From Oman’s New Health Law To Dubai’s Drone Show At DSF, 5 GCC Updates

Across the GCC, the first week of January has landed with new laws, public celebrations, weather warnings and updates. From Oman’s healthcare reform to Dubai’s glowing skyline, here’s what’s buzzing in the Gulf. 

5 GCC Updates For You

1. Oman Makes Premarital Health Screening Mandatory

للراغبين في الزواج إليكم مسار إجراء الفحص الطبي قبل الزواج ⬇️#خلي_البداية_صح #صحة_رائدة_مستدامة_للجميع pic.twitter.com/5MIFaRRQSM

— وزارة الصحة – سلطنة عُمان (@OmaniMOH) January 2, 2026

Oman has officially stepped into a more preventive healthcare future. Starting January 1, 2026, the country has made premarital health screening mandatory as mentioned in a report by MuscatDaily. It’s now officially a law under Royal Decree No. 111/2025. The move requires all Omani couples to undergo tests for hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases, including hepatitis, HIV and syphilis.

Health authorities want to create awareness about diagnosis is not a block in marriage. Instead wants to guide about genetic counselling and long-term support through the Ministry of Health. Officials say early detection reduces future treatment costs and protects children from preventable inherited conditions. 

2. FIFA World Cup Trophy Arrives In Riyadh

Football fever hit Saudi Arabia this week as the sixth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off in Riyadh on January 3. The tour marks the first of 75 global stops as per the official website. 

Legendary Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero unveiled the iconic trophy on arrival, drawing fans, media and cameras in full force. Celebrations wrapped up with a public fan event at a major Riyadh mall.

3. Strong Winds and High Seas Trigger Weather Warning

According to Peninsula Qatar, the Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for strong northwesterly winds across several locations until 6 am Monday. Inshore areas can expect chilly, partly cloudy conditions with dusty spells and winds reaching up to 24 knots.

Offshore conditions will experience winds gusting up to 36 knots, pushing wave heights to nearly 12 feet. Visibility remains moderate, but marine operators and beachgoers are urged to take caution.

4. Dubai Brings Government Services Closer To The Public

In their recent announcement, GDRFA Dubai unveiled the new “Closer to You” initiative. The campaign brings immigration and residency services directly to residents and visitors in a relaxed, on-ground setting. The services would be running from January 5 to February 5, 2026, at Global Village, as mentioned in a report by Gulf News.

The goal is to remove barriers, answer questions face-to-face, and make public services feel accessible rather than intimidating. 

Also Read: 4-Day Weekend In Oman To Mandatory Sugar Conformity Certificate In UAE; 5 GCC Updates For You

5. Dubai Shopping Festival Drone Show Steals The Night Sky

Dubai’s skies are doing the most this week. The Dubai Shopping Festival drone show continues nightly at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR until January 11. Shows run at 8 pm and 10 pm and are completely free.

Created by AO Drones, the new “Celebration” performance features over 1,000 synchronised LED drones, pyrotechnics and music. Visitors can also expect a striking aerial artwork of Johnny Depp, revealed for the first time during DSF.

Here’s all about the GCC Updates for today, and we will be back with a fresh batch of buzzing headlines tomorrow. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/charliepix from charliepix, Dubai Festival/Instagram