There are many developments happening across the GCC region every other day. So, keeping up with all of them can be quite difficult even for the most ardent newskeeper. To ensure that you are never left behind on such updates, we have made a list of a few of them for you that you wouldn’t want to miss. So, from Dubai to Riyadh, here’s a list of updates from across the Middle East that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Middle East Updates
1. Stricter Car Ownership Rules Proposed
Stricter car ownership rules have been proposed in order to ease the traffic between Dubai and Sharjah. For those who weren’t aware, vehicle growth in Dubai has exceeded the 8% figure. This is a figure well above the global rate of 2%. So, the surge in the traffic is abnormal! As a result, the ministry has proposed several potential solutions. Among the proposed measures are the improvement to the road corridors and by integration of mass transit system.
2. Enrique Iglesias Is Coming To Abu Dhabi
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Enrique Iglesias is coming to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Yes, all set to perform in the Emirate. This performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 1. However, tickets aren’t on sale right now, and they will be available for grabs on March 25, 9 AM onwards.
3. DP World Foundation Marks Zayed Humanitarian Day
DP World Foundation, the charitable arm of DP World, marks Zayed Humanitarian Day with community initiatives. In collaboration with its community partners—including Dubai Maritime City, PCFC, JAFZA, DP World, UAE Food Bank, Euroleaf, ILT, and Noor Dubai—the foundation has… pic.twitter.com/565SS1Oy3t
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 20, 2025
The DP World Foundation, which is a charitable arm of DP World, has marked Zayed Humanitarian Day. This was done through community initiatives. Community initiatives undertaken in collaboration with community partners, such as Dubai Maritime City, PCFC, JAFZA, UAE Food Bank, Euroleaf, ILT, DP World, and Noor Dubai. As a result, the foundation has launched a series of impactful initiatives to support vulnerable communities.
4. Dubai RTA Expands The Use Of Tabby
RTA expands the use of Tabby across all digital channels, including RTA’s website, RTA app, nol Pay app, and smart kiosks. Previously, the service was only available through smart kiosks. This step enhances customer convenience by allowing users to pay for 170 services, including… pic.twitter.com/hxl0rXaXru
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 20, 2025
Dubai RTA recently expanded the use of Tabby across all digital channels. This includes the RTA’s website, app, nol Pay app, and smart kiosks. Previously, the service was only available through the smart kiosk. The step helps to enhance customer service convenience by allowing users to pay for 170 services. This includes vehicle and driving license renewals as well.
5. Khaled bin Mohamed Meets Hamdan Bin Mohammed Over Iftar
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has met Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid over Iftar at Nad Al Sheba retreat. Their Highnesses exchanged cordial discussions and prayed for continued progress for the UAE’s leadership and people, as well as blessings for Arab and Islamic nations.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 20, 2025
Recently, Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed met with Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over Iftar. Their Highnesses were at the Nad Al Sheba retreat and exchanged cordial discussions. Together, they prayed for the continuous progress of the UAE’s leadership and people, along with blessings for the Arab and Islamic nations
6. Al-Najdi Mosque Undergoes Phase 2 Restoration
Mohammed bin Salman Project for Developing Historic Mosques Revives Najdi Mosque in Farasan.https://t.co/45uex5C8NY#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/uEdOOU0fYh
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 21, 2025
As a part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman project for the Development of Historic Mosques, Al-Najdi Mosque is undergoing phase 2 restoration. It is the oldest worship site on the Farasan in the Jazan Region. It is the region is located Southwest of Saudi Arabia. The mosque will cover an area of 609.15 m² and will be able to accommodate 248 worshippers at a time.
Also Read: From Concerts & Theatre Shows To Fireworks, Eid Season Launched In Saudi Arabia
7. Madina Bus Project Extends Service Hours
Madinah Bus Project Extends Service Hours for Last Ten Days of Ramadan.https://t.co/WoiGwasuxp#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/LkYAjQxjGi
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 20, 2025
For the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Madina Bus Project has extended service hours. Yes, overseen by the Al Madinah Region Development Authority, the extending of schedules for its shuttle and transport services will be applicable to routes throughout Medina.
8. Oman Air Announces Global Sales
Oman Air’s Global Sale is back! Don’t miss out on our unbeatable fares to breathtaking international destinations. Book now and experience world-class hospitality at incredible prices! https://t.co/UK5HOnssKz
T&C apply. pic.twitter.com/bHpUOt5txg
— Oman Air (@omanair) March 18, 2025
With fares starting for as low as OMR25, these discounts are applicable for international destinations. So, make sure to book your tickets quickly as these are applicable for a limited period and travel time must be from April 28 to October 31. As it happens, the sale is for destinations like Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait.
9. Some Qatar Airways Flights Affected
Due to notification of London Heathrow Airport closure till midnight on March 21, the following Qatar Airways flights have been impacted:
QR011, QR107, QR003, QR004, QR006, QR007 and QR008.
Qatar Airways is working closely with LHR airport officials.
Passengers impacted due to…
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 21, 2025
Qatar Airways flights at London Heathrow Airport have been affected. Due to the closure of the London Heathrow Airport till midnight of March 21, several flights have been impacted. These include QR011, QR107, QR003, QR004, QR007, QR006, and QR008. In fact, passengers have also been impacted and therefore, they are being taken care of by the customer care and airport teams.
10. Abu Dhabi Municipality Transport Launches Sahel Rating System
.@AbuDhabiDMT has launched the Sahel Rating System to assess and certify the accessibility of Abu Dhabi’s built environment to ensure it is inclusive for all, including People of Determination and senior citizens, enhancing quality of life in line with the UAE’s #YearofCommunity. pic.twitter.com/uZzWlXQcML
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 21, 2025
The Department of Municipality and Transport has launched the Sahel Rating System. It is to assess and certify the accessibility of Abu Dhabi’s built environment. Ensuring there is inclusivity for all, this extends to the people of determination and senior citizens as well.
So, with these updates for you, we hope you are able to stay ahead of all the news updates from the Middle East.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/enriqueiglesias & X/Omanair
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