Home

  /  

Middle East

  /  

CT SCOOP

  /  

From Oman Spring Rose Festival To Saudi’s Call For Moon Sighting, 5 GCC Updates

Here’s a quick roundup of the latest updates across the Gulf region.

by Deeplata Garde
From Oman Spring Rose Festival To Saudi’s Call For Moon Sighting, 5 GCC Updates

The GCC is experiencing several interesting updates this week, starting with mountain perfume events in Oman, to aviation shutdowns and Eid celebrations. These are just some of the stories defining the day in the GCC.

1. Jabal Akhdar In Oman Is Ready To Host The Spring Rose Festival

The beautiful mountainous area of Jabal Akhdar will soon be pink as the Spring Rose Season Festival 2026 commences on March 30. Dakhliyah Governorate, the host of the event every year, announced it.

Damask roses are rare, and Jabal Akhdar makes some of the most sought-after rose water and essential oils in the region. Visitors are able to observe traditional distillation techniques that farmers have been using since time during the festival.

2. The Diriyah Grand Avenue Project Was launched In Saudi Arabia

Diriyah Company in Saudi Arabia has revealed a new Grand Avenue in Diriyah of 1.9 kilometres. The cultural district will be linked with the King Saud University by a stroll route decorated with shopping stores, hotels, offices, and homes.

The development is planned to incorporate heritage, tourism and urban living in a single lively street with a traditional Najdi architecture.

3. Oman Air Halts Flights To 9 cities

Part of the region is still experiencing travel disruptions. Flight cancellations Nine destinations have been temporarily cancelled because of airspace closures in the region by Oman Air.

Some of the impacted routes are to Dubai, Doha, Manama, Dammam and Kuwait City, Amman, Baghdad, Copenhagen and Khasab.

4. Fire Reported Building In Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain officials reported a building fire after a drone accident at the beginning of the week.

As the Umm Al Quwain Government Media Office says, the emergency forces were deployed, and the fire was contained. Authorities reported that there were no injuries.

The residents have been encouraged to remain calm and to trust the official updates only.

Also Read: From Abu Dhabi Scam Alerts To Oman Air’s Additional Flights, 5 GCC Updates

5. Saudi Arabia’s Call For Shawwal Moon Sighting

In the meantime, Eid preparations are being made.

This is a request that has been made by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia to Muslims in Saudi Arabia to observe the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

Anyone who notices the moon, whether by naked eye or through a pair of binoculars, has been requested to give a report to the nearest court. The crescent confirmation will be the beginning of Eid al-Fitr 2026.

Cover Image Courtesy: Anantara/Website

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.

 

 

First Published: March 16, 2026 7:51 PM

FAQs

When will Eid Al Fitr 2026 be confirmed in Saudi Arabia?

The date will be confirmed after the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted.

Why has Oman Air cancelled flights to some cities?

Regional airspace restrictions have temporarily affected certain routes.

When will the Oman Spring Rose Festival 2026 begin?

The festival in Jabal Akhdar is scheduled to start on March 30.