What do an Indian education pioneer, a Colombian coffee house, and a Formula 1-inspired run have in common? They all made headlines across the Gulf this week. If you’ve missed the updates, don’t sweat it. Here’s a nifty round-up of GCC Updates of what went down in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, from visa perks to paint-splattered boards.
5 GCC Updates For Today
1. Indian Expat Gets A Stamp After Serving In Dubai For 60 Years
He arrived in #Dubai by sea in 1965, before there was even a port ✈️
There was no immigration stamp back then. As part of the @UAEYearOf, we felt privileged to finally put a stamp in his passport to celebrate a legacy shaped by service, humility, and hope 💙
Now 90, Haji… pic.twitter.com/oCV7dtZovu
— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) June 11, 2025
When Haji N Jamaluddin first set foot in Dubai on February 26, 1965, immigration stamps weren’t really a thing. But sixty years later, the city finally gave him the welcome he never got. Dubai Airports honoured the Indian expat and education trailblazer with a special immigration stamp, celebrating his contribution as the founder of Crescent English High School. Well, it’s never too late for a warm “official” welcome.
2. Indian Residents, Say Hello To Visa-Free Holidays To UAE!
If applying for visas gives you a headache, this one’s for you. Indian travel-tech platform Alike has launched its Free-Visa Holidays campaign, offering Indian travellers access to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bali, no paperwork included. The campaign comes in response to India’s growing appetite for international travel (28 million departures in 2024!) but with a smarter, smoother entry.
3. Ferrari World Wants You To Run And Win!
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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is turning 15 and they’ve gone all out by hosting a high-octane race on Sunday, June 15. Runners can lace up at 7:00 am for a trackside experience that promises more adrenaline than a podium finish. Winners won’t just bask in glory, they’ll walk away with an exclusive Ferrari merch haul. Bonus points if you show up dressed like a pit crew member.
4. Saudi’s Firm Reminder For Hajj Pilgrims With Expired Visas
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has issued a serious PSA: leave the Kingdom before your Hajj visa expires. They’ve also made it clear that any delay could lead to fines or travel restrictions. Pilgrims are reminded to use their visa solely for spiritual purposes, no side gigs or extra sightseeing, and to steer clear of unauthorised agents. The message? Stick to the rules, respect the journey.
Also Read: DXB Dropping Parking Prices To Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers Launch; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Paint, Sip, Repeat: Juan Valdez Hosts Coastal Art Workshop
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Coffee, creativity and cake? Sign us up. Juan Valdez in Jumeirah 2 is hosting a Beach Textured Painting Workshop on June 15, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Whether you can barely draw a stick figure or you’re a paintbrush wizard, this session promises a sunny escape into colour, texture and Colombian coffee bliss. Limited seats, so book ahead and paint like it’s your summer mood board.
Whether you’re planning your next holiday or just craving a new weekend activity, the region’s rolling out options faster than a Ferrari on Yas Marina. Stick around, because next week’s GCC Updates might just top these.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Ali Karim, Kasto
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: June 11, 2025 4:27 PM