A remote-working SaaS founder explains why he is settling in Dubai for a year after moving between countries for several years: he wants a stronger sense of home and a focused work environment. He values the city’s business-minded culture, modern infrastructure, safety, widespread use of English, digital services, and zero personal income tax, which he says can make living there more affordable than in Europe or the United States. He also notes the trade-off: extensive surveillance and steep fines make rule-breaking difficult. The Virtual Work visa is renewable yearly and requires remote workers to earn more than $3,500 a month.
The guide follows his application from start to finish. He applied for an entry permit directly through Dubai’s immigration portal while abroad; approval took two weeks, and the permit gave him 60 days to enter the country. He used one month of SafetyWing insurance, supplied a company salary certificate after immigration requested one, and borrowed a friend’s UAE address, phone number, and bank account details to meet form requirements. After arrival, he bought a local SIM and used an Amer center to arrange his medical exam, fingerprinting, and visa application. The medical check and fingerprints were completed in a day, the visa was approved digitally, and his Emirates ID arrived two days later. The process cost roughly $400, including the permit, Amer fees, and phone plan, and took four days after landing.
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The EU’s new Return Regulation expands the grounds and duration for immigration detention, including for children, and increases deportations. Critics warn that surveillance-based alternatives and externalization measures extend coercive migration controls beyond detention centers. (statewatch.org)
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says the PS6 should prioritize affordability over more processing power, arguing a $300 console would be real innovation. He says rising console prices are shutting out buyers and Sony should focus on making hardware smaller and cheaper. (gamesradar.com)
EyesRhythm is an offline desktop app that uses a webcam to track blink rate and regularity, then offers gentle reminders and practice exercises. It also tracks head movement to encourage neck breaks, while keeping video on the device. (eyesrhythm.com)
Satellite images show Iran building new facilities near the Garmdareh and Shahroud missile bases and repairing damage at at least 12 other military sites. The work follows months of US and Israeli air strikes, according to analysts who reviewed the images. (bbc.com)
Stunt Car Racer’s computer opponents use three spring-mounted wheels to follow the track and cannot fall off. Drivers share the same engine but differ in their habits and swerving frequency; the AI also adjusts its speed and position around the player. (gamesexplained.com)
GeoWorks was a graphical operating system for PC-compatible computers that competed with Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. It offered a desktop interface on relatively modest hardware but failed to gain broad adoption as Windows became dominant. (atlasobscura.com)
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