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From Emirates’s Kid-Friendly Travel Hacks To Oman’s Plastic Bag Ban Expansion, 7 GCC Updates For You

Dubai’s booming with over 8.6 million visitors already this year, while the UAE gears up for summer with festivals, sporting milestones, and travel updates. From Liwa’s palm carving contest to Abu Dhabi hosting the Para Swimming World Series, here’s your quick guide

by Deeplata Garde
From Emirates’s Kid-Friendly Travel Hacks To Oman’s Plastic Bag Ban Expansion, 7 GCC Updates For You

The UAE’s got a lot cooking this summer, and no, we’re not just talking about the temperature! From sky-high tourist numbers to game-changing travel hacks with Emirates, here’s your quick GCC Updates roundup of what’s making headlines.

7 GCC Updates You Need Now

1. Dubai’s Tourist Boom Attracting 8.68 Million Tourists

Let’s start with Dubai’s tourist magnet status. In just five months, 8.68 million visitors landed here, showing the city’s charm never takes a break. May alone welcomed 1.53 million tourists, so forget the idea that it’s ‘off-season’. Western Europe is topping the charts, sending nearly 1.92 million visitors, while Russia, Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the GCC aren’t far behind, each crossing the 1.2 million mark. Basically, the world can’t get enough of Dubai!

2. GDRFA’s Hijri New Year Working Hours Announced

Planning to run errands or sort visas during the Hijri New Year holiday on 27 June 2025? Heads-up – the GDRFA Dubai announced its official hours, but don’t stress. Their digital services run 24/7, and the Customer Happiness Centre at Terminal 3 Arrivals stays open around the clock. Smooth airport processes? Sorted.

3. Liwa Festival’s Bringing Art With A Palm Twist

Over in Abu Dhabi, the legendary Liwa Date Festival returns from 14 to 27 July, and this year, there’s a creative new spin. Emiratis can carve palm trunks into stunning sculptures in the ‘Artistry from the Palm Trunk’ contest. Up for grabs? Some pretty cool prizes. Want in? Register on the festival’s app and bring your masterpiece to the festival site by 13 July. Let your art speak heritage!

4. Flying Out Of DXB? Here’s Your Summer Travel Survival Tip With Emirates

Summer holidays are here, and Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 is buzzing! With over 30,000 travellers flying out on 26 June, and similar numbers expected till 30 June, it’s going to be busy. So, plan smart – leave early, expect heavy traffic, crowded car parks, longer Immigration queues, and packed gates. Emirates recommends arriving 3 hours before departure, clearing Immigration 1.5 hours ahead, and reaching your boarding gate at least 1 hour before take-off. Stay sharp and travel stress-free!

5. Abu Dhabi Makes Waves 1st Para Swimming World Series

Massive news for sports fans – Abu Dhabi is making history as the first Middle East city to host the Para Swimming World Series, happening 27 to 29 November 2025 at Mohammed bin Zayed City Aquatics Complex. It’s not a one-time deal either – Abu Dhabi’s secured hosting rights through to 2028. With the world watching, expect top-tier competition and plenty of proud moments.

6. Oman Tightens Rules On Plastic Bags Ban

Next door in Oman, the war on plastic waste continues. From 1 July 2025, the third phase of the country’s plastic bag ban rolls out, targeting food shops, bakeries, candy stores, packaging outlets, and more. It’s all part of Oman’s big push towards sustainability – and the UAE’s been cheering them on.

7. Emirates’s Kid-Friendly Summer Travel Hacks You’ll Use

Heading out with Emirates? Here’s how to fly like a pro, especially if you’re bringing the kids.

  • Priority boarding for families, because toddlers and queues don’t mix.
  • Kids get legendary meals with nuggs, pizzas, and sweet treats – basically, zero complaints.
  • ice inflight entertainment brings 100+ kids’ movies, Marvel hits, Harry Potter marathons, and more.
  • Need downtime? Grab an activity pack with puzzles and brain teasers.
  • Babies get organic food, comfy bassinets, and care kits.
  • Want your toddler to chill? Emirates is rolling out 1,000+ new strollers at DXB Terminal 3.
  • Unaccompanied Minors get specialist escorts, lounges with video games, snacks, and comfy seating.
  • New Emirates bags have dropped – backpacks, duffles, and crossbody styles. Collect ‘em all.
  • Score freebies like ice cream at DXB or Polaroid pics with the crew.
  • Skywards Skysurfers lets kids earn miles for flights, upgrades, and cool experiences.

Also Read: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma’s Dubai Campaign To Saudia New Flight Routes, 6 GCC Updates For You

Conclusion

The GCC updates are in full swing, with travel booming, new events, green initiatives, and family-friendly hacks to make your life easier. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates/Website

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First Published: June 25, 2025 5:51 PM