The Gulf region never stays quiet, whether it’s kids turning into mini business owners, wild dust storms sweeping Saudi, or new tech upgrades, there’s always something happening. Here’s your round-up of the top five GCC updates making headlines this week.
5 GCC Updates You Need To Know
1.Dubai’s Little Entrepreneurs Take Over GDRFA With ‘Young Merchant’ Initiative
Dubai is raising future CEOs early, and we love to see it! The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched the ‘Young Merchant’ initiative, turning its headquarters into a buzzing mini-market. Until 3 July, 30 young participants, aged between 5 and 15 (all children of GDRFA employees), will run their very own market stalls.
The initiative gives these kids a real-world experience of entrepreneurship.
2. Abu Dhabi Shuts Down Food Trading Firm Over Health Violations
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Meanwhile in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has taken swift action to protect public health by shutting down M S Food Trading LLC. The company was slapped with an administrative closure order after repeatedly violating food safety regulations under Law No. (2) of 2008.
Despite warnings, the firm failed to correct ongoing breaches, putting food safety at risk. Authorities confirmed the closure was necessary to safeguard community wellbeing.
3. Dust Storms Sweep Saudi Arabia,Visibility Affected
If you’ve peeked outside in Riyadh recently and thought, “Looks a bit dusty today,” you’re absolutely right. Saudi’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed that dust storms will be sticking around in parts of the Kingdom, including the capital, until early next week.
Expect hazy skies and poor visibility, with some areas seeing it drop to as low as 3 to 5 kilometres. Residents are being urged to take it easy on the roads, keep those car windows shut, and throw on a mask if you’re heading out.
4. Oman Rolls Out E-Invoicing To Speed Up Tax Payments
Big update for businesses in Oman. It’s officially hopping on the digital bandwagon with the introduction of an e-invoicing system, set to go live by the third quarter of next year.
The new system is designed to speed up tax payments, making the whole process quicker, easier, and way more accurate. Oman now joins the club with Saudi Arabia, who rolled it out back in 2021, and the UAE, set to follow next year. It’s all part of the GCC’s big push to go digital and make life simpler for businesses.
Also Read: Intense Heat Alert In The UAE To Oman Air Joining Oneworld Alliance; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Ashoora Holiday Announced For Bahrain
Planning your schedule in Bahrain?Bahrain’s Crown Prince, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa,has officially announced the Ashoora holiday. Expect all ministries, government offices, and public institutions will be closed on 5 and 6 July to mark the occasion.
That’s your quick take on the latest GCC updates. From sandy skies to smoother tax times and a heads-up for Bahrain’s long weekend!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels, karenfoleyphotography from Getty Images
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