Whether you live in Riyadh or Dubai, keeping up with the developments in daily life can be quite difficult as the Middle East is always brimming with new updates. To ensure you are not left out on these updates from the week, we have made a list of a few important ones that you will want to know. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and other cities in the GCC region, here’s a list of some important updates from the Middle East that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Middle East Updates
1. Dubai Rank Among Top Four FinTech Hubs In The World
Dubai has been ranked amongst the top four FinTech cities from around the world. Yes, this is according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index, which was released on September 25. As it happens, it shows how DIFC has consolidated Dubai’s position as a leading financial hub.
2. Dubai International Marine Launches New Sports Season
Dubai International Marine Club has launched the new sports season for 2025-2026. Offering a line-up of local and international competitions, carnivals, and marine festivals, the aim is to attract a wider audience. The opening event is announced with the Dubai Local 22ft Dhow Sailing Race, and the new season will close with the 35th Al Gaffal Traditional 60ft Dhow Sailing Race the next year.
3. Saddlewood Park Launches In Nad Al Sheba 1
MAK Developers have launched Saddlewood Park. This has been launched for Nad Al Sheba 1, and the launch was attended by dignitaries and global investors. Comprising 61 boutique apartments, it is all set to redefine exclusivity in the neighbourhood. With generously sized units, the offerings include one-, two-, three-, and a singular four-bedroom penthouse.
4. Dubai Crackdown On Visa Fraud
Recently, 161 defendants who were involved in serious visa and business violations were fined. Yes, the Citizenship & Residency Court in Dubai has imposed a buying of a whopping amount totalling to AED152,240,000. The business has shut down its operations without regularising the residency status of the sponsored employees. Not to mention, they also unlawfully exploited entry permits.
5. DWC For Self-Driving Transport Day Two Was A Massive Success
On day two of Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, there was a discussion about robust infrastructure, safety, and public confidence. This is especially in the world of autonomous transport, and there was also a panel discussion, which was titled Building Trust: How Governance Accelerates Trust in Autonomous Transport.
6. Sheikh Hamdan Launches Dubai Civility Committee
To make Dubai the most beautiful city, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the Dubai Civility Committee. The aim is to ensure that Dubai remains the best, most beautiful, most refined, and most stabilise city.
7. Saudia Announces SAR1,800 Round Trips For Athens
Saudia, which is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced SAR1,800 for a round-trip. This is for Athens, which is a beautiful city in Greece. For those who aren’t well, the airline flies thrice a week from Riyadh, and these are direct flights.
8. SalamAir Announces 25% Discounts On Route To Pakistan From Muscat
SalamAir has announced a discount of 25%. If the code SALE25 is used, these discounts are available on the roads from Pakistan to Muscat. However, the booking period must be till September 27th. Not to mention, the travel period must be from October 10th to November 30th in order to avail this offer.
Also Read: UAE Bans The Misuse Of AI For National Symbols & Public Figures!
9. Abu Dhabi Department of Municipality & Transport Launches Beach Guideline
The Department of Municipality and Transport in the emirate has launched a comprehensive beach guideline. It aims to balance environmental preservation along with beachfront development. Not to mention, it also outlines amenities like restrooms, picnic zones, prayer rooms, sports grounds, and smart parking. Additionally, inclusivity is also being prioritised with features like ramps, facilities for people of determination, and adaptive play areas.
10. Beirut’s First Art Book Fair Is Currently Underway
40MUSTAQEL & Rizo Masr must have participated in the first edition of the Beirut Art Book Fair. This is happening at Beirut Art Centre till September 28th. Exhibitors from all over the region are displaying their published art books, archives, exhibitions, catalogues, and prints. You can expect designers from Lebanon, Sharjah, Palestine, and Tunisia presenting their work at the event.
So, with these updates laid out for you, we hope you’re able to stay ahead of the news updates from the region
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/tobiasjo
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