GCC updates cycle this week reads like an Instagram scroll. Be it a baby macaque stealing hearts on the internet or intelligent systems redefining pilgrimages and luxury travel, this is what everybody in the region is talking about.
5 GCC Updates For You
UAE Can Never Get Enough Of Punch The Baby Macaque
Meet Punch. He is seven months old, small, and at the moment the most unlikely star on UAE Instagram. Punch is a Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo. He became an internet celebrity when he was photographed holding an IKEA stuffed orangutan when his mother refused to accept him. UAE brands have embraced him now. Punch is everywhere, starting with landing upon the Abu Dhabi beaches with his posh companion, until he has been featured in postings on technology by Digital Dubai, Iftar, Suhoor and almost everywhere.
Al Noor Island In Sharjah Turns 10!
As Punch is the internet owner, Al Noor Island is quietly flaunting a huge achievement. This year, the island celebrates its 10 th anniversary. It was created by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority and was established in 2015 as a calm and creative environment that combines art, nature, and design. Covering an area of 45,000 square metres in Khalid Lagoon, it has received international accolades as well as having received more than a million visitors. It is now one of the most considered outdoor places in Sharjah, ten years later, showing that slow, sustainable development is effective.
Oman Is Probable To Receive A Five Day Eid Al Fitr Holiday
Better news for planners and last-minute travellers. In 2026, Oman will have a five-day Eid Al Fitr vacation, which is likely to be between March 19 and March 23, and its work will resume on March 24. The long vacation is based on official regulations that introduce an additional holiday day when Eid is near a weekend.
Saudi Arabia Promotes Pilgrim Smart Maps
The control of the crowd on holy locations became smarter. The Saudi officials have introduced a smart map to direct pilgrims to the Grand Mosque and the Mosque of the Prophet. The system was piloted during Ramadan and provides real-time directions, recommends routes with fewer people, and colour-codes zones to reduce congestion. It also assists the pilgrims in finding the services, such as electric carts, using a data-driven system. The officials indicate that there will be upgrades in 2026.
Also Read: From Jason Derulo’s Dubai World Cup Show To Saudi Poultry Import Ban, 5 GCC Updates
Red Sea Edition Wins The Title Of The World’s Best New Hotel
Luxury travel fans, take note. The Saudi Arabia Red Sea project established itself on the international map, as the Red Sea EDITION is proclaimed to be the best new hotel in the world. The resort is part of Vision 2030 and combines the ultra-luxury design with great sustainability factors and the virgin nature. The award focuses on service, architecture and environmental care- and the bookings are already booming.
So that’s all for today, folks! Will be right back tomorrow with more GCC updates.
Cover Image Courtesy: Red Sea EDITION, Al Noor Island/Website
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