If you’re trying to keep up with what’s happening across the GCC, this week’s updates feel like a blend of fitness, robots, festivals, and tax reform. Here’s the rundown without the fluff.
5 GCC Updates For You
1. A Two-Meter And 100 KG Cake Steals UAE National Day Spotlight
Mister Baker, the UAE’s long-time cake institution, has rolled out its “Born in the UAE” collection for the 54th National Day. This year, they have a two-meter-tall cake weighing 100 kilos and priced at AED 25,000. You’ll find this towering tribute at the brand’s Jumeirah flagship from November 26. It’s crafted as per the timeline, with desert forts at the base, Miracle Garden in the middle, and a Burj Khalifa crowned with an Emirates A380 up top. Between November 24 and December 7, the full collection of themed cakes, cupcakes, and hampers will be up for grabs.
2. Sunset Rooftop Yoga At Mina Seyahi
If your idea of “movement” is reaching for another cup of coffee, Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 is your excuse, and it’s making it far more scenic. Viya Fit Mina Seyahi is hosting a Sunset Rooftop Yoga session on November 27 at 5:30 PM, and it has all the feel-good elements like sea breeze, skyline glow, and a rooftop that’s instaworthy. The session focuses on gentle movement and breathing, set in a space shaped around calm design and balance. Lululemon is powering the experience, adding a pop-up filled with perks and product highlights.
3. Dubai Airports Adds 30+ Cleaning Robots To Its Workforce
Dubai Airports is stepping up its operations with more than 30 autonomous cleaning robots. These aren’t sci-fi movie props. As mentioned in a report by Robotics and Automation news, they’re part of a five-year deal with UAE facilities management firm Farnek. The robots will cover Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Concourse D, Dubai Cargo Village, and DWC. Essa Al Shamsi, who oversees terminal operations. The bots help cut down manual tasks while keeping standards high.
4. A Community Fiesta That’s Going Big In Sharjah
From tech to community fun, Mangalore Konkans Dubai is preparing for its Family Fiesta 2025 on December 7 at Sharjah Wanderers Grounds. As mentioned in a report by NewsKarnataka, ticket demand is already strong, especially from the Mangalorean and Goan communities.
This year’s music lineup is a real crowd-puller. Goa’s Rockstar Genevieve’s IN JUNCTION is performing live for the first time at a Mangalorean event in the UAE, joined by Olive Haze, a popular UAE band. Indian celebrity MC Abner Dias will host, and DJ Joel from Canada will keep the energy high. Add competitions and family-friendly activities, which cover nostalgia to nonstop dancing.
Also Read: Sharjah Flights Delay To Oman Celebrating National Day; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Saudi Arabia Confirms New GCC Sugar Tax for 2026
Finally, a big policy update. Saudi Arabia is adopting the new GCC-wide sugar tax on January 1, 2026. According to Arabian Business, using a tiered system that taxes products according to their sugar content per 100 ml. Reduce sugar in packaged foods and drinks, nudge consumers toward healthier choices, and help curb rising cases of obesity and dental issues. It’s a straightforward system: the sweeter the product, the higher the tax.
The GCC updates always keep things interesting, and this week proved it yet again.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/instagram: krmk146 from Getty Images, Supplied