If you think life in the Gulf is predictable, think again. Every week brings a new blend of the old and the unexpected, cyber scams, cultural wins, property tricks, or a government decision that makes you double-check the fine print. This round-up of GCC updates has it all. Let’s dive in before the next headline breaks.
5 GCC Updates For You
1. Dubai HR Firm Loses AED50,000 In Emirates Catering Scam
Dubai isn’t exactly new to scams, but this one had layers. An HR firm thought it was onboarding with Emirates Flight Catering, only to find itself nearly AED50,000 lighter. Fraudsters used near-identical domains, slick onboarding documents, and even a fake “refundable deposit.” By the time the penny dropped, the money was gone. EKFC says it’s helping authorities trace the culprits, but the lesson’s clear: if an email looks too perfect, don’t trust it. Come on, who still wires a “deposit” without triple-checking in 2025?
2. Sharjah Puts Abandoned Cars On The Auction Block
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the endless rows of dusty, impounded cars in Sharjah, here’s your answer: they’ll be sold. New rules mean vehicles left for over three months could be auctioned once cases wrap up. Fees to release them? Between AED5,000 and AED30,000. It’s not pocket change, but authorities say it’ll speed up clearances and clean up the city. And honestly, who’s complaining? No one misses staring at a line of rusting sedans on the roadside.
3. Saudi Arabia Adds 2,700+ Heritage Sites To Its Register
Heritage and high-rises don’t always mix, but Saudi Arabia seems keen on balancing both. The Kingdom has just added 2,748 urban heritage sites to its National Register, bringing the total to a jaw-dropping 36,919. These aren’t just old stones either; they cover regions from Makkah to Aseer to Al-Baha. The idea is to preserve culture, attract investment, and remind everyone that Saudi history goes far deeper than flashy mega-projects. Locals are even being nudged to report sites via apps, social media, or yes, even a 911 call. Heritage with hashtags, that’s the 2025 version.
4. Dubai’s Prypco Blocks Offers Rent-In-Advance Deal
Real estate in Dubai never sits still. This time, it’s Prypco Blocks shaking things up with a promise no landlord would turn down: one year’s rent, upfront. Investors get a 5% return within two months, plus lower entry fees (now 1% instead of 1.5%). Minimum buy-in? AED2,000, thanks to tokenisation. The platform says it’s already funded nine properties. Truth be told, only Dubai could make property investment sound like online shopping with reward points.
5. Bahrain Opens Hajj Registration Online
On a different note, Bahrain’s Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah has made this year’s pilgrimage process a little more digital. Registration kicks off tomorrow on the National Portal, powered by the updated eKey system. But here’s the catch: Pilgrims must refresh their info in the “Notifications” system or risk missing critical alerts. It may sound unspiritual to some, but in practice, a smoother digital process means fewer headaches for thousands heading to Hajj.
Also Read: Dubai’s Dock & Dine Initiative To Kuwait’s Ramadan Holiday For School; 5 GCC Updates For You
Final Word
So what do these GCC updates add up to? A region that refuses to stand still. Scammers are getting smarter, governments are stricter, investors are bolder, and even the holy journey is getting a digital tune-up. Blink, and you really will miss it.
Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates/Website, Heritage Commission/Wikipedia