From Dubai’s road safety campaign to a spicy TikTok challenge that could score you a free Mexican feast in Al Barsha, the GCC isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Add in cruise deals, fancy French healthcare missions, and an Istanbul layover that feels like a holiday in itself. You’ve got yourself a wild weekly roundup of GCC Updates. Let’s dive in, shall we?
5 GCC Updates You Shouldn’t Miss
1. RTA’s New Campaign Says Eyes On the Road Not Your Phone!
First up, if you’re someone who texts mid-turn or scrolls while stuck in Sheikh Zayed traffic, stop it. Like, right now. Dubai’s RTA has launched an all-out awareness campaign for GCC Traffic Week 2025 (April 14–20), themed “Driving Without a Phone.” It’s not just a catchy slogan; it’s a survival tip. Expect campaigns, workshops, and full-blown demos aiming to make distracted driving a thing of the past. This initiative is part of RTA’s long-term plan to make Dubai’s roads safer and a lot less nerve-wracking.
2. Abu Dhabi Scores A Cruise Deal With Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises just made things official with DCT Abu Dhabi through a new three-year partnership. Translation? Abu Dhabi’s set to become a staple port of call for sun-chasing cruise lovers. The Celestyal Journey, with its 1,260-guest capacity, already sails roundtrip from Doha, making pit stops in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and, of course, Abu Dhabi. So if your ideal holiday includes sea views and shisha stops—you’re sorted.
3. Querida’s TikTok Challenge Will Spice Up Your Wallet
Here’s one way to turn dinner into a thrill ride, Querida, the lowkey Mexican restaurant in Al Barsha, has launched a viral TikTok buzzer challenge. Hit the buzzer at exactly 10.00 seconds and boom—your bill could vanish. First try? Whole meal’s free. Second attempt? You get 75% off. Third go? 50% discount. Worst case? You pay full price and still get tacos. Honestly, there are no losers here.
4. Turkish Airlines Extends Its Stopover In Istanbul Offer
Layovers just got better. Turkish Airlines has expanded its Stopover in Istanbul programme, now giving Business Class passengers three nights in a 5-star hotel, and Economy Class passengers two nights in a 4-star. This applies to lucky folks flying in from Australia, the US, Japan, and more. By the end of 2025, they plan to extend this hospitality to 15 more countries. Basically, Istanbul’s no longer a stop—it’s a destination.
5. France Brings Its Healthcare A-Game To Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 (April 15–16) is about to get a très chic upgrade. Business France is hosting its French Healthcare Days from April 14–16, merging medical innovation with French flair. The three-day mission across Abu Dhabi and Dubai will explore collaborations in health tech, biomedical research, and hospital engineering. Expect big talks on preventative care and holistic wellness, minus the wellness buzzword fluff.
Also Read: From Lara Dutta’s Dubai Diaries To Qatar’s Mobile Payment System, 5 GCC Updates For You
Final Sip
From speeding superyachts to buzzer-eating burritos and extended Istanbul naps, the GCC updates got something for every kind of thrill-seeker this week. Whether you’re cruising the Gulf, buzzing for birria, or checking your blind spot twice, stay curious, stay alert, and always keep it quirky.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied, Dubai Media Office/Website