From Torrential Rains In Saudi Arabia To Resumption Of Flights To Damascus International Airport, 6 GCC Updates For You

As the GCC buzzes with activity, this week’s updates bring a mix of weather woes, cricket excitement, and milestones in governance. From rain-soaked roads to transformative business moves, here are the six top stories that deserve your attention.

6 GCC Updates To Know Now

1. Yuvraj Singh In Dubai As Cricket Fever Takes A Swing

 

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A post shared by Yuvraj Singh (@yuvisofficial)

Indian cricket icon Yuvraj Singh graced Dubai on Monday to promote the inaugural Tennis Ball Cricket Premier League T10 tournament. With eight franchise teams set to compete, cricket fans are gearing up for thrilling action from May 26 to June 5. The organisers are keeping the venue under wraps for now, but the buzz is real. This new T10 format promises fast-paced excitement that blends cricket’s charm with tennis ball dynamics, a treat for fans across the region.

2. Saudi Arabia Battles Extreme Weather Chaos

#Nature is unpredictable. Heavy #rains cause #flooding in #Jeddah, #Mecca Province, #SaudiArabia (06.01.2025) pic.twitter.com/fYVrjHUIvd

— Donato Yaakov Secchi (@doyaksec) January 6, 2025

Heavy rains have turned roads in Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah into impromptu rivers, causing major traffic disruptions. Authorities are on high alert as flash floods, dust storms, and hail create hazardous conditions. Residents and pilgrims in the holy cities are facing reduced visibility and travel challenges, with the extreme weather expected to persist until Wednesday. The government urges caution and recommends avoiding unnecessary travel during this turbulent spell.

3. Flights Resume In Syria After 13-Year Hiatus From Dubai, Doha & More!

First WHO emergency charter of 2025 lands in Syria! Today, a @WHO charter flight reached Damascus International Airport from WHO’s logistics hub in Dubai, delivering 32.5 tons of medicines and emergency kits valued at $600,000. pic.twitter.com/X7Tbt6O8HY

— WHO Syria (@WHOSyria) January 5, 2025

After more than a decade, international flights have finally resumed at Damascus International Airport. On Tuesday, a Syrian Air flight departed for Sharjah International Airport, marking the first commercial international flight since December 8. Flights from Doha to Damascus also resumed, signifying a turning point in regional connectivity. This development offers hope for Syria’s reintegration into global aviation after years of civil war-induced isolation.

4. Abu Dhabi Simplifies Business Registration

In a move aimed at fostering economic growth, Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new authority to streamline business registration processes. This entity will establish a unified database, consolidating economic establishment data from the emirate’s mainland and free zones. This initiative aims to attract investors and make the Emirates a hub for seamless business operations. With easier access and regulation, entrepreneurs can expect a smoother path to setting up shop in Abu Dhabi.

5. Bahrain’s Khalifa City Project Moves Forward

Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has kicked off Phase I of the Khalifa City project, which will deliver 372 residential units. The project includes 336 housing units and 36 ownership apartments, with site preparations now complete. As part of Bahrain’s long-term housing vision, Khalifa City promises to enhance living standards while addressing housing demands. With construction officially underway, the project is a beacon of progress for Bahrain’s urban development.

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6. Oman Marks Five Years of Sultan Haitham’s Leadership

The Sultanate of Oman is set to commemorate the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s reign on January 11. This milestone highlights his visionary leadership, which has spurred modernisation across governance, the economy, and social welfare. Under Oman Vision 2040, transformative reforms have reshaped the nation, focusing on sustainability and innovation. As the Sultanate reflects on these achievements, the celebrations are also a moment of pride for Omanis worldwide.

From storms to cricket tournaments, this week’s GCC updates showcase resilience, progress, and celebration. Stay tuned for more updates as the GCC continues to evolve and inspire!

Cover Image Courtesy: Wasim Bari/X, Wikipedia