* 3S Middle East Services L.L.C * MarketPro General Trdg L.L.C * BIZ CITY Business Center NEWSLETTER. 3S GROUP of COMPANIES 10/1/2018 EDITION 39

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1 NEWSLETTER 3S GROUP of COMPANIES 10/1/2018 EDITION 39 Dear Readers, October is a Month I look forward to every year. With the cooling of the temperatures and the searing of anticipation of new vistas, opportunities and avenues it is the month that promises a lot to look forward to every year. This same feeling of anticipation has enthused itself within me for this week past, more so this year, in looking forward to the many new regulations and procedures that the UAE government have announced to be implemented in October. We look forward to the new company ownership structure, new visa possibilities, the much-anticipated process of refund of the employment bank guarantees, among other smaller but equally substantial changes. These positive steps will have a net incremental effect in the participation of the majority expatriate population of the UAE, with many now planning for longer-term commitment into our chosen land of destiny. Of course the details are fluid and that is the reason I mentioned it as a teaser. We hope to get clarity on many such new rules and regulations. So let s wait and watch and hope for fair weather coming our way. I leave you with one of the quotes of his highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum which is apt for the current season: The first responsibility of a leader is to make his people happy and then to provide them with the required security, stability, comfort, progress and development. Have a lovely month! Regards, S.K.Sharma Chairman 3S Group

2 UAE Cabinet approves Dh180-billion zero-deficit federal budget A zero-deficit federal budget of Dh180 billion for the next three years has been approved by the UAE Cabinet. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the approval of the federal budget following a Cabinet meeting. Budget is biggest in the history of the Union 59% of the budget will go to education and social development. During cabinet meeting today, also a new federal law was adopted to regulate the space and advanced technology sectors in the UAE The goal is to open up the space sector to investment, research and partnership building. Adding It was a coincidence to adopt a large federal budget with the new law for space sector. Both will take the Emirates to new heights DED issues 1,221 new licenses in August as Dubai remains top choice for investors The Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector in the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai completed 17,710 transactions including 1,221 new trade licenses during the past month according to the 'Business Map' digital platform. Renewal of Licenses accounted for 9,071 transactions while there were also 2,111 transactions related to Trade Name Reservation and 1,475 Initial Approvals. The August 2018 BRL activity confirms Dubai's capability to attract investments into varied sectors as the new licenses were distributed as follows: Commercial (60.7%), Professional (36.2%), Tourism (1.8%), and Industrial (1.3%). The outsourced service centres of DED performed remarkably in August 2018 too accounting for 69.2% (12,262) of the total transactions, which underlines the vital role of the centres in providing value added services to DED customers. The top ten nationalities among new licensees in August 2018 were: Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, Chinese, Saudis, British, Jordanians, Bangladeshis, Sudanese and Germans.

3 Now, check online if you have a travel ban or financial cases registered in Dubai Residents can now check their criminal status in financial cases in Dubai, thanks to a new service by Dubai Police. People can log on to their website to use the free-of-charge service. Residents can check their criminal status in financial cases registered in police stations in Dubai. The service will cut time and effort in getting information regarding any cases against them. People can also download the Dubai Police smart app and enjoy the service. The Dubai Police said that residents can also check if they have a travel ban due to financial cases, using the new service. People should benefit from Dubai Police s electronic services. It s part of our strategy in implementing The service, provided by the Criminal Investigation Department, requires a valid Emirates ID to use the service.smart and unique services to the public, for better customer service. How to check if you have a travel ban: - Visit dubaipolice.gov.ae or download the Dubai Police app on Android or ios - Click on Services link - Click on Individuals - Search for criminal status of financial cases - Enter the service using Emirates ID - Call 901 for more information about the service The reforms are a potent catalyst for improved economic sustainability in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE Tomorrow 2021 is a boon for international investor confidence in the UAE The diverse international community of the UAE awoke just a few short weeks ago to yet more announcements from the country s leadership about plans to further reform the economy. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, announced the Tomorrow 2021 plan including 50 initiatives to spur growth in areas such as investment, job creation and improving the overall quality of life in Abu Dhabi. International investors and partners to the UAE, including organisations like the IMF and World Bank, have long argued for these reforms to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the UAE. For oil-producing Arabian Gulf economies, the move to re-calibrate their economies away from a reliance on oil is critical for future economic, and by extension social, prosperity.

