If you blinked this week, the Middle East probably launched a new airport route, opened an art show and built a metro line. The region is moving fast in travel, culture, infrastructure, and tech and that’s why you need to check out Middle East updates to know the trending news.
10 Middle East Updates For You
1. Oman Air Passenger Numbers Reach To 5.8 Million
Oman Air carried 5.8 million passengers in 2025, which is up 8% from the previous year and sharply higher than 2022. Seat usage rose to 82%, which means flights flew fuller and more efficiently, as mentioned in a report by AGBI. Even more interesting is that 64% of travellers flew directly into Oman instead of connecting elsewhere. The Muscat–Salalah route also grew quickly, with more flights and nearly 20% more passengers. The airline credits smarter route planning and its oneworld Alliance entry for the jump
2. Abu Dhabi Airports Cross 33 Million Passengers
Abu Dhabi Airports just posted its biggest year ever, handling over 33 million passengers in 2025. Traffic has doubled in just three years, as per Gulf Today. Zayed International Airport led the charge and ranked among the fastest-growing mega airports in the EMEA region. The network added 39 new routes and seven airlines. One airport alone handled almost 8.6 million passengers in the final quarter.
3. Doha Rolls Out Citywide Art Basel Qatar Programme
Doha is turning into one giant gallery for the first Art Basel Qatar edition scheduled for this February. Qatar Museums will run exhibitions, installations, and performances across the city from February 5th to 7th. As mentioned by Peninsula Qatar, expect Afghan art showcases at the Museum of Islamic Art, Ghanaian contemporary works at Liwan, and major solo shows at the Fire Station. Live performances are also scheduled for your entertainment.
4. Diriyah Company Wins Global Safety Honour
Diriyah Company picked up the British Safety Council Sword of Honour and became the first developer in the region to do so. Auditors reviewed more than 50 safety measures across sites, teams, and leadership systems. The company reported an ultra-low incident rate of 0.017 across infrastructure projects, according to Arab News.
5.Qatar Starts Rawda Fencing To Protect Wild Plants
Qatar launched a new fencing project to protect fragile rawda grassland habitats. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is running it with Masraf Al Rayan.
The idea is to fence sensitive areas, stop damage and let native plants recover and grow. Officials say this will boost biodiversity and support long-term sustainability goals tied to Qatar National Vision 2030.
6. Cairo Book Fair Pulls 3 Million Visitors In One Week
The Cairo International Book Fair is packed, and the event drew over three million visitors in its first week alone. One day, nearly half a million people walk through as per English Ahram.
It runs until February 3rd in New Cairo and remains one of the largest cultural gatherings in the region. The programme covers all age groups and interests.
7. Oman Issues First Professional School Bus Licences
Oman just professionalised school bus driving with Mwasalat issuing the country’s first official licences for school bus captains through a joint government training programme.
In phase one, 100 drivers and five supervisors completed certified training. The licenses include verified professional records according to Arabian Stories.
8. L&T Wins Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension Deal
Indian engineering heavyweight Larsen & Toubro landed a major Riyadh Metro contract. The company will design and build an 8.4 km Red Line extension with both underground and elevated sections, plus five new stations, as reported by Eastlyn Hub.
9. Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island Revealed
Abu Dhabi added another luxury address to its map. Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island officially launched as a branded residential project tied to the Jumeirah hospitality group.
The development will include 253 upscale apartments beside The Galleria Mall with canal and skyline views. Expect hotel-style services and private living spaces.
10. Qatar Airways Launches Doha Experience Inside Fortnite
Qatar Airways launched QVerse Island, a digital Doha experience inside the Fortnite game. Players start at a virtual Hamad International Airport, meet the airline’s digital crew member Sama, and complete city missions. Hidden golden tickets can unlock travel rewards and flights. The move targets younger, digital-first travellers and ties into the airline’s broader tech push, including Starlink high-speed onboard Wi-Fi.
Final Take
From record airport traffic to safer transport rules, Middle East updates refuse to provide the average news. So get a good glimpse of these trending stories from the region and come back for more tomorrow!
Cover Image Courtesy: Image Courtesy: Ticketsmarsche, Qatar Airways /Website