Since there are new developments taking place on a daily basis in the GCC region, it can be quite difficult for people to keep up with all of these updates. To ensure you don’t fall behind on updates from the GCC region. We have made a list, especially for you. Take a look at some highlights that you wouldn’t want to miss.

GCC Update

1. Airfare To Remain High In 2025

It is expected that airfares may continue to remain high in the UAE and globally in 2025. This price hike is expected to be driven by high demand for travel, despite their being subdued all prices. With the significant increase in new tourist and residents, coming to the UAE, the travel demand is bound to be higher.

2. Hajj Symposium And Exhibition Begins

#Hajj_Symposium_And_Exhibition: Pioneering innovation, cutting-edge solutions, and limitless opportunities to elevate services for the Guests of Allah.#Makkah_And_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/hUTZylAIwr

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) January 11, 2025

Hajj Symposium And Exhibition has begun and will be happening till January 16. This event will feature 280 exhibitors and there will be participants from 90 countries. And they will be sharing their expertise to elevate the pilgrim experience.

3. Al Tabbah Achieves Recognition As A Community Sport

Al Ain Youth Council has achieved official recognition of Al Tabbah as a community sport under the UAE Sports for All Federation. Al Tabbah, a popular group game embedded in UAE culture, is played with traditional tools under set rules and promotes local traditions and teamwork. pic.twitter.com/AsPIF0ae2A

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 12, 2025

Al Tabbah has achieved recognition as a community sport under the UAE Sports for all Federations. For those who aren’t aware, this is a popular group game, which is embedded in the UAE culture. Played with traditional tools with a set of rules, it is known for promoting local tradition and teamwork. While it resembles sports like cricket and baseball, it comprises two teams of four to eight players.

Also Read: For Just AED69 Devour Delish Lebanese Spread HERE In Dubai!

4. Beef Pepperoni Recalled From UAE Supermarkets

Recently, the UAE ordered a withdrawal of pepperoni beef from supermarkets due to potential contamination. As confirmed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the government authority is working with the Saudi Food & Drug Authority and the local regulatory authority. While the producing company has not been identified, products have been withdrawn from the UAE market until the laboratory examinations are finished.

5. Sama, World’s First AI Cabin Crew Goes Online

Like and follow Sama on the Move!

Sama, the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, is now on Instagram to share her travel journeys and life experiences as Qatar Airways’ cabin crew.

Learn more about her journey⬇️https://t.co/UnyavVvRD6 pic.twitter.com/vihU0zcI6n

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) January 12, 2025

Qatar Airways recently announced that the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew has now gone online. Yes, Sama is now available on Instagram and she is sharing her travel journeys and life experiences. Sama, is an AI cabin crew of the airline and her Instagram account offers a curated mix of travel tips and even personal anecdotes from her layovers.

So, with these updates, we hope you were able to stay ahead of the news in GCC.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/qatarairways & Canva

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First Published: January 13, 2025 3:52 PM