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Etihad Airways Flight Diverted To Amman To UNIFYD Festival Adding More Names; 5 GCC Updates

Here's a list of some important updates from across the GCC region that you will want to know.

by Anupriya Mishra
Etihad Airways Flight Diverted To Amman To UNIFYD Festival Adding More Names; 5 GCC Updates
Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Airways/Website

Keeping up with the updates from across the GCC region is no simple task. To ensure you are always ahead of the news, we have made a list of some important updates across different sectors in the GCC region that we think you will want to take from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and beyond. Here’s a list of some important updates from across the GCC region that you will want to know if you like to stay ahead of Gulf News.

GCC Updates

1. Etihad Airways Flight To Abu Dhabi Diverted To Jordan

Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi, which was flying from Toronto, was diverted to Jordan on October 17th, Saturday. This came after a passenger onboard required immediate medical treatment. As revealed by the airline, flight EY022 was diverted to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

2. Abu Dhabi’s UNIFYD Festival Add More Names To The Lineup

Shah Rukh Khan’s festival UNIFYD, which is happening in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, has added more names. This includes Jonita, Tech Panda x Kenzani, Shalmali Kholgade, Nooriyah, Patiala Mehfil, Stick No Bills, BOH!B, Curtain Blue, Simran Choudhary, Rusha & Blizza, Priyanka and Unnayanaa. This is a one-day event, and it will feature more than 15 artists across multiple stages. Tickets will go on sale soon on the District app!

3. Oman Restores Citizenship for 11 People

The Sultanate of Oman has restored citizenship for 11 people under the Royal decree. This was published on Sunday, October 18,th in the official Gazette of the country. The Royal Decree No 89/2026, which was issued on October 12th restored citizenship for 11 people. These were named in an accompanying list, which was published in issue number 1670 of the official gazette.

4. Online Classes Proposed In Four Regions Of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is planning to introduce up to 10 days of remote learning in four regions as a pilot. This remote learning for schools is part of an effort to integrate online education into the regular school system instead of using it only as a temporary alternative in case of emergencies.

The Ministry of Education has proposed that it would initially be in Mecca, Tabuk, Eastern Province, and Najran. This will be during the 1448 AH academic year. The experiment would allow participating schools to replace classroom teaching with live online lessons on certain days. They will also maintain a regular timetable, and students will be required to complete assigned activities and coursework.

Also Read: Liwa International Festival Returns To Abu Dhabi With Circus Swing, Tagada & More This December

5. 60 Exclusive Vehicle Plate Numbers To Be Auctioned In Dubai

Dubai RTA has announced that it will be auctioning 60 vehicle plates. This comes as the 121st Open Auction will be hosted on October 24th at Dubai Hilton Al Habtoor City Hotel. These number plates will be 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-digit vehicle plate numbers.

So, with these updates laid out for you, we hope you can stay ahead of news pieces in the GCC region.

Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Airways/Website

FAQs

What more names have been added to UNIFYD Festival?

UNIFYD Festival has added more names, including Jonita, Shalmali Kholgade, Patiala Mehfil, and Nooriyah, to name some.

Why was an Etihad Airways flight diverted?

An Etihad Airways flight from Toronto was diverted to Amman after a medical emergency for a passenger.

Anupriya Mishra | Senior Content Writer

Anupriya Mishra is a Senior Content Writer at Curly Tales with 8 years of experience creating stories around food, travel, fashion, entertainment, lifestyle, and pop culture. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi. When she’s not busy checking out the newest eateries in town, you’ll find her binge-watching K-dramas and reading romance novels.

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: October 19, 2026 3:33 PM