From Saudi-Russia Visa Exemption To David Beckham At Qatar F1, 5 Middle East Updates

The Middle East as a region is always lively, layered, and never short on headlines. Here, the news makes you raise an eyebrow or at least smile when you come across something that was ‘I knew it!’  moments. So, here’s your round-up of Middle East Updates for today. 

5 Middle East Updates For You

1. Saudi Arabia And Russia Sign Mutual Visa Exemption

Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa exemption deal, giving citizens of both countries up to 90 visa-free days. The announcement came during the Saudi–Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh, as mentioned by Gulf News. And,  it’s expected to boost tourism, business ties, and cultural exchange.

2. Egypt’s OG Fizz Enters Its Can Era

 

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A post shared by Spiro Spathis (@spirospathiseg)

Anyone who grew up in Egypt knows Spiro Spathis is nostalgia bottled up with sugar and bubbles. For more than 100 years, it’s always been a glass bottle that you have grabbed a post school. Now, the brand is giving itself a modern twist as mentioned on its Instagram account. It’s a full lineup of Red Apple, Cola, Lemon Soda, and Mandarin that’s jumping into cans. Same flavours, just a fresh format for a new generation.

3. Air India Flight Flying To Dubai Experiences Technical Snag

An Air India Express flight heading from Trichy to Dubai had a tense moment when the aircraft experienced a technical snag shortly after take-off. With 160 passengers onboard, the plane circled for a bit before returning safely to Trichy Airport. Fortunately, zero casualties have been reported by the officials as mentioned in a report by Network18. 

4. David Beckham, Kareena Kapoor And More Stars Spotted At Qatar F1

If your Instagram feed was suddenly full of David Beckham standing beside an F1 track, don’t worry, you weren’t imagining it. Kareena Kapoor Khan attended the Qatar Grand Prix and casually posed with Beckham, Gordon Ramsay, and Steve Harvey.  Qatar F1 witnessed an amazing lineup of celebrities from the across the globe. 

Also Read: Riyadh Metro’s World Record To Katara Culture Village In Doha Renaming; 10 Middle East Updates

5. Qatar Airways Preps For A Football-Packed December

Football fans, Qatar Airways is rolling out exclusive travel packages ahead of December’s two major tournaments: the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™ and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™. As mentioned on Qatar Airways’ official website, these bundles cover flights, hotel stays, and match tickets. With 16 Arab nations competing and continental champions battling it out days later, demand is expected to spike. Book before it’s sold out. 

And that’s your Middle East Updates round-up for the week in quick bites, straight from the region that knows how to keep things interesting.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/xavierarnau from Getty Images, David Beckham/Instagram