From climate-friendly recycling bins to a nutty Oreo lighting up the Burj Khalifa, the GCC’s latest updates cover everything from culture and comedy to safety alerts and consumer warnings. Here’s your quick round-up of what’s making news across the region this week.
1. Cartoon Network MENA Launches New Climate Champions Activation
Cartoon Network MENA has partnered with Dubai Media City on a fresh activation of its Climate Champions initiative, installing character-themed recycling bins across the district. The campaign also raises awareness around non-traditional recycling streams like batteries, electronics and stationery, encouraging the community to become everyday climate champions through small, consistent actions.
2. Saudi Arabia Issues And Lifts Brief Security Alerts In Makkah, Jeddah, Taif
Saudi Arabia briefly issued security alerts in the Holy City of Makkah and the governorates of Jeddah and Taif on Tuesday amid heightened regional tensions. Civil defence authorities confirmed the alerts were precautionary and quickly lifted, with officials continuing to monitor the situation closely to safeguard residents, visitors and pilgrims.
3. Oreo Goes Nuts As Its Pistash-YO Lights Up The Burj Khalifa
Oreo has launched its limited-edition Pistash-YO, a pistachio cream-filled twist on the classic cookie, marking the UAE debut with a striking projection on the Burj Khalifa. The one-day activation brought Oreo’s “Now or Never” campaign to life, tapping into the region’s continued love affair with all things pistachio.
4. Dubai Comedy Festival Adds Nine New Shows To Its 2026 Line-up
Dubai Comedy Festival has expanded its 2026 roster with nine new shows spanning Arabic, English, French and German. New additions include Imad Kehdy, Enissa Amani, Kings & Queens of Comedy, and the Pepperoni Comedy Club’s one-year anniversary show. John Achkar has also added a second Arabic stand-up performance on October 18 following strong demand.
Also Read: Primark’s First Store In Saudi Arabia To HH Khaled Bin Mohamed Visiting India; 5 GCC Updates For You
5. Domestic Worker Deal Online? Beware Before You Pay
Authorities are warning UAE residents against fake online offers promising domestic worker recruitment. Families are urged to deal only with licensed agencies, verify credentials before transferring any money, and avoid unverified social media accounts offering suspiciously quick or cheap placements to protect themselves from scams.
Stay tuned as more GCC updates roll in throughout the week.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied
FAQs
How can residents avoid domestic worker recruitment scams?
By dealing only with licensed agencies, verifying credentials, and avoiding unverified social media offers before making any payment.
Why did Saudi Arabia issue security alerts in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif?
The brief alerts came amid heightened regional tensions and were lifted quickly, with authorities confirming the measures were precautionary.