From Akasa Air’s battle for fair play in aviation to a new weather forecast making waves in UAE, there’s a lot of news to take note of this week. Let’s dive into the GCC updates and what you should be keeping an eye on.
5 GCC Updates For You
1. Akasa Air’s Struggle For A Fair Shot In The UAE Sky
Akasa Air, the new kid on India’s aviation block, has been knocking on the doors of the UAE aviation market for over a year, but it’s finding the entry door firmly shut. Despite numerous requests to secure traffic rights, the airline is yet to find its wings in the Emirates sky. According to a letter sent by Akasa Air to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the airline believes the playing field isn’t quite as level as it should be, with dominant players like IndiGo and Air India reigning supreme. The airline, which took flight in March 2024, is calling for equitable distribution of traffic rights, particularly for new entrants like itself.
2. Dubai’s Population Boom, A Record-Breaking Surge In The Property Market
Dubai’s popularity is showing no signs of slowing down it’s breaking records. With an influx of new arrivals and increasing numbers of people settling down in the city, Dubai’s real estate market is on fire. The city’s property prices are soaring, and it seems like there’s a new project popping up every day. Despite all this construction, the demand is far from being satisfied.
Dubai’s population has already surged from just 255,000 people in 1980 to a whopping 3.8 million today. The goal? To hit a target of 5.8 million residents by 2040. That’s more than half of its current population in just 15 years. So, if you’re looking to buy property, now might be a good time to get involved before prices spike even further.
3. Rain and Rough Seas Alerted By UAE Weather Centre
UAE-ites take note, the region is in for some damp days ahead. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), rain is expected in parts of the country this week, with the forecast running until Sunday, February 2. It’s not just rain, though, foggy mornings and rough seas are also on the cards. If you’re planning to head out for a weekend getaway or simply enjoy some beach time, be sure to check the weather before you pack your bags.
4. Pret A Manger Arrives In Riyadh
Get ready, Riyadh, the popular UK-based chain Pret a Manger is coming to town. Known for its fast, fresh, and healthy food, Pret is all set to open in the Olaya Towers. The brand’s first location in the Kingdom’s capital promises to bring a much-needed slice of nutritious goodness to the fast-paced city. For those who can’t wait to try out Pret’s salads, sandwiches, and soups, this new location is the perfect spot.
Also Read: From Nykaa’s Expansion In Oman To Emirates Resuming Flights To Beirut, 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Crown Prince Of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan Receives Invitation To Visit India
A diplomatic move that’s sure to make waves, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has received an official invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India in April. The invitation was extended during a meeting between Sheikh Hamdan and India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Dubai. This invitation marks another milestone in the growing ties between the UAE and India. It’s a promising development that signals deeper diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations in the coming years.
Whether you’re planning a trip, investing in property, or simply following the latest updates, there’s never a dull moment in the GCC!
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Media Office/X, Pret a Manger/Instagram
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