Keeping up with the updates from the Middle East can be quite tiring. Especially, when it’s been a week of some major updates from the region. To ensure you’re always ahead of the news, we have made a list of some important updates from across the Middle East that you probably might have missed.
Middle East Updates
1. Presidency Of Religious Affairs Offers Guidance & Awareness Service For Visitors
As revealed by SPA, the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque is offering guidance and awareness services. This service enhances the knowledge of Sharia during Ramadan. As such, during the first week of Ramadan, 31,004 visitors benefited from these services.
2. Flynas Successfully Transferred All Domestic Flights To Terminal 3
As you already know, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was undergoing a major terminal overhaul. And Flynas recently announced that it has successfully transferred all the domestic flights to Terminal 3 at the airport. As it happens, their international flights will continue to operate from Terminal 1, as revealed by Saudi Expatriates on X.
3. Dubai Awards AED2.5 Billion In Stormwater Contracts
As revealed by the Gulf News, Phase 2 of the Tasreef Programme is expanding and strengthening the stormwater drainage network in Dubai. Valued at AED2.5 billion, this new project will serve 30 vital areas. As it happens, approximately 430 million m² and an estimated population of three million residents will be supported by 2040.
4. Etihad Airways Becomes Official Partner Of McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team
Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad Airways, recently announced that it has become an official partner. Yes, they have become an official partner for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team from 2026 and beyond. The two are partnering to bring innovation, ambition and delivering exceptional experience.
5. Eyal Al Fareej Initiative Expands To 300 Mosques Across Dubai
With the month of Ramadan here, Eyal Al Fareej is now in its second year. It has expanded to more than 300 mosques across Dubai. As a result, the surprise of the ice cream truck that takes a tour of the participating mosques was quite amazing. The programme is an important part of the larger ‘Season of Wulfa’ campaign. The latter aims to celebrate the UAE’s cultural, heritage, and religious traditions, while also strengthening community bonds.
6. Dubai Police And Emirates Red Crescent Distribute Iftar Boxes
Dubai Police and Emirates Red Crescent are distributing Iftar boxes to drivers. As revealed by the Emirates News, this is a part of the Ramadan without accidents campaign. Each of these boxes contains food, and as a reminder for motorists, how it is risky to speed home during Iftar.
7. Red Sea Museum Opens Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea
The Red Sea Museum has celebrated the opening of a new exhibition. This is Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea, and it opened on Wednesday. As such, the exhibition is now open to the public at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah, until May 29th, 2026.
8. Fourth Winter Season Launched In Muscat Governorate
Featuring more than 60 events, Muscat Daily has revealed how the Muscat Governorate has launched the fourth season of cultural and sports activities. Enhancing community engagement, especially for Ramadan, these promote healthy lifestyles and reinforce positive social values. There is also a women-led volleyball tournament, a football competition for young girls’ awareness, a lecture for men addressing a range of social and religious themes and lots more are planned out.
Also Read: Kuwait: Tourists & Residents Carrying Over KWD3000 Cash Must declare Via Sahel App
9. First Sight Of Golden Jackal Announced In King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
Saudi Gazette reveals how the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the first sighting of a golden jackal. This is within the reserve’s boundary in the Riyadh region, and Canis aureus has been documented using camera traps. The method also involves placing 103 cameras, which would be across diverse habitats in the reserve.
10. Islamic Arts Biennale 2027 Dates Announced
Dates for the Islamic Arts Biennale 2027 have been announced. Yes, it will be taking place from November 1st, 2027, till March 1st, 2028. It should also be said, however, that the Diriyah Biennale Foundation either host Contemporary Arts Biennale in Diriyah or the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. This is hosted on rotation, and now that they’ve already welcomed the Contemporary Arts Biennale, it’s the Islamic Arts Biennale’s turn in 2027.
With these updates laid out for you, we hope you’re able to stay ahead of what’s happening in the Middle East.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/islamicartsbiennale
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