Discover all the fun things to do

The UAE has officially announced that both public and private sector employees will enjoy a holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in celebration of the New Year. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) released a circular confirming the holiday for all federal government entities. Similarly, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation declared the same day as a paid holiday for private sector workers. Normal work schedules will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This nationwide holiday allows residents to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with family and friends, or simply take the day to relax....

Littering in Abu Dhabi just got more expensive! The city is stepping up efforts to keep its streets and spaces clean with updated fines for littering and improper waste disposal. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced new penalties, encouraging residents and visitors to dispose of their trash responsibly. How Much Could You Be Fined for Littering in Abu Dhabi 2025? If you leave trash outside designated bins — whether after a picnic, lunch break, or just on the go — you could be hit with a fine. Cigarette butts count too! If you flick them on the ground,...

Stargazers, get ready for the last Supermoon and meteor shower of 2024! As 2024 wraps up, Dubai’s night skies have one last spectacular show in store: the Beaver Moon supermoon paired with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower. Here’s everything you need to know to experience this breathtaking cosmic event and the best locations across the UAE to enjoy it. What’s Special About the Beaver Moon? The Beaver Moon is the final supermoon of the year, set to shine brightly over Dubai on Friday, November 15. Known in folklore for marking the time when beavers prepare for winter, this...

Oman is preparing to host a major international cricket event this October, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier scheduled to take place over ten days. According to the ICC, nine teams will take part, competing for three qualification spots at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Teams that secured their places through sub-regional qualifiers in 2024 — Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan, and Samoa — will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and hosts Oman. Four of them — Oman, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and...

Expo City is transforming into a stage of national pride and celebration on December 2nd for a special National Day Ceremony, marking the historic unification of all seven Emirates into the United Arab Emirates. Expo City, already abuzz with the global climate discussions of COP28 from November 30th to December 12th, will take a brief interlude to showcase the rich tapestry of UAE's heritage and its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The National Day ceremony will be open to the public. Keep an eye out for ticket announcements, and you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in an experience filled with...

A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application. While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify...

AlUla Skies Festival is returning from April 18 to 27, 2025, bringing a mix of adventure and breathtaking views. Whether you’re into thrilling experiences or peaceful moments under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top activities and things to do, sorted from the most affordable to the priciest: 1. Hot Air Balloon Glow Show – From SAR 30 Watch giant balloons light up the night sky over Hegra and Elephant Rock, accompanied by fire shows and DJ music. A stunning visual treat at a great price! Available only on 18, 19, 25, & 26 April....

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has recently made an important decision regarding mobile phones in schools. Starting now, students are prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto school premises, with clear guidelines established for how phones found on school grounds will be handled. This new rule is part of Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, specifically concerning student behavior in public education institutions. It falls under Article (7), which deals with second-degree violations, specifically addressing the misuse of communication devices like mobile phones. The Ministry’s circular to school principals and kindergartens outlines that schools must carry out regular inspection...

On February 27, 2025, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 1,295 prisoners from correctional facilities across the country. The decision, reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), is part of a tradition of granting amnesty ahead of Ramadan. Along with the release, Sheikh Mohamed has pledged to settle the financial debts tied to the inmates' sentences. This move aims to ease their transition back into society and relieve the financial burden on their families. The annual pardon reflects the UAE’s values of compassion and second chances. Previously, the UAE President granted clemency to...

The UAE has confirmed the first official public holiday of the year, and it’s one that everyone can enjoy, whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah, or any other emirate! New Year’s Day (January 1) will be a day off for both public and private sector employees across the country. New Year’s Day in the UAE: Public and Private Sector Holiday Dates Public sector employees across all emirates will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2. The first day back in the office will be on Monday, January 5. Meanwhile, private sector employees won’t miss out either....