From groundbreaking flights to jaw-dropping displays, the GCC is ringing in the new year with style, innovation, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s futuristic parking, world-class performances or a toast to cultural unity, the GCC is delivering updates you can’t miss.
7 GCC Updates For You
1. China Southern Airlines Introduces Shenyang-Dubai Route
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Say hello to seamless travel! On December 28, 2024, China Southern Airlines launched its Shenyang-Dubai flight route. The Airbus A330-300 operates with a stopover in Guangzhou, connecting the capital of Liaoning Province to Dubai with no extra transfers.
Why is this exciting? The route strengthens links between the two cities while upgrading passenger experience with flexible services and a focus on the bustling Guangzhou-Dubai sector. No more travel headaches just smoother journeys.
2. Barrierless Parking Debuts In Dubai Malls
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Parking woes? Not anymore! Starting January 1, 2025, Dubai malls are rolling out a cutting-edge barrierless parking system. Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif are the pioneers of this futuristic upgrade.
Drivers can now glide into parking spaces without the hassle of gates and tickets. Convenience just parked itself into your shopping trips!
3. Abu Dhabi’s Yellow Plates for Commercial Motorcycles
ابتداءً من يناير 2025، سيتم استحداث لوحات الدراجات التجارية باللون الأصفر مع إبقاء اللوحات الحمراء للدراجات الفردية. ويجب على أصحابها تبديل لوحات دراجاتهم فور انتهاء الملكية، أو عند استبدال اللوحة أو تغيير رقمها. وتهدف هذه المبادرة إلى تعزيز تنظيم النقل وسلامة الطرق في أبوظبي. pic.twitter.com/uLLmpiGqMB
— أبوظبي للتنقل | AD Mobility (@ad_mobility) December 27, 2024
Spotted bright yellow plates on motorcycles? That’s Abu Dhabi’s latest move. These plates are now mandatory for all commercial bikes, like delivery vehicles.
Here’s the deal: Owners must switch to yellow plates during ownership transfers or if they need replacements. Abu Dhabi Mobility, formerly known as the Integrated Transport Centre, aims to enhance safety and streamline traffic monitoring with this colourful initiative.
4. British Airways Returns to Abu Dhabi After Four Years
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British Airways is back in Abu Dhabi! After a four-year hiatus, the airline resumes non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi International Airport. This marks a strong European comeback following Air France’s recent reactivation in the UAE capital. Complementing this, British Airways continues to operate three daily flights to Dubai using its luxurious Airbus A380s and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. London to the UAE has never looked so chic!
5. Sheikh Mohammed Praises People For Managing Dubai’s Record-Breaking New Year’s Eve
كل عام والإمارات في مجد وعز وازدهار واستقرار … كل عام والعالم بخير وسلام .. كل عام والبشرية تنطلق إلى آفاق جديدة ..
مر عام 2024 بحمدالله والإمارات تحقق أرقاماً تاريخيّة في جميع مؤشراتها ..
ونستقبل 2025 بتفاؤل أكبر .. وطموحات أعظم .. وإصرار أوسع على الاستمرار في رحلة النمو… pic.twitter.com/ycBK1vNDcL
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 31, 2024
Millions of people. Thirty-six locations. One unforgettable night. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the emirate’s New Year’s Eve celebrations as a “model of coexistence and civilisation.” Tourists, residents, and citizens rang in 2025 with a dazzling show, solidifying Dubai’s title as the “City of the World.” What a way to start the year!
6. Quickstyle Set To Rock DSF Nights
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Calling all dance fans! Quickstyle, the globally acclaimed dance crew, will hit the stage at Dubai Festival City Mall’s DSF Nights on January 10th. Their electric energy and iconic moves promise to leave the audience in awe. Festival Bay is the place to be for an unforgettable evening!
7. Ras Al Khaimah Sets Two Guinness World Records
احتفالات #رأس_الخيمة بمناسبة حلول السنة الميلادية 2025 تبهرالعالم مرة أخرى بعرض مذهل للألعاب النارية، مسجّلة بذلكرقمين جديدين في موسوعة “غينيس” للأرقام القياسية العالمية.@In_RasAlKhaimah @GWR #RAKNYE2024 pic.twitter.com/hQasPN6EHF
— Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (@RAKmediaoffice) December 31, 2024
Ras Al Khaimah knows how to put on a show. This year’s New Year’s spectacle smashed two Guinness World Records:
- Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotors/drones.
- Largest aerial image of a seashell, also formed by multi-rotors/drones.
The jaw-dropping display featured 1,400 drones, synchronised fireworks, and dazzling lasers lighting up the night sky. Truly a breathtaking start to 2025!
Stay tuned for more GCC Updates as the region continues to evolve and dazzle!
Cover Image Courtesy: AD Mobility, RAK Government Media Office/X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: January 02, 2025 4:28 PM