Welcome to the region where world records fall faster than the weekend flies by. The Middle East is buzzing with bold moves, new launches, and policies. From Handprint Records to Speedy Downloads, 10 Fresh Middle East Updates You Shouldn’t Miss. Buckle up, we’re diving into this week’s top updates in the Middle East.
10 Fresh Middle East Updates
1. UAE Waves the Largest Handprint Flag Ever
Move aside, paintbrushes, palms just bagged a Guinness World Record. A whopping 24,514 handprints, collected from over 100 nationalities, came together to form the largest handprint flag in the world. From bouncy toddlers to speedy delivery riders, everyone lent a hand. This giant UAE flag symbolises unity, pride, and serious commitment to poster paint.
2. Al Habtoor Palace Wins Big On Global Stage
Luxury just got a shiny stamp of approval. Al Habtoor Palace Dubai earned the 2025 Preferred Awards of Excellence, making it one of just 11 global winners from over 600 posh properties. Presented by Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Singapore, this award is basically the Oscars of hotels.
3. Dubai Police Mock Drill Incoming At Global Village
Keep calm and don’t film the action (it’s illegal in the country). A mock drill is set to shake things up at Global Village on May 23 at 10 pm. Authorities want smooth cooperation, clear paths, and no viral TikToks. The aim? Ensure readiness without the chaos of actual emergencies. So yes, that siren’s a drill, but there’s absolutely no need to panic.
4. Dubai Miracle Garden To Close For Summer
The floral fairytale is taking a sunny break. Dubai Miracle Garden closes for the season on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Until then, soak up the colours and inhale the petal-powered perfume. The garden reopens once cooler winds roll in, likely in October or November.
5. Saudi Arabia Launches TOURISE, Hits Vision 2030 Milestone
Saudi Arabia has ticked off its tourism target ahead of schedule. Hello, 100 million annual visitors. To celebrate, the Kingdom launched TOURISE, a new platform plotting tourism’s next 50 years. It features an elite advisory board with bigwigs from Cirque du Soleil and Heathrow. From desert dunes to global dreams, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sprint is revving up!
6. Qatar’s Speedy Crown In Mobile Internet
Qatar’s mobile internet is basically the Usain Bolt of bandwidth. The country topped Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for April 2025, boasting a median download speed of 521.52 Mbps. Uploads don’t lag far behind either. If you’re network is buffering in Qatar, your phone’s probably from the Stone Age.
7. Turkey Slaps Fines On Premature Plane Standers
If you’re the type who unbuckles before the plane stops, bad news. Turkey now fines passengers $70 for standing up too early during landing. The country’s aviation authority wants safety, not chaos, at touchdown. So, stay seated, or pay for your impatience in Turkish lira.
8. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Flies To Giza This Summer
Pack your hats, history buffs. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches seasonal flights to Giza, Egypt, starting June 26 until September 11, 2025. With three weekly flights, this budget-friendly route brings you closer to pyramids, pharaohs, and falafel. Expect affordable fares and full camera rolls.
9. AlUla Blooms at Paris Garden Show
Saudi’s ancient city AlUla is stealing the spotlight in Paris at Jardins, Jardin, the swankiest garden show in town. Showcased via a dreamy oasis installation by Pierre Alexandre Risser, the exhibit flaunts date palms, citrus trees, and lush springs. It’s eco-luxury meets heritage, with a French twist. Très chic.
10. Arijit Singh Live in Abu Dhabi This December
Calling all Bollywood fans! Arijit Singh will perform live at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on December 19, 2025. Expect goosebumps, hits galore, and possibly a few tears (we won’t judge). The show kicks off at 7 pm, and seats will vanish faster than your favourite snack. Book early or regret later!
Whether you’re basking in blooms, scrolling on Qatar-speed Wi-Fi, or planning your escape to Giza, the Middle East updates aren’t slowing down. Now go, conquer your weekend!
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied/Canva Stock Images
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