Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Abu Dhabi is diving into a new era of marine innovation with the creation of a massive artificial coral reef project, set to become the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Called the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden, this initiative will introduce 1,200 square kilometres of artificial reef structures to the emirate’s coastline — an area larger than 200,000 football fields. The project, spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of a broader vision to restore marine habitats and strengthen biodiversity in the...

The desert beats are coming back. AZIMUTH 2025 has officially announced its dates, with the two-day festival set to take over AlUla from 25 to 26 September 2025. Held in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s dramatic desert landscape, AZIMUTH blends music, art and cultural experiences, creating one of the most memorable festival settings in the region. This year’s theme is “Until The Sun Comes Up” — a nod to the festival’s signature format of performances that stretch from sunset to sunrise. The event also coincides with Saudi National Day, giving it even more reason to celebrate.     View this...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...

Dubai has welcomed a new addition to its waters with the official launch of Alishba Royale — a handcrafted, five-star dhow cruise offering a distinctly traditional experience at Dubai Marina Harbour. The launch event on April 11, 2025, drew media guests and well-known personalities, including Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri, who emphasised the importance of preserving heritage while delivering modern hospitality.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alishba Dhow Cruise (@alishbadhowcruise) Crafted entirely by hand, Alishba Royale is not just another luxury cruise. It’s built to reflect UAE’s maritime traditions, offering passengers a slow-paced,...

Dubai has just unveiled a new urban initiative that brings the spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods into today’s cityscape. Announced on May 5, the Hewi Dubai initiative aims to reshape public spaces into hubs that foster stronger social ties and promote healthier, more connected lifestyles. Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the project takes inspiration from the fareej — a traditional Emirati neighbourhood concept built around shared spaces, intergenerational bonds, and daily communal life. First Project Under New Initiative: Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 The first pilot under this initiative...

A familiar stop on the Dubai Metro red line just got a name change. As of May 5, 2025, the UAE Exchange Metro Station — located in Jebel Ali Industrial Area and serving as the last station on the red line in that direction — is now officially called Life Pharmacy Metro Station. The rebranding follows a 10-year naming rights agreement between Life Pharmacy Group and Hypermedia, with Mada Media involved as the RTA’s authorised concessionaire for station naming partnerships. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), updates to signage — both inside and outside the station — as...

Riyadh’s food scene continues to evolve, and now it’s making room for one of London’s standout burger joints. Supernova, the minimalist concept known for doing classic cheeseburgers right, is getting ready to open in Al Nakheel — and for fans of straightforward, flavour-focused dining, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Supernova built its name in London by keeping things simple. The interiors are crisp and unfussy, and the menu stays focused on what matters: classic and house cheeseburgers (depending on the choice of sauce) hand-cut fries sundaes with caramel or chocolate topping for dessert     View this post...

Dubai’s beauty scene just got a major upgrade. Gold Apple, a well-known Russian beauty retailer, has opened its doors at Mirdif City Centre, offering 1,500 sqm of the best beauty experience and infinite shelves packed with over 1,700 products across makeup, skincare, fragrance and more. This newly launched store is designed as a beauty supermarket — wide aisles, bright lighting, and a massive selection of both premium and affordable brands, all in one place.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gold Apple Middle East (@goldapple_me) Here’s what to expect inside Gold Apple Store in...

Abu Dhabi is tightening up its public space policies, and unapproved flyers are now firmly in the spotlight. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed new fines for those who post or distribute promotional materials in public areas without permission — and the penalties can reach up to AED 4,000. The update falls under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, which aims to maintain the capital’s tidy appearance and keep public areas safe and uncluttered. Here’s how the fines stack up: First offence: AED 1,000 Second offence: AED 2,000 Third and further offences: AED 4,000...

Dubai’s skyline is getting a new addition — and it’s a big one. The MGM Tower, part of a sprawling beachfront development, is currently under construction and is expected to open in Q3 2027, according to William Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International. “We're literally up on the fifth floor of the MGM tower as we speak,” Hornbuckle shared during a quarterly earnings call. Describing the site as “a truly interesting resort with all kinds of features,” he also hinted at potential gaming opportunities in the future, depending on regulatory developments.     View this post on Instagram   A...