From El Gouna Film Festival To Dubai’s The Square Getting A Permanent Residence, 5 Middle East Updates

Here are the latest Middle East updates, from a major film festival in Egypt and a youth basketball showcase in Abu Dhabi to a new year-round destination in Dubai and a restored UAE-India flight connection.

5 Middle East Updates For Today

1. El Gouna Film Festival Announces 9th Edition Highlights

The El Gouna Film Festival will return from October 15 to 23, 2026, for its ninth edition on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The festival will screen more than 80 narrative, documentary and short films, while actress Mona Zaki will receive a Career Achievement Award. The festival is also expanding its industry programmes. The CineGouna Series will support six television projects, while CineGouna Funding received more than 310 submissions. New initiatives include Egyptian Voices and Safe Harbour MENA, supporting Egyptian filmmakers and filmmakers from the Middle East who are displaced or at risk.

2. NBA Academy Select Showcase Held In Abu Dhabi

The NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi hosted the first NBA Academy Select Showcase at NYU Abu Dhabi from September 23 to 26. The four-day event brought together 36 high-school-age prospects from 15 countries across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Players took part in skills sessions and exhibition games with five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson and experienced NBA coaches. The showcase ended with the Chicago Bulls team beating the San Antonio Spurs team 42-23 in the championship game.

3. The Square Gets A Permanent Home In Nad Al Sheba

Shamal Holding is moving The Square to a permanent, year-round home in Nad Al Sheba. The destination will open on November 21, 2026, bringing together dining, culture, live entertainment and community events. The new location reflects feedback from its first two seasons, with visitors calling for more restaurants, activities, family-friendly spaces and improved parking and valet access. Its programme is also expected to change throughout the year, giving visitors new experiences beyond the opening season.

4. Sheikh Mohammed Pays Tribute To Sheikh Rashid, His Father

في ذكرى وفاته رحمه الله ..

رسالة إلى أبي ..

إلى معلمي الأول .. وقائدي الأول .. وملهمي الأول راشد بن سعيد آل مكتوم.

الحاكم .. والقاضي .. والمهندس .. والتاجر .. والمُصلح .. والإداري .. والاقتصادي ..

رسالة إليك وأنت الحاضر الغائب ..
رسالة إليك وأنا أراك كل يوم في دبي .. في روحها، وتسامحها، وفي أحلام أجيالها.

رسالة إليك وأنت الحاضر في دعوات أبنائها، وكرامة مواطنيها، وبساطة أهلها، وعظمة منجزاتها.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 6, 2026

UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has paid tribute to his late father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, marking the anniversary of his passing. In a personal letter, Sheikh Mohammed remembered Sheikh Rashid as his first teacher, leader and inspiration, reflecting on his principles of leadership, planning, justice and service to the people.

Also Read: From Egypt Ending Work-From-Home Rule To Oman’s Rain & Thunderstorms, 10 Middle East Updates

5. Air Arabia Restores Ras Al Khaimah-Kozhikode Flights

Air Arabia will resume daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode in Kerala from October 16, 2026. The restored route gives passengers a direct connection between the UAE emirate and northern Kerala, without the need for a connecting flight. The airline said bookings are available through its website, call centre and travel agencies.

Here’s all about from today’s Middle East Updates and will be back with more tomorrow!

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied

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