From futuristic security measures to clean energy breakthroughs, the GCC is buzzing with major updates. Let’s dive into the top five updates making waves across the region.
5 GCC Updates You Need to Know
1. Dubai’s ‘Tawash’ System Makes Gold Transport Safer Than Ever
SIRA officially launched the “Tawash” system after its debut at Intersec 2025, setting new security standards for gold and jewelry transport with real-time tracking and enhanced protection. https://t.co/y21vAU5rhh
— مؤسسة تنظيم الصناعة الأمنية SIRA (@DubaiSira) February 21, 2025
Dubai’s gold industry just got a security upgrade! The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) has officially launched the ‘Tawash’ system to revolutionise the transportation of gold and jewellery. Introduced at Intersec 2025, this cutting-edge system ensures that every movement of high-value assets is monitored, making security breaches nearly impossible.
During a recent event at the Aman Security Training Centre, gold and jewellery businesses got a first-hand look at how Tawash will enhance safety, accountability, and efficiency. Now, transporting precious metals in Dubai isn’t just safer—it’s smarter.
2. Dubai’s Hatta Hydroelectric Plant to Generate Power From Water
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announces that its pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta will gradually begin exporting clean energy to Dubai for the first time in April 2025. The project, which is 96.82% complete, is the first of its kind in the GCC… pic.twitter.com/zC2dtexIBU
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 23, 2025
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that its first pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta will start supplying clean energy this April.
The facility, a first of its kind in the region, uses water stored at higher elevations to generate electricity during peak demand periods. Operational tests began in January, and once fully functional, it will contribute to Dubai’s ambitious clean energy goals. Talk about turning nature into power!
3. Ronaldo’s Star-Studded Saudi Founding Day Celebration
Happy to celebrate Founding Day with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and honored to attend the Saudi Cup horse race ceremony in Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/qlkW3ABPla
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 22, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo added another golden moment to his collection, but this time, it wasn’t on the football field. The Portuguese legend shared a historic moment with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Founding Day, celebrated on February 22nd.
Ronaldo, who has been playing in the Saudi Pro League, expressed his happiness at attending the festivities and the prestigious Saudi Cup horse race ceremony. Looks like CR7 is becoming quite the Saudi insider!
4. Cairo University To Open Its Doors In Doha
وزير التعليم العالي يترأس اجتماع المجلس الأعلى للجامعات بمقر الوزارة بالعاصمة الإدارية
المجلس يعتمد قرارات مجالس الجامعات بـ:
• إنشاء فرع لجامعة القاهرة في الدوحة بدولة قطر
• إنشاء فرع لجامعة القاهرة في الرياض بالمملكة العربية السعودية pic.twitter.com/3TNZkhYdI6— وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي المصرية (@Mohesregypt) February 22, 2025
Big news for students in Qatar! Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities has approved the launch of a Cairo University branch in Doha. Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, the media adviser for Egypt’s higher education ministry, confirmed that legal procedures are already in motion. With this expansion, students in Qatar will soon have access to one of Egypt’s top universities without having to leave the country. More choices, more opportunities!
5. Oman’s Green Aviation Plans Take Off
كونوا على الموعد.
Stay Tuned. pic.twitter.com/l23NNuDqAU— مطارات عُمان (@OmanAirports) February 21, 2025
Oman is making serious moves toward sustainability. The country has announced plans to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production station to cut carbon emissions in the aviation sector. This initiative follows the recent launch of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Muscat International Airport’s cargo terminal. Oman aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and this SAF project is a major step in that direction. The future of flight just got greener!
Final Thoughts
From security innovations in Dubai to clean energy advancements in Oman, the GCC is embracing the future with open arms. Whether it’s football legends celebrating history or universities expanding across borders, the region is buzzing with progress
Cover Image Courtesy: Ronaldo/X, Canva Stock Images
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