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From 500 Scholarships In Sharjah To New Rules For Hajj Campaign Organisers, 5 GCC Updates For You

From new Hajj campaign rules in the UAE to Air Arabia’s growing fleet, the GCC’s been busy this week. Sharjah boosts scholarships, Dubai gears up for a triathlon weekend, and Qatar Airways reconnects Aleppo to the skies.

by Deeplata Garde
From 500 Scholarships In Sharjah To New Rules For Hajj Campaign Organisers, 5 GCC Updates For You

From airspace to academic halls and the sandy paths of Hajj, the GCC is buzzing with updates this week. The UAE is tightening the rules on Hajj campaign standards. Sharjah is handing out hundreds of scholarships. Airlines are reshuffling fleets and more. Here’s what you need to know.

 5 Big GCC Updates This Week

1. UAE Sets Stricter Standards for 2026 Hajj Campaigns

GCC Updates
Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Zurijeta

The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has rolled out a fresh selection system for Hajj campaign organisers for the 1447H season in 2026. This updated process is aimed at improving the overall service for pilgrims travelling from the UAE.

To qualify, organisers now need to meet several requirements. These include offering a high level of service, proving their team can handle large groups, showing financial readiness, and scoring well in performance reviews from the 2025 season. The focus here is simple: give UAE pilgrims a safer, more reliable journey.

2. Sharjah Ruler Approves Al Qasimia Budget and 500 Scholarships

Sharjah’s Ruler has officially signed off on the upcoming academic year’s budget for Al Qasimia University for the 2025–2026 session. Alongside the financial boost, His Highness has also approved 500 scholarships for international students. Both men and women who have already been accepted into one of the university’s colleges for the new semester are eligible for these scholarships. 

3. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Adds Aircraft While Wizz Air Bows Out

 

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Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has just grown its fleet with two new Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its total number to 12. That number will rise to 14 before the year ends, as two more aircraft are expected to arrive.

This expansion will increase the airline’s total passenger capacity by 40 percent in 2025. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s aviation market at a time when Wizz Air is winding down operations in the emirate. Air Arabia’s focus remains clear: build a strong, affordable option for regional travellers and support economic activity linked to aviation.

4. T100 Triathlon Set To Return to Dubai in November

Dubai will once again host the T100 Triathlon Weekend this year. The event runs from November 13 to 16 and promises a bigger and better programme. Amateur athletes now have the chance to join in with open slots in both the 100km and the Sprint races.

International stars like Marten Van Riel from Belgium and Taylor Knibb from the US will return to defend their titles. Not just a program, expect a school challenge and a corporate relay as the event opens the doors for community involvement. Dubai Sports Council and the Professional Triathletes Organisation are teaming up to deliver an exciting weekend. 

5. Qatar Airways Adds Aleppo Flights Starting August 10

Qatar Airways is adding Aleppo back to its network with direct flights starting August 10. This follows the earlier relaunch of services to Damascus earlier in 2025. Aleppo will become the airline’s second active route into Syria.

Initially, the airline will run three weekly flights to Aleppo. From September 1, that number will increase to four. Back in 2011, was the first time Qatar Airways took off to Aleppo. This new development would bring more options and easier access in terms of travel.

Also Read: From UAE’s Pet Insurance To World’s Largest Graffiti Exhibition At Burj Khalifa, 5 GCC Updates For You

In Summary

This week’s news covers everything from flight routes to academic support and spiritual journeys. The UAE continues to raise standards for Hajj organisers. Sharjah invests further in global education. Air Arabia steps up while another carrier steps away. Dubai gets ready for a triathlon showdown, and Qatar Airways reconnects old routes. Across the GCC, things are shifting, and it’s all happening fast.

Let us know which of these headlines caught your eye.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Drazen_ from Getty Images Signature, Zurijeta

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First Published: July 16, 2025 5:35 PM