There are many new updates happening in the GCC region that you just cannot miss. So, keeping up with them can be quite a task! Ensuring you don’t have to face such difficulty, we have made a list, especially for you. We have enlisted a few updates from around the GCC region that we are sure you wouldn’t want to miss. Take a look.
Middle East Updates
1. Etihad Airways Is Now Part Of The IATA Turbulence Aware Programme
It was recently revealed that the airline has joined the IATA’s Turbulence Aware Programme. For those who aren’t aware, they collate anonymised data about turbulence from flights. This data, if you’re wondering, is collected from flights that are operated by participating airlines. Offering real-time and accurate reporting, it helps the flight dispatchers and pilots to minimise the effects of turbulence.
2. Emirates Launches Reimagined Travel Store In Jakarta
We’ve launched our reimagined travel store in Jakarta, Indonesia, where you can book flights, explore our exclusive merchandise and get inspired for your next travel adventure. https://t.co/O5VhorLB5q pic.twitter.com/Rfkquogj11
— Emirates (@emirates) April 24, 2025
Emirates, which is a Dubai-based airline, has launched its travel store in Indonesia. Now open in Indonesia, there you can book flights and explore exclusive merchandise. Not to mention, you will be highly inspired for your next travel adventure with the slew of services offered at the travel store, and the attentive staff will help you out.
3. Latest Version Of Ameca Unveiled
The Museum of the Future has unveiled the latest version of Ameca, an advanced humanoid robot now equipped with enhanced and sophisticated capabilities for interacting with visitors. pic.twitter.com/gNYL5AX3hb
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 24, 2025
Recently, the latest version of America was unveiled at the Museum of the Future. This is an advanced humanoid robot! It is equipped with enhanced and sophisticated capabilities that help it interact with visitors. Leaving people truly stunned, this exhibit is worth checking out at the Museum of the Future.
4. Dubai AI Festival Is Being Organised By DIFC
Dubai AI Festival, organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre as part of Dubai AI Week. The event gathers 10,000+ experts & 500+ investors with prominent participation from 100 countries to explore the theme: Enabling Digital Economies. @DIFC | @DubaiFuture pic.twitter.com/YiesOvRfmd
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 24, 2025
The Dubai International Financial Centre is organising the Dubai AI festival. It is a part of the Dubai AI Week, and the event brings together 10,000+ experts. In fact, more than 500 investors from 100 countries will be exploring the theme, ‘Enabling Digital Economies’.
5. Al Ain Zoo Receives Accreditation From Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
.@AlAinZooUAE has received accreditation from @zoos_aquariums, reflecting its commitment to implementing the highest international standards in animal care, environmental conservation, and wildlife protection as a leading global education and tourist destination. pic.twitter.com/C9bz3Y9fdQ
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 24, 2025
Recently, the zoo received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This accreditation recognises its ongoing excellence in animal welfare. It also recognised its excellence in veterinary care and operational standards. Not to mention, the role that it plays in promoting conservation, awareness, and global best practices was also recognised. In fact, the dedication of skilled teams across animal care, guest services, and educational programmes was also recognised by the association.
Also Read: What Is Saudi’s Ajeer Platform & How Is It Streamlining Visas Ahead Of Hajj?
6. The 29th Muscat Book Fair Begins
بحضور صاحب السمو الشيخ الدكتور سلطان بن محمد القاسمي، عضو المجلس الأعلى للاتحاد حاكم إمارة الشارقة، افتُتِح معرض مسقط الدولي للكتاب في دورته الـ ٢٩، وذلك تحت رعاية سمو الدكتور فهد بن الجلندى آل سعيد ، رئيس جامعة السلطان قابوس، وبحضور معالي السيد خالد بن هلال البوسعيدي، وزير ديوان… pic.twitter.com/5TNAkalGnl
— OCEC Oman (@OmanConvention) April 24, 2025
The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair has begun at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. A wide array of cultural, lecture and scientific titles are a part of this exhibition. With the total number of listed publications, reaching 6,81,041, it includes 4,67,413 Arabic books. Out of the total, 2,13,610 were also foreign titles. With dedicated space for children and family activities, workshops, an events stage, and more, this event is absolutely worth attending.
7. Nando’s UAE Introduces New PERi-Avo Butterfly Chicken
Nando’s has launched its most health-forward dish! Yes, it hasn’t introduced PERi-Avo Butterfly Chicken as a response to growing the demand for lighter, real-ingredient and protein-rich meals across the region. It is packed with flame-grilled chicken, avocado, Peri salsa, pomegranate seeds, roasted nuts, and baby rocca. Reflecting a major shift in dining habits, this new dish truly looks quite tempting.
8. DXB Airport Announces A Temporary Train Disruption
⚠️ We are currently managing movement between Terminal 1 and D Gates via bus service due to a temporary disruption to the airport train. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Thank you for your understanding.…
— DXB (@DXB) April 24, 2025
The DXB Airport recently announced a temporary disruption in its internal train service. Yes, passengers will need to take a bus to see if they wish to travel between Terminal One and D Gates. As posted online by the DXB, passengers will have to arrive earlier than usual in order to travel to get to their gates.
9. Partnership Announced Between Qatar Airways & Philippine Airlines
#QatarAirways and Philippine Airlines have launched a strategic partnership to expand service between Doha and Manila, enabling greater connectivity for passengers from the Philippines traveling to Qatar and onwards to other regions of the world.
For more information:… pic.twitter.com/dpDV0dBsOp
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) April 24, 2025
From June 16 onwards, Philippine Airlines will start daily non-stop flights from Manila to Doha. This will be in a codeshare cooperation with Qatar Airways. Yes, enabling greater connectivity, this will allow passengers from the Philippines to travel onwards from Qatar to other regions of the world. As it happens, the daily non-stop flight will be operated by the Philippines Airlines on its Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
10. Limp Bizkit Is Coming To Abu Dhabi
Limp Bizkit is coming to Abu Dhabi and tickets are NOW ON SALE! 🔥
Get ready for a wild night of heavy riffs, unforgettable anthems, and pure energy!
🎟️ Grab your tickets TODAY at https://t.co/FqU4HeoJv3 before they sell out! pic.twitter.com/C4PfXzXnpM
— Etihad Arena (@etihadarena_ae) April 25, 2025
Limp Bizkit is coming to Abu Dhabi, and they will be performing at Etihad Arena in Yas Island. This performance is scheduled for August 12, and the tickets are already up for his gig. This is an iconic new metal band that redefined the late 90s and early 2000s scene. As it happens, tickets start for as low as AED435.
So if you have read through all of these details, we hope you were able to stay ahead of the news for the weekend.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/DXBMediaOffice & OmanConvention
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: April 25, 2025 5:00 PM