From UAE Eid holidays for private sector to Dubai's Michael Jackson drone video, 5 GCC updates. UAE Eid holidays, fake Dubai drone show & more GCC updates this week. by Deeplata Garde Updated: May 18, 2026 7:11 PM From UAE residents planning Eid holidays to a fake Michael Jackson drone show fooling social media users, the region saw a mix of tech, travel, food and more all at once. Also, Oman quietly made headlines in Geneva for something that could seriously help Hajj pilgrims in emergencies. Here's a quick look at the GCC updates people have been talking about. UAE residents start planning Eid breaks. The UAE officially confirmed the Eid Al Adha holidays for both public and private sector employees, and people wasted absolutely no time making plans. Private sector workers will get a four-day break from May 26 to May 29. Public sector employees will get five days off starting May 25. For many residents, this announcement basically marked the beginning of travel group chats. Flights, staycations and last-minute road trips are already being discussed everywhere. Oman's Hajj Health Card is getting global attention. Oman ended up in global health discussions after showcasing its Digital Hajj Health Card initiative in Geneva. The system helped over 500,000 pilgrims during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj seasons by allowing doctors to quickly access verified medical records during emergencies. Health officials in Oman say this is part of the country's wider Vision 2040 healthcare plans. The idea is simple: give patients more control over their health data while making medical access faster during critical situations. Also, Oman's Al-Shifa digital system now reportedly connects over 85% of healthcare institutions across the country, which is honestly a massive number. Pilgrims asked to carry printed Hajj permits. At the same time, Omani authorities reminded pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year to carry printed copies of their electronic permits. Officials said physical copies could help avoid delays or verification issues at checkpoints during the pilgrimage journey. Pilgrims are being advised to keep the documents with them throughout the trip for smoother inspections. Careem wants you to order food from across the city. In UAE food news, Careem launched a new feature called "Far-Away Gems", and honestly, it feels dangerous for people already addicted to food delivery apps. The feature now lets users order from restaurants much farther away than before. More than 600 restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been included. Some popular names on the list include Al Ustad Special Kabab, Pechka, Aqaya and Café De Paris. The idea came after customers kept searching for places considered "worth the drive", even if they lived nowhere near them. Dubai Police warn parents about viral Energy Drink trends. #News | Dubai Police Warns Against Being Lured by Videos Promoting Excessive Energy Drink Consumption Details:https://t.co/P1TI1iDyM7#StayAwareOnline#YourSafetyIsOurPriority pic.twitter.com/soarVl9D5X - Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) May 17, 2026 Dubai Police also issued a warning about viral social media videos encouraging kids and teenagers to drink excessive amounts of energy drinks. Authorities said some creators are chasing views without thinking about the health risks involved. According to officials, overconsumption can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, irregular heartbeat and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Parents were advised to monitor what their children are watching online and remind them not to blindly copy internet trends. That viral Michael Jackson drone show was completely fake. And finally, the internet fell for another AI-style viral moment. A video showing thousands of drones creating Michael Jackson's silhouette near Burj Khalifa spread rapidly online this week. A lot of people genuinely believed Dubai had organised another massive sky show. Even influencers shared it. But later, a UAE resident revealed to Gulf News that the entire thing was digitally created and never actually happened. The clip left several viewers and even some media outlets looking slightly apologetic after posting it as real. Curly Tales will be back with more updates tomorrow! Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro, @SanatDeposu/X 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: May 18, 2026 7:11 PM

Inspiring success stories every Pakistani entrepreneur should read. Local success stories: inspiring Pakistani startups to learn from. Inspiration plays a vital role in the journey of every entrepreneur. As startups in Pakistan continue to emerge and develop, it's essential to learn from the successes and challenges faced by fellow founders. This article showcases a selection of inspiring local success stories that can motivate you on your path to entrepreneurial achievement. 1. Careem: revolutionizing ride-hailing in Pakistan. Founded in 2012, Careem started as a ride-hailing service in the Middle East and soon expanded to Pakistan. This startup faced tough competition from international players like Uber, but its focus on local needs helped it stand out. Careem invested in understanding the Pakistani market, customizing its services to cater to users' specific preferences. * Lesson: Adapting your service to meet local demands can lead to success. 2. Zameen.com: the real estate game-changer. Zameen.com, launched in 2006, redefined the real estate landscape of Pakistan. With a user-friendly website and extensive database of properties, it has revolutionized how buyers and renters find property. By offering comprehensive market data and support, Zameen.com gained the trust of users throughout the country. * Lesson: Trust and support in your platform can foster user loyalty. 3. GharPar: bridging the gap in home services. GharPar started as a mobile app to connect users with reliable home service providers. It addressed a significant gap in the market by providing easy access to various home services, such as cleaning and beauty. Their business model included stringent vetting processes for service providers, ensuring quality and reliability. * Lesson: Identifying and filling a gap in the market can lead to lasting success. 4. Foodpanda: online food delivery leader. Foodpanda has transformed the food delivery service in Pakistan since its inception in 2013. By collaborating with local restaurants and offering various cuisines, the brand built a strong customer base. Their emphasis on user experience through a seamless app interface boosted customer satisfaction and retention. * Lesson: Enhance user experience to strengthen engagement and loyalty. 5. Bykea: two-wheeler ride-hailing platform. Bykea emerged as a strong competitor in the transportation sector, especially during the pandemic when demand for personal and safe transport surged. Focused on motorbike services, Bykea tailored its offerings for low-budget users while addressing the growing need for quick transport. It quickly adapted to market changes and customer needs. * Lesson: Staying adaptive to market changes allows startups to thrive even in crises. How Startup Network Pakistan can help you. Startup Network Pakistan is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs and startups. Here are some ways Startup Network can assist you: * Resources and Guides: Access insightful articles and success stories tailored for Pakistani startups to guide you across various challenges. * Networking Opportunities: Connect with other founders and mentors who can share valuable insights and firsthand experiences. * Increased Visibility: List your startup on its platform to enhance exposure, attracting potential clients and partners. Conclusion. Witnessing the success stories of Pakistani startups can motivate and encourage you on your journey. By learning from these examples, you can identify strategies and insights to implement in your own business. Remember, Startup Network Pakistan is here to support you as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and strive for success! #Startups #Pakistan #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStories #BusinessGrowth #Networking