The Middle East is also leading in several fronts, whether it be Dubai and its entertainment industry or Riyadh and its transport proposals. The Middle East updates of this week depict a dynamic region that’s constantly changing.
1. Madame Tussauds Dubai Waxes Dua Lipa Teaser
Pop fans, get ready. Madame Tussauds Dubai has indicated that British singer Dua Lipa is about to enter the list of its star-studded lineup. This week, a brief Instagram teaser was released. It only revealed enough to create buzz, but not enough to bring the full disclosure. Dubai is a destination for world music lovers and Dua Lipa is well followed in the region. Her statue is likely to attract both locals and visitors.
2. Riyadh Moves Forward On Expo 2030 Metro Station
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has awarded a design-and-build contract for a new station that will be connected to the Expo 2030 in Vision 2030. The station will be serving the future expo zone in north Riyadh and will be located on the Riyadh Metro Line 4, also referred to as the Yellow Line.
In early February, authorities floated tenders as indicated by MEED. The companies need to deliver documents before February 26 and the May 3 open bids.
Riyadh wishes to have its infrastructure prepared significantly in advance of the arrival of the Expo visitors. The direct metro will facilitate traffic, reduce travel time, and contribute to the development of the capital in the north in the long term.
3. Culture Takes Centre Stage At Doha
The second round of the Ministry of Culture Forum was launched in the attendance of HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. The teamwork theme was in the spotlight. It reinforced shared values. It also established definite objectives of the next step in the national cultural development.
The message was straightforward: culture is not an addition but an inclusion in the long-term plan of the country. The authorities desire a sustainable cultural operation that facilitates identity, creativity and economic development concurrently.
4. SB Girls Reunion Concert Is Bound To Dubai
On March 27 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, SB Girls are visiting Dubai to hold a reunion concert. Tickets go on sale next week. Fans are already in anticipation of the rush.
In Abu Dhabi, pre-sale tickets have already been sold. The sales have shifted to wave 1 through Accesspass. Organisers will sell tickets in four waves, namely, pre-sale, wave 1, wave 2 and door sales during the event day.
The group established a following of Filipinos who had spent their childhood days seeing them on Philippine noontime TV. Thousands of people are expected to be present in Dubai.
5. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel Unveils Large Redesign
The Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel is now redesigned majorly, and it is a new chapter, considering it debuted in 2022. Stunning Bohemian glass sculpture now glorifies the lobby. Technology in meeting rooms has been improved. Mirage Ballroom has the capacity to accommodate 550 people.
The hotel has eight adaptable meeting rooms and outdoor facilities such as the Ziya Courtyard and Pool Deck. It is obviously interested in dominating the business and events market in Business Bay.
Upgrades have also been done to all 252 guestrooms and suites. One of the things that guests can look forward to is spacious designs and built-in technology that is aligned with contemporary travel.
6. Sheikh Mohammed initiates AED1bn Ramadan Campaign
His Highness the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has initiated an AED1 billion Ramadan campaign titled Had Al Hayah (The Edge of life). It is an ambitious target: assist in saving five million children below the age of five years from malnutrition and hunger.
The campaign is run on Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It will bring together funds both locally and internationally to provide emergency food and life-saving services.
Some of the partners are the Children Investment Fund Foundation, Save the Children, United Nations Children’s Fund, and Action Against Hunger.
7. Makkah Expresses 200+ Ramadan Volunteer Vacancies
Over 200 volunteering positions are offered in 13 areas by the General Directorate of Education. Visitors will be guided by volunteers, crowds handled, translation, health awareness creation, and environmental activities.
They will also support people with disabilities and participate in the safety and field operations.
Similar moves in the Grand Mosque, the Mosque of the Prophet, Umm Al-Qura University and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs provide dozens of new positions. Activities include first aid and translation, as well as preparing the mosque and distributing meals.
8. Heartwarming Birthday Greetings by Sheikh Hamdan
HH Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum celebrated the birthday of his mother, Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, with a message on X. He referred to the day as something more than a birthday. He termed it the act of enjoying her generosity and selflessness.
She taught them kindness, compassion and the importance of doing good to others, he said she taught them. He concluded by praying that she would be healthy and safe.
9. Emirates Jets Into China Through Loong Air Agreement
Emirates has entered into an interline deal with Loong Air, which has increased its reach in China.
Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong have enabled the passengers to connect with 22 other cities. They are allowed to travel with one bag and one ticket.
Emirates already serves 5 major cities in China and has 49 flights weekly. This acquisition reinforces its presence in the competitive market. It sells the tickets through its webpage and travel agents, as well as online, and one can pay by using WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Also Read: Bus Accident Near Madinah To Simonds Expanding To USA; 5 Middle East Updates For You
10. Turkish Airlines Flaunts 500th Aircraft
From five planes in 1933 to 500 today. Turkish Airlines has introduced its 500 th aircraft, and the name of the aeroplane is TK Family. The plane has a special livery consisting of the photos of 100,000 employees and retirees.
The opening ceremony at Istanbul Airport included the executives, personnel, the retired ones, the aviation industry leaders, as well as the children of national martyrs.
Here’s all about the Middle East updates from this week. We will be back next week with more quickies from the region to take a glance and be aware of what’s buzzing!
Cover Image Courtesy: Madame Tussauds Dubai/Website, Supplied
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