From Saudi Arabia’s First Onager Birth In A Century To Kuwait Airport Reopening, Here Are 5 GCC Updates

A lot happened across the Gulf this week. Some GCC updates were hopeful, while some were slightly stressful. From Saudi Arabia welcoming the birth of an animal not seen there in more than a century to Dubai’s transport system handling millions of Eid passengers, the region has had a packed few days.

5 GCC Updates For You

1. Saudi Arabia Sees First Onager Birth In Over 100 Years

Saudi Arabia has recorded its first onager birth in more than a century, and conservation groups are treating it like a huge moment for wildlife recovery in the region. The male onager was born at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve as part of a rewilding programme focused on bringing native species back into their original habitats. For many wildlife experts, this matters because onagers are now incredibly rare. Fewer than 600 are believed to remain in the wild globally. So seeing one born successfully in Saudi Arabia after disappearing from the region for decades feels significant. The reserve reportedly waited a full year before announcing the birth because young onagers have high survival risks during their first months.

2. Terminal 1 Reopens As Kuwait Gradually Restarts International Flights

Kuwait International Airport has resumed operations for Arab and international airlines under a phased reopening plan after months of disruption linked to regional tensions. Passenger services are now running again at Terminal 1, with one flight per airline currently allowed as authorities gradually restore operations. The reopening comes even as Kuwait continues to face security concerns, including recent missile and drone interceptions

3. Sharjah Police Warn Drivers After Dramatic Car Theft Awareness Video

Sharjah Police has warned motorists against leaving cars unlocked or with keys inside after releasing a dramatic awareness video showing how quickly a vehicle can be stolen. Part of its “The Safety of Your Belongings Starts with You” campaign, the video highlights how even a short stop can turn costly if drivers fail to secure their vehicles properly.

4. Qatar Authorities Crack Down On 3 Food Spots Due To Safety Breaches

The Qatar Ministry of Municipality has temporarily shut down three food establishments in Doha after inspection teams found violations linked to food safety and hygiene rules. The closures affected Cafeteria Al Naimi, Paris Hypermarket Butchery and Shy Express Restaurant, with penalties ranging from three to 45 days depending on the severity of the violations.

Also Read: From Reduced Work Hours In Ajman To Hajj 2027 Preps In Saudi Arabia, 5 GCC Updates

5. Over 8 Million People Used Dubai Transport During Eid Break

أعلنت هيئة الطرق والمواصلات في دبي أن إجمالي عدد ركاب وسائل النقل الجماعي ومركبات الأجرة والتنقّل المشترك خلال عطلة عيد الأضحى المبارك 1447 هجرية 2026 ميلادية، (من الاثنين 25 مايو إلى الجمعة 29 مايو)، بلغ 8 ملايين و200 ألف راكب. pic.twitter.com/gWa0wIRDjg

— RTA (@rta_dubai) June 1, 2026

The Roads and Transport Authority recorded more than 8.2 million riders across Dubai’s public transport and mobility services during the Eid Al Adha holidays from May 25 to 29. Dubai Metro carried the biggest share with 3.3 million riders, while taxis transported 2.3 million people across the city. Buses, trams, marine transport and shared mobility services also saw heavy usage as residents and tourists travelled around Dubai during the festive break.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Sayan Samanta from Pexels