From UAE’s Pet Insurance To World’s Largest Graffiti Exhibition At Burj Khalifa, 5 GCC Updates For You

This week across the GCC, it’s all about bold updates, practical choices, and sky-high art. From Dubai’s rising pet care costs to the world’s tallest graffiti exhibition, the region continues to surprise, innovate and occasionally, shake things up. Here’s a lowdown on five must-know updates making the rounds.

 5 GCC Updates You Shouldn’t Miss This Week

1. Pet Owners In The UAE Face Big Vet Bills, But Most Still Skip Insurance

Got a fur baby at home? You may want to rethink that “I’ll pay when needed” strategy. A single emergency surgery for a pet in the UAE can set owners back by up to AED 12,000. And yet, fewer than one in ten pets are actually insured. According to insurance specialists, more UAE residents are embracing pet parenting, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s not just about routine check-ups. Emergencies, chronic illnesses, and breed-specific risks can quickly drain your wallet. Experts say that for high-risk breeds or older pets, insurance isn’t just helpful, it’s financially smarter. One major vet bill can be higher than an entire year’s premium. So, if you’ve been side-eyeing those insurance plans, now might be a good time to do the maths.

2. Corporate UAE Is Ditching Shawarma For Salad Bowls

Turns out, salad is the new power lunch. Data from Deliveroo for Work shows that salads are now the most-ordered item among corporate clients in the UAE. Deliveroo’s survey found that 6 in 10 employees place free or discounted meals high on their list of workplace perks. And while no one’s turning down a good biryani, staff are now reaching more often for lighter, feel-good options like teriyaki chicken salads, avocado bowls, tuna wraps, and even shish tawook salads. Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are clearly riding the health wave, with more companies swapping greasy lunches for wellness-friendly meals that still hit the spot.

3. UAE Embassy Issues Safety Advisory For Salalah Travellers

Heading to Salalah for the Khareef season? Before you hit the road, take note, Dubai’s lush getaway comes with a fog warning. Thinking of trading the UAE heat for Salalah’s misty mountains? Before you hit the road, the UAE Embassy in Muscat has dropped a heads-up: expect low clouds and patchy visibility along the way. So if you’re driving down this Khareef season, keep your weather apps close and follow local safety tips to keep the trip as smooth as the Salalah breeze. With so many making the trip, the embassy just wants everyone to get there safely and enjoy the cool mountain breeze without any bumps along the way.

4. Wizz Air Pulls the Plug on Abu Dhabi Operations

Wizz Air has announced it will suspend its Abu Dhabi operations from September 1, 2025, citing regional challenges and tough competition. The budget airline has decided to call it quits on its UAE joint venture, saying it’s part of a wider plan to refocus its efforts. With its roots in London, the carrier now wants to double down on what it knows best, routes across Central, Eastern, and parts of Western Europe.The decision has sparked questions around refunds for passengers with future bookings. Officials say affected travellers will be contacted directly with refund options. So, if you’ve got travel plans with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi, keep an eye on your inbox and consider alternate routes well in advance.

Also Read: From Saudi’s Cruise Tourism Boost To Dubai’s Summer Volunteer Drive, 5 GCC Updates You Should Know

5. World’s Highest Graffiti Show Lands On The 108th Floor Of Burj Khalifa

Who says street art belongs only on the street? Ferhat Kaz, a graffiti artist and designer based in Dubai, is set to host the world’s highest graffiti exhibition at the 108th floor of the Burj Khalifa. Titled “No One Knows I Am Here”, the solo show features 11 original artworks created live by Kaz himself. 

That’s your GCC fix for the week: pets, planes, paint and power salads. Keep it locked, stay smart, and never underestimate the art of a good update.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/dimaberlinphotos, Andrey X