The GCC is on fire this week with some exciting updates! From airlines expanding their routes to eco-friendly police cars and even elections on the horizon, the region is making moves in every direction.
1. Emirates Makes A Splash In Madagascar
Hello, Antananarivo! We’ve officially landed in Madagascar for the first time, introducing a world of natural wonders, rare and diverse wildlife, and a rich, vibrant culture to our global network. https://t.co/p9RwXMha0A pic.twitter.com/uPg8Ut39Nc
— Emirates (@emirates) September 4, 2024
Emirates, the globe-trotting airline that seems to go everywhere, has just added Madagascar to its list of destinations. The first-ever flight, EK707, touched down in Antananarivo, Madagascar, to the royal treatment – a water cannon salute at Ivato International Airport. The celebrations didn’t end there. VIPs, government officials, and media folks partied with Emirates to mark the airline’s new adventure. For the curious flyers, EK707 departs Dubai at 08:55, stops in Seychelles, and finally lands in Antananarivo at 16:50. The return trip? A smooth hop back, with EK708 leaving Madagascar at 18:35 and reaching Dubai at 04:20 the next day. With flights happening four times a week, Madagascar just got a lot closer for anyone itching to explore the exotic island!
2. Dubai Police Goes Green And Fast!
#News | Dubai Police Adds the All-New Zeekr 001 to Fleet
Details:https://t.co/oH42xycW0a#YourSecurityOurHappiness#SmartSecureTogether pic.twitter.com/6b3Bsa0lp4
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) September 2, 2024
If you thought Dubai Police was all about flashy sports cars, well, they’ve got a new trick up their sleeve. Enter the ZEEKR electric vehicles, the latest addition to the force’s fleet. And no, these aren’t just your regular city cars. These electric beasts can zoom from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. But speed isn’t their only superpower. Each car comes equipped with AI tools to help with traffic management and supercharge response times. Dubai’s commitment to sustainability is in full swing, and these new rides prove you can go green and still look cool while doing it. These eco-friendly wheels are ready to hit the streets – so keep an eye out, they might just zoom past you!
3. Riyadh Air Spreads Its Wings with Virgin Atlantic
We are pleased to announce that we have signed a Strategic Cooperation MoU with @VirginAtlantic. This collaboration aims to introduce a range of benefits for customers traveling between London, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and beyond.#RiyadhAir pic.twitter.com/Ci4UZaB9AG
— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) September 4, 2024
Riyadh Air hasn’t even made its maiden voyage yet, but the Saudi Arabian start-up airline is already making some big moves. In a new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, Riyadh Air is gearing up to boost connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the U.K. This collaboration comes hot on the heels of Virgin Atlantic’s announcement that they’ll be launching a new service to Riyadh in March 2025. While Riyadh Air is still in its early days, these partnerships signal big things ahead. So, if you’re planning a trip to Riyadh, expect more options and smoother connections between these two countries. The skies are about to get a lot busier!
4. Coffee Lovers, Qatar Awaits You!
Mark your calendars, coffee enthusiasts, Doha is brewing up something special this September. From the 26th to the 28th, Qatar will host a caffeine-filled event, the Doha International Coffee Exhibition, that promises to take you on a wild ride through the world of coffee. The details are still under wraps, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a festival where your taste buds will dance, and your love for coffee will deepen. So, if you find yourself in Qatar during those dates, make sure you grab a cup (or five) and join the celebration of all things coffee!
Also Read: From flynas Expansion To 8 New Destinations To Wingstop’s Back-To-School Feast, 5 GCC Updates
5. Bahrain, Don’t Forget Your Passport For The By-Elections!
Bahraini voters in the Muharraq constituency, this one’s for you. If you’re planning to vote in Saturday’s by-election but can’t seem to locate your passport, don’t panic. Election officials have got you covered. Just head over to the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) branch at the Muharraq Public Security Complex on polling day.
They’ll be open from 8 AM to 7 PM, ready to assist you. It’s all about making sure you don’t miss your chance to have your say!
Conclusion
From new flight routes to eco-friendly patrol cars and brewing partnerships in the skies, the updates in GCC this week are flying fast. Whether you’re planning a trip to Madagascar or need your coffee fix in Qatar, the world is buzzing with excitement. Stay tuned, because these updates are just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a thrilling year!
Cover Image Courtesy: Riyadh Air, Dubai Police/ X
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