CT Quickies: From Oman Botanic Garden Handover To Snowfall In Saudi Arabia, 10 Middle East Updates

The Middle East offers weather moments, transport changes, and a few head-turning headlines this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about Middle East Updates.

10 Middle East Updates For You

1. Oman Completes The Arabian Peninsula’s Largest Botanic Garden

After years of planning and construction, the Oman Botanic Garden project has officially reached completion and has been handed over to Muscat Municipality as mentioned in a report by Zawya. Supervised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism between 2021 and 2025, the garden sits in Al Khoudh and focuses on conserving Oman’s native plant life. While final operational details are still being wrapped up, the site is expected to open soon. 

2. Turkiye Announces Free Urban Rail Travel For New Year’s Day

If you’re ringing in the New Year in Turkiye, commuting just got cheaper. According to Haberler, on January 1, urban rail services in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir will be free. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu confirmed the move after a decision signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Services like Marmaray, Başkentray, İZBAN, and the Istanbul Airport metro line will all operate at no charge to mark the holiday. 

3. UAE Issues Safety Advisory For Citizens In Oman Affected By Weather

Oman’s unstable weather had the UAE diplomatic mission in Muscat issue a safety advisory for the  Emirati citizens, as per Gulf News. They have urged them to stay alert, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow local instructions during storms and high winds. Authorities have alerted travellers of the weather, and it’s important to be in reach, use emergency helplines, and register with the Tawajudi service for assistance.

4. Oman Air Confirms Direct Flights To Singapore

Big news for frequent flyers. Oman Air will launch direct flights from Muscat to Singapore starting July 2, 2026 as mentioned in a report by Cairo Scene. Operating 4 times a week using Boeing 737 Max aircraft, the route strengthens links with Southeast Asia and improves onward connections through the oneworld alliance, which includes Qatar Airways and British Airways.

5. Alsirah Gardens Opens Near Quba Mosque in Madinah

Madinah welcomed a major cultural addition with the opening of Alsirah Gardens near Quba Mosque, according to a report by Scene Now. Developed by QSAS, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. the first phase, called Orchard of Al-Mustazill, blends education, heritage storytelling, and family-friendly spaces and is a SAR 500 million project. Spanning 70,000 square metres, this project supports tourism goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

6. Kuwait Orders Closure Of Souq Sharq

One of Kuwait City’s most recognisable seafront landmarks is shutting its doors as mentioned in a report by MSN.com. The Kuwait Ministry of Finance has announced the closure of Souq Sharq. The authorities instructed tenants to vacate by January 31, 2026. The closure signals a major redevelopment by Wafra Real Estate Company in the area.

7. Katara FIFA Arab Cup Cultural Programme Concluded

According to Peninsula Qatar, the Katara Cultural Village Foundation wrapped up its cultural programme alongside the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. It drew mass through art shows, heritage displays, and fan zones. The 15th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival featured maritime traditions from 11 countries, while the Arabic Language Festival continues until December 20.

8. Snow Falls in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Residents in northern Saudi Arabia and parts of Qatar watched rare snowfall blanket areas like Trojena on Jebel Al-Lawz in Tabuk, as mentioned in a report by Daily Times . The National Centre for Meteorology confirmed a cold air mass pushed temperatures below zero. Schools have announced remote learning and motorists have been warned by authorities to avoid travelling through icy roads.

9. Dubai–Sharjah Ferry Suspend Ferry Due To Adverse Weather

#تُعلمكم
#هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بتعليق خدمة فيري دبي بين دبي والشارقة مؤقتاً نظراً للحالة الجوية. شكراً لتفهمكم.

— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 19, 2025

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority unveils suspension of ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah, as per The Times of India. Officials stressed passenger safety and advised commuters to follow official updates. Services will resume once conditions stabilise.

Also Read: Bus Accident Near Madinah To Simonds Expanding To USA; 5 Middle East Updates For You

10. Dubai Launches New Art Competition 

Dubai is hosting an art competition, and artists are invited to reimagine everyday Salik tags. Say hello to “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” competition, launched by Salik Company PJSC in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. It invites creative and youth communities to submit original designs reflecting Dubai’s cultural diversity and urban identity as mentioned in a report by One Arabia. Entries close on January 19, 2026, as mentioned in a report by MSN.com. Winners stand a chance to win a total prize fund of AED100,000, and winning designs will be unveiled at the Sikka Art & Design Festival in Al Shindagha from January 23 to February 1, 2026.

Cover Image Courtesy: Oman Botanic Garden/Website, @ksa_9w/X