “Metropole Cinema: Hanoi through Film” captures the soul of the city in a nostalgic, artistic light.

These hand-baked mooncakes, crafted with no preservatives and filled with both classic and creative flavours, reflect the refined legacy of the hotel.

The collection includes varieties like Red Bean & Pistachios, Lotus Seeds & Macadamia Nuts, Green Bean & Date, Traditional Mix, Green Bean with Apricot & Salted Egg, and Black Sesame with Sunflower Seeds. Each one is prepared by Metropole’s culinary experts and is available in both traditional baked and snowskin styles.

The mooncake boxes are a visual treat too, designed with care and an eye for Hanoi’s past, echoing the city’s old cinematic vibe.

There are special deals too: early birds who place their orders before September 26 can grab one complimentary six-piece Heritage Box for every eight boxes purchased. Orders of 15, 30 or more boxes qualify for up to 15% off, and Accor Plus members, companies and agencies get an extra 10% discount. These discounts apply to single invoices and not across multiple orders. Note that promotional rates are not available for the two-piece, lacquer, or Super VIP boxes.

Tet Trung Thu, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for families in Vietnam to reconnect, share mooncakes, sip tea, and wish for a prosperous future. Metropole’s 2025 mooncake range is more than just a seasonal delight, it’s a journey back in time, rich in memory and elegance.

To order or learn more, visit the Metropole website or contact their team at 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8200) or via email at Bang.Au@sofitel.com or visit https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/dining/metropole-2025-legendary-mooncakes/.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless  a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.


Aeroflot Cancels Over 40 Flights Amid Information System Failure

Aeroflot Cancels Over 40 Flights Amid Information System Failure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2025

Russia’s flagship carrier, Aeroflot, faced a significant operational setback as it cancelled more than 40 flights on Monday following a failure in its information systems. The disruption impacted domestic routes within Russia as well as international flights to Minsk and Yerevan, leaving passengers stranded and confused at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport. The airline acknowledged the issue but did not disclose the cause of the failure or an estimated resolution time.

The scenes at Sheremetyevo were described as chaotic, with long queues forming and passengers being advised to collect their luggage and exit the airport. Aeroflot stated that its specialists are working to minimise the impact on the schedule and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Although flight disruptions have become more common in Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, they have mostly been linked to temporary closures due to drone threats. However, this incident appears to be rooted in a major technical breakdown, adding a fresh layer of challenges to the nation’s already limited air connectivity.

Despite international sanctions and limited routes, Aeroflot continues to rank among the world’s top 20 airlines in terms of passenger traffic. According to the airline's 2024 data, it carried 55.3 million passengers under the Aeroflot Group banner, highlighting its significant role in Russian and global aviation.

This incident not only disrupted travel plans but also raised concerns about the reliability of infrastructure supporting major airline operations in the current geopolitical environment.


LAY Beach Club Debuts in Pattaya with Mediterranean Flair and Iconic Hydro Bar

LAY Beach Club Debuts in Pattaya with Mediterranean Flair and Iconic Hydro Bar

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 29, 2025

Pattaya’s coastal charm just got an upgrade with the grand opening of LAY Beach Club, a sun-drenched Mediterranean-inspired venue located on Beach Road, offering breathtaking ocean views, dramatic entertainment, and a standout “hydro bar” experience.

The newly opened club, managed by Meliá Pattaya Hotel, is already creating buzz as the hottest new address for beachfront indulgence.

At the heart of the club is its hydro bar—a one-of-a-kind cocktail pool designed to blur the line between land and sea. Surrounded by sunken loungers, white sand, circular sofas, and shaded cabanas, this water-lounge offers a surreal backdrop where guests can sip creative cocktails while soaking in the seascape.

The venue caters to nearly 250 guests across its beachside deck, lounge, and bar. An elegant rooftop accommodates over 100 seated or 300 standing guests for sunset cocktails and private events, with panoramic vistas of Pattaya Beach.

image

Mediterranean Meets Asia on the Plate

The à la carte menu fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavors with flair—offering over-the-top favorites like:

  • Seafood Paella Rice with prawn, mussel, squid, and clam

  • Hand-Shucked Oysters with shallot mignonette and salsa verde

  • Sicily Cannoli with orange mascarpone and pistachio

  • Artisanal wraps, fresh seafood, pasta, and more

Cocktails with Coastal Drama

Drinks here are not just beverages—they’re theatrical creations. Highlights include:

  • Blue Tides: Vodka, pandan, coconut juice and milk, topped with blue coconut foam

  • The Wave Rider: Gin, Lillet Rosé, rose syrup, aloe vera juice, lime, and egg white

  • Sriracha Spark: A bold take on a Bloody Mary with Sriracha, clarified vodka, tomato juice, and green olive brine

image

“Our goal was to bring the energy and elegance of iconic Mediterranean beach clubs to Pattaya,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager, Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “LAY Beach Club flows from daytime leisure into vibrant nightlife, with DJs, LED visuals, and live fire shows setting the tone after sunset.”

Nightlife Comes Alive

As the sun dips, the club transforms into a high-octane venue with resident DJs, LED screen visuals, and a 20-minute fire performance choreographed to ignite the evening.

Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, LAY Beach Club is also available for private parties, celebrations, and curated group experiences.

For reservations, call +66 33 168 599.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.