From the skies lighting up for Saudi National Day to superstar sightings at Dubai Mall, the past week has been anything but boring. Whether it’s sports, technology, or stunning fireworks, the Middle East is buzzing with energy and a plethora of news.
1. Fireworks and Festivities At Riverland Dubai For Saudi National Day
On September 21 and 22, Dubai’s Riverland will dazzle visitors with two massive fireworks displays in honour of Saudi National Day. As the vibrant greens and whites of the Saudi flag explode into the night sky, you won’t want to miss this glowing tribute to the Kingdom’s 94th year of unification. With the show starting at 9 pm sharp, set your alarms, because trust us, this isn’t something you want to sleep through. If fireworks aren’t your thing, worry not! Dubai is rolling out plenty of events to celebrate, so you’ll have ample opportunities to join the party.
2. Shenzhen Airlines Touches Down in Doha; New Routes Announced!
Starting October 29, 2024, Shenzhen Airlines will launch a new service from its base in Shenzhen to Doha, and frequent flyers, rejoice as there will be three flights a week! Departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the flights will offer convenient timings and a smooth ride on the luxurious Airbus A330-300. Whether for business or pleasure, these new routes are sure to strengthen connections between China and the Gulf. Buckle up for a seamless journey between these two vibrant cities!
3. UAE’s First Female Land Rescue Team Graduates
Who runs the world? Dubai Police’s first female land rescue team! Eighteen women graduated as part of an all-female rescue squad that will now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their male colleagues. During the graduation ceremony, the team showed off their impressive skills, including road accident response and fire rescue techniques. This move reinforces Dubai’s commitment to empowering women and breaking stereotypes in all fields, especially in emergency services.
4. Dubai’s Al Maktoum Bridge To Close For Maintenance
Al Maktoum Bridge will undergo maintenance until January 16, 2025, with closures from Monday to Saturday, 11 pm to 5 am, and full-day closures on Sundays. If you don’t want to spend hours honking in traffic, plan and use alternative routes. Consider this your friendly reminder: set your navigation apps now, folks!
5. IPL Auction 2025: Will It Be Doha, Dubai Or Saudi Arabia?
Cricket lovers, hold onto your hats! The IPL 2025 Auction is heating up, with Doha, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia competing to host the mega event. This two-day auction will be a spectacle, attracting cricket bigwigs from all over the globe. While the location remains undecided, the Middle East seems determined to bring the cricketing world’s news to the region once again. Let’s just hope the venue gets sorted before the final whistle blows!
6. Salman Khan Spotted At Dubai Mall
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan made a surprise appearance at Dubai Mall recently, setting off a fan frenzy. Despite being in the middle of an event, fans chose star-spotting over everything else, crowding around the actor in hopes of getting a selfie. Khan kept it casual with blue shorts, a cap, and his ever-present cool-guy aura. Who needs mall events when Salman Khan is the main attraction?
7. Egyptian Apple Fan Flies To Dubai For iPhone 16 Release
It’s not every day someone flies from another country just to buy a phone unless it’s the new iPhone 16. A superfan from Egypt was one of the first to get his hands on the new Apple gadget, making a beeline for Dubai Mall. With the store limiting sales to two iPhones per customer, the hype was real. Who needs sleep when the future of tech is in your hands?
8. Women Take The Lead: Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup Concludes
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, bringing together female athletes from across the Arab world. The event not only showcased some stellar volleyball action but also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to promoting women’s sports regionally. Cheers to more spikes, sets, and slams from these powerhouse athletes!
9. Riyadh Season Makes History At Sphere Las Vegas with UFC Title Sponsorship
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Riyadh Season will sponsor UFC’s first-ever live sporting event at the iconic Sphere Las Vegas on September 14, 2024. This partnership marks a historic moment in the world of mixed martial arts and further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s place in the global sporting arena. Riyadh Season’s Noche UFC is a knockout, literally!
10. Emirates Unveils New Luxurious Lounge At London Stansted Airport
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has unveiled its new lounge at London Stansted Airport. The airline has invested over £4 million in creating a spacious 900-square-metre lounge, capable of accommodating up to 125 guests, including First and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards members.
Stay tuned for more news from the Middle East, there’s always something new on the horizon!
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Police HQ/ Riverland