Let’s face it, there’s never a dull moment in the Gulf. Sometimes it’s fast cars, sometimes it’s fast trains, and sometimes it’s the law trying to catch up. Over the past week, a bunch of news items have popped up that you really shouldn’t scroll past, and yes, they range from the bizarre to the downright jaw-dropping. Your weekly dose of Middle East update is here!
5 Middle East Updates For You
1. Turkey’s Transport Minister Breaks Speed Limit, Gets Fined
Turkey. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu filmed himself driving at 225 km/h on the Ankara–Nigde Highway. Yeah, nearly double the speed limit. And then, to add on he posted it on social media. Predictably, it went viral. Authorities weren’t impressed. The minister was charged with a 9,267 lira ($280) fine for breaking the speed limit. The clip drew widespread criticism for promoting unsafe driving, which honestly feels like the understatement of the year.
2. Riyadh’s KAFD Gets A Futuristic Monorail
Meanwhile, over in Riyadh, things are moving a bit slower, but in a very deliberate, futuristic way. The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is getting a 3.6 km driverless monorail, currently in the design phase. Construction is slated for Q4 2025.
The plan? Six elevated stations, six two-carriage trains, and the capacity to carry about 3,500 passengers per hour. Trial runs will start in early 2027, with full public service expected by year-end. The monorail is designed to connect to the Riyadh Metro, making commuting a bit smarter, greener, and frankly more impressive than most of the traffic jams. The project is part of Saudi Vision 2030, pushing for efficient, connected urban mobility.
3. Abu Dhabi Police Goes Digital With “TAMM”
Over in Abu Dhabi, the police are giving drivers an unusual level of convenience. The “TAMM” Smart Vehicle Impound service is now live. For AED15 per day, drivers can have an impound device installed on their vehicle either at a service centre or on-site and sort out traffic violations without the usual headaches.
Vehicles must be moved to the designated location before midnight, and the device returned within 48 hours. Drivers can operate their cars for maintenance or emergencies if approved, while the system tracks movements electronically.
4. Sharjah Judges Asked To Prioritise Children’s Interests In Divorce
Sharjah Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sharjah’s Ruler, has instructed judges to consider whether divorced fathers can take their children outside visitation facilities.
The idea is simple: prioritise the kids’ best interests. Fathers who haven’t harmed their children could be allowed outings. This follows a complaint from a father who said he felt like a prisoner, barred from spending time with his children freely. Sheikh Sultan emphasised that children’s welfare comes first, and parents should have the right to enjoy time with their kids away from undue pressure.
5. Dubai License Plates That Cost More Than Penthouses
And then there’s Dubai, where prestige apparently isn’t just about supercars. It’s about license plates. Rare combinations fetch eye-watering sums. The top three?
- P7: AED55 million, bought by Telegram founder Pavel Durov
- AA9: AED38 million, sold anonymously
- DD5: AED35 million, bought by Muhammad Binghatti
These plates were sold at the Most Noble Numbers auctions, and proceeds went to charity, including One Billion Meals, 100 Million Meals, and the Fathers’ Endowment. So yes, Dubai blends luxury, status, and philanthropy, all in one neat, glitzy package. Honestly, where else can your car’s plate cost more than some people’s entire apartment? Only Dubai, really.
To Sum Up
From ministers driving above the speed limit to monorails, smart impound devices, family court rulings, and eye-wateringly expensive license plates, the Middle East never sleeps. Things are moving fast, literally and metaphorically.
Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates Auction/Instagram,@a_uraloglu/X
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