The region never sleeps, and it certainly knows how to keep us on our toes! In this edition of Middle East Updates, we uncover thrilling tales, from underwater weddings in Saudi Arabia to Kolkata-bound flights disrupted by Cyclone Dana. Whether you’re into motorsport, art, or the latest beverage trends, there’s something in store for everyone. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore what’s making waves this week!
10 Middle East Updates For You!
1. Aldar Properties Revamps Al Hamra Mall
The newly redesigned Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah is now open for business, thanks to Aldar Properties’ massive overhaul. This project, part of Aldar’s AED 1 billion investment, elevates the mall into a central hub for shopping and dining within Al Hamra Village. From swanky interiors to a Central Atrium bursting with design innovation, the mall is set to cater to the growing appetite for a premium shopping experience in the region. So, whether you’re there for retail therapy or a chic meal, Al Hamra Mall is now the spot to be.
2. Cyclone Dana Hits UAE-India Travel Plans
If you were planning to jet off from Dubai to Kolkata this weekend, buckle up for some delays! With Cyclone Dana making its way to India, authorities shut down Kolkata International Airport for 15 hours. Affected flights, including one from Dubai, are facing delays of up to eight hours.
While the weather plays havoc with schedules, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry. If you’re flying soon, check your flight status and pack a bit more patience along with your luggage.
3. Love Goes Deep, Literally! Underwater Wedding in Saudi Arabia
Who needs a traditional chapel when you can say “I do” under the Red Sea? In a bold, one-of-a-kind celebration, Hassan Abu Al-Ola and Yasmine Daftardar exchanged vows beneath the waves near Jeddah, surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. With Saudi Divers’ team handling the logistics, the couple and their guests experienced an unforgettable wedding, complete with bubbles and fish! Now that’s what we call taking the plunge, both figuratively and literally!
4. Malappuram’s Flaky School Wall Joins Global Art Project In Abu Dhabi
A weathered blue wall from a small school in Malappuram is on its way to Abu Dhabi! The artwork, which depicts Mahabali, will soon feature in an international art project curated by artist Vikram Divecha, titled “Wall of House.”
This move transforms an ordinary school wall into a global art piece, proving that art truly knows no boundaries, and sometimes, even the walls have stories to tell.
5. Saudi Arabia Drives Into The Future With Hydrogen Taxis
تساهم سيارة الأجرة الهيدروجينية في تعزيز الاستدامة وتحسين تجربة الركاب، حيث تقدم رحلة مريحة وسلسة، مما يعكس الالتزام بتوفير خيارات نقل مبتكرة وموثوقة.#الهيئة_العامة_للنقل_TGA
The Powered by Hydrogen Taxi boosts sustainability and enhances the passenger experience with its… pic.twitter.com/DfeE51Wm7L
— الهيئة العامة للنقل | TGA (@Saudi_TGA) October 23, 2024
The Transport General Authority (TGA) in Saudi Arabia has kicked off a pilot project introducing hydrogen-powered taxis to the streets. This eco-friendly initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation, marking a step forward in the nation’s green journey.
With clean-energy taxis soon to hit the road, Saudi Arabia’s cities might become cleaner, greener, and a whole lot cooler to ride around in.
6. Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Dubai Dining Pick
Before headlining her first-ever Dubai show at the Opera, pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor revealed her favourite dining spot in the city: Ariana’s Persian Kitchen. Known for her taste in both music and food, Ellis-Bextor raved about the restaurant’s dishes ahead of her performance on October 26.
With a promise of a memorable show and even better eats, it sounds like Saturday Night Fever has a Dubai edition coming up!
Also Read:From UAE To Qatar: 10 Diwali Special Menus That You Wouldn’t Want To Miss In The Middle East
7. Formula Woman Gears Up For Dubai’s Global Nations Cup
Dubai is ready to witness some high-octane action as the Formula Woman Global Nations Cup kicks off its first qualifying round. Fifty female racers from 25 countries will battle it out at the Dubai Autodrome on December 12, with the ultimate goal of competing in the final next May. This all-female motorsport community aims to revamp the racing scene, with aspirations of forming an all-women team to compete in the iconic 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race. Buckle up, it’s about to get fast and fierce!
8. Guinness 0.0 Makes A Splash In The UAE
The iconic Guinness brand is now available in the UAE, minus the alcohol. As part of a partnership between Diageo MENA and Drink Dry, Guinness 0.0 will cater to the growing trend of “sober curious” consumers in the region. This alcohol-free version of the beloved stout lets you indulge without compromise. Available online, Guinness 0.0 might just become your new go-to drink for guilt-free celebrations.
9. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Puts On A Starry Preview
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is putting on quite the show at the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival this weekend, offering visitors a first look at its extraordinary collection. Among the jaw-dropping specimens on display is a piece from the largest meteorite shower ever recorded—a cosmic treasure for astronomy enthusiasts. The exhibition is hosted at The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, running until Sunday, making it the perfect weekend stop for nature lovers and science buffs alike. Also on the festival’s radar is Camilla Singh’s “Conservatory for Plants with Obesity,” an art piece that creatively aligns with the festival’s theme, All Living Beings.
10. Global Village Lights Up with Movie Stars
Get ready for some stardust this Diwali weekend! Global Village, Dubai the region’s go-to destination for shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences, is set to host the stars of the hit Telugu film ‘Lucky Bashkar’. Fans can meet actors, Dulquer Salman and Meenakshi Chowdary, along with the film’s director, Venky Atluri, at a special event on Friday, 25 October 2025, at 8:30 pm. With live hosting by popular Hit 96.7 FM RJs, visitors can snap selfies and enjoy a lively evening as the stars promote their films on the Global Village main stage. It’s not just a meet-and-greet, it’s a cinematic celebration!
From innovative taxis to whimsical underwater weddings, these updates from Middle East remind us that life’s most interesting moments often come from the unexpected. Stay tuned for more Middle East Updates, because the journey of discovery never stops.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva AI/Emirates/Website
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