Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Big news for beauty lovers: Ulta Beauty, the popular US-based cosmetics chain, is officially making its debut in the Middle East, and Dubai is first on the list. Retail giant Alshaya Group has confirmed that the first Ulta Beauty store in the region will open its doors at Mall of the Emirates by the end of 2025. Known for its diverse lineup of beauty brands — from skincare and haircare to cult makeup favourites — Ulta Beauty is a go-to destination in the US for shoppers looking to stock up on both high-end and affordable products.     View this...

Looking for the perfect family outing this summer? Look no further than the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain! Running from July 5th to August 1st, this spectacular event promises a summer filled with joy, excitement, and endless entertainment. The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival is one of the biggest entertainment events in the region, bringing together some of the world's top international toy and entertainment brands. It's a unique gathering that offers something for everyone. A World of Interactive Fun Prepare yourself for over ten exciting and unique corners, each filled with distinctive and interactive activities. Imagine...

After years of dormancy, Palm Jebel Ali is officially back in the spotlight. Originally launched in 2002 and paused during the 2008 global financial crisis, this man-made island is now regaining momentum, with major construction contracts awarded and plans for luxury living, leisure, and tourism firmly in motion. Set to be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development potential. Once complete, it will offer 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, eventually housing 35,000 families. Highlights of what’s planned include: 80 hotels and resorts...

Just as fans were getting ready for Mary J. Blige’s highly anticipated return to Dubai, news broke that the concert — originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 — has been cancelled. The performance was set to be a major moment, marking over a decade since the iconic R&B star last took the stage for a full concert in the UAE. While the exact reasons for the cancellation have not been disclosed, the event has quietly been removed from the Coca-Cola Arena’s official calendar. Although the disappointment is real, there’s still hope that Mary J. Blige will make her way back...

Riyadh’s food scene just got more flavourful. Blu Pizzeriá, the Dubai-born concept inspired by Naples, Italy, has officially landed in An Nakheel, Riyadh. After building a fan base in both Abu Dhabi (opened in October 2024) and Dubai, the much-loved pizzeria is now in its soft opening phase in the Saudi capital. Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh offers a cosy yet elevated dining experience, featuring dark wood interiors, plush seating, and lush decorative greenery. The design is as carefully considered as the menu, creating a welcoming space for pizza lovers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Pizza lovers in Riyadh now have a new spot to explore — Krisp has officially opened in Al Malqa, and it’s all about crisp, golden bases and Italian-inspired toppings. Whether you prefer your pizza simple or loaded with flavour, Krisp has crafted a menu that balances tradition with creativity. Krisp’s design draws from classic Italian pizzerias, with a modern edge. The dark grey exterior and large windows give the space a clean, urban feel, while wooden floors, sleek counters, and banquette seating create a cosy yet contemporary interior.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Construction has officially started on the UAE-Oman railway project, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and GCC cooperation. The long-anticipated Hafeet Rail line will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, Oman’s key port city. The rail line promises to deliver fast, efficient, and sustainable travel across national borders. With passenger trains reaching speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, the journey between the two cities will take just 100 minutes. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers, and the freight trains will transport cargo equivalent to 300 trucks, reducing truck-related carbon emissions by 80%.  ...

The UAE government has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of Hijri year 1447 AH. The announcement, issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), applies to public sector employees across the country. With the holiday falling on a Friday, workers in the public sector can look forward to a three-day weekend, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 30. The Islamic New Year is based on the Hijri calendar, a lunar calendar used widely across the Muslim world. The new year...

Dubai is fully embracing the Labubu craze this summer with six themed workshops, art sessions, and a pastel-sweet tea party popping up across the city. Whether you're into DIY crafts, kawaii collectibles, or just want to spend an afternoon immersed in creativity, there's a Labubu experience for every kind of fan. If you want to dive into the world of Labubu and understand why it’s everywhere this summer, check out our guide to Labubu in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Now, back to where to find the Labubu-inspired activities in Dubai this June.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Qatar has officially launched the construction phase of two 3D-printed public schools in Doha, marking a global first in terms of both scale and technological ambition. The project is part of a nationwide initiative to build 14 new public schools, and is being led by UCC Holding in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). What makes this project extraordinary is its size: each school spans 20,000 square metres. That’s 40 times larger than any other 3D-printed building constructed anywhere in the world so far.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by UCC Holding (@uccholding)...