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From Qatar’s Whale Shark Tours To Air Canada Strike, 5 GCC Updates For You

This August, the Gulf buzzes with adventure, culture, and entertainment.

by Deeplata Garde
From Qatar’s Whale Shark Tours To Air Canada Strike, 5 GCC Updates For You

The Gulf never sits still, does it? One day you’re staring at the sea, the next you’re dancing under neon lights. Here’s what’s up this August for GCC Updates. 

5 GCC Updates For You

1. Qatar’s Whale Shark Spectacle

 

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A post shared by Discover Qatar (@discoverqatar)

Qatar’s northern coast is showing off big time. Al Shaheen Marine Zone hosts one of the largest whale shark gatherings on the planet. Yup, giant, gentle sharks, just gliding through the water like they own the place.

Discover Qatar’s Whale Shark Tours run until September 2025. You get a luxury catamaran, expert guides, and a front-row seat to nature. Sharks feeding? Check. Conservation lessons? Double check. Over 1,200 people have been on these tours since 2022. And trust me, everyone leaves buzzing. Want to go? Hit up Discover Qatar or Qatar Airways Holidays. Seriously. Don’t miss it.

2. Saud bin Maadi Al Qahtani, A Poet Remembered

Heartbreaking news. Saudi poet Saud bin Maadi Al Qahtani died after a fall from Oman’s Jabal Samhan cliffs. His work blended Gulf heritage with modern vibes, and now the literary world feels emptier. The Saudi Embassy in Muscat is handling his repatriation.

3. Air Canada Travel Chaos

If you were planning a Dubai–Toronto trip, brace yourself. Air Canada has grounded all flights because of a cabin crew strike. Over half a million passengers were affected. Tickets from August 15–20 (purchased by August 17) can be changed for free. Pro tip: double-check online before leaving for the airport, you’ll thank me.

4. Virtual House Hunting In The UAE

House-hunting just got futuristic. Developers like Emaar and DAMAC offer VR and 3D walkthroughs now. You can peek at layouts, check finishes, and see views, all from your phone or laptop. Add YallaValue or DLD Smart Evaluation, and you get instant market pricing. Overseas buyer? Busy schedule? Doesn’t matter. VR makes it fast, fun, and surprisingly satisfying.

Also Read:Pink Diamond Heist Foiled By Dubai Police To Gulfood Manufacturing Dates; 5 GCC Updates For You

5. Youngr Is Back In Dubai

Music alert! Youngr, UK EDM star and son of Kid Creole, hits P7 Arena, Media One Hotel, on 2 October. Expect live-looping, infectious beats, and hits like Out Of My System and Sweet Disposition.

Collaborations with Elderbrook and The Chainsmokers? Yep. Night-long dancing guaranteed. Bring energy. Bring friends. Or just bring yourself. You’ll dance anyway.

Wrapping Up

From whale sharks to poetry, travel chaos to virtual homes, and neon-lit dance floors, August proves the Gulf never stops. Adventure? Check. Reflection? Check. Fun? Absolutely.

Cover Image Courtesy: Discover Qatar/Website, Air Canada/X

First Published: August 19, 2025 7:43 PM