Let’s get one thing straight: the Middle East never does things halfway. From tax breaks to turbo-charged patrol cars, this week’s GCC updates hit hard. So, buckle up, because here’s your dose of updates.
5 GCC Updates You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Dubai’s Police Fleet Just Got A Serious Glow-Up
Rolls-Royce in a high-speed chase? Probably not. But Dubai Police have just added a Mansory-tuned Rolls-Royce Cullinan to their luxury patrol fleet and it’s not here to play. Unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 by Brigadier Khalfan Obaid Al Jallaf, this green beast is more about presence than pursuit. Customised to perfection by German auto legends Mansory, this Cullinan brings a bit of swagger to your average beach patrol. It’s less “license and registration” and more “red carpet arrival.”
2. UAE Companies, Your Corporate Tax Penalties Just Got Ghosted
Here’s a rare win from the tax office. The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority announced this week that administrative penalties for late corporate tax registration are being waived, but only for your first tax period. You’ve got seven months (yes, not nine anymore) from the end of your financial year to file that return. The move, backed by a Cabinet decision, means if you’re on your first ride through tax season, the penalty fairy might just skip your house. Sweet relief, eh?
3. Abu Dhabi’s Big Weekend Bash Is Calling! Are You In?
Mark your calendar for May 24–25, because InterContinental Abu Dhabi is throwing what might be the most extra weekend of the summer. Think: boujee staycation, bottomless (well, almost) brunches, beach fun, spa sessions, and all-out vibes for just Dhs449.5 (minimum two guests). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hotel deal, it’s a 48-hour holiday served with tan lines and turmeric lattes. Don’t sleep on it.
4. Amazon Bazaar Lands In Saudi Arabia
Just when your wallet thought it could breathe, Amazon drops Bazaar—a new in-app zone filled with wildly affordable must-haves. We’re talking kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed, statement jewellery that screams “main character,” and home items starting from SAR4. Most of it won’t cost more than SAR25, which means you’ll be broke, but stylish. You’ve been warned.
5. Al Maktoum Airport Gets A Billion-Dirham Boost
Wave goodbye to DXB (well, in a few years). Al Maktoum International Airport’s first phase will be ready by 2032, with enough space to handle 150 million passengers a year. That’s… massive. A Dh1 billion contract has already been inked to build a second runway, signalling serious air game. Once complete, DWC will take over flight operations from Dubai International, making it the new aviation hotspot.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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