If you like your GCC updates served with a mix of events, this week has plenty going on. From India’s new Hajj tech rules to jaw-dropping stunts over Dubai, the region stayed busy. Let’s dive into these buzzing headlines from today.
5 GCC Updates For You
1. Hajj 2026 Pilgrims To Free Wear Smart Wristbands Tracking Health, Location & Prayer
India’s Hajj Committee has decided that in 2026, everyone gets a wearable upgrade. All Indian pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah will have to wear a smart wristband. This neat little device keeps track of location, steps, health stats, prayer timings, and even offers a Qibla compass. According to the Freepress Journal, it syncs with the new Hajj Suvidha App 2.0, which pilgrims must use right from the application stage.
2. Dubai National Day Goes Sky-High With Flag-Bearing Skydivers
Dubai celebrated the UAE’s National Day like a long party. From November 3 to December 2, the entire city stayed in festival mode. Flags, parades and energy everywhere. But the moment that stole the spotlight? Ten elite skydivers jumping out of the sky over The Palm, carrying a massive UAE flag behind them, as reported by MenaFn. Led by Emirati athlete Ahmed Al Shehhi, the team created a picture-perfect moment of unity and pride.
3. Qatar–UK Festival Returns With A Power-Packed 10th Edition
Over in Doha, preparations are underway for the 10th Qatar–UK Festival, happening from December 2 to 12 in 2025. This one marks a decade of cultural partnership, backed by a fresh MoU focused on long-term collaboration across creative industries. And with Qatar Museums celebrating its 20th anniversary that same year, the timing couldn’t be better. Expect forums, fashion shows, art events, a photography and AI challenge, youth-led programmes, and even a gaming and e-sports showcase, as mentioned by Qatar Tribune.
4. Viral JBR Video Shows Dubai’s Family-First Approach
Influencer Tam Khan accidentally broke the internet when she shared a video of Dubai Police clearing groups of men from JBR Beach during “family and women time.” No shouting, chaos, just calm officers on foot and bikes, politely explaining the rule as reported by Gulf News. The clip pulled over 183,000 views in a day and won instant praise for the city’s respectful approach to public safety. Khan herself was surprised at how courteous and protective the environment felt, calling Dubai nothing like the stereotypes she had heard before.
Also Read: 90 Aerial Displays Over Thumama Airport To 40ft Rowing Race Date; 5 GCC Updates for You
Babies Born On UAE National Day
While the nation celebrated its 54th Eid Al Etihad, Abu Dhabi welcomed two tiny citizens of the world. Among them was baby girl Makkah, born right at midnight at Burjeel Hospital, as mentioned in a report by Gulf News. Her Algerian parents, Zuhair Attar and Lamia Mermat, named her after the holy city where they first learned they were expecting her. Talk about timing. Her arrival on National Day added a beautiful layer of meaning to an already special night. And Umar was born to Pakistani parents Hamood Ur Rehman and Andleeb Saleem.
The GCC updates this week make you scroll through a little longer.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro, British Council Qatar/X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.