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From Oman’s New Payment System To Qatar’s Visa-Free Entry For Indian Tourists, 6 GCC Updates For You

From digital wallets to mango Milkshakes...

by Deeplata Garde
From Oman’s New Payment System To Qatar’s Visa-Free Entry For Indian Tourists, 6 GCC Updates For You

Buckle up, folks. The Gulf just dropped a fresh batch of updates hotter than a Dubai sidewalk in July. From fintech flips to fruity sips, here are six Middle East GCC Updates you’ll want on your radar this week.

6 GCC Headlines Making Waves This Week

1. FRiENDi Pay Launched In Oman To Transform How Residents Spend

 

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A post shared by Friendi Pay Oman (@friendipay.om)

Beyond ONE isn’t just playing in the tech sandbox; they’re building castles. On Monday, the digital services giant officially launched FRiENDi Pay, a mobile wallet built for the 750,000+ FRiENDi Mobile users in Oman. Think of it as your all-in-one digital genie, except instead of three wishes, it gives you friction-free money transfers and international payments at your fingertips.

2. Qatar Offers Visa-Free Entry to Indians, Despite Passport Dip

GCC Updates
Image Credits: Canva Stock Images

India’s passport took a bit of a tumble in 2025, sliding to 81st globally. But don’t start cancelling travel plans just yet. Indian citizens can still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries, including Qatar. So, yes, pack that suitcase, but maybe check the visa page first.

3. Qatar’s Old Doha Port Hosts First Pre-Owned Boat Show

GCC Updates
Pic Creds: Media Library

Boating doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Qatar’s maritime crowd dropped anchor at the Mina Pre-Owned Boat Show, happening now at Old Doha Port. Running until May 7, the event brings together first-time sailors, salty sea dogs, and marine gearheads alike.

From 5 pm to 9 pm daily, the Corniche transforms into a floating showroom. If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a boat without sinking your savings, this one’s for you

4. UAE Exchange Metro Now Renamed As Life Pharmacy Metro Station

Say goodbye to the UAE Exchange Metro Station. Say hello to Life Pharmacy Metro Station. Yep, Dubai’s RTA inked a ten-year naming deal, and the station in Jebel Ali Industrial Area is getting a pharmacy glow-up.

Over the next few months, expect updated signage across physical and digital platforms. 

5. Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah Plot Epic Adventure Trail

Two emirates. One epic trail. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are teaming up to launch the UAE’s first cross-emirate adventure trail. The project, announced at the Fujairah International Conference on Adventure Tourism, connects RAK’s rugged peaks with Fujairah’s wadi-lined coasts.

Hiking, heritage, and heart-pumping action await. The goal? Showcase nature, protect it fiercely, and let adventure seekers soak it all in without a carbon-heavy footprint. 

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens Initiative To Kuwait Storm Disrupting Flights; 5 GCC Updates For You

6. Five Guys UAE Drops Two Limited-Edition Milkshakes

 

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A post shared by Five Guys UAE (@fiveguysuae)

Your taste buds called. They want both. Five Guys UAE just unveiled two new milkshake flavours: Mango and Coffee, each priced at AED 25 and available across all UAE outlets.

The Mango Shake? Tropical joy in a cup. The Coffee version? A bold blend of espresso and creamy vanilla ice cream. Classic Five Guys vibes, but make it seasonal. Sip fast, these are here for a good time, not a long time.

So, what’s your pick? Digital wallet in Oman, boat shopping in Doha, or a mango milkshake in Dubai? The Middle East is not coasting, it’s cruising full speed ahead.

Keep watching this space tomorrow for more GCC Updates.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images

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First Published: May 06, 2025 6:33 PM