The Middle East is a fast-moving region and is full of surprises. Here’s your weekly update from the region. Be it’s vibrant cultural festivals or headline-making concerts, there’s something here for everyone. Get a glance at these breaking Middle East updates, from this fast-paced and exciting life in this region can be.
Middle East Updates
1. Dubai Duty Free Celebrates Diwali With Diyas
Dubai Duty Free really went all out for Diwali at Concourse B, Dubai International Airport. H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, the Indian Consul General, joined staff and travellers as stated in a report by TR Business. They were welcomed with flower garlands, ceremonial diya lighting, and an energetic Indian dance performance..
2. Qatar To Welcome Salman Khan This November
Bollywood fans in Doha get excited. Salman Khan is coming to Qatar, and Doha is set to host Da-Bangg: The Tour Reloaded. According to a report by Menafn, the event will be hosted in November 2025, and Doha’s Asian Town Amphitheatre will mark Salman Khan’s first live performance in Qatar. From Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez to Sonakshi Sinha, and more would be attending along with him. Expect immersive lighting and world-class production, along with dance and sheer at the event.
3. LANY Hits Dubai
US pop sensations LANY are bringing their Soft by LANY world tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 23 January. Expect fan favourites, new singles, and visuals that’ll make your Instagram stories look professional. According to a report by Gulf News, tickets go on saleon 24 October, with pre-sale via Live Nation. Truth be told, seeing Paul Jason Klein and Jake Clifford Goss live is a rare treat for music fans in the region.
4. Trèsind Opens In London
Dubai-based Passion F&B is taking its three-Michelin-star Indian restaurant, Trèsind, to Mayfair, London. According to a report by The Caterer, it is already adored in Mumbai and Dubai, and the new branch promises signature dishes like ghee-roast crab with burnt cinnamon and lobster tail with pickled carrot. To be fair, if you thought Indian fine dining couldn’t get more glamorous, Trèsind is here to prove you wrong.
5. Bahrain To Host World Para Powerlifting
Bahrain will welcome the World Para Powerlifting Championships for the first time in December 2026. According to a report by Paralympic, the event marks the 12th edition and the first time three consecutive annual championships occur in Asia. The Bahrain Paralympic Committee will handle logistics, though exact dates and venues are still under wraps. In practice, it’s another step towards inclusivity in regional sports, and a big win for Bahrain.
6. Oman Put Brakes On Hotel’s Operating Licenses
Oman has a serious update in terms of tourism standards. According to a report by Travel and Tour World, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has put the brakes on a few hotels that couldn’t follow the required standards. From Al Nahda Centre in Barka to some properties in Seeb, their operating licenses have been kept on hold till the quality issue is fixed. Oman is making sure tourists get the experience they deserve and the region maintains its hard-earned reputation.
7. Abu Dhabi Simplify Marine Device Permits
Abu Dhabi is making life a whole lot easier for boat owners. According to a report by Gulf News, the Integrated Transport Centre, TDRA, and Abu Dhabi Maritime have joined forces to simplify the process of getting permits for wireless devices on vessels. Now, drivers would be met with a hassle-free and speedy system instead of a pile of paperwork and delays.
8. Abu Dhabi’s AI Platform For Energy And Water
At GITEX Global 2025, Abu Dhabi unveiled AD.WE, a world-first AI platform for managing energy and water. According to a report by Utilities, using billions of data points, it can cut water consumption by 30% and energy use by 20%, potentially saving AED 100 million annually. Powered entirely by carbon-free electricity, AD.WE is already proving its worth with leak detection, irrigation optimisation, and faster network planning. Let’s face it, if this doesn’t make the UAE a tech trailblazer, what does?
9. Flydubai Upgrades Economy Experience
Flydubai is rolling out free meals and upgraded entertainment for all economy passengers starting in November 2025. As stated in Scene Now UAE, from regional dishes to international cuisine, plus a library of 1,000+ movies, TV shows, games, and music, it’s a serious upgrade. Short flights or long hauls, passengers are finally getting the experience they deserve.
10. Dubai Police Launches AI Traffic System
Dubai Police introduced an AI-powered traffic monitoring system at GITEX Global 2025. The system detects seatbelt violations, mobile use, tailgating, and more in real time. As stated in Scene Now UAE, Data is sent instantly to the central unit, improving enforcement and traffic analytics. Come on, we all know smart monitoring is better than endless human patrols, especially when it comes to road safety.
So here’s a quick round-up of Middle East updates from this week.
Cover Image Courtesy:DubaiDutyFree, Salman Khan/Instagram
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