The GCC has been buzzing this week between snowy races, smart city wins, direct flights and new business shortcuts. The region is clearly on the move. So, if you blinked, you might’ve missed the headlines. No worries, as we’ve rounded up 6 GCC updates for you.
6 GCC Buzzes to Bookmark Now
1. IndiGo’s New UAE Flights Are A Win For Indian Travellers
Tired of exhausting layovers and odd transit routes? IndiGo just made life simpler. India’s beloved low-cost airline has launched direct flights between Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) and two bustling Indian cities, Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. Starting June 2025, flyers can board 6E 1443 from Visakhapatnam at 2:35 am and land in the UAE at 8:30 am, four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Meanwhile, 6E 1441 from Zayed International to Bhubaneswar takes off at 2:35 am, arriving at 8:35 am. Consider this a big win for frequent flyers and families bridging the UAE-India gap.
2. Dubai Named 4th Smartest City In The World
Dubai just flexed, again. According to the IMD Smart City Index 2025, Dubai has landed the 4th spot globally for being, well, brilliantly smart. The ranking factors in health, safety, transport, education, culture, and digital services. Not far behind is Abu Dhabi, also making the UAE proud.
3. Trump Arrives In Riyadh On A 3-Day Saudi Tour
Donald Trump knows how to make an entrance. The former US President has landed in Riyadh for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and unlocking big-dollar investments in US industries. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed him personally. Expect headlines, handshakes, and a whole lot of speculation over what deals may follow.
4. Bahrain’s Museums Celebrate International Museum Day
Calling all history buffs, Bahrain is painting the town with cultural events this month. To celebrate International Museum Day on May 18, museums across the country will roll out special events, exhibitions, and workshops through May 31. The theme this year? Awareness, dialogue, and reflection. It’s the perfect time to explore Bahrain’s rich past and support the institutions that keep it alive.
5. Dubai’s Fawri Platform Lets You Launch A Business In 60 Mins!
If starting a business in Dubai felt like jumping through flaming hoops, meet Fawri. This new initiative from Meydan Free Zone is giving entrepreneurs a supercharged start. Get your business license in just 60 minutes! Yes, one hour. No red tape, no complicated procedures. Just a slick, digitised platform that lets you turn your business dreams into reality. Go ahead and dream big, launch faster.
Also Read: From Hajj’s New Mandate For Pilgrims To Emirates’s New Baggage Record, 5 GCC Updates For You!
6. DXB Snow Run Is Almost Here, Have You Signed Up Yet?
Brace yourself, Dubai’s chilliest race is back! The sixth edition of the DXB Snow Run hits Ski Dubai on Sunday, 18 May. But don’t sleep on it, registration shuts on 15 May. Runners aged 13 to 70 can pick between 3km (3 icy loops) and 5km (5 loops) and either go solo or join forces with a five-member team. It’s frosty, fun, and a fantastic way to cool down that competitive spirit.
There you go, six top GCC updates, perfectly packed. Now, go book that flight, run that race, or finally launch that dream biz!
Cover Image Courtesy: The WhiteHouse/X, Canva Stock Images
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