From Dubai’s skyline-defying stunts to Bahrain’s recognition as a top travel destination, the GCC continues to make waves globally. Whether it’s breaking records, hosting unforgettable events, or introducing new national holidays, the region never fails to keep us on our toes. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or just a curious traveller, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore everything the GCC updates have to offer
GCC Updates For You
1. Slacklining Among The Dubai Skyscrapers
Dubai just raised the bar, literally. Jaan Roose, a 32-year-old slackliner, accomplished a jaw-dropping feat by walking across a 100-meter-long rope suspended 224 meters high between the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers. With the glittering skyline as his backdrop, Jaan’s high-stakes walk marked the grand opening of the 1 Billion Followers Summit.
The summit, touted as the world’s largest content creator expo, is drawing 15,000 influencers and content creators to the city. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation and creativity, this thrilling stunt sets the tone for a summit that promises to inspire and innovate.
2. Feast & Beats: Qatar’s Largest Indoor Food Festival Is Here
Qatar is turning up the heat and the music! From January 16 to 18, 2025, the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) will host Feast & Beats, the nation’s largest indoor food festival. Featuring over 200 restaurants and food-related companies, the event is expected to draw a staggering 150,000 visitors.
The festival is free to the public and promises an unforgettable experience with appearances by celebrity chefs, live music, cooking competitions, magic shows, and kid-friendly programs. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a good time, Feast & Beats has something for everyone. Pro tip: Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes.
3. Riyadh Season 2024 Breaks Records With 16 Million Visitors
Riyadh Season 2024 has hit a historic milestone, surpassing 16 million visitors. This record-breaking achievement was fueled by the unveiling of the Dunes of Arabia area, which captivated camping and winter enthusiasts, and the Boulevard Runway, a magnet for aviation fans.
Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki AlalShikh credited the mid-term break of the academic semester for boosting attendance. As Riyadh Season continues to redefine entertainment in the region, this year’s success solidifies its status as a must-visit event for locals and tourists alike.
4. Qatar Airways Delivers The Ultimate Formula 1® Experience
Rev up your engines, motorsport fans! Qatar Airways is making waves in the racing world with exclusive packages for the 2025 Formula 1® season. In celebration of Formula 1®’s 75th anniversary, the airline is offering unforgettable fan packages through Qatar Airways Holidays, including tickets to the highly anticipated Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025.
Expect world-class hospitality, thrilling races, and a celebration that promises to leave fans buzzing with excitement. If you’ve ever wanted to combine luxury travel with high-speed adrenaline, this is your chance.
5. Oman Declares November 20 As National Day
Mark your calendars, Omanis! His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik delivered a Royal speech on January 11, reflecting on Oman’s rich history and the legacy of the Al Busaidi family since 1744. In a historic announcement, His Majesty declared November 20 as Oman’s National Day to honour the nation’s achievements and inspire pride among its citizens.
With this declaration, Oman further strengthens its cultural identity while looking toward a promising future. Expect nationwide celebrations to be full of joy, unity, and, of course, traditional Omani hospitality.
Also Read: From Jeddah’s Japanese Festival To UAE’s Drone Ban Lift, 6 GCC Updates You Can’t Miss!
6. Bahrain Voted As The World’s 4th Top Travel Destination
Move aside, Maldives, Bahrain is here to shine! According to the prestigious TripAdvisor Index, Bahrain ranks as the 4th top travel destination in the world, following Japan, Malaysia, and Argentina.
The ranking highlights Bahrain’s thriving economy and its reputation as a global financial hub. Tourists have praised the country for its blend of modern luxury and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for global travellers. If Bahrain wasn’t on your bucket list before, it’s time to add it now.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: life’s too short for boring headlines or missed opportunities.
Cover Image Courtesy: Kids Love Qatar/Instagram, Canva Stock Images
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