Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Private sector employees in Oman now have clear rules on how annual performance-based bonuses will be handled, thanks to a new decision from the Ministry of Labour. Effective from January 1 every year, Omani workers with at least six months of service at their current establishment are entitled to a periodic bonus, based on the outcome of their annual performance evaluation. The decision is part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in pay structures and is rooted in the country’s updated Labour Law (Royal Decree No. 53/2023). The periodic salary bonus is paid as a percentage of an employee’s...

If you use your UAE-issued credit or debit card abroad, take note — international transaction fees are going up. Starting September 22, 2025, several local banks will apply a 3.14% surcharge on the total value of purchases made outside the country. That’s a notable increase from the current 2.09%, and it applies each time your card is used internationally. These fee changes are not uncommon, and they typically fluctuate depending on the bank’s internal strategies and market conditions. This isn’t the only update affecting local cardholders. Just last week, it announced that one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer be sent...

If you're driving in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, there’s a good reason to check your traffic fines sooner rather than later. A new initiative from the Abu Dhabi Police — launched at Adnoc petrol stations — is reminding drivers to take advantage of a discount system. The campaign, titled “Act Now and Benefit,” encourage drivers to pay off their fines as soon as possible and save up to one third of the fine amount: Payments within 60 days of receiving a fine will give a driver 35% off Payments made within one year will give a 25%...

Bahrain Film Festival is returning for its fifth edition, running from October 30 to November 4, 2025. Organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club in cooperation with the Ministry of Information, this year’s event carries the theme: “Short Films, Great Stories.” The festival aims to offer a meaningful space for local and regional filmmakers to demonstrate their work in one of five categories: narratives, documentaries, animations, student films, and Bahraini short films.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bahrain Film Festival (@filmfestivalbh) According to Festival Director Ammar Zainal, the theme this year highlights the depth...

Saudi Arabia will host the first Riyadh Comedy Festival this autumn as part of its growing calendar of entertainment events. Running from September 26 to October 9, 2025, the festival will take place in Boulevard City and is set to feature over 50 comedians from around the world. The event was officially announced by Turki Al Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), through his X (formerly Twitter) account. It will be part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment initiative that supports Vision 2030 goals for tourism and economic diversification. First Headliners of Riyadh Comedy...

Daily commuters between Dubai and Sharjah now have a new public transport option. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new intercity bus route, E308. It connects Stadium Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. E308 Schedule & Fare Details Service hours: Daily from 5 AM to 11:30 PM Frequency: Departures every 30 minutes Fare: AED 12 for a one-way trip RTA has taken steps to make intercity travel more convenient for anyone travelling between Dubai and neighbouring emirates. All intercity buses departing from Dubai are now equipped with free Wi-Fi, enhancing comfort and connectivity...

Faraj Suleiman is set to perform at Dubai Opera on December 8, 2025. Known for his ability to blend Arabic melodies with classical forms and jazz influences, Palestinian author and pianist has carved out a space of his own in the world of instrumental music. His compositions — including “Questions on My Mind,” “Little Thought,” “Night Wander,” and “Hymn to Gentrification” — showcase a distinct approach to piano that continues to reshape how Arabic music can be presented. His work often bridges genres and cultures, while staying rooted in the rhythm and structure of regional sounds.     View this...

Spartan Race is making its return to the UAE on October 11-12, 2025, and this time the course is unlike anything seen before. The upcoming Spartan Trifecta Weekend is set to take place inside Al Ain Zoo, blending obstacle racing with wild scenery for a two-day event that’s open to beginners, seasoned athletes, and families. This edition marks the first time a Spartan event to be hosted inside a zoo, which means competitors will be navigating a course that runs through animal exhibits, garden landscapes, and natural trails. There’s even a chance of spotting zebras or giraffes while climbing ropes...

Saudi Arabia has rolled out a set of regulations that redefine what fine dining means across the Kingdom. The move aims to improve guest experiences, raise industry standards, and make the country’s high-end dining scene more appealing to both local and international visitors. The new rules were issued by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. In total, twelve requirements have been introduced, focusing on service quality, operations, and brand positioning. Key Details on the New Regulations for Fine Dining Restaurants in Saudi Arabia Service expectations at fine dining restaurants are now much more structured. Every guest must be...

Najwa Karam will return to Dubai for a live concert at Dubai Opera on September 30, performing tracks from her extensive discography including her newest album, Halet Tawari', which was released in June 2025. A long-standing icon of Arabic music, Karam is known for shaping the Lebanese pop scene since the early 1990s. She earned the nickname "Shams el-Ghinnieh" (The Sun of Arabic Song) early in her career and continues to be a major influence in the region's music industry. A regular guest in UAE, the star is coming back for another stunning performance at Dubai Opera in just 2...