The Middle East is buzzing with new restaurant launches, travel updates, and so much more. We at Curly Tales are back with a week’s worth of Middle East updates in the most easily readable format. CT Quickies is your quick guide to understanding what’s going on in this region.
1. Qatar Kicks Off 2026 With 17th Falconry And Hunting Festival
Qatar’s desert calendar commenced the year with the Falconry and hunting festival held under the patronage of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as per Qatar Tribune. The event was backed by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam). Held at Marmi Sabkha in Sealine, the event runs until January 24.
The Haddad Challenge is hosted for young peregrine falcons. Birds race to catch or corner a homing pigeon, all under strict monitoring with tracking tech and expert judges. Winners take home QR100,000 and move closer to driving home a Lexus.
2. Karak Gets A Plant-Based Glow-Up In Dubai
Dubai Airport just announced the arrival of Project Chaiwala. They have teamed up with Oatly to launch The Karak Club in Dubai, announced on Instagram of DXB.
Expect hot, iced, and blended karak, plus a karak avocado shake at Dubai International Airport near gates A3, B8, C23 (Terminal 3) and D12 (Terminal 1).
3. A New Chocolate Bar Dropped By FIX Dessert Chocolatier
FIX Dessert Chocolatier announced the start of 2026 by launching a new chocolate bar called Honey I’m Comb as per their Instagram account. It’s all about milk chocolate, golden honeycomb candy, and a soft chocolate mousse that melts fast. Both new flavours are already featured at the Museum of the Future pop-up display counter.
4. Dubai Adds An Easier Ride To Global Village
For people who hate parking, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has rolled out bus route 102 to access Global Village from Al Rashidiya Metro Station. According to RTA, late-night and afternoon services mean less traffic stress and fewer U-turns. It’s cheaper, greener, and honestly easier than driving.
5. Maroon 5 Rings In 2026 At Atlantis Dubai
Maroon 5 welcomed 2026 with a one-off New Year’s Eve show at Atlantis, The Palm. Over 4,000 guests sang along to “Sugar” and “Moves Like Jagger” while Adam Levine did what he does best. Fireworks stretched all the way to Atlantis The Royal. VIP Sky Suite guests even scored meet-and-greets.
6. Kuwait Speeds Up Visit Visas
Kuwait issues 17,000 to 20,000 visit visas weekly, plus around 25,000 residency permits. Speaking on “Kuwait Nights” on Kuwait TV, Mazyad Al-Mutairi confirmed the updated residency law, issued by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, took effect on November 23. New visa categories cover investors, short-term government contracts, and oil sector workers, as mentioned in a report by Arab Times online.
7. UAE Lowers The Legal Age Of Adulthood
The UAE has lowered the age of adulthood from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years under the new Civil Transactions Law, as mentioned in a report by Travel and Tour World. Eighteen-year-olds now hold full legal and financial capacity. Minors can manage assets from age 15. The update aligns civil, criminal, labour, and juvenile laws and supports youth entrepreneurship. It also tightens contract rules, adds nonprofit frameworks, and strengthens consent protections.
8. Turkmenistan Airlines Adds Abu Dhabi Flights
Starting January 4, 2026, Turkmenistan Airlines will operate two weekly flights between Ashgabat and Abu Dhabi on Fridays and Sundays. The move boosts tourism, business travel, and expat visits while strengthening ties with the UAE. It also supports Ashgabat’s ambition to become a regional transit hub.
9. Türkiye On Avalanche Alert
Türkiye has issued high avalanche warnings for Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea region after heavy snow buildup. The Turkish State Meteorological Service says western regions may soften slightly, but central and eastern areas remain locked in a deep freeze. Central Anatolia could hit –18°C. Fresh snowfall in Erzurum, Kars, and Siirt raises serious risks.
10. Egypt Greenlights A Luxury Sleeper Train
Luxury rail is coming to Egypt as the news of an approved deal with Italian firm Arsenale has been released in a report by Arabian Business. It will be funded and operate as a high-end sleeper train. The cabinet also extended free emergency entry visas at Luxor International Airport and Aswan International Airport for the summers of 2026 and 2027. Also, expect a free 96-hour transit visa until April 2027.
So here’s all about Middle East updates for this week.
Cover Image Courtesy: algannas_qa/Instagram, Supplied
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