If you thought the region had run out of ways to surprise you, think again. The region is flaunting tech, transport, and cultural curveballs so fast, it’s hard to keep up without your morning karak. From ditching cash to flexing supercars in green style, here’s all the daily GCC Updates to take a note off!
From Digital Dirhams To Supercars: 5 Middle East Updates
1. Bye Bye Cash, Hello Clicks: Dubai Goes Cashless
Dubai has made it official. The city’s vision to become a fully cashless society just stepped up its game. On May 16, 2025, Dubai Finance and DIFC inked a deal to power up the Dubai Cashless Strategy. What does this mean for us everyday folks? Soon, whether you’re paying for parking or splurging on designer heels, your dirhams will only live in apps and cards. The government hopes that by 2026, 90% of all transactions in the city will be digital. If successful, this futuristic move could pump over AED 8 billion back into the economy each year.
2. Dubai Police Just Got Cooler (And Greener)
#News | Fully-Electric Lotus Emeya-S joins Dubai Police Luxury Fleet
Details:https://t.co/m5W841TMjg#WorldPoliceSummit #TouristPolice pic.twitter.com/HKdlcCkrfK
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) May 14, 2025
Some cities have fancy squad cars. Dubai? It has an electric beast called the Lotus Emeya-S. That’s right, Dubai Police just added this fully-electric, high-performance beauty to its patrol fleet. Unveiled at the World Police Summit, this car doesn’t just turn heads. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, boasts 603 horsepower, and cruises up to 600 km on a single charge. Expect to spot it flexing near the Burj Khalifa, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and JBR.
3. Dubai’s Bus Lanes Just Got An Upgrade
Hate traffic? Dubai’s got your back. The RTA is rolling out six new dedicated lanes for buses and taxis in 2025, stretching across 13km. This brings the total network to 20km of no-nonsense, carpool-only speed lanes. 2024 already saw nine express bus routes, nine new metro link services, and four fresh taxi paths in busy areas. So, public transport users? You’re in for a smoother, faster ride.
Also Read:First Guinean Pilgrims Arriving For Hajj To Seamless Middle East Dates; 5 GCC Updates For You
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s New Season Calendar Announced
View this post on Instagram
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be an absolute surprise. We’re talking exhibits that range from Picasso’s brushstrokes to Mamluk-era brilliance. The museum is going all in on global perspectives, mixing history with contemporary art. It’s more than just an art show. It’s a celebration of culture, curiosity, and connections across centuries.
5. Saudi’s Hollywood Dreams Get Real With JAX Film Studios
The Saudi Film Commission just dropped the curtain on JAX Film Studios, a mega movie-making hub in the capital. Set to open in 2025, the facility spans over 7,000 sqm and comes fully loaded: two massive sound stages, a next-gen virtual production suite powered by Sony tech, and even a private cinema. Filmmakers will also get lounges, prep areas, and event zones that rival anything in L.A. This could be a game-changer for regional cinema and a bold step in Saudi’s cultural evolution.
Conclusion
So, next time someone says the region only does luxury, tell them it also does innovation. And it does it loud and proud, and we will keep you updated with GCC Updates!
Cover Image Courtesy: Film Commission/Instagram, Visit Abu Dhabi/Website
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