From coffee-flinging pedestrians in Dubai to Oman’s booming tourism, the GCC never fails to deliver a mix of quirky and impactful updates. Whether you’re navigating new toll gates or planning your next holiday, staying informed about these updates ensures you’re always in the know.
1. Video Of Woman Throwing Coffee On Luxury Car In Dubai Goes Viral
In the fast-paced streets of Dubai, it’s not just the cars that grab attention, sometimes, it’s the pedestrians too. A recent viral clip shows a woman who decided that the best way to deal with a luxury car interrupting her walk was by turning her coffee cup into a weapon of choice.
In the video, this lady, distracted by her phone and coffee, crosses the road with her head in the clouds. Cue the screeching brakes as a luxury car stops just in time. But rather than apologising or simply moving on, she does something most of us wouldn’t dare, she hurls her coffee at the car. The driver’s reaction? Pure disbelief. While some viewers suspect the clip was staged, it’s certainly grabbed social media by the horns. The caption, “How Not to Cross the Road in Dubai,” adds to the tongue-in-cheek vibe. Whether it was real or just for laughs, it’s a reminder that crossing roads in Dubai requires a bit more than just looking both ways.
2. Dubai’s New AED 2.73 Billion Salik Gates
#RTA has carried out a series of improvements to the entrances and exits of Majan and Al Barari communities leading towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which included redirecting vehicle movement from the tunnel to a reversible lane system and installing a signalised junction… pic.twitter.com/7kjdaIbyiT
— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 27, 2024
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is rolling out two new Salik toll gates, and they’re worth a whopping AED 2.73 billion. Set to open in November, the new gates will be located in Business Bay and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road. These additions bring the city’s total to 10 Salik gates, making it a bit trickier (and pricier) to navigate the city’s bustling roads. The impact on Salik’s revenue? Let’s just say 2025 is looking like a profitable year.
Also Read: From Jeddah Season Delighting 1.7 M People To Oman Air Discounts; 5 GCC Updates For You
3. Jeddah Season 2024: A Spectacular Success With 1.7 Million Visitors
Jeddah Season 2024 has wrapped up, and the numbers are in. Over 1.7 million visitors flocked to this 52-day extravaganza. The event wasn’t just about culture and entertainment; it also featured adrenaline-pumping sports tournaments like the Motosurf International Cup and the Summer Speed Festival at the Jeddah Corniche. From dazzling performances to high-octane races, Jeddah Season offered something for everyone. This year’s turnout proves that the city is becoming a top destination for both tourists and locals looking for a mix of fun and tradition. With such a successful run, it’s safe to say Jeddah Season will continue to be a highlight on the Saudi calendar.
4. Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port Opens A New Veterinary Quarantine
With the support of Mansour bin Zayed, @adafsa_gov, @ADPortsGroup and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have inaugurated the veterinary quarantine facility at Khalifa Port, enhancing food and biosecurity systems to protect human and animal health across the emirate. pic.twitter.com/AcIKaIPCJ0
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 26, 2024
In a move to enhance biosecurity and food security, Abu Dhabi has unveiled a state-of-the-art veterinary quarantine facility at Khalifa Port. Spanning 32,700 square metres, this new centre is set to bolster live animal trade and support livestock imports into the emirate. Backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project is a collaborative effort between the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), AD Ports Group, and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC). The facility’s launch marks a significant step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for agricultural trade and biosecurity, ensuring that the region remains well-protected and well-fed.
Also Read: Dubai Metro Link Bus Routes Enhancement To Saudia Discount; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Oman, A Rising Star Among Indian Tourists
Oman is quickly becoming the go-to destination for Indian tourists, with over 6 lakh visitors from India last year. A 70% increase from the previous year. According to Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, India has now emerged as Oman’s largest tourism market outside of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Of the 4 million tourists who visited Oman in 2023, a whopping 625,000 were from India. This surge in Indian visitors highlights Oman’s growing appeal as a travel destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. If you haven’t yet added Oman to your travel bucket list, now might be the time to do so.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your coffee cups close, there’s never a dull moment in GCC.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images/Wikipedia
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