It’s been a busy week across the Gulf: a cross-border rescue, a forecast torn between rain and 46°C, a win for students in Qatar, and a zoo turning the drama up after dark. From a life-saving phone call to a zoo lighting up after dark, this week’s GCC updates moved fast.
Saudi Arabia and Serbia Sign Visa-Waiver Agreement
Saudi Arabia and Serbia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement covering holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports, in a move aimed at deepening ties between the two nations. The deal was signed in Belgrade by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al Khereiji and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, representing their respective governments. The signing came as officials reviewed bilateral relations and explored avenues to expand cooperation across trade, science and technology, with Serbia also expressing interest in strengthening economic links with the Kingdom. The agreement applies only to official passport categories and does not extend to ordinary tourist travel.
Rain Possible in Eastern UAE as Mercury Hits 46°C
The National Centre of Meteorology expects convective clouds and a chance of rain over eastern and southern areas, good news for Fujairah. Elsewhere, temperatures climb to 46°C inland, 37–42°C along the coast, and a milder 30–36°C in the mountains. Winds could hit 45 km/h, and rising overnight humidity may bring morning mist to coastal and inland pockets alike, classic early-September UAE weather.
DXB Marks Emirati Women’s Day With Dubai Mallathon Finale
Dubai Airports closed out its month-long Dubai Mallathon with a special Emirati Women’s Day session, turning Terminal 3 into an indoor walking track one last time. Themed “Moving Forward, Emerging Together,” the finale brought together the Dubai Airports Women’s Network, colleagues and the public. DXB was the Mallathon’s first non-mall venue, part of a citywide initiative to keep residents active through summer.
Qatar Reaffirms Ban on All Forms of Student Punishment
Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has directed government schools to end all forms of student punishment, physical, verbal or psychological, along with any practice that harms a student’s well-being. The circular, sent to principals as the new school year begins, calls for behavioural issues to be handled through approved educational methods instead, reaffirming the ministry’s code of ethics with notable clarity.
Also Read: From Kuwait’s Seasonal Vaccination Drive To Free Treats For UAE School Students, 5 GCC Updates
Al Ain Zoo Reopens With Glow After Dark Festival
Al Ain Zoo reopened on September 5 after its summer break, launching Glow After Dark, a nightly festival running to October 4 with illuminated animal displays, LED performers and a new immersive show, Nature Venture. New hours run 2pm–10pm daily; the glow segment runs from 5pm. Daytime favourites like the safari and Lemur Walk remain. Tickets from AED 10.50.
Cover Image Courtesy: Al Ain Zoo/Website
FAQs
Will the UAE's hot weather continue after this week?
September typically sees UAE temperatures gradually ease from peak summer highs, though inland areas can still see the mid-to-high 40s°C into the month, alongside a higher chance of rain and fog compared to July and August.
Does Qatar's punishment ban apply to private schools too?
The current circular from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is directed at public/government schools. Private schools in Qatar follow their own regulatory frameworks, though they are generally expected to meet similar child protection standards.