From culturally-charged sneaker launches to concert legends, this week gave us plenty of Middle East updates in the best way. Whether you’re brunching, partying, or commuting in silence on an electric bus, one thing’s clear: the Middle East never does boring.
10 Middle East Updates
1. Walk A Mile In Culture: Adidas Launches The Loomhood Collection In Dubai
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Dubai’s sneakerheads, hold onto your soles. Adidas Originals is launching something fresh. Say hello to The Loomhood Collection – an ode to the streets, cultures, and artisans of the Middle East. This exclusive drop reimagines the iconic Samba OG and Handball Spezial, not just with new colours or hype-train marketing, but with actual neighbourhood names printed on the heel and coordinates of local artisans on the tongue. Your sneakers now come with an origin story.
But adidas didn’t stop at stylish kicks, they’re kicking things off with a 2-day pop-up on April 19–20 at Dream Girls Tailor in Al Fahidi.
When: April 19–20, 2025
Where: Dubai, Cairo and Riyadh
Cost: Free entry
2. Rod Stewart To Shake It Up In Abu Dhabi
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Get ready to twist the night away. Sir Rod Stewart, the gravelly-voiced legend, is bringing his world tour to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, this December 17. Yes, we’re talking “Maggie May”, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy”, and enough leopard print to clothe a small village. The presale opens April 17 at 8am (artist), 12pm (Live Nation), with general tickets going live April 18 at 12pm. If you want in, you’ll need to move faster than Rod’s dance moves in the ’70s.
When: December 17, 2025
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Cost: Prices TBA on Live Nation
3. RTA’s Launches Electric Bus Trial On Route F13
#RTA has recently launched the pilot operation of a new electric bus on Route F13, a feeder service to metro stations. The route starts from Al Quoz Bus Depot and passes through key destinations including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Fountain, before… pic.twitter.com/bUp6qjyv4Z
— RTA (@rta_dubai) April 16, 2025
Dubai’s RTA just upgraded your commute. A new electric bus is now running on Route F13, cruising through hotspots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall. This isn’t your regular bus. It’s mirrorless (cameras only), whisper-quiet, and comes with a head-up display that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi flick. Zero emissions, full drama.
4. Dubai Launches First Tourism Content Creator Academy
Join the Beautiful Destinations Academy! In partnership with us, we’re offering 4 emerging creators a PAID 12-week program to master cinematic techniques, AI & brand strategy. 🌏✈️
Apply now! Find out more here: https://t.co/d5qJ23Cxh0#BDAcademy pic.twitter.com/uHPv7qIcs7
— Visit Dubai (@visitdubai) April 17, 2025
Calling all content creators. Dubai Tourism has teamed up with Beautiful Destinations to launch the first-ever tourism content creator academy. It’s called the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai.
You’ll learn how to shoot, edit, and story-tell like a pro and maybe even land gigs that don’t involve filming hotel room tours on your phone.
5. Türkiye Braces For A Brutal Summer
Climate scientists are ringing the alarm: Türkiye is set to face one of its hottest, driest summers ever. With rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and growing drought risks, the country is on high alert.
Experts warn that agriculture, water supply, and human health are all in danger – especially given that Türkiye warms faster than most of the planet. Time to hydrate and hope.
6. Qatar Airways Flight From Doha To NYC Witness A Shocking Incident
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Qatar Airways made headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. On a 14-hour flight from Doha to New York, a child allegedly stabbed another passenger with a metal fork. Yes, a fork.
The child’s mother? Fast asleep. The flight crew? Frantic. The incident? Captured on TikTok, naturally. Social media is now ablaze with debates on parenting, airline safety, and how sharp plane cutlery should be.
7. Abu Dhabi Shuts Down Taste Master Restaurant
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Foodies, take note: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has permanently closed “TASTE MASTER RESTAURANT” in Mohammed Bin Zayed City for repeated high-risk violations.
Turns out, serving food with side dishes of health hazards doesn’t fly. The place failed to implement safety corrections, leading to a complete shutdown. Public health wins this round.
8. Diplo To Drop Beats At Bohemia Beach Club
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Bohemia Beach Club at FIVE Palm Jumeirah is going off this Saturday, April 19 as Diplo takes the stage. Expect bangers, beach vibes, and bottles poppin’ as the Grammy-nominated DJ delivers a sunset-to-starlight set.
From “Lean On” to “Electricity”, Diplo’s got the hits and the energy to match. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
When: April 19, 2025, from 5 PM
Where: Bohemia Beach Club, FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Cost: AED 250 (gents, 3 drinks) | AED 150 (ladies, 2 drinks) | VIP starts at AED 3000
9. Azure Beach’s New “Wet Brunch” Is All Booze, No Boring
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JBR’s Azure Beach has introduced “Wet Brunch”, a tipsy twist on its popular Sunday Funday. Think premium drinks, ’90s hits, and a half-off food station – all by the pool. It runs from 2PM–5PM, then melts into their evening bottle service promo from 5PM–8PM. Basically, brunch and day party rolled into one splashy afternoon.
Also Read: Hans Zimmer’s Second Show To Dubai World Cup Stamps At DXB; 10 Middle East Updates For You
10. Emirates Now Delivers Parcels, Fast To India, Australia & More!
No, we weren’t joking. Introducing Emirates Courier Express. 📦✈️
Emirates Courier Express will fly your packages from all around the world, right to your doorstep.
Find out more: https://t.co/QvJ8QjAX1V pic.twitter.com/SUcJVm00qb
— Emirates (@emirates) April 2, 2025
Need to ship something across the world? Emirates Courier Express is your new go-to. The airline’s latest move dives into the parcel biz, starting with Australia, India, China, and the US.
Packages arrive in under 48 hours, targeting both businesses and regular folks. So yes, your mum can now send you mango pickles from Mumbai in record time.
Here’s all about this week of Middle East Updates!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images, Qatar Airways/X
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 17, 2025 5:32 PM