Buckle up, Middle East fam. Your weekly hit of Middle East updates, launches, and news you didn’t know you needed is here. From mango mania in Doha to a budget party in Dubai, here are 10 quickies to keep you in the know and the now.
10 Middle East Updates You Need To Read Today!
1. Saudi Arabia Deploys AI for Hajj 2025
As the biggest day of the year, Hajj, comes closer, so does the arrival of millions of pilgrims in Makkah, answering Allah’s call for the sacred Hajj journey. You too can be a part of their blessed journey by gifting comfort, ease, and blessings to a pilgrim at Masjid al Haram.… pic.twitter.com/BSHuif1gZ5
— Haramain Gifts (@giftsharamain) May 9, 2025
Saudi Arabia is prepping for the Hajj 2025 for the upcoming season. The Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque authorities just dropped the mic with their most expansive Hajj plan yet. “Manarah 2,” a multilingual AI robot, will help guide millions of pilgrims. Interactive screens, a digital Qur’an hub, and a Surah Al-Fatiha app round off the techy upgrades
2. Abu Dhabi Just Shut Down a Supermarket and Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
Wafi Hypermarket and Mana Rotsholo Restaurant were closed faster than you can say “food safety.” Why? Pest infestations, expired stock, and hygiene horrors. Despite several warnings, these spots kept racking up violations like they were collecting stamps. ADAFSA wasn’t allowing it anymore.
3. Westfield Malls Are Coming To Saudi Arabia
Westfield, the bougie mall brand you know from London and LA, is setting up shop in Saudi Arabia. Three malls: Jawharat Riyadh, Jawharat Jeddah, and Nakheel Dammam are getting a glow-up under a 10-year deal with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. Think global brands, Instagrammable cafés, and queues outside Zara. Retail therapy just went deluxe.
4. Mango Madness at Jamavar Doha
View this post on Instagram
Alphonso lovers, your time has come. Jamavar Doha has launched a mango-inspired feast featuring street food faves and coastal classics. Think Meen Manga Curry (with sea bass and raw mango) and scallops swimming in a tangy mango sauce. The grand finale? Mango Delice, basically a dessert made for Instagram. Run, don’t walk.
5. Saturday Brunch at The Lighthouse, Dubai Hills
View this post on Instagram
Saturdays just got tastier. The Lighthouse at Dubai Hills is now throwing a Mediterranean brunch bash from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Expect truffle-infused salmon carpaccio, black angus steak frites, and chilled vibes that’ll make you forget Monday even exists. It’s classy. It’s sunlit.
6. Muscat Grand Mall Launches ‘Little India’—Desi Vibes
View this post on Instagram
Muscat just turned the spice dial up. ‘Little India’ is now open inside Muscat Grand Mall, spotlighting Indian fashion, food, and culture. It’s not just a shopping spot; it’s a full-blown cultural trip. Biryani, bangles, and Bollywood all under one roof? Yes, please.
7. Turkish Airlines Resumes Russia Flights And It’s Happening Fast
Experience the magic of the Aegean with Turkish Airlines, and embark on an unforgettable journey that enriches both your soul and senses.#TurkishAirlines pic.twitter.com/xLIFbmZHrS
— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) May 4, 2025
After a brief pause, Turkish Airlines is resuming all flights to Russia starting May 9. This move comes after a green light from Russia’s aviation authority. Good news if you’ve got plans involving a quick trip. Book those tickets.
8. Bahrain Welcomes Shaza Hotels
View this post on Instagram
Say hello to Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, the kingdom’s newest hotel by Shaza. Officially open from May 1, this spot oozes Arabian hospitality with a modern edge. Think plush interiors, Silk Route flair, and service with actual warmth. Whether you’re local or passing through, this place offers staycations with luxury.
9. Air India Express Now Flying Goa-Kuwait & Goa-Abu Dhabi Direct
Goa’s golden beaches and buzzing nightlife just got closer. Starting today, we’re connecting North Goa @miagoaairport to Delhi, Bengaluru, Indore, and Chennai, daily, to Hyderabad and Kuwait from 3 May 2025, and Abu Dhabi from 5 May 2025. Book now on https://t.co/rMBTOFABRt and… pic.twitter.com/VkmeIurFAe
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) April 15, 2025
Manohar International Airport in Goa just got two shiny new routes. Air India Express has launched direct flights to Kuwait (Thursdays and Saturdays) and Abu Dhabi (Mondays and Tuesdays). It’s a win for Goans abroad, business folk, and wanderlusters who fancy the best of beach and bazaar.
10. The Huddle Al Barsha Turns 15
View this post on Instagram
On May 10, from 12 pm to 6 pm, The Huddle is hosting a birthday bash with AED 15 drinks. Expect house spirits, bubbly, live tunes, and serious throwback vibes. Whether you’re a regular or just thirsty for a good time, this one’s worth visiting.
Final Sip
That’s your round-up, folks. From robot greeters at Hajj to mango feasts and new air routes, the Middle East is buzzing with updates that are anything but boring. Check back next week for more CT Quickies, because in the Middle East, the headlines never sleep.
Cover Image Courtesy: Jamavar London/Instagram, Wikipedia
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: May 09, 2025 6:04 PM