From a fresh visa scam warning to a needle-free flu option in Abu Dhabi, the UAE starts the week with plenty to note. Here are five GCC updates worth knowing.
GCC Updates For Today
1. Indian Missions Warn Against Visa Agencies
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and Northern Emirates issued an advisory on Monday, 12 October, after receiving complaints about visa and migration agencies operating outside India, including in the UAE. The missions say these firms promote third-country employment and residency visas through social media ads. Their message is simple: never pay on a promise of approval, because no agency can guarantee a visa. In August, the missions also warned against unauthorised agents seeking biometric data.
2. Abu Dhabi Adds A Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre will offer a needle-free nasal spray to eligible residents this 2026-2027 flu season, alongside standard injections and a high-dose vaccine for people aged 65 and above. Flu vaccination is free for eligible residents aged six months and above. The spray isn’t suitable for everyone, so check your eligibility with a healthcare professional first. About 350,000 people were vaccinated in Abu Dhabi last season.
3. RTA Wins The First Dubai-It Award
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has named the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) the winner of the Dubai-it Award for Institutions in the Field of Government. The recognition points to major road projects and more than 250 traffic improvements that helped cut travel times by up to 60 per cent. The award drew hundreds of nominations.
4. Hijri Calendar Goes Interactive
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched an interactive UAE Hijri calendar on its website. Users can view Hijri and Gregorian dates, prayer times, Hijri months and religious, national and international events. The centre is the official body that issues the calendar and sets the start of Hijri months in the UAE. A smart app and a printed book are also available.
Also Read: New Beach Club In Dubai To Cyber Run & Ride Ver. 2.0 Dates In Abu Dhabi; 5 GCC Updates
5. Dubai Beats Its Cashless Target
Dubai Finance says 90.1 per cent of transactions in the emirate are now cashless, ahead of the 90 per cent goal set for the end of 2026. Government cashless collections reached 99.66 per cent in the first half of 2026, and the strategy has contributed more than Dh8 billion to the economy.
Here’s all for today from the GCC Updates and we will be back tomorrow with fresh ones from the region!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Richard Sharrocks
FAQs
Can a visa agency guarantee approval?
No. The Indian missions say no agency can guarantee a visa, because the decision rests solely with the issuing government. They advise against paying anything based on a promise of approval. They also advise checking visa requirements directly with the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
Is the flu vaccine free in Abu Dhabi, and who can use the nasal spray?
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre says flu vaccination is free for eligible people aged six months and above. The nasal spray is offered to eligible individuals this season, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Residents should check with a healthcare professional before choosing it.
