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From Saudi Arabia’s Al Hail Airport’s Major Expansion To Dubai’s Largest Visa Application Centre, 5 GCC Updates

From Dubai launching the world’s largest visa centre to Saudi Arabia expanding Hail Airport’s capacity, the GCC is buzzing with major developments. Meanwhile, UAE and Bahrain strengthen ties with a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi.

by Deeplata Garde
From Saudi Arabia’s Al Hail Airport’s Major Expansion To Dubai’s Largest Visa Application Centre, 5 GCC Updates

It’s only May, but the GCC region is moving like it’s the final lap of an F1 race. Saudi Arabia’s airports are levelling up, Dubai’s roads are getting slicker, and someone’s brokerage vanishing act has investors doubting other firms. Here we got a week’s worth of GCC updates within a day.

5 GCC Headlines Making Noise

1. Dubai Now Hosts The World’s Largest Visa Application Centre

gcc updates
Picture Credits: Canva Pro

VFS Global just launched a huge Visa Application Centre at Wafi City, and by huge, we mean nearly 150,000 square feet of immigration centre. This facility can handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily. With a team of over 400 professionals from 25+ nationalities, it’s not just the largest, it’s practically the only centre of visa services to be able to handle a big crowd in the Emirate. It’s modern, massive, and designed to keep those long visa queues a thing of the past. If you’re jet-setting any time soon, this is where you’ll want to start.

2. Nad Al Sheba’s New Bridge Will Slash Travel Time Like A Pro

Hate traffic? So does the RTA. That’s why Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is building a shiny new bridge to connect Dubai–Al Ain Road to Nad Al Sheba. It’s 700 metres of time-saving route, cutting travel from six minutes to just one. With a capacity of 2,600 vehicles per hour, this bridge would be helpful to the residents of Nad Al Sheba

3. Saudi Arabia’s Hail International Airport Set To Expand

Hail Airport is getting a turbo-charged expansion. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has confirmed that annual capacity will jump to over 2.2 million passengers. The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s grand plan to supercharge northern air infrastructure. More gates, more flights, and fewer delays? Northern Saudi travellers, you’re in for a smoother ride.

4. Brokerage Firm In Dubai Pulls A Disappearing Act

In a twist straight out of a thriller, Gulf First Commercial Brokers and Sigma-One Capital have mysteriously vanished, taking millions of dirhams with them. Their Business Bay office now sits abandoned, with a black bin bag and a sad mop. Investors have filed police complaints, but with both companies AWOL and 40 employees jobless overnight, this one smells worse compared to the recent robbery cases.

5. UAE And Bahrain’s Leaders Continue To Strengthen Ties

In Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa caught up once again. The focus? Strengthening bilateral relations and working towards mutual prosperity. The warmth between these two leaders keeps things steady in a region known for rapid change. Their ongoing discussions signal long-term unity and a shared vision for GCC progress.

Also Read: Free Mango Dessert At The Permit Room To Saudia Free Tickets For Children; 6 GCC Updates For You

Conclusion

From skyscraping visa hubs to high-speed bridges and royal alliances, the GCC isn’t slowing down with its updates.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images

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First Published: May 20, 2025 6:34 PM