From cooling a giant fire in RAK to realigning traffic in Ajman and celebrating Union Pledge Day, our region is buzzing with meaningful change. Add in smarter visa rules, green tourism projects and safer food standards, and it’s clear that the UAE and its neighbours are evolving fast. Here’s all about the Middle East updates for today!
11 Middle East Updates & What’s Hot In The GCC And Beyond
1. Major Fire Under Control In Ras Al Khaimah
A massive blaze erupted in Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Halila industrial area. Emergency teams spent five intense hours bringing it under control. More than 16 federal and local agencies joined firefighting, cooling, and evacuation efforts. Thankfully, authorities confirmed no one got hurt. It’s a relief, but also a reminder of how quickly things can change.
2. Two Premium Communities Launched In RAK
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Al Hamra just dropped two new residential gems: Al Hamra Greens and Aila Homes, worth over AED 3 billion (against USD 817 million). Nestled in Al Hamra Village, both communities promise stylish, Scandinavian-inspired living with wellness at their core. Al Hamra Greens offers 1,754 homes with private balconies, all overlooking a championship golf course and near Wynn Al Marjan Island. If you’re after that balance between luxury and serenity, these spots speak your language.
3. Ajman Tweaks Heavy Vehicle Ban Hours
Starting Tuesday, 22 July, Ajman updates the ban on heavy trucks on Sheikh Zayed Street and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street. No trucks from 5:30am to 9:00am and again from 2:00pm to 9:30pm. Other roads still have a total ban. Ajman Police advise drivers to plan around these timings to ease traffic during peak hours.
4. Abu Dhabi Shuts Cafeteria Over Food Safety Breach
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Adafsa shut down Cocobona Cafeteria (licence CN 3952783) in Abu Dhabi, following repeated food safety violations. Inspectors flagged risky practices and a failure to fix them. The cafeteria closed immediately to protect public health. This action shows how seriously authorities take food safety — and they’re watching closely.
5. Dubai–Kozhikode Flight Cancels After 4 Hours on Tarmac
Air India Express flight IX 346 from Dubai to Kozhikode boarded at 8:15 am but sat on the tarmac with no AC or updates. Passengers endured sweltering heat until the carrier finally cancelled the flight at 12:15 pm. “No AC, no info,” travellers told us. Frustration ran high. The airline apologised, citing operational issues, and all passengers were walked off the plane.
6. Qatar Tourism’s Nigeria Roadshow Drives Leisure Travel
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Qatar Tourism, along with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar, hosted over 150 trade and consumer guests in Lagos and Abuja. Their lively events showcased Doha’s tourist attractions and stopover deals. Nigeria’s travel trade welcomed the campaign. Qatar sees Nigeria as a key market for leisure tourism expansion.
7. Oman Preserves Dhofar Amid Khareef Influx
Oman’s Khareef season draws thousands to the Khareef’s green Dhofar region. With visitors everywhere between June and September, the Environment Authority launched “Environmental Protectors” to maintain ecological balance. Their focus covers lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife, ensuring the region stays natural while remaining accessible to both locals and tourists.
8. Egypt Awards Golden Licences for Textile Expansion
Egypt’s Cabinet approved three “golden licences” during a July meeting. Kingdom Linen Company will set up a linen-spinning factory in Sadat City with USD 58 million investment. The plant, covering over 51,900 sqm, will be ready by 1 January 2027. It will employ 500 workers and use at least 30 percent local materials. The move shows Egypt’s drive to grow industry and create jobs.
9. EU Eases Schengen Visas for Turkish Citizens
The European Commission now offers multi-entry Schengen visas for Turks who have followed visa rules in the past. Validity ranges from six months to five years depending on history. Turkey’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat confirmed this new flexibility on Friday. This change boosts ease of travel and trade ties with Europe.
Also Read: Ameca’s Latest Version At Museum Of Future To 29th Muscat Book Fair; 10 Middle East Updates For You
10. Türkiye Launches E-Visa for Vietnamese Travellers
From 1 September 2025, Vietnamese citizens can apply for Turkish visas online via the official Türkiye e-visa Vietnam system. Those applying can visit for up to 30 days and get visas valid for up to 180 days from issue. Before, travellers had to jump through hoops via U.S. or Schengen embassies. Now it’s a few clicks away. This digital shift is set to boost tourism, business exchanges, and ties between Türkiye and Vietnam.
11. Ajman Honours Union Day With Street Naming
On 18 July, Ajman marked Union Pledge Day, the date of the UAE’s Constitution signing 54 years ago. The emirate renamed a main road in Al Raqaib 2 to Ahd Al Ittihad (Union Pledge). This street joins others with historic names like United Home and 1971 Street. It serves as a daily reminder of the union that binds the Emirates.
Bottom Line
Stay tuned for what happens next as Middle East updates are moving forward as never before this week!
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ lemaret pierrick’s Images, Adafsa/Instagram
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: July 18, 2025 7:00 PM