4 Wetex, Dubai Solar Show to attract world s largest firm UAE Amnesty: One month left Foreigners staying illegally in the UAE have one month left to leave the country without repercussions or to legalise their status as the amnesty programme will end on October 31. The UAE declared a threemonth amnesty on August 1 that allows illegal expatriates to leave the country without having to pay overstay fines or getting a ban while those who wish to stay may modify their residency status. Illegals who fail to avail of the amnesty programme will be penalised, including those who hire them. Sponsors or companies that hire illegals will be slapped with a fine of Dh50,000 for each worker while repeat offenders will be fined Dh100,000. The issue of potable water scarcity around the world has led several companies operating in this sector to invest in research using new technologies for water production and storage, limiting water wastage and rationalising consumption. Global research and developmental efforts have led to a qualitative shift in water desalination, reducing costs, wastewater treatment, and introducing alternative clean energy sources to desalinate water, such as solar power and other innovative technologies. Organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dewa, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dewa, the event will be held from October 23rd to 25th, 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme At the forefront of sustainability, highlighting the latest developments and technologies in the fields of water, energy, and environment. Use Nol Card to pay parking fee The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new service whereby motorists can pay parking fees of multi-storey parking terminals in Dubai using their Nol cards. The step aims to streamline the use of these parking facilities that are witnessing an ever-rising demand. This initiative is part of RTA s efforts to broaden the use of sophisticated technology to ease the delivery of services to users of multi-story parking terminals. RTA is always keen on improving its services to all spectrums of Dubai community, be it citizens, residents, tourists or visitors from all over the world. It makes every endeavour to roll out innovative and diverse services to keep pace with the Smart Dubai drive aimed to rank Dubai as the world s smartest city.

5 Bigger than Dubai Mall: Emaar and Dubai Holding announce Dh10 billion mega mall State-linked developer Emaar Properties and Dubai Holdingwill build a new mall, said to be larger than Dubai Mall, at their flagship project Dubai Creek Harbour. Dubai Square, as the developer has named the project, will also have around 1,500 hotel rooms and thousands more apartment units. The project is expected to cost Dh10 billion, according to Mohammad Alabbar, chairman and CEO of Emaar Properties, speaking to members of the press. Half of this will be funded by debt, while the other half will be funded by Emaar capital. With industrial themed sections, traditional Arabic architecture in other parts, and the previously announced Chinese city within the mall, the shopping centre will act as a key feature of the Dubai Creek Harbour development. Nakheel awards Dh 35m construction Contract Nakheel has awarded a contract worth AED35 million for the construction of a sports, health and leisure hub at Dubai s Jumeirah Park community. Featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, one of Dubai s biggest gyms, a Clubhouse, spa and medical centre, the new destination will combine first-class sports facilities with a range of restaurants, cafes, shops and services to create a health and wellbeing-focussed attraction at the high-end community. There will also be parking for nearly 100 vehicles. Dubai-based GBH International Contracting LLC has been appointed to build the centre, which has a built up area of 93,000 square feet. Construction will begin in October. Jumeirah Park, one of Nakheel s most popular communities, currently has nearly 21,000 residents.

