From Temporary Closure Of Grand Egyptian Museum To Ajman’s Ban Of Electric Scooter, 5 Middle East Updates

The region is alive with energy, blending history, lifestyle, innovation, and reform. From Egypt’s cultural milestones to playful celebrations in Dubai, here are the latest Middle East Updates making waves.

5 Middle East Updates For You

1. Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum’s Temporary Closure

 

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The Grand Egyptian Museum is all set to shut its doors, temporarily. From October 15 to November 4, the museum will undergo final polishing ahead of its long-awaited opening on November 1. The opening day falls on the 103rd anniversary of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Backed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the museum is ready to take its place on the world stage as a cultural icon showcasing Egypt’s rich heritage.

2. Dubai’s Quirky Dog Day With Deliveroo

Dubai’s dog lovers are in for a treat. Deliveroo is marking International Dog Day with a fun contest running August 18–29, 2025. If your pup is named after food, think Pepper, Nugget, or Waffles, you can upload a photo at roofoodiedogs.com. The first 500 entries bag AED100 Deliveroo credit to spend on toys, treats, grooming, or food via the app.

3. Ajman Says No To Scooters On Roads

Ajman Police have drawn a line: e-scooters and bicycles are now banned from public roads, limited to designated tracks only. A rise in multiple incidents of unsafe behaviour, like helmet-less riding and going against traffic, has led to this action. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also implemented similar measures before.

4. Fresh Flavours Fly From Xinjiang To Dubai

Fresh melons, grapes, and tomatoes from Xinjiang will now be reaching Dubai’s markets in record time. All thanks to a brand-new direct cargo route from Urumqi, China. The inaugural flight touched down recently with 18 tonnes of produce on board. Usually it would take a weeks-long trek by ship and truck. Local farmers are pretty excited about this development; their harvest can now reach UAE dinner tables while it’s still at peak freshness. For shoppers in Dubai, it means better quality fruits and vegetables hitting store shelves faster than ever before.

Also Read: CT Quickies: Earthquake In UAE To Qiddiya’s First Hotels; 10 Middle East Updates For You

5. Saudi Arabia Opens Property Market With Digital IDs

بيانات دقيقة وتقنيات حديثة يوفرها #السجل_العقاري لتنمية الموثوقية وزيادة الجاذبية الاستثمارية في القطاع العقاري

— الهيئة العامة للعقار (@REGA_KSA) August 14, 2025

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its real estate game. The Cabinet has approved digital IDs for foreigners to own property, part of the new law kicking in January 2026. To qualify, investors must activate a digital ID on Absher, hold a Saudi bank account, and have a local number. A new committee will monitor ownership, making access smoother for global buyers.

Change in the region is moving fast, from heritage-rich openings to digital-first reforms. These Middle East Updates highlight how the Arab world continues to balance cultural pride with modern innovation.

Cover Image Courtesy: Grand Egypt Museum/Website, CanvaPro/Tatyana