Qatar Airways’ Inaugural Red Sea Flight To Hajj Conference and Exhibition Dates; 5 GCC Updates For You

Are you trying to keep up with the updates from the GCC region? If your answer is yes, then you will be pleased to know that we have made a list of some important updates that you will want to know, to stay ahead of what’s happening in the cities of Dubai, Jeddah and more. So, take note of these updates!

GCC Updates

1. Qatar Airways Lands Inaugural Flight at The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

As recently revealed by Qatar Airways, they have launched three weekly non-stop flights. These have begun for Red Sea International Airport and will be operated by daa International. This has become the 12th destination in Saudi Arabia that will be serviced by Qatar Airways.

2. Dubai Civil Defence Achieves New Global Record

The General Command of Dubai Civil Defense achieves a new global record after being officially listed in the Guinness World Records. A team of firefighters accomplishes this remarkable feat by recording the fastest time to climb the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world,… pic.twitter.com/srey6drQaS

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 22, 2025

As revealed by the Dubai Media Office, the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence achieved a new global record. Yes, a new global record has been listed in the Guinness World Records. This remarkable feat was achieved by a group of firefighters as they recorded the fastest time to climb the Burj Khalifa. They accomplished this while wearing full firefighting gear, including an oxygen cylinder weighing 15 kilograms in total.

3. Dubai Records Tourism Sector Growth

Performance of Dubai’s Tourism Sector (January – August 2025)

International Visitors
12.54 million
5% compared to the same period last year

Hotel Room Bookings
29 million room nights
4% compared to the same period last year

Average Occupancy Rate
78.5%
2% compared to the same… pic.twitter.com/7WIZs5UerB

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 21, 2025

For the months from January to August in 2025, Dubai received 12.54 million. And it’s a 5% increase as compared to the previous year. The hotel room bookings were also up by 29 million room nights, and the average occupancy rate was 78.5%, which is a 2% rise, as compared to the previous year.

4. Saudi Jawazat Explains Fine For Not Leaving After Final Exit Visa

Jawazat, which is the General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia, has explained the fine that applies if a person does not leave after the exit visa. People will be liable to pay SAR1,000 as fine, if they do not leave within 60 days, and this will be charged to cancel the visa, as mentioned by Saudi Expatriates.

Also Read: Dubai Launches Hotel Incentives For New Properties In Key Tourist Areas Like Palm Jebel Ali & More

5. Hajj Conference And Exhibition To Begin In November

As revealed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah will take place in November. This event will take place from November 9th to 12th, under the theme ‘From Makkah to the World.’ The programme would include more than 80 sessions and 60 specialised workshops, and representatives of Hajj affairs offices and diplomatic missions.

So, with these updates laid out for you, we hope you’re able to stay ahead of the news.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/qatarairways