From Riyadh–Doha High-Speed Rail Approved To Simu Liu Heading To Abu Dhabi, 5 GCC Updates

From big transport news to major pop culture names and a royal puppy moment, GCC updates have got the internet talking. Here’s what’s making headlines across the region today.

5 GCC Updates For You 

1. Saudi Arabia Approves 785 km Riyadh–Doha High-Speed Railway

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved a landmark electric high-speed railway linking Riyadh and Doha. Chaired by King Salman in Riyadh, the session confirmed the 785 km rail project connecting the two Gulf capitals. Trains will exceed 300 km/h and stop at key hubs including Dammam and Al-Ahsa. Travel time between Riyadh and Doha will be reduced to around two hours. The railway is expected to welcome more than 10 million passengers annually. 

2. Marvel Star Simu Liu To Land In Abu Dhabi For Middle East Film & Comic Con

 

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 Simu Liu, popularly known as the lead of Shang-Chi, is landing in Abu Dhabi for Middle East Film & Comic Con. The festival runs from April 24 to 26 at ADNEC. Best known as Shang-Chi, Liu will meet fans for photos and autographs at the region’s biggest pop culture festival. He joins Christopher Judge, plus comic heavyweights Federico Vicentini and veteran artist Brett Breeding, whose work spans Superman, Spider-Man and Thor.

3. Old Muscat To Become A Connected Open Museum

Oman’s Old Muscat area will become an open museum under a long-term conservation plan led by the National Museum. The project will connect historic houses, palaces and gardens into one unified cultural district. Restoration work at sites such as Bait al Jariza and Bagh al Saidiya focuses on removing modern alterations and reviving traditional building methods. 

4. Anonymous Donor Funds Iftar Tent Serving 8,000 Daily In Dubai

In Hor Al Anz, Dubai, an anonymous donor is fully funding an iftar tent that serves around 8,000 people every day this Ramadan. The operations begin early each morning, handling cooking, packaging, transport and distribution before sunset. Volunteers follow strict schedules, and quality checks happen at every stage.

Also Read: Bike Festival Coming to Riyadh To Ladurée’s Ramadan Collection; 5 GCC Updates For You!

5. Sheikh Hamdan Asks Instagram To Name His New Puppy

HH Sheikh Hamdan, Dubai’s Crown Prince, asked his 17.4 million Instagram followers to help name his new male puppy. He shared a photo on Instagram Stories with a simple question: “What should we name him?” Known for sharing moments with his animals, the Dubai Crown Prince turned a small personal decision into an interactive online moment. Within hours, fans flooded the replies with suggestions.

 Here are five major updates shaping the GCC today.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro, Simu Liu/Instagram