CT Quickies is back with Middle East updates of the week. Here’s a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural growth to glance through and check what you missed out on this week from the region’s breaking news!
10 Middle East Updates
1. UAE Sets Health Standards For 2026 Hajj Pilgrims
UAE Authorities have unveiled a set of health standards for Hajj Pilgrims for 2026. The health advisory strictly informs the pilgrims to follow the steps mentioned. From getting serious medical conditions like organ failure, diseases and pregnancy checked to vaccinations for seasonal flu and COVID-19, here’s a list to tick off before you fly. Awqaf UAE confirmed that medical screenings will be reviewed before approvals, and this year, 72,000 applicants registered before the deadline.
2. Ras Al Khaimah’s Haunted House, Al Qasimi Palace On Sale
Can you imagine a haunted house making it to the market for sale? Well, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Qasimi Palace, long shrouded in ghost stories, is now on the market for AED25 million, according to Gulf News. Built in 1985 by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, this four-storey palace spans 20,000 square metres with 35 rooms, blending Islamic, Moroccan, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. The venue is now open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its grand interiors, chandeliers, marble floors, and the stories.
3. Dubai Introduces Free Feeder Bus Rides
Daily commute in Dubai can get challenging given the traffic. But a report by SceneNow mentions that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched free feeder bus rides for metro users. What does this mean? Well, passengers will pay only when boarding the feeder bus at the start of their trip, and transfers within the same zone to the metro and back are free. The metro network spans seven main zones, including Jebel Ali, Al Barsha, Mirdif, Al Rashidiya, and Dubai Land..
4. Saudi Arabia’s Entrepreneurship World Cup Finals
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In a report by Arabian News, Saudi Arabia is to host the 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup Finals in Riyadh. The 3-day event will span from November 5th to 8th. 100 startups from 46 countries would compete for prizes above $1.5 million. Startups across sectors such as technology, health, agriculture, and space will pitch to investors, access mentorship, and showcase their solutions.
5. Sharjah Rolls Out New Traffic Rules
Sharjah in a bid to improve road safety, will implement dedicated lanes for motorcycles, buses, and heavy vehicles. As per a report by Times of India,, the new lanes will be in action from November 1. Heavy vehicles and buses in far-right lane, while motorbikes strictly in left lanes has been unveiled by the Sharjah Authorities. Violations carry fines of up to AED1,500 and traffic points.
6. Saudi Arabia Hosts Silent Films With Live Music
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On the cultural front, the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) will host the Kingdom’s first live-accompanied silent-film screenings, as mentioned by SceneNow. Classics by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Laurel & Hardy will be performed live by UK silent-film expert Neil Brand. The festival will also showcase restored films, including India’s Umrao Jaan and Ahmed Badrakhan’s Egyptian classics.
7. Indian Embassy In Qatar Updates Passport Photo Rules
Expatriates in Qatar are being reminded to comply with new passport photo requirements, according to a report by The Peninsula Qatar. The Indian Embassy in Doha has shared new guidelines with the launch of Global Passport Seva, requiring all applicants to submit ICAO-compliant photographs.
Requirements include a full, front-facing headshot with eyes open, natural skin tones, a white background, proper lighting, and a size of 630×810 pixels. Religious head coverings are permitted if facial features remain visible.
8. Hilton Expands In Oman With Three New Hotels
Hilton is expanding its hotels in Oman, Arabian Business reports, with a deal with The Zubair Corporation to open three new hotels in Muscat. This expansion introduces Hilton’s first Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton, at Barr Al Jissah, a luxury waterfront development. Nestled between mountains and beaches, the properties aim to cater to leisure travellers, wellness seekers, families, and business visitors.
9. Uber Launches Rihla Platform in Saudi Arabia
In line with Vision 2030, Uber has launched Rihla in Saudi Arabia, as mentioned in an Arabian Business report. Developed with the Transport General Authority, Quality of Life Program, and Misk Foundation, Rihla it promotes innovative transport solutions across cities from AlUla to Riyadh.
10. Adaline Wins “Best New Bar” Award in Dubai
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Adaline, a DIFC dining and entertainment hotspot, won “Best New Bar” at the Tatler Asia & Middle East Best in Class Awards 2025, according to a press release. Known for its elegant interiors, inventive cocktails, live performances, and upscale karaoke lounge, Adaline has become a favourite for the city’s style-conscious crowd.
So here’s your daily dose of Middle East news, and will be back next week with your list of CT quickies covering breaking news from the region!
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ silkwayrain from Getty Images Signature, Dean Drobot