Citizens of countries affected by wars and natural disasters currently living in the UAE will be granted a one-year stay permit and exempted from any imposed fines, a report said.

The resolution was adopted by the UAE Cabinet during a meeting chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said a report in WAM.

The new decision will see nationals of affected countries granted an extendable one-year permit - regardless of the conditions of their visa - from August 1 to October 31, 2018.

The new decision is part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to help all those in need around the world and strengthen its position as an incubator of all nationalities, acting as a second homeland.

It is also a part of the country's principles and responsibility to support the most vulnerable people of the world as an active supporter of international peace and stability, especially in the Arab and the GCC region, the report said.