The GCC never runs short of stories that touch daily life, from tech outages to heritage businesses under threat. Whether you’re dodging scams, navigating traffic, or looking forward to a dazzling skyline display, the GCC region is constantly providing updates.
5 GCC Updates For You
1. Abu Dhabi Court Orders Compensation In Online Food Scam
Justice came swiftly in the capital this week. The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Cases Court ordered two men to repay a victim AED 5,000, plus AED 2,000 in moral damages, after tricking him in an online food delivery scam.
It all started when the victim spotted a tempting restaurant ad and placed an order. The fraudsters sent him a payment link for just AED11, but instead of a meal, he ended up losing AED5,000 from his bank account. The court also ordered the scammers to cover all legal costs, sending a strong message that online fraud won’t be taken lightly in the UAE.
2. Dubai RTA Pushes Ahead With Traffic Easing Project
Anyone who has battled rush-hour traffic towards Nad Al Hamar will breathe a sigh of relief at this news. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun work on an 850-metre new lane connecting Ras Al Khor Road to Nad Al Hamar Intersection, near Nasser Bin Lootah Mosque. The project includes widening the storage lane for vehicles turning left from Al Rebat Street to Nad Al Hamar. Once completed, road capacity will jump by 33%, from 4,800 to 6,400 vehicles per hour, with travel time cut from 15 to just 11 minutes. RTA predicts evening peak-hour congestion in the area will drop by up to 27%
3. Burj Khalifa To Shine In Indian Tricolour For Independence Day
The world’s tallest building will once again serve as a glowing tribute to the UAE’s strong ties with India. On August 15 at 7:50 pm, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa will light up in the Indian tricolour to mark the 79th Indian Independence Day. The celebration, organised by the Indian Consulate in Dubai, will be joined by several other landmarks across the UAE. Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai will hold flag-hoisting ceremonies.
4. Dubai’s Oldest Laundry Faces Closure After Online Scam Loss
In Jumeirah 1, a nearly 50-year-old business is at risk of fading away. Bait Al Abyad Cloth Pressing, believed to be Dubai’s oldest operating laundromat, is struggling after owner Ravi Verma lost AED34,000 in an online scam. Established in 1978, the shop has long survived decades of change with loyal customers and traditional service.
Also Read: Salalah Airport’s Rise In Passengers To Saudi Arabia’s Shared Housing Rules; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Roblox Blocked In Qatar, Cause Still Unclear
Gamers in Qatar were left scratching their heads this week after Roblox, the globally popular gaming and creation platform, suddenly became inaccessible. Users can still download the app from both the Android and Apple stores. But will they face a “No Network” error as soon as they open it. The web version shows a “This site can’t be reached” message. Qatari authorities have yet to give an official explanation, leaving players wondering whether this is a temporary glitch or a more permanent restriction.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ronstik from Getty Images, cgiIndia/X
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