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From The Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah On Display To An Abu Dhabi Building Selling Out In 24 Hours, 5 GCC Updates For You

From Dragon Boat Races to a Leopard Breeding Centre in AlUla, some buzzworthy news for you.

by Deeplata Garde
From The Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah On Display To An Abu Dhabi Building Selling Out In 24 Hours, 5 GCC Updates For You

From thrilling water races in Dubai to a groundbreaking wildlife conservation effort in AlUla, the GCC is buzzing with exciting updates! Whether you’re a sports fanatic, an art lover, or a real estate enthusiast, there’s something for everyone this week.

5 GCC Updates for You

1. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge Makes Waves In Dubai

Dubai Creek turned into a fierce battleground on February 8th and 9th as the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge 2025 set sail. Sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), this thrilling event showcased Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions.

Over 40 teams paddled their hearts out, with around 1,400 competitors making a splash across the two-day challenge. Adding to the excitement, Dubai ETO fielded its own team, bringing together members of the Hong Kong community in the UAE. On the sidelines, visitors explored a promotional booth highlighting Hong Kong’s latest developments. A perfect blend of sport, culture, and community spirit!

2. Saudi Arabia’s First Wildlife Breeding Centre for Arabian Leopards

AlUla is taking conservation to the next level! Sharaan National Park will soon be home to Saudi Arabia’s first-ever wildlife breeding centre, focusing on reviving the critically endangered Arabian leopard.

Currently, all 30 Arabian leopards in the country reside at the breeding centre in Taif. But with the recent arrival of three adorable leopard cubs, it’s clear that a bigger, dedicated facility was needed. This marks a massive step in bringing these majestic big cats back to their natural habitat, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

3. A Mesmerising Art Exhibit Lands In Riyadh

 

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Calling all art lovers! Brendan Murphy’s Frozen With Desire is making waves in Riyadh with an exclusive exhibition. This unique showcase features nine stunning pieces by the celebrated artist, all set against a backdrop of luxury and fine dining.

 Where: Café Boulud Riyadh, Four Seasons, Olaya
 When: 12:30 pm – 4 pm , 6 pm – 11:30 pm

If you’re looking for an evening of artistic brilliance paired with a top-tier culinary experience, this is your chance!

4. Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market Just Broke Records

 

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400 homes. 24 hours. Dhs940 million in sales! Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Living III sold out within 24 hrs of it hitting the market. Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is on fire, proving once again that the demand for luxury living in the capital is soaring.

A fascinating 72% of buyers were expat residents and international investors, with a mix of UAE nationals (28%) joining the frenzy. Interestingly, 65% of buyers were under 45, and for 57%, this marked their first-ever purchase with Aldar. A clear sign that Abu Dhabi’s real estate boom isn’t slowing down anytime soon!

5. The Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah Goes On Public Display In Saudi Arabia

History is unfolding before our eyes! For the first time ever, the entire Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is on public display outside of Makkah. This breathtaking masterpiece is now the star attraction at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah.

The Kiswah, a silk cloth embroidered with gold and silver thread, drapes over the Kaaba and holds immense spiritual significance. Now, visitors can marvel at its intricate details up close at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport. But hurry, the biennale runs only until 25th May!

Also Read: From Qata’s Holiday Announcement To Emirates Airlines’s New Agreement With Airbus, 5 GCC Updates For You

And That’s a Wrap!

From thrilling dragon boat races to a record-breaking real estate boom, and a once-in-a-lifetime look at the Kiswah, the GCC updates is buzzing with action. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva, Aldar/Website

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First Published: February 11, 2025 4:59 PM