From Free Flu Vaccine In Abu Dhabi To Qatar Airways New Flights To NEOM, 6 GCC Updates For You

The GCC never sleeps, and this week brings you some exciting updates. From free flu shots in the UAE to the reopening of embassies and groundbreaking business rankings, we’ve got it all covered. Here’s the latest scoop!

1. Free Flu Shots Across Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi residents can now roll up their sleeves for free flu vaccines, as the government kicks off its annual flu immunisation campaign. Running until March 2025, this initiative isn’t just for the citizens, it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a resident, government worker, or healthcare professional, the city is making sure you can dodge the flu this season. For those outside the capital, flu shots are available for as low as Dh50 in other emirates.

2. Saudia’s Dreamliner Unveils A New Green Livery For National Day

Glory is green 💚

Honoring #SaudiNationalDay94 with a bold new livery 🇸🇦

Stay tuned for the big reveal! ✈️#ThisIsHowWeFly pic.twitter.com/Ykk4KAWeEM

— Saudia (@SaudiAirlinesEn) September 10, 2024

In true patriotic style, Saudia Airlines is celebrating the Kingdom’s 94th National Day by unveiling a special livery on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Decked out in green, this beauty is the latest to get a makeover in honour of Saudi National Day. But wait, this isn’t their first rodeo! Back in 2016, Airbus A330-300 HZ-AQE got a similar treatment and still wears the patriotic colours today. Now, with their sleek Dreamliner joining the fleet, Saudia continues to fly high.

3. Oman Cracks the Global Top 25

Oman has just landed at number 21 in the World’s Best Countries to Invest In or Do Business for 2024. This impressive ranking highlights Oman’s commitment to creating a business-friendly atmosphere. With strategic efforts and innovative initiatives, the Sultanate is proving to be a prime hotspot for international investment. This recognition comes as a testament to Oman’s growing allure as a destination for savvy investors looking for promising opportunities in a welcoming environment.

4. A Four-Day Workweek Is Now A Reality At This Riyadh Company!

In a bold move that’s making waves in the Saudi business scene, Lucidia, a top AI customer experience platform based in Riyadh, has become the first company in the Kingdom to adopt a four-day workweek. Yes, you read that right—four days of work, and three days to enjoy life! This revolutionary shift, which started just days ago, is shaking up the traditional five-day work routine. Lucidia is setting the stage for a potential new norm, and we can only wonder—will other companies follow suit? Only time will tell, but for now, Lucidia’s employees are living the dream.

5. Saudi Arabia Reopens Its Embassy In Damascus

#Damascus | The Saudi technical team responsible for the reopening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Syrian Arab Republic arrived in the capital Damascus, in implementation of the decision of the Kingdom to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria. pic.twitter.com/zXqMAfP42o

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 27, 2023

After a 13-year hiatus, Saudi Arabia has reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria. The embassy, which had been closed since 2012 due to political tensions, is now back in action. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of relations between the two countries.

Also Read: From Free Yoga With Lululemon In Abu Dhabi To Hala Taxi Bookings On WhatsApp, 5 GCC Updates For You

6. Qatar Airways Expands in Saudi Arabia

Qatar Airways is expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia, with the resumption of services to Abha from January 2025. Passengers can now fly twice a week to Abha International Airport. In addition, the airline will double its flights to NEOM, offering four weekly flights during the winter season.

Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or a traveller, there’s always something exciting on the horizon. Stay tuned, because the GCC never stops with trending updates!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva, Qatar Airways/ Instagram