From payment upgrades to a Michelin-starred pop-up, the GCC’s updates cycle this week has something for frequent flyers, foodies and cricket fans alike. Here’s your roundup.
1. Emirates Now Accepts Jaywan Cards
Emirates has signed an agreement with Al Etihad Payments to accept Jaywan, the UAE’s national card scheme, starting 16 September. UAE-based customers can now pay with any Jaywan card, including the Royal Debit, Prestige Debit and Prepaid variants, either online at checkout on emirates.com or in person at Emirates Retail stores. Jaywan cardholders also get discounts across all cabin classes and most fare types on one-way and return Dubai departures, with the offer running for bookings made until 31 August 2027, for travel through 29 February 2028. This follows Etihad’s own Jaywan integration last month, making Emirates the second UAE carrier to bring the scheme on board.
2. Chef Bobo Cerea Returns To Chic Nonna, Dubai
Following last year’s sold-out debut, Chef Bobo Cerea of three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio is back at Chic Nonna in DIFC for a second edition of Da Bergamo a Dubai, teaming up once again with Chef Francesco Torcasio. The two-night pop-up on 4 and 5 November will bring an exclusive four-hands menu, including the duo’s celebrated Paccheri, alongside new dishes created specifically for this edition. Dinner starts at 7:30pm, priced at Dh795 plus taxes. Reservations are already open.
3. Visit Qatar Signs Russian Charter Deal
On the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026, Visit Qatar signed an MOU with Russian tour operator TT-Travel (FUN&SUN) to launch direct charter flights from Moscow and Yekaterinburg to Doha starting October 2026. The programme is projected to bring in more than 22,000 Russian tourists over the 2026/2027 winter season, backed by holiday packages combining flights, beachfront hotels and cultural excursions, plus a joint marketing push across FUN&SUN’s 600-plus partner agency network.
4. A French Pastry Star Lands At Dubai Mall
Fans of French pâtisserie have a new stop at Dubai Mall: a pop-up from acclaimed pastry chef Yann Couvreur, fox mascot in tow. The counter’s must-tries include the Raspberry Cheesecake, Pistachio Lover, Paris Brest, Vanilla Chouquettes, Coconut Caramel Eclair, and Couvreur’s signature Merveille Foxy Chocolate, a fox-shaped dessert almost too photogenic to eat.
Also Read: Primark’s First Store In Saudi Arabia To HH Khaled Bin Mohamed Visiting India; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Brett Lee Becomes UAE Lottery’s Chief Celebration Officer
Cricket legend Brett Lee, who relocated to Dubai earlier this year, has taken on a new role as Chief Celebration Officer for The UAE Lottery. He’ll meet winners across the lottery’s game portfolio, share their stories through community appearances and fan content, and champion responsible play across the UAE’s federally licensed lottery platform.
From a new national payment card at Emirates to Brett Lee’s newest UAE gig, here’s everything moving across the Gulf this week.
Cover Image Courtesy: Al Etihad Payments/Website