From DXB Flight Suspensions To Saudi Rain Alerts, 5 GCC Updates For Today

From Dubai travellers nervously checking airline apps to families planning weekends at Yas Island, here are a few GCC updates people across the Gulf have been talking about lately. 

5 GCC Updates For You

1. Kids’ Stalls In Dubai Now Need Official Approval

Dubai Municipality has clarified that children selling homemade snacks, drinks or baked goods now need proper licences before setting up stalls. Even if it’s just cookies outside the house during the weekend. Parents will need approvals from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism before any sales happen. The rule applies across community markets and home-based stalls too. Authorities say it’s mainly about food safety and hygiene checks. But they’re still encouraging young entrepreneurs through supervised events and local youth markets. 

2. Flying Through Dubai This Summer? Check Your Airline First

If you’ve been planning a summer trip through Dubai, this might be the week to obsessively refresh your airline app every ten minutes. Things are still pretty shaky at DXB, with several international airlines either delaying returns or cutting routes completely for the next few months. At least 16 airlines still haven’t fully resumed operations to Dubai. Big names like British Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada have pushed cancellations well into August, September, and even October in some cases. Emirates and flydubai are still operating, but on reduced schedules.

Some airlines are reviewing things week by week, while others have practically disappeared from booking systems for the whole summer. Refunds and rebooking options are being offered, but people flying through DXB are being told to double-check everything before leaving home, literally.

3. Abu Dhabi’s Summer Sports Event Is Back And Much Bigger

Abu Dhabi Summer Sports has officially returned to ADNEC Centre and it’s massive this year. The event now covers around 48,000 square metres with more than 70 courts and activity zones. It runs until August 23 and includes 29 sports this time around.

Padel, basketball, football, tennis and obstacle courses are all back. Also, 10 completely new sports have been added for this edition.

4. Yas Island Is Giving Free Theme Park Access To UAE Heroes

Yas Island has also launched a pretty wholesome initiative this month. Frontline workers from the UAE Police, Civil Defence, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence can now get free access to Yas Island theme parks until June 30. And they can bring up to three guests, too. That includes Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Families just need to register through the Homat Alwatan app before visiting.

Also Read:IndiGo Extending Kuwait Flight Suspension To UAE Weather Forecast; 5 GCC Updates For You

5. Saudi Arabia Is Expecting Heavy Rain This Week

Over in Saudi Arabia, weather warnings have been issued across parts of Makkah, Jazan, Asir and Al Baha. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to continue through Friday, especially around Abha and southern Jazan. Some areas could see intense afternoon downpours before conditions calm down later at night. Lighter showers are also expected around Taif and parts of Makkah.

Here’s the list of GCC Updates you need to know today! 

Cover Image Courtesy: DXB/X

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