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From Sharjah’s Digital Rental Service App To First Apple Store In Diriyah, 5 GCC Updates For You

Here’s what’s new across the Gulf.

by Deeplata Garde
From Sharjah’s Digital Rental Service App To First Apple Store In Diriyah, 5 GCC Updates For You

This week at GCC Updates is all about new timings, digital upgrades, heritage victories and massive development milestones. The Gulf region is buzzing with energy and here’s a breakdown of what actually matters.

5 GCC Updates For You

1. UAE Shifts Friday Prayer Timings

The UAE has confirmed that Friday prayers will move to 12:45 pm starting January 2, 2026. Worshippers are encouraged to arrive early and this applies across the country. Public-sector employees already enjoy a half-day on Fridays, while the private sector continues to set its own rhythm. Some companies offer extended prayer breaks, while others rely on flexible hours. Either way, employers must provide a suitable Jumuah break and keep total weekly hours within UAE labour laws as mentioned in a report by Gulf Today.

2. Sharjah Pushes Ahead With Muhadhab Expansion

Sharjah’s Ruler, Sheikh Sultan, made it clear that the upcoming phase of the Muhadhab suburb will move faster than everything completed so far. Out of 6,000 residential plots, 2,000 homes are already built and delivered, and another 2,000 are now under way as mentioned in a report by Gulf Today. The suburb is shaping up to be fully equipped. Picture main roads, essential services, and convenient nursery locations. On completion, families can move in expecting a community ready to run smoothly from day one.

3. After Dubai, Sharjah Adopts the Aqari Platform for Digital Real Estate Transactions

Sharjah has rolled out a completely digital rental system through its upgraded Aqari platform, turning real estate transactions into a quick process according to Gulf News. The platform integrates directly with SEWA and uses UAE Pass for access, giving residents and investors instant contract info, payment options and move-in approvals. With 95% automation, the system cuts waiting times and delivers a 24/7 experience to the user.

4. Qatar Scores UNESCO Recognition For The Arab Bisht

As reported by Qatar Tribune, Qatar, along with nine Arab countries, secured UNESCO recognition for the Arab bisht, a garment that carries centuries of cultural weight. Craftsmanship, heritage and identity sit at the heart of this listing. The bisht has always symbolised dignity and status. Now, its cultural significance has international backing and is helping preserve the craft for future generations.

Also Read: Dubai Getting 152 New Parks To Pre-booking For Dream Of Desert; 5 GCC Updates For You

5. Apple Locks In A Flagship Store At Diriyah Square, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia continues to scale up as Apple has signed a lease for a major flagship store in Diriyah Square.  And it’s set to become one of the Kingdom’s star projects as mentioned by SceneNow Saudi. Diriyah will feature museums, nearly 40 hotels, entertainment venues, a university, equestrian and golf clubs, and homes for around 100,000 residents. 

So here’s your daily dose of GCC Updates to give a quick overview of buzzing news from the region. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/  abalcazar from Getty Images Signature, Mohamed Abdelkarim from Scopio

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First Published: December 10, 2025 7:09 PM