Monday’s GCC updates range from silver sculptures on Burj Lake to rain gathering over the Al Hajar Mountains. Here’s what’s worth knowing across the region.
5 GCC Updates For Today
UAE
1. Dubai Fountain Is Getting A Makeover
Tall, reflective structures with petal-like curves are rising from Burj Lake, between Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, releasing streams of water into the lake below. Videos shared on social media show crews still at work, and a small stretch of the waterfront has been cordoned off. The regular shows carry on as usual. Emaar hasn’t said whether the installations belong to its second phase of 2026 upgrades, who designed them, or when they’ll be finished.
2. Etihad’s Residence Arrives In Bangkok
Etihad’s A380 began serving Bangkok from 25 October, bringing The Residence, a three-room suite with a living room, bedroom and ensuite shower, to Thailand for the first time. The daily EY402 leaves Abu Dhabi at 9.20pm and lands at 6.35am. EY403 departs Bangkok at 8.30am and reaches Abu Dhabi at 12.20pm.
3. Sotheby’s Returns To Abu Dhabi In December
Collectors’ Week is back on 9 and 10 December with six auctions covering fine art, jewellery, watches, handbags, collectible cars and high-performance bicycles. The headline sale, ‘Breaking Ground’, is Sotheby’s first international fine art auction in the emirate. It features Emirati pioneers Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim and Hassan Sharif, plus an Andy Warhol ‘Ads’ portfolio from 1985. Around 50 watches from the ‘Shapes of Cartier’ collection will also go under the hammer.
Qatar
4. FIFA U-17 World Cup Trophy Tour Starts On 29 October
You can meet the official trophy at Doha Festival City on 29 October, West Walk on 5 November and Msheireb Downtown Doha on 12 November, each from 6pm to 10pm. Expect fan activities and photo opportunities. The tournament itself runs from 19 November to 13 December, with 48 teams playing 104 matches at Aspire Zone. Day Passes cost QR20 per matchday from the group stage through the quarter-finals.
Also Read: From SalamAir Flights To Dubai Speed Limits, 5 GCC Updates To Know
Oman
5. Rain Continues Across Parts Of The Sultanate
Convective clouds are still building over the Al Hajar Mountains, bringing scattered rain that may turn thundery at times, along with strong downdraught winds. North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah and North Al Sharqiyah are already seeing it, and more areas could follow in the coming hours. If you’re driving or hiking in the mountains, keep an eye on wadis and check official weather alerts as conditions change.
Here’s all for today’s GCC Updates.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/karenpritchett from Getty Images
FAQs
Are the Dubai Fountain shows still running while the new installations are built?
Yes. The regular shows are continuing, though a small section of the waterfront has been cordoned off for the work. Emaar’s published schedule has evening shows every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm, with extra afternoon performances.
Which parts of Oman are seeing rain?
North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah and North Al Sharqiyah are experiencing scattered rain and clouds over the Al Hajar Mountains. The rain may turn thundery at times with strong downdraught winds, and more areas could be affected in the coming hours.
