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From Special Olympics Summer Camp In UAE To Updated Traffic Fines In Sharjah, 5 GCC Updates For You

From a Hawksbill turtle returning to Abu Dhabi after 12 years to a 35% discount on traffic fines in Sharjah, this week’s GCC updates bring heartwarming and helpful news from across the region.

by Deeplata Garde
From Special Olympics Summer Camp In UAE To Updated Traffic Fines In Sharjah, 5 GCC Updates For You

If you thought the Middle East was all malls, mega-projects, and Michelin stars, think again. This week’s GCC Updates are bursting with heart, action, and even a very punctual sea turtle. Whether you’re in the mood for conservation news, government perks, or sporty summer vibes, we’ve got five stories that prove life in the region never hits pause.

5 GCC Updates You Might’ve Missed This Week

1. 12 Years Later, A Turtle Comes Home to Abu Dhabi

Let’s start with the kind of reunion that puts all your “back in town after college” Instagram captions to shame. A Hawksbill sea turtle, tagged way back in 2013, has returned to the exact same Abu Dhabi beach to lay her eggs, after 12 whole years.  This emotional comeback was spotted during the Environment Agency,  Abu Dhabi’s annual nesting survey. From March to August, teams keep a close eye on endangered marine creatures, and on 29th April, they witnessed the tagged turtle back on the Emirate’s shores. 

2. Sharjah’s 35% Off Traffic Fine Deal

GCC Updates
Image Credits: Canva Pro Images

Now, onto GCC updates that’ll make your wallet happy. Sharjah’s offering up to 35% off traffic fines, but you’ve got to be quick on the draw. Pay within 60 days, and you save big. Pay between 60 days and a year? You still get a 25% discount. But if your violation’s serious (think reckless driving or something that made a police officer frown), sorry, no discount for you.

Also on the table? A 50% discount on government fees for entrepreneurs covering 88 different project types. Yalla, no excuse now for not clearing those dusty old fines.

3. New Home in Sharjah? SEWA’s Got You Covered

This one’s for everyone who’s ever moved and been caught in a never-ending cycle of utility headaches. Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) just dropped a new digital service that’s nothing short of genius. Now, once your tenancy contract is attested, your electricity, water, and gas get activated automatically.

No separate forms. No sweaty queues. No chasing six different counters at the municipality. A simple SMS tells you your deposit amount, and once you pay—boom—lights, camera, AC!

4. Bangladesh’s Flight Expert Teams Up With Saudi Tourism Authority

Bangladesh’s Flight Expert, a top travel platform, has officially partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority. The goal? Around 2 to 2.5 million people from Bangladesh travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Hajj, family visits, or business. But there’s a string of complications that can make you give up easily. But now, thanks to this new partnership, things are finally getting easier. So, no last-minute fee addition or confusing processes. 

5. Special Olympics UAE Launches Summer Camp for Athletes

Ending on a high, the Special Olympics UAE Summer Camp kicks off on 14th July and runs through mid-August. Designed for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the camp is a joint effort with Jam Sports Academy, Al Thiqah Club, Ajman Club for the Disabled, and other local bodies.

It offers a vibrant mix of basketball, football, badminton, table tennis, and even a full Fit-5 fitness programme. More than just sports, it’s about inclusion, skill-building, and community.

Also Read: Riyadh-Delhi Air India Flight Diversion To Driverless Taxi Trials In Dubai; 5 GCC Updates For You

And That’s Your Weekly Round-Up of Real GCC Updates

From returning turtles to remote-ready housing services, this week’s GCC updates prove that the region is buzzing with purpose and progress. 

Cover Image Courtesy: UAE Forsan/X, Canva Pro/1139623 from pixabay

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First Published: July 08, 2025 6:19 PM