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Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has announced that Hajj will no longer fall during the summer months until the year 2050. According to a newly published 25-year Hajj calendar, starting in 2026, the Islamic pilgrimage will gradually move into spring, followed by winter and autumn seasons — offering milder weather for millions of pilgrims. The shift is due to the nature of the Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic dates to move earlier each year, resulting in Hajj aligning with different seasons over time. Here’s how the seasons will...

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert has added a new dining concept to its luxury offerings — Gobi Restaurant. This new spot brings a creative approach to Asian cuisine, right in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s scenic desert. Drawing inspiration from five Chinese elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — the menu is designed to take diners on a multi-sensory culinary journey. Each dish is crafted to reflect the harmony of flavours and ingredients, from fiery spices and earthy textures to fresh, water-inspired components.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Drivers in Dubai can expect smoother commutes later this year as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) gets ready to roll out a series of traffic improvements across 40 locations in the Emirate. The works will take place between June and September 2025, aiming to ease congestion and reduce journey times. The upgrades will impact a wide range of areas, including 22 major streets, 9 school zones, 5 development areas, and internal roads and pavements.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) Some of the streets included in the project:...

For the first time since 1964, Nutella is introducing a brand-new flavor. Set to launch in spring 2026, Nutella Peanut blends the signature cocoa-hazelnut spread with the rich taste of roasted peanuts. It’s the first flavor addition to the Nutella family in over six decades, and it’s made with North American taste buds in mind. And while Nutella Peanut will initially be limited to US shelves, there’s a chance it could reach more countries later on. If the product gains viral popularity,  much like Dubai’s FIX chocolate, which started as a regional hit and expanded globally, Ferrero may bring Nutella...

Tom Felton is stepping back into the world of Harry Potter, but this time on stage. The actor, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the original film series, will reprise the role in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway starting November 11, 2025. The production runs at the Lyric Theatre through March 22, 2026. This marks Felton’s Broadway debut and the first time an original Harry Potter film cast member joins the stage adaptation. Now 37, Felton will be the same age as Draco Malfoy in the story, which picks up 19 years after the final book,...

Skywatchers in Saudi Arabia and across the region will have a rare opportunity to witness two celestial events in one night. On June 11, the full “Strawberry Moon” will rise, accompanied by the Great Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that last occurred nearly 20 years ago. The Great Lunar Standstill happens every 18.6 years, when the Moon’s orbital tilt reaches its peak. This causes the Moon to rise and set at its most extreme northern and southern points on the horizon, a motion visible to the naked eye in areas with clear skies. According to the Astronomy and Space Club...

This February Mall of the Emirates has introduced a new barrier-free parking system, making it faster and more convenient for visitors to enter and exit. Along with the upgrade, a few important changes have been rolled out that drivers should keep in mind. Now, instead of stopping at a gate to take a ticket, cameras will now scan your car’s license plate when you enter and exit the parking area. This technology calculates your parking duration automatically. If a fee applies, you’ll receive an SMS with a payment link, allowing you to pay online easily. The parking fees at Mall of...

A new experience designed by adventurer Bear Grylls and his team has officially landed in Bahrain. The Bear Grylls Adventure Zone, now open at Hawar Resort by Mantis on Hawar Island, brings outdoor challenges and survival activities to a unique setting just 30 minutes by boat from the mainland. The activity centre features programmes for both children and adults, with sessions led by trained instructors. Children aged six to 12 can join one-hour group activities involving raft and shelter building, fire lighting, knot-tying, and rope-based problem solving. Each group of 16 kids works together to complete game-like survival tasks, learning...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended operating hours for the Dubai Metro during the Eid Al Adha holidays. The move aims to make public transportation more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors throughout the festive period. Extended Metro Timings: June 14 & 15 (Saturday & Sunday): Metro services will run from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the following day. June 16 (Monday): Trains will operate from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. June 17 to 21 (Tuesday to Saturday): The metro will run again from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. The updated schedule applies to both...

With Eid Al Adha 2025 approaching, Sharjah Municipality has shared the official opening hours for public parks during the holiday period. From Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, several major parks across the emirate will extend their hours, offering more time for families and visitors to enjoy green spaces. The following parks will operate from 7:30 AM to 11 PM throughout the Eid weekend: Sharjah National Park Green Belt Ladies Park Rolla Square Park Al Suyoh Parks (Families & Ladies) Meanwhile, neighbourhood parks across the city will welcome visitors from 4 PM to 10 PM during the same dates. Planning a...