June 24-29: Check out top 10 GCC stories you might have missed

June 24 to 29 has been a busy period for the Gulf region. Dubai unveiled the ‘Tasreef’ project to better prepare for natural disasters. Qatar Airways further solidified its reputation for excellence in the aviation industry. Saudi Arabia recorded over 1,300 Hajj-related deaths.

Ten GCC stories you might have missed

1. Indian EAM S Jaishankar in UAE

Dr S Jaishankar paid an official visit to the UAE in just 15 days of his re-appointment as India’s external affairs minister, highlighting the deepening UAE-India relations. He participated in celebrations of International Day of Yoga and also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

2. Social Knockout 3 to kick off soon

The Social Knockout 3 tournament is set to take place at the famous Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on July 6. The main events of the evening will see Tajik singer Abdu Rozik and famous blogger Erali Boyqobilo lock horns, besides a Mo Vlogs vs Shero fight.

3. Dubai introduces gaming visa

Dubai has launched the Dubai Gaming Visa in an ambitious bid to position itself as a global leader in the gaming industry. The initiative seeks to lure talented gamers, content creators and industry professionals from across the globe.

4. Qatar Airways shines at Skytraz Awards

On June 24, Qatar Airways secured the ‘Best Airline in the World‘ tag at the prestigious Skytraz Awards 2024, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in the aviation industry. This is a proof to the airline’s unyielding commitment to innovation and service.

5. UAE fuel prices for July

UAE fuel prices are updated on the final day of every month. The petrol and diesel rates noted a slight drop in June 2024, and the Gulf Independent team is hoping to see another similar decline for July. Is there a possibility for UAE taxi fare rates to drop too?

6. Hajj 2024 death toll crosses 1,300

More than 1,300 pilgrims are believed to have lost their lives during Hajj 2024 in Saudi Arabia – most of them due to extreme heat. The Kingdom has raised serious concerns over unregistered Muslims trying to perform the holy pilgrimage via irregular channels.

7. Dubai unveils ‘Tasreef’ project over climate disasters

In an effort to better prepare for this year’s notorious UAE floods and similar climate-related disasters, Dubai has approved the ‘Tasreef’ project to enhance the capacity of its drainage system by 700%. The initiative features a total cost of Dh30 billion.

8. UAE facilitates fifth Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange

UAE mediation efforts have helped make another Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange successful. It is the fifth such deal this year, resulting in the release of 180 captives. The UAE also affirmed its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the brutal conflict.

9. UN hails UAE aid to Sudan

The UAE remains one of the leading contributors of humanitarian assistance to chaos-hit Sudan. In a recent development, the Gulf state announced an allocation of $70 million to UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to alleviate the deepening crisis in Sudan.

10. Dubai tries out first-ever hydrogen bus

Focusing on ensuring more sustainable, eco-friendly public transport, RTA has announced that they are introducing the first-ever hydrogen bus to Dubai. It is being brought in on an initial trial basis and tested out in the city’s climate and operational conditions.