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From Suspension Of Saudi’s Umrah Travel Agencies To Qatar’s New 10-Yr Residency, 5 GCC Updates

Here’s a clear breakdown of five major GCC updates making headlines right now.

by Deeplata Garde
From Suspension Of Saudi’s Umrah Travel Agencies To Qatar’s New 10-Yr Residency, 5 GCC Updates

At the GCC updates, we are back with fresh news that’s shaping travel plans, investment decisions, retail performance and more. From Saudi Arabia tightening standards for Umrah agencies to Abu Dhabi adding thousands of new homes, today’s developments are worth a quick read.

1. Saudi Arabia Suspends 1,800 Umrah Travel Agencies Over Service Gaps

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended the contracts of 1,800 foreign travel agencies. Reason? The ministry noticed severe service flaws after a review. The decision affects a significant share of the 5,800 agencies currently operating in the Umrah sector. The agencies will be given 10 days to fix the specified issues.

2. Dubai Duty Free Records Its Highest-Ever January Sales

Dubai Duty Free recorded AED858.21 million in sales in January 2026. This milestone moment marks the highest January performance ever and an 18.53 per cent year-on-year increase.

January sits on the third-highest sales month on record for Dubai Duty Free, following December and November 2025. The strongest single day was on January 31, when sales touched AED35.6 million. 

3. Qatar Announces 10-Year Residency For Entrepreneurs And Executives

Qatar is rolling out a 10-year residency programme for entrepreneurs and senior executives to attract global talent and investment. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar confirmed the move, as mentioned in a report by dailytimes.

4. Aldar To Build Nearly 3,000 New Homes In Abu Dhabi

Aldar Properties will begin developing nearly 3,000 new homes in Abu Dhabi this year. The total development value is set to be around AED23 billion. The projects span 2.3 million square metres across Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

Saadiyat will see luxury villas and mansions, while Yas Island will focus on large master-planned communities designed for family living.

Also Read: From Sharjah Ruler’s Portugal Honour To Burj Khalifa’s Kuwait Tribute, 6 GCC Updates

5. Vishwa Konkani Fest To Make UAE Debut In 2026

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy will host its first-ever Vishwa Konkani Fest in the UAE. Expect a day-long cultural event planned in Dubai coming in November 2026.

Held under the patronage of the Karnataka government and supported by Mangalore Konkans Dubai, the festival will celebrate the Konkani language, art, and literature.

Today’s GCC updates reflect how policy, economy, and community continue to shape daily life across the Gulf.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Fahad Puthawala from Pexels, Ahmed_Abdel_Hamid from Getty Images Pro

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First Published: February 02, 2026 9:35 PM