Keeping up with the updates from the Middle East is not an easy task. To ensure you are always ahead of the news, here’s a list of some major updates. From Dubai to Doha, here are some important updates that you might not want to miss.
Middle East Updates
1. Bismil, Indian Ocean To Headline Indie Soul Fest In Dubai
Dubai is set to welcome Indie Soul Fest, a new independent Indian music festival, at Coca-Cola Arena on July 26. Presented by Marquee Global Events, the debut edition brings together singer-songwriter Bismil and folk-rock band Indian Ocean for an evening positioned as “A Mehfil for the Modern Soul.” The events starts at 7 pm, and performances from 8 pm.
2. Qatar Airways Launches Biometric ‘Fast Pass’ At Hamad International Airport
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Passengers flying Qatar Airways out of Doha can now use facial recognition instead of a boarding pass at check-in, self-service bag drop, security, lounges and boarding gates. Developed with SITA and Hamad International Airport, the system links around 700 biometric touchpoints, making it one of the largest deployments of its kind globally. Enrolment is voluntary and requires a passport and a selfie via the Qatar Airways app or airport kiosks.
3. New Manchester City Cafe Coming To Abu Dhabi
A new Manchester City cafe and lounge is in the works at Yas Residences by Ohana in Abu Dhabi. Designed to recreate match-day energy in a relaxed lounge setting, the space will include an open-air terrace with a large screen for fans to gather and watch games together. An official opening date is yet to be announced.
4. Etihad Unveils Abu Dhabi-Inspired Recycled Tote Bags For Economy Class
Etihad Airways has introduced new Economy Class amenity totes, inspired by Abu Dhabi’s architecture, colours and skyline. Each bag is made from recycled PET plastic bottles and folds into a small pouch for reuse. The totes carry inflight essentials and will roll out on select long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights to promote sustainability.
Also Read: Etihad Airways Issues Travel Advisory For Abu Dhabi-Taipei Flights As Typhoon Bavi Nears Asia
5. Turkiye Names Two Para-Athletes For World Triathlon Championship Series Hamburg
Kubra Dere and Ugurcan Ozer will represent Türkiye at the World Triathlon Para Series races in Hamburg, held alongside the World Triathlon Championship Series on July 11-12. Dere competes in the women’s PTS4 category, while Ozer races in the men’s PTS5 class, at what is also Hamburg’s inaugural Para Series event.
6. Egypt Launches Child Employment And Training Code Of Conduct
Egypt has launched a new Code of Conduct for Regulating Children’s Training and Employment, prepared by the ILO with the Ministry of Labour, the Federation of Egyptian Industries and the Egyptian Trade Union Federation. The framework aims to safeguard children’s rights to education, health and safety while reducing the worst forms of child labour across the industrial sector. The launch also celebrated 141 students graduating from Egypt’s apprenticeship programme.
7. Oman Opens New Makati Centre For One-Trip Visa And Medical Processing
Oman Post has opened the Oman Visa and Medical Centre at San Lorenzo Place Mall in Makati City, Philippines, billed as the first facility to combine visa paperwork and medical exams under one roof for Filipino jobseekers bound for the Sultanate. The move is expected to cut waiting periods for applicants who previously had to visit separate locations for each step.
Also Read: Aquarabia Tickets Offer To Air India Express Restoring West Asia Network; 10 Middle East Updates
8. Qatar Airways To Return To Farnborough International Airshow 2026
Qatar Airways will be present at the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place in the UK from July 20-24, where it will display its Boeing 777-300ER in a unique FIFA World Cup 2026 livery, as well as the Gulfstream G700 private jet from Qatar Executive. Boeing’s exhibit will showcase the airline’s onboard products, including Starlink connectivity.
9. Palm Jumeirah Mall Launches Indoor Runs And Complimentary Wellness Sessions
Palm Jumeirah Mall is hosting indoor runs and weekly wellness sessions through July and August, giving residents an indoor way to stay active through Dubai’s summer heat. Organised with Super Sports, the runs span four distances – 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km, while Lululemon and Fitness First are leading complimentary yoga, Pilates and Zumba sessions.
10. Emirates To Debut A380 To Delhi From October, Premium Economy To Expand To Six Indian Cities
Emirates will bring its flagship A380 to the Dubai-Delhi route from October 25, making Delhi its third Indian A380 destination after Mumbai and Bengaluru. The move means all four daily Dubai-Delhi flights will feature Premium Economy. By the end of October, Premium Economy will be available across six Indian gateways: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, with Kolkata also shifting to the next-generation A350.
So, if you have also been keeping up with these updates, we hope you can stay ahead of the news and what’s happening around you.
Cover Image Courtesy: Manchester City By Ohana/Website
FAQs
When is Indie Soul Fest taking place in Dubai?
Indie Soul Fest will be held on July 26 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The event starts at 7 pm.
What is Qatar Airways' new biometric Fast Pass?
The Fast Pass allows eligible passengers to use facial recognition instead of a boarding pass at check-in, bag drop, security, lounges and boarding gates at Hamad International Airport.
