From a nine-hour limit behind the wheel to a new Sharjah award, here is what is happening across the UAE, Qatar and Oman today.
GCC Updates For Today
1. UAE Sets A Nine-Hour Driving Cap From 2027
From 1 January 2027, UAE motorists can drive for a maximum of nine hours in any 24-hour period under Cabinet Decision No. 174. Drivers must also stop if tiredness affects their control of the vehicle, even before the nine hours are up. The rule covers private and commercial drivers, so fleet operators will need to plan routes around it. The Federal Traffic Council can change the limit later. The Ministry of Interior recorded 20 accidents linked to driver fatigue in 2025.
2. Licences For 17 To 21-Year-Olds Will Last One Year
Under the new executive regulations of the Federal Traffic Law, also effective 1 January, licences issued to drivers aged 17 to 21 will be temporary, valid for one year and renewable. A first-time licence for applicants aged 21 or above is valid for two years. Once a driver turns 21 or renews, validity moves to 10 years for UAE and other GCC citizens and five years for non-citizen residents. The minimum age in UAE is 18 years for a light vehicle licence and 17 years for a Class 1 motorcycle.
3. Sharjah Ruler Launches The Harun Al-Rashid International Award
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree creating a periodic honorary award. It will recognise work in four fields: sciences, literature, arts, and studies of notable figures. A Board of Trustees chaired by the Ruler will oversee it, with members serving four-year terms, while a Secretary-General will handle day-to-day affairs.
4. Qatar Airways Keeps Six Weekly Heathrow Slots From Oman Air
Airport Coordination Limited records six weekly slots transferred from Oman Air to Qatar Airways on 16 October for winter 2026/27. This is the third consecutive schedule period for the arrangement. Oman Air has also not gone ahead with its planned rise to 14 weekly Heathrow flights. Qatar Airways’ published winter schedule lists 56 weekly Heathrow flights from 25 October.
Also Read: From Dubai’s First Work-From-Park To Qatar’s National Day Slogan, 5 GCC Updates
5. Talabat’s 30×30 Food Challenge Has 100 Prizes
Talabat, a partner of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, is running its 30×30 Food Challenge from 1 to 30 November. The fitness challenge asks residents to move for 30 minutes a day for 30 days, and talabat adds a food angle. Place two eligible orders through the app every week to be in the running. Winners who aren’t talabat pro members get six months of the subscription, while existing members can win AED1,000 in credits to use in December.
Here’s all about today’s GCC Updates.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ArisSu from Getty Images
FAQs
How long will a driving licence be valid for drivers aged 17 to 21?
Licences for drivers aged 17 to 21 will be temporary, valid for one year and renewable for the same period. A first-time licence for applicants aged 21 or older is valid for two years.
How can I take part in talabat’s 30×30 Food Challenge?
Place two eligible orders through the talabat app every week between 1 and 30 November 2026. Completing the challenge gives you a chance to be one of 100 winners. Non-pro members can win six months of talabat pro, and existing members can win Dhs1,000 in credits for December.
