If you like your Middle East updates served with a bit of personality, this week has been a whirlwind. From academic wins to AI leaps, celebrity-packed nights, and even a strawberry trade boom, there’s plenty to catch up on from the region.
10 Middle East Updates
1. Qatar Airways & IHG Team Up to Deliver Major Perks for Business Travellers
Qatar Airways and IHG Hotels & Resorts just teamed up, and it’s a big win for business travellers. They have introduced corporate programmes: Beyond Business and IHG Business Edge. This offers shared perks, easier point earning and redemption, and a smoother travel experience across IHG’s global network. From Qrewards and tier upgrades to priority baggage and carbon-offset options, travellers get everything. Expect an addition of instant Gold Elite status and special hotel discounts after just one qualifying stay. Then, finally, Business Edge members who join Beyond Business can snag 50,000 extra Qrewards on their first Qatar Airways flight.
2. A Historic Win For Sharjah University
The University of Sharjah has smashed its way into the Times Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026, as stated by Gulf Today. In its very first entry, it ranked 26th worldwide, 4th in the Arab world, and 1st in the UAE. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi called it a defining moment for the country’s higher education sector. Nearly 1,300 universities were in the race, and Sharjah owned it.
3. Emirates Teams Up With OpenAI
Emirates has been making moves in the tech world. The airline has teamed up with OpenAI (yes, the ChatGPT folks) to push AI deep into its day-to-day operations. The airline is set to roll out ChatGPT Enterprise across its workforce, train teams to actually use it well, and build a dedicated Centre of Excellence. This will help with smarter workflows, faster decision-making, and a lot less manual grind.
4. Ras Al Khaimah Goes Luxe With Its New Private Terminal
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is stepping confidently into the luxury travel game with a new private Terminal. A brand-new VVIP terminal and private jet hangar are now underway in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation. As mentioned in a report by Arabian Business, the size is grand and comes around 1,500 sqm terminal, an 8,000 sqm hangar, and plenty of room for incoming aircraft. With resorts only 15 minutes away, the setup is tailor-made for the jet-set crowd.
5. Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2025 Launched With New Tech And Weekend Activites
If you’re looking for something more laid-back or, honestly, wildly energetic, the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2025 is serving both. ADNEC Marina Hall is bustling this year with sleek boats, marine tech, kid-friendly labs, and enough weekend activities to mark your calendar.
According to Gulf News, visitors can hop aboard Jaywun, Abu Dhabi’s research vessel, get hands-on with science at the SeaWorld Research Centre, and attend workshops about environmental learning. Outside, the marina is buzzing with high-speed boat rides, performers, an air display, and a giant inflatable flamingo competing for a world record. Don’t miss out the new Sunset Terrace and the debut Charter Show.
6. Oman Blends Heritage And Tech For National Day
In Oman, National Day got a digital twist this year with AI. As per Times of India, the government launched an AI-powered platform called “Oman… The State and The Human”, giving users an interactive way to learn about the country’s past and send greetings in multiple languages.
The platform highlights the legacy of the Al Busaidi State, dating back to 1744. It helps you connect to modern Oman’s identity. It’s thoughtful, easy to use, and a clever way to bring heritage into the digital age.
7, Central Cee To Take Over Riyadh
Fans in Riyadh are in for a big night because UK rap star Central Cee is hitting the stage at the Riyadh Golf Club as mentioned on its official Instagram post and platinumlist. Tickets are under SAR200, which feels like a steal. It’s a short performance of around 30 minutes.
8. A New Addition To The Line-Up Of Pitbull’s Dubai Performance
Dubai, not to be outdone, is gearing up for Mr Worldwide himself. Pitbull arrives on December 14 with Lil Jon in tow, ready to light up the Coca-Cola Arena according to Platinumlist. With hits that have crossed a billion streams.
9. A Star-Studded Night At Global Village
Over at Global Village, fans got a treat as Neelofar stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan took over the Main Stage as posted on Global Village’s official Instagram. The energy was warm, lively, and very “only-in-Dubai.” People showed up early, cheered loudly, and made it an evening worth remembering.
Also Read: Bus Accident Near Madinah To Simonds Expanding To USA; 5 Middle East Updates For You
10. Egypt’s Frozen Strawberry Exports To Turkey Witness A Boom
In trade news that actually matters (especially if you like smoothies), Egypt’s frozen strawberry exports to Turkey have skyrocketed. As reported by East fruit, nearly 30,000 tons were shipped in the first nine months, worth USD 35 million. Demand in Turkey’s food and hospitality industries is soaring, and Egypt has stepped up to meet it.
That’s all for Middle East Updates for this week. We will be back with more CT quickies next week.
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