From a new South America route out of Doha to a bridge with lifts in Sharjah, here is what is happening across Qatar and the UAE today.
GCC Updates For Today
1. Qatar Airways Becomes First Gulf Carrier To Fly To Venezuela
Qatar Airways has begun a twice-weekly service connecting Doha with Bogotá and Caracas. That makes it the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to fly nonstop from the Middle East to both cities. Flights operate every Wednesday and Sunday on a Boeing 777-200LR. Doha to Bogotá leaves at 07:35 and lands at 16:25. The aircraft then continues to Caracas, departing at 17:55 and arriving at 21:00. The return from Caracas leaves at 23:30 and reaches Doha at 20:35. Onward connections through Hamad International Airport cover Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea and the UAE. Caracas and Bogotá are the airline’s 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas. Qatar Airways has also widened its LATAM tie-up to include LATAM Airlines Colombia, placing its code on domestic flights from Bogotá to cities such as Cartagena, Medellín and Cali. Bookings are open on qatarairways.com and the mobile app.
2. Sharjah’s Al Dhaid Bridge Opens On November 15
Sharjah’s Al Dhaid Bridge is set to open to traffic on November 15, with final works nearing completion. The 320-metre structure is meant to ease traffic and improve connections in the emirate’s Central Region. It is not only a road link. The bridge has four lifts, balconies and viewing areas that overlook Al Dhaid Lake beneath it. The lake is being built to hold more than 1.5 million cubic metres of water, and an earlier report by The National said it would open at a later date.
3. Sharjah Public Libraries Brings A Library Journey To The Book Fair
Sharjah Public Libraries is running a seven-event programme called Library of Civilisation at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which continues until November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Sessions cover the history of libraries and how books are researched and written, and a youth book club meets on November 8. On November 14, Emirati writer Fahad Ali Al Mamari talks about building a personal library of around 12,000 volumes. Visitors can also sign up for adult library membership at half price, Dh75 instead of Dh160 including VAT, at the stand in Hall 4 (K2).
4. Indian Travellers Get 10% Off With UPI At Dubai Duty Free
NPCI International announced on November 5 that Indian travellers paying through UPI at Dubai Duty Free get 10 per cent off eligible purchases, capped at AED 100. The offer applies at outlets in Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. To use it, activate UPI International or UPI Global for an eligible bank account on your UPI app, then pay straight from your Indian account. Network International supports UPI acceptance at participating terminals. Dubai Duty Free’s Ramesh Cidambi said Indian travellers are an important part of its customer base.
5. Paws & Yoga Brings Puppies To The Lawn At Address Montgomerie
Saturday morning has a cuter plan. Address Montgomerie is hosting Paws & Yoga on Saturday, November 7, from 8am to 9am at Under The Tree. The hour begins with a guided yoga session alongside puppies, set against views of the golf course. Breakfast follows, with live performers and outdoor seating to keep the morning going. Tickets are AED 250 per person, and breakfast is included. Spots are limited, and bookings are made through the link in the venue’s Instagram bio
Here’s all about today’s GCC Updates.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Duty Free/Website
FAQs
Which airline is the first Gulf carrier to fly to Venezuela?
Qatar Airways. Its new twice-weekly service links Doha with Bogotá and Caracas, and it is also the first airline to operate nonstop services from the Middle East to both cities. Flights run every Wednesday and Sunday on a Boeing 777-200LR.
How much is Sharjah Public Libraries membership at the book fair?
Adult membership is half price during the fair, at Dh75 instead of Dh160 including VAT. Visitors can register at the Sharjah Public Libraries stand in Hall 4 (K2) at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which runs until November 15.