6 UAE Cabinet approves new rule for retired expats The UAE Cabinet approved a series of plans, including one that allows expatriates to stay on in the country long after they retire. The Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has also adopted a resolution to support the industrial sector by introducing reduced fees of electricity consumption for large-, medium- and small-sized factories. The initiative introduced a reduced tariff for electricity consumption for the industrial sector, to be in effect as of thr fourth quarter of the year, while achieving sustainable growth by reducing dependence on non-environmentally friendly sources such as liquid fuels. The UAE Cabinet approved a law to provide special residency-visa privileges for expats retirees over the age of fifty-five years for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal, for those who meet certain criteria. The law, which will be in effect as of 2019, outlines the requirements to qualify for the long-term visa such as having an investment in a property worth Dh2 million, or having financial savings of no less than Dh1 million, or having an active income of no less than Dh20,000 per month. New Cabinet decisions Special Long-Term Residency Visa for Expatriates after Retirement: Expats retirees over the age of 55 years will get 5-year visa, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify for the long-term visa, an expatriate retiree should have an investment in a property worthdh2 million, or financial savings of no less than Dh1 million, or having an active income of no less than Dh20,000 per month. FEWA Industrial Sector Electricity Tariff Reduction: The initiative introduced a reduced tariff for FEWA electricity consumption for the industrial sector, to be in effect as of quarter four (Q4) of this year. Large factories will be supported by reducing the electricity consumption charges by 29 per cent, while the small and medium factories will have reduced fees by 10 per cent to 22 per cent, in addition to waiving the service connection fees for new factories. One Day Court: Launching of the "one-day court" system to provide the fastest and most efficient services to the community. The "one-day court" will contribute to speeding up the ruling in minor criminal offences. UAE-RUSSIA Visa waiver: The Cabinet approved an agreement between the UAE and the Russian Federation on the mutual exemption of visa requirements for citizens of both countries. Major Cabinet decisions on visas announced this year Abolished mandatory bank guarantee for labour recruitment and replace it with a low-cost insurance system. New visa facilitation procedures for visitors, residents, families & people overstaying visas adopted Approved UAE exemption of transit passengers from all entry fees for first 48 hours approved. Transit visa extension for up to 96 hours for a fee of Dh50 New six-month visa introduced for job seekers who overstayed their visa but wish to work in the country 10 years visa for professionals such as doctors, engineers, specialists working in medicine, science, research and technical fields Approved five-year visas for students and 10-year visa for "exceptional" graduates

7 Dubai clamps down on dirty cars with Dh500 fine Having an unkempt, dirty vehicle will bring you more than just an eye sore. It may also cost you Dh500 in fines. Dubai Municipality has warned residents not to leave their cars unwashed for a long time as this type of uncivilized behavior can tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the city. First, the vehicle will be identified whether it meets the conditions, such as obstructing the city s cleanliness, and then a violation notice will be issued by putting a warning sticker on the vehicle, Drivers will have 15 days to clean the vehicle. If motorists fail to respond within this period, the vehicle will be confiscated and shifted to the scrap yard. And if the owner of the vehicle owner still refuses to pay the fine, the vehicle will be sold at auction, UAE increase petrol in prices for October Motorists in the UAE will have to pay more for fuel from October following an upward price revision by the UAE Ministry of Energy in line with increasing global crude prices. Effective October 1, the price of Super 98 will go up to Dh2.61 from Dh2.59 per litre, while Special 95 category petrol will cost Dh2.50, up from Dh2.48 per litre in September. The price for diesel will rise by 12 fils per litre to Dh2.76 from Dh2.64 a litre in September. "A 5 day consumer electronics extravaganza not to be missed from October02-06!" Gitex Shopper is the premier place to engage in business relating to Computer components & peripherals, Storage Media, Embedded computer technology, Power supplies for information and communications systems, Telecommunication Wireless & Networks, Mobile communication systems, Voice over IP, Radio equipment, satellite communication and broadcasting, Internet services, Telematics, Network computing software & Components, Software & Services, IT Services & Consulting, Banking Technology & Financial Services in the Business Services, Computer Hardware & Software, Telecom Products & Equipment industries. The exhibition will run from 11am to 11pm on all days.

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