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From Doha’s Food Safety Conference To Three Days of Mourning For The Sharjah Royal, 5 GCC Updates

This round-up brings you the stories shaping the region. Stay informed about culture, governance, innovation, and lifestyle across the Gulf with these timely updates.

by Deeplata Garde
From Doha’s Food Safety Conference To Three Days of Mourning For The Sharjah Royal, 5 GCC Updates

The Gulf never sleeps. Even when you think it’s a slow news week, the region comes up with moments that feel heavy, hopeful, or downright fascinating. This round of GCC updates is no different: from solemn farewells in Sharjah to tech hiccups at home, plus the kind of equestrian school that sounds like it’s been plucked from a film set. Let’s break it down.

5 GCC Updates For You

1. A Royal Farewell In Sharjah

Sharjah is in mourning after the passing of Sheikh Sultan bin Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi on 22 September. The emirate immediately declared three days of official mourning, a reminder of how deeply personal loss resonates across the wider community here. Funeral prayers will take place at King Faisal Mosque, followed by burial at Al Jabil Cemetery.

Condolences will be received at Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi’s majlis in Al Rumaila..

2. UAE Says Goodbye To Summer (Finally)

Here’s some news we’ve all been waiting for: summer is packing its bags. On 23 September, the autumnal equinox signals shorter days and cooler nights across the UAE. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the evenings will bring the most noticeable relief. Eastern regions may even catch thunder and rain, a welcome surprise after weeks of dry heat.

Come on, we all know the real excitement here is the return of picnic season, desert drives, and outdoor evenings without melting into your chair. 

3. Bad Network In UAE Due To Red Sea Cable Cuts

If your internet felt sluggish recently, you’re not imagining it. Red Sea cable cuts have disrupted global traffic, but the story doesn’t end there. An Ookla report points the finger at another culprit: outdated Wi-Fi routers. The UAE may boast some of the fastest internet speeds worldwide, with median downloads hitting 317.98 Mbps, but old tech at home is slowing users down.

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 routers could push those speeds beyond 800 Mbps. In practice, that means faster streams, smoother gaming, and fewer frustrating dropouts. 

4. Abu Dhabi’s Grand Equestrian Vision

 

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Now for something majestic. The Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts (ADREA) school is set to open in November 2025 on Jubail Island. Backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project sprawls across 65,000 sqm and is designed as a world-class centre for classical horsemanship. Think climate-controlled arenas, sixty advanced stables, and even a dedicated veterinary wing.

There’s also the Furussiya Gallery, an equestrian library, and structured programmes right up to a “Rider Degree.” The ethos? Horses first, riders second..

Also Read: Stricter Social Media Rules In Saudi Arabia To UAE SWAT Challenge Dates; 5 GCC Updates For You

5. Qatar Sharpens Its Food Safety Game

GCC Updates
Picture credit- Canva

Doha has just hosted the First National Conference on Food Safety 2025, a two-day event under the patronage of Qatar’s ministers of Municipality and Public Health. Far from a dry bureaucratic affair, the conference shines a light on Qatar’s broader ambitions under its National Vision 2030.

The numbers alone tell a story: 212,000 inspection rounds completed this year and 81 food outlets shut down for non-compliance. Add to that discussions on sustainability, inspections, and future-proof food security, and you can see why this is more than just a checklist exercise.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, five very different but equally telling snapshots of Gulf life right now. From solemn ceremonies in Sharjah to big visions in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, these stories remind us that the region is in constant motion. Sometimes it’s a small comfort, like cooler evenings. Either way, these GCC updates prove one thing: the Gulf is never short on moments that make you stop, think, and sometimes even smile. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ Michael Abramov from Getty Images, Sultan bin Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi/ Instagram

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First Published: September 23, 2025 5:57 PM