From Reduced Work Hours In Ajman To Hajj 2027 Preps In Saudi Arabia, 5 GCC Updates

A lot happened across the Gulf this week. Some updates were about work-life balance; others focused on travel, food and family support. From new leave policies in Dubai to cheaper luxury staycations in Qatar, here are a few GCC updates people are talking about right now.

GCC Updates For You

1. Dubai Company Introduces Adoption Leave For Employees

Dubai-based Transguard Group has rolled out paid adoption and guardianship leave for eligible employees, something that is still pretty rare in the UAE’s private sector.

The policy applies to staff members of all genders who become parents through legal adoption or permanent guardianship. The company says it wants to recognise different paths to parenthood instead of limiting support to traditional maternity benefits alone.

Also, female employees who complete one year at the company can continue receiving up to 85 days of paid maternity leave, which goes beyond what UAE labour law currently requires.

2. Qatar Launches Summer Hotel Deals Across Luxury Resorts

Meanwhile, in Qatar, Katara Hospitality has kicked off a major summer campaign offering discounts of up to 40% across several hotels and resorts.

The campaign, called “Summer Your Way”, runs until August 31 and includes family packages, wellness stays and luxury staycation deals for residents, GCC visitors and locals.

Some big-name hotels are part of the offer too, including The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Fairmont Doha, Raffles Doha and Hilton Salwa Beach Resort.

3. CALO Expands Across Oman After Early Demand

 

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CALO has now officially expanded its personalised meal subscription service across Oman after seeing strong demand during its initial rollout phase.

The company has removed waitlists, widened delivery coverage and opened a new flagship kitchen to support operations across Greater Muscat.

Areas including Al Amerat and Al Mabela are already covered, with more locations expected soon.

Customers can choose meal plans based on calorie goals, high-protein diets or general healthy eating preferences. Also, subscriptions can be paused and resumed whenever needed, which probably explains why the platform has gained popularity so quickly.

4. Saudi Arabia Starts Planning Early For Hajj 2027

Saudi Arabia has already started preparing for the 2027 Hajj season, even though the next pilgrimage cycle is still some time away.

Officials announced plans to simplify the pilgrim experience through an integrated package system that combines accommodation, transport and catering under one setup throughout the stay.

Authorities also plan to reduce Hajj packages to three categories instead of the current structure. One existing option, Package D, will be removed completely.

Also Read: UAE Leaders Gathering For Eid Al-Adha Prayers To Dubai Free Ice Cream Handout Time Change; 5 GCC Updates

5. Ajman Announces Reduced Working Hours For Government Staff

Ajman has introduced a new human resources law for government employees, including reduced working hours and revamped leave policies.

The law takes effect Sept. 1, 2026, and is supposed to create a more family-friendly work environment in government departments.

Issued by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the move also ties into the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative, which focuses heavily on work-life balance and family wellbeing.

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