There are many new updates taking place in the GCC region that often become difficult to keep track of. To ensure that you are not behind on any of these news updates, we have made a list of news pieces from the UAE to Saudi Arabia and even Oman. Take a look at these updates from across the Middle East region.
Middle East Updates
1. Remote Learning Announced For Private Schools
In line with the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed, private school students in the emirate will have the option of remote learning on Fridays throughout Ramadan. Students with mandatory in-person examinations on Fridays are exempt from this arrangement. Additionally, schools are… pic.twitter.com/iWUJd047wv
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2025
Recently, under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, private school students in the Emirate will now have the option of remote learning. This will be available on Fridays throughout Ramadan! In addition to this, students with mandatory in-person examinations on Fridays are exempted from this arrangement. Moreover, schools are encouraged to accommodate families for whom remote learning might not be suitable by allowing students to attend classes in person if possible.
2. UAE To Launch Emirates International Holy Quran Award
Recently, it was revealed that the UAE is planning to launch the Emirates International Holy Quran Award. This will be happening in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed. For this, 20 scholars from different countries will be hosted in the UAE. Moreover, it’s going to be a part of the president’s guest program during the month of Ramadan.
3. Flying Taxi To Arrive In Abu Dhabi In A Few Months
As revealed by US eVTOL manufacturer Archer, it was revealed that the Midnight Aircraft, which will begin its operations as flying taxis in the UAE, might be coming to the emirate in the coming months. It is expected to launch passenger flights in Abu Dhabi later this year. Moreover, Abu Dhabi Aviation is Archer’s first launch edition customer.
4. Salsola Tetrandra Shrub Reappears In Northern Border
This is a vital shrub, which was once widespread in the Hamad area of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders. However, it has reappeared after a decades-long absence! The near extension of the plant has been attributed to overgrazing, which occurred in the 1990s. It is considered to be a crucial food source for livestock and wildlife.
5. Najran Experiences Significant Increase In Demand For Wheat
The Southern region of Saudi Arabia, which is Najran, is experiencing a significant increase in demand for wheat. This comes at a time when people are preparing across the region for the holy month of Ramadan. In fact, it is in high demand for its widespread use during the holy month and the most popular type is Al-Samraa, which is brown wheat.
6. Oman Air Increases Point-to-Point Passenger Share
As announced by the airline recently, Oman Air has recorded a 46% increase in total traffic of passengers. This is for January 2025, which is a 35% increase from the same month in 2024. Moreover, this shift also strengthens the airline’s profitability and aligns with the strategic goal of maximising inbound traffic.
7. Qatar Airways Introduces Off-Airport Check-In Service In Makkah
A journey of faith deserves a journey of comfort.
Qatar Airways, in partnership with The Saudi Ground Services Company @Saudi_GS, introduces off-airport check-in service in Makkah starting 1 March 2025, offering Hajj and Umrah passengers’ greater levels of convenience and peace… pic.twitter.com/BsPvByUcmn— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) February 27, 2025
From March 1 onwards, Qatar Airways will be introducing off-airport check-in services in Mecca. Offering Hajj and Umrah passengers a greater level of convenience, the airline has partnered with Saudi Ground Services for this service. In case you’re wondering, it allows passengers to complete check-in formalities, receive the boarding passes, and even get their baggage collected from the city for their smooth journey at the airport.
8. Sheikh Saeed bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Passes Away
بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، ننعى المغفور له بإذن الله الشيخ سعيد بن راشد النعيمي، الذي وافته المنية مساء اليوم. نسأل الله أن يتغمد الفقيد بواسع رحمته، ويسكنه فسيح جناته، ويلهمنا جميعا الصبر والسلوان. pic.twitter.com/S0nfo6MZ0J
— عمار بن حميد النعيمي (@ajammar) February 26, 2025
Ajman Ruler’s Court is in mourning after the passing of Sheikh Saeed bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. A three-day official mourning period was declared, and the funeral prayers officially took place on Thursday at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is an Al Jurf and was followed after the Dhurh prayer.
9. Sheikh Mohammed And Sheikh Hamdan Attended Dubai Camp
Mohammed bin Rashid: Dubai does not wait for the future, but instead believes in exploring transformative approaches to anticipated challenges. The discussions and sessions at Dubai Camp reflect Dubai’s proactive approach to transforming future challenges into opportunities for… pic.twitter.com/xvTi90SaoS
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2025
Recently, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Al Makhdoom Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid attended the Dubai camp. This is a high-level government event, which brought together a number of senior officials. The aim is to boost the integration of efforts among government entities, along with enhancing collaboration, anticipating future challenges, and shaping strategic roadmaps across several sectors.
10. Dubai World Trade Centre To Host AccessAbilities Expo
The Dubai World Trade Centre will host the 7th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo (AAE 2025) from October 6-8. The event aims to showcase the most advanced assistive technologies to empower millions of People of Determination in the Middle East to lead more independent lives.… pic.twitter.com/0haxtq97GA
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2025
Dubai World Trade Centre will be hosting the seventh edition of the AccessAbilities Expo. This will be happening from October 6-8, and the event aims to showcase some of the most advanced assistive technologies. With the aim of empowering millions of People of Determination in the Middle East, this will allow them to live a more independent life. It should be noted that the exhibition, with 270 companies, several global brands, and rehabilitation centres from more than 50 countries, will be present here.
So, with this list of updates for you from the Middle East, we hope you’re able to stay ahead of the news.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva & X/qatarairways
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