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From Jeddah’s Japanese Festival To UAE’s Drone Ban Lift, 6 GCC Updates You Can’t Miss!

From concert crowds to chocolate drama, 6 GCC updates for you.

by Deeplata Garde
From Jeddah’s Japanese Festival To UAE’s Drone Ban Lift, 6 GCC Updates You Can’t Miss!

From celebrity rock concerts to chocolate smuggling escapades, the latest news has it all. Let’s dive into what’s happening across the GCC, from sizzling Abu Dhabi hotel prices to new gym openings in Dubai Marina. Stay with us for all the GCC updates.

6 GCC Updates For You

1. Abu Dhabi Prices Go Through The Roof For Coldplay Concert

 

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A post shared by Coldplay (@coldplay)

Hold on to your wallets, because hotel prices in Abu Dhabi have skyrocketed! Thanks to Coldplay’s four back-to-back concerts, demand for accommodation is at an all-time high. We’re talking about a 30% price hike and fully booked hotels. Who could have predicted that Chris Martin and the gang would cause such a stir?

With accommodation fully booked, people are now flocking to short-term rental properties in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The real estate company Allsopp and Allsopp revealed that in Dubai, occupancy rates are soaring, especially in popular areas like Dubai Marina and Expo City. 

2. A Sweet (But Suspicious) Smuggle in Germany

It seems like Dubai’s chocolate isn’t just famous for its luxurious taste. One woman took her sweet tooth a little too far last month at Hamburg airport, where German customs seized 90kg of Dubai chocolate bars. Yes, you read that right. The 33-year-old packed 460 bars, each weighing 200 grams, into three suitcases. But when questioned by officials, she revealed she had paid €4.60 per bar, raising suspicions. Turns out, not declaring a whopping 90kg of chocolate might not be as sweet as it seems. German customs sure had their hands full with this sweet smuggling mission!

3. Hayy Matsuri is Back in Jeddah!

Grab your kimono and get ready for a cultural feast at Hayy Matsuri, Jeddah’s most anticipated festival. Celebrating 70 years of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations, the event kicked off today and runs until January 11, 2025. The festival brings together over 30 participants for a fun mix of performances, workshops, food vendors, and a unique shopping experience. And the best part? It’s completely free!

4. UAE Weather Alert: Hail, Thunder, and Lightning

Pack an umbrella, because the weather is making some dramatic moves in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are experiencing moderate to heavy rain, complete with hail and lightning. According to the UAE Met Office, a low-pressure system moving inland from the Arabian Sea is to blame. If you’re in these areas, don’t let the weather catch you off guard. 

Also Read: From Torrential Rains In Saudi Arabia To Resumption Of Flights To Damascus International Airport, 6 GCC Updates For You

5. New Year, New Gym? Dubai Marina Has You Covered

 

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A post shared by Wellfit (@wellfit)

Ready to kick-start your fitness goals in 2025? Well, Wellfit’s new 35,000 sqft wellness palace is open in Dubai Marina, and it’s like a fitness lover’s dream come true. Located in Fattan Marine Towers, this gym boasts two floors of state-of-the-art equipment, perfect for anyone aiming to flex their muscles or recover in luxury. Memberships start from around Dhs700 per month. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Wellfit is the place to be. Just don’t blame us if you get too hooked on those post-workout smoothies.

6. Drone Lovers, Your Time Has Come

GCC Updates
Pic Creds; Canva

It’s official: the UAE has lifted its drone ban, and drone enthusiasts everywhere are celebrating! As of January 7, 2025, you can now fly your drone for fun,  just make sure to follow the rules.

Before you take off, here’s what you need to know:

  • Register your drone on the Unified National Drone Platform
  • Only fly in approved green zones (check the ‘My Drone Hub’ app)
  • Keep your flights below 400 feet, and only during the day
  • No commercial use,  this is for fun, not business

So, charge up your batteries and get ready to take flight (but keep it legal, alright?).

Whether you’re into music, food, fitness, or weather drama, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, because in the GCC, there’s always something new to discover!

Cover Image Courtesy: Hayy Jameel/Instagram, Canva Stock Images

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First Published: January 09, 2025 5:06 PM