There are many things happening every day around the world, especially in the Middle East. From the latest development projects to new festivals, the region is always buzzing with new developments. So, if you’re also wondering about them, then here’s a look at the Middle East updates that will keep you ahead of all the latest developments.
Middle East Updates
1. Brand Dubai Launches Hatta Festival
.@Brand_Dubai announces the launch of #HattaFestival as part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign. pic.twitter.com/1GQDlWUCyW
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 13, 2023
Brand Dubai, which is regarded as the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Offices has launched the Hatta Festival. As part of the Dubai Destinations Campaign, this festival will run from December 15 to 31. In case you’re wondering, it offers unique winter recreational activities against the beautiful backdrop of Hatta.
2. Sania Mirza Launches Dubai Open For Tennis Academies (DOTA) Tournament
Indian tennis legend, Sania Mirza, launched the Dubai Open for Tennis Academies (DOTA) Tournament, a collaborative venture between the #Dubai Sports Council, UAE Tennis Federation, and Sania Mirza Tennis Academy. Bringing together more than 200 tennis talents from 40 sports… pic.twitter.com/5i0I6srkr9
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 13, 2023
Sania Mirza, an Indian tennis legend recently launched the Dubai Open for Tennis Academies (DOTA) Tournament. In case you’re not aware, this is a collaborative venture between the Dubai Sports Council, UAE Tennis Federation, and Sania Mirza Tennis Academy. So, bringing together over 200 tennis talents from 40 sports academies, this is going to run until February 4, 2024
3. Emirates Reveals The Most Watched Movies & Series On Ice
Can you guess what was the ‘most watched and listened to’ content on Emirates flights in 2023? 🤔 https://t.co/qL1ugVPWSy pic.twitter.com/QMzMirwZAc
— Emirates (@emirates) December 13, 2023
Emirates revealed that amongst the most watched movies by Emirates customers around the globe included, Avatar: The Way of Water, Ticket to Paradise, and Top Gun: Maverick. While long haul customers across the world watched sets of movies, such as The Lord of the Rings complete trilogy and all four of the John Wick films.
Besides English language content, the top viewed international movies included two Bollywood action movies, Vikram Vedha and Bholaa, the French thriller La Syndicaliste, Korean drama Return to Seoul, and Anatomie d’une chute from France.
4. Qatar Balloon Festival Begins
Up, up and away! 🎈
Join the #QatarBalloonFestival for a sky-high adventure ✨ @QatarCalendar pic.twitter.com/0nUjSro6yF— Visit Qatar (@VisitQatar) December 13, 2023
Happening till December 18, the Qatar Balloon festival has begun. Extending beyond the traditional hot air balloons, this festival sees some really quirky balloons taking flight in the city. So, if you’re visiting the city during this time then taking a ride in one is an absolute must.
5. Jamil and Bouthayna By Caracalla Dance Theatre To Happen At Maraya
AlUla's love tale comes alive at Maraya on December 22nd! Join us for 'Jamil and Bouthayna' by Caracalla Dance Theatre. Get ready for an enchanting performance paired with Zena Emad's soulful Saudi tunes. Tickets now available via https://t.co/mt49Ed9ypY pic.twitter.com/XvFaxTMB3D
— Ticketmaster Middle East (@TicketmasterME) December 13, 2023
Get ready to bear witness to Jamil and Bouthayna by Caracalla Dance Theatre, which will be unfolding in Alula. Scheduled for December 22, this awe-inspiring show will be taking place at the Maraya. So, during the show, you will get to see an enchanting performance paired with Zena Emad’s soulful Saudi tunes. And the tickets for the show are already live on Ticketmaster.
6. Saudia Announces A Limited Period Discount On Flights
استمتع بخصم 30% على وجهات مختارة حول العالم 🌍🤩
⏰ العرض متاح لمدة أقل من 72 ساعة
🗓️ فترة السفر: من 14 – 31 ديسمبر 2023احجز الآن ✈️https://t.co/26wPP6wFMQ pic.twitter.com/qYuz0YeY9V
— السعودية (@Saudi_Airlines) December 13, 2023
Saudia recently announced on X that it’s offering a discount of 30% on flights from KSA to destinations, like Frankfurt & London Gatwick & Manchester & Zurich & Maldives & Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh & Alexandria. However, this ticket must be issued before December 15 and the flight dates should be between December 14 to 31, 2023.
7. Abu Dhabi Bus Fares Capped Per Journey
Abu Dhabi bus fares have now been capped per journey, and the trips will start at AED2. As such, there will be an addition of 5 fils per km. However, the cost of the single trip is now capped at AED5! This was announced by the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). And the aim is to promote travelling by public transport.
Also Read: After 8 Years, Iran Pilgrims To Return For Umrah Pilgrimage In Saudi Arabia
8. Flydubai Awarded Airline Of The Year At Aviator Middle East Awards
Last night @flydubai was named “Airline of the Year” for the first time at the Aviator Middle East Awards 2023.
Congratulations to the flydubai team for this achievement which reflects the key role the airline plays in the aviation industry in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/DdQ9CzUDGS
— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) December 13, 2023
Flydubai was recently announced named as the ‘Airline of the Year.’ This was announced by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on his official account on X. As it happens, this is a big deal the airline has won this recognition for the first time at the Aviator Middle East Awards 2023.
So, were you aware of these key updates from the Middle East?
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/qbfestival
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First Published: December 14, 2023 6:10 PM