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Dubai is set to host the world’s most iconic chocolate event once again. Salon du Chocolat et de la Patisserie returns for its fourth Dubai edition from September 30 to October 2, welcoming chocolate lovers to Madinat Jumeirah for three days of tastings, demos, and industry showcases. The event is part of Dubai’s growing cultural and culinary calendar, and this year it’s expected to attract over 7,000 visitors.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie ME (@salonduchocolatme) Founded in Paris nearly 30 years ago, Salon du Chocolat has...

If you are looking to wow that special someone with the best date night, look no further. Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious and unique date night restaurants in the world that make a date night and Valentine’s day that extra bit special. Whether you’re looking to bring all the stops with a high-end luxury date night on a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or just want to show your partner some love with a casual date night, there is a date-night-worthy restaurant for everyone in Dubai. If you find yourself scrambling and searching for the perfect...

Carrefour has officially closed its doors in Bahrain and Kuwait, bringing an end to decades of service in these countries. The French retail giant thanked customers for their loyalty and support over the years, celebrating the many memories made along the way. This isn’t the first time Carrefour has exited a Gulf market – earlier this year, it also stopped operations in Oman. However, in Oman, the closure paved the way for something new: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Group, which owned and managed Carrefour there, launched a new grocery brand called HyperMax. Carrefour continues to be a firm favourite in...

Apple fans in Saudi Arabia now have direct access to the brand’s full product lineup through a newly launched official online store and app. The rollout means you can now browse, shop, and receive Apple products at home — without the need to go through third-party resellers. The store includes Arabic language support, offering a smoother shopping and customer service experience for users in the region. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your device or explore something new, the platform now feels more local. Shoppers can expect a more personalised experience, from model comparisons and recommendations to the ability to customise...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out major updates to the public bus network. The changes include rerouting of some lines, new stops in expanding communities, and revised end points for better accessibility. The update supports RTA’s long-term plans to make public transport the preferred option across the city and reduce road congestion. Below, you can find all the changes to Dubai bus routes: Rerouted Bus Services Route 24: Adjusted path within Al Nahda 1 Route 44: Now runs through Dubai Festival City instead of Rebat Street Route F12: Rerouted between Satwa Roundabout and Wasal Park via Kuwait...

A new culinary experience is coming to Riyadh, and it’s not your typical fine dining restaurant. Julien by Daniel Boulud, set to open inside the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, will offer a highly exclusive chef’s table experience — limited to just 10 seats. This intimate concept is the latest creation from Chef Daniel Boulud, celebrated globally for his refined approach to French cuisine. Julien will take the idea of a tasting menu to new heights with a multi-sensory, live-cooking format that blends hospitality and performance. Guests will be seated around a marble-topped chef’s counter in a hidden...

Bahrain has introduced a new water taxi system, offering a traffic-free way to travel across parts of the island by sea. This eco-friendly transportation option allows passengers to move between six stations across Manama and Muharraq with one-way or round-trip service. Operated by Masar Group, this service is available daily and offers a new way for both locals and tourists to commute while enjoying coastal views.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Water Taxi (@watertaxibh) Each water taxi carries up to 28 passengers (20 standard and 8 VIP seats) and is fully air-conditioned. Free...

Starting July 1, residents of the UAE will be able to travel visa-free to Armenia, according to a new policy announced by Armenia’s Tourism Committee. This marks a big change – according to the 2017 arrangement, only UAE nationals were eligible for visa-free access, while residents had to obtain a visa on arrival. Earlier this month, visa-free travel to Armenia was also granted for residents of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. If you’re planning to discover the country this year and wondering about the new entry regulations, here’s a quick summary. Starting July 1, 2025, visa-free entry to Armenia applies...

Dubai is taking a big step forward in child welfare. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a new protocol aimed at keeping children safe and ensuring their well-being at every stage of life. The Dubai Child Protection Protocol, backed by the Executive Council of Dubai, is designed to create a strong, well-connected system of support for children and families. It covers everything from prenatal care and birth registration to early childhood services, school-age support, youth development, and even pre-marital counseling. A key focus of this initiative is early intervention — making sure...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for pilgrims from the Gulf region to perform Umrah by expanding access and streamlining the process. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, entering the Kingdom through land, air, or sea ports. All pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application. The same applies to those who wish to pray in Rawdah Al Sharifah, the revered chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage...