Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

One of the most demanding fitness events is heading to the capital this summer. Spartan Race is coming to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 20, offering a new twist on the popular obstacle challenge. This time, it will take place in a climate-controlled indoor setting, with a short outdoor stretch included. The adult race features a 3 km course with 15 Spartan obstacles. Designed for speed and accessibility, this version of Spartan — called a “City” race — is compact and high-energy, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Young athletes can also take part in the competition, with...

UAE national employees working for Dubai government entities will be eligible for 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave, following a new decree issued on July 16 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The new regulation, Decree No. (31) of 2025, applies to Emirati employees in government bodies, free zones (including DIFC), members of the judiciary, and military personnel (excluding candidates). It can also extend to additional categories by future Executive Council decisions. To qualify for 10-day paid marriage leave in Dubai, the following conditions should...

Paid parking is coming to Dalma Mall and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, starting Friday, July 18, according to a confirmation by parking solutions provider Parkonic. Both malls have been fitted with ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) cameras, enabling cashless and ticketless entry and exit. The system automatically captures vehicle plate numbers and links them to the corresponding payment method. Dalma Mall – Fees and Payment At Dalma Mall, parking will be free for the first three hours from Monday to Friday, and free all day on weekends and public holidays. After the free period on weekdays, a fee of...

It’s not too early to plan for next year, especially when the new year kicks off with a legend. Russian superstar Leonid Agutin is bringing his signature charm and soulful sound to Dubai Opera on January 2, 2026, promising a night of music, poetry, and pure artistry. Know the Artist A celebrated singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-award-winning performer, Agutin has captivated fans around the world with his unique fusion of pop, jazz, Latin, and Russian soul. With a career spanning over three decades, he’s released more than a dozen chart-topping albums and has collaborated with international icons like Al Di Meola,...

Dubai has launched a first-of-its-kind system to distinguish between content created by humans, machines, or both. Announced on July 16 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the new framework is designed to bring more transparency to content creation and knowledge-sharing in the digital age. Rather than calculating exact percentages of machine involvement, the system offers creators a clear way to disclose how AI was used. It’s meant to be flexible across all sectors and media formats — including text, images, and videos — and can be applied...

Abu Dhabi is introducing a series of smart upgrades to its public parking system this month. The initiative, led by Q Mobility, is aimed at streamlining how residents and visitors interact with city parking. The pilot phase will include: An automated parking payment system A vehicle-based monitoring system to track parking occupancy Real-time data available to users through smart digital channels     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Q Mobility (@q.mobility) Once in place, drivers won’t need to worry about manually paying for their parking. The process will be automated and handled directly via smart...

PUMA Middle East has officially launched the 2025/26 home and away kits for Al Hilal FC, under the banner "Rooted in Glory." With this new drop, the brand pays tribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape and the club’s longstanding success as the most decorated football team in both Saudi and Asian history. Both kits are layered with symbolism drawn from Saudi Arabia’s heritage and Al Hilal’s identity.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PUMA Middle East (@pumame) The home kit takes inspiration from the Najd region’s mud-brick architecture — a reference to the team’s...

If you’re a UAE resident looking to visit China, there’s a new visa procedure you need to follow. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai has updated its requirements, and applicants must now complete a two-step process that combines online and in-person actions. Here's what to expect. Step 1: Apply Online First You can no longer walk into the visa centre without completing an online step. All applicants must now fill out their visa application at https://www.visaforchina.cn. You’ll need to: Complete the visa application form online Upload all required documents (e.g. passport copy, recent photo, no-objection certificate, hotel bookings,...

John Dory Seafood Market is preparing to open its doors in Dubai on 25 July at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall. Touted as the region’s first head-to-tail seafood restaurant, it focuses on using every part of the fish in a way that prioritises freshness and sustainability. The concept brings together direct sourcing, in-house processing, and open-fire cooking, with the aim of delivering a seafood experience that balances quality with value. Ingredients are selected from trusted sources: tuna from the Seychelles, sea bass and sea bream from Greece, and French oysters chosen via blind tastings.     View...

Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract global hospitality brands, with a new addition now confirmed for Al Marjan Island. The NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel and Apartments is scheduled to open in 2028 and will be designed by Dubai-based B8 Architecture. The project marks another step forward in the emirate’s growth as a premium travel and investment destination. Operated by Minor Hotels — a group that already manages 17 hotels across the UAE — this will be the brand’s latest entry into the Middle East market. The hotel will be located in a prime area, just...