From a Michelin-starred dinner in Dubai to Emirates’ high-tech aviation upgrade, the GCC is buzzing with exciting updates. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveller, a book lover, or someone who simply enjoys staying in the know, something is happening in every corner of the region.
5 GCC Updates You Can’t Miss!
1. Dubai’s Italian Culinary Power Duo Is Bringing A 4-Hands Dinner
Foodies, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience! Social, the award-winning Italian restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, is hosting an exclusive 4-hands dinner featuring its own Chef Carmine Faravolo and his mentor, Michelin-starred Chef Agostino Iacobucci.
From 20 to 22 February, between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm, these two culinary masterminds will serve up a seven-course tasting menu that fuses tradition with bold innovation. Expect highlights like Chef Carmine’s Beef Cecina Roll and Pasta Tart, showcasing his molecular gastronomy skills, and Chef Agostino’s Lamb Loin cooked in a hat with turnip tops, liquorice, and goat cheese—a dish steeped in heritage and creativity.
Price: AED 650 per person, or AED 950 with a grape pairing.
So, if you love fine dining, this is your chance to taste a menu designed by a mentor and protégé duo who knows how to turn food into art.
2 More Emirates Planes, Fewer Delays!
Dubai’s Emirates Airlines just made a move that will keep more of its planes in the air and fewer stuck in maintenance hangars. Dubai’s flagship airline has teamed up with Airbus to implement Skywise Fleet Performance+, a data-driven system that monitors the health of its aircraft in real-time.
This means:
Faster identification of potential issues before they become major problems.
Reduced flight delays and cancellations for passengers.
More efficient maintenance planning so planes stay in the skies longer.
With its A380s and A350s now set to experience fewer unexpected hiccups, Emirates is once again proving why it’s a leader in aviation efficiency.
3. Qatar Declares February 11 A National Sports Holiday
Qatar is putting fitness first by announcing an official holiday on February 11, 2025, to celebrate National Sports Day. This day is all about promoting health, well-being, and an active lifestyle among citizens and residents.
Expect everything from community sports events and fitness challenges to fun outdoor activities happening across the country. Whether you’re a pro athlete or just someone who enjoys a casual stroll, there will be something for everyone.
4. Saudi Arabia Showcases Arabian Leopard Conservation
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to protect the majestic Arabian leopard with a global campaign. On February 10, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Sri Lanka hosted “Cat Walk 2025” at Colombo’s Galle Face Hotel to celebrate the International Day of the Arabian Leopard.
Dignitaries, diplomats, and media representatives gathered to raise awareness about the endangered species and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing conservation efforts. With the UN officially recognizing the day in 2023, this marks another step towards ensuring the survival of these rare and beautiful creatures.
5. Sharjah Named Guest of Honour At Morocco’s Biggest Book Fair
Literary lovers, this one’s for you! Not Dubai, but Sharjah has been named the Guest of Honour at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair (RIBF) in Morocco, set to take place from April 17 to 27, 2025, at the OLM Souissi.
This is a huge moment for the UAE’s cultural scene, reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a global hub for knowledge, literature, and publishing. With 15 Emirati publishers showcasing their latest works, expect an exciting display of books that highlight the emirate’s literary vision.
This recognition is also a tribute to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose cultural initiatives continue to put Sharjah on the world map.
That’s All For Today’s GCC Updates!
Which of these GCC updates excites you the most? Let us know!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva, Emirates/X