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Coffee lovers in Dubai, get ready for something special: London-born café WatchHouse has officially arrived in the Middle East with its first location at Marsa Boulevard. Known for its high-quality coffee and a calm, refined atmosphere, WatchHouse has been a hit across the UK and even reached the US, and now it's your turn to taste what all the buzz is about. WatchHouse’s journey began in South London, where its first café opened and quickly earned a loyal following. Since then, it’s expanded into several neighborhoods, and now, it’s ready to bring its signature program to Dubai. The Marsa Boulevard...

Saudi Arabia is making big moves in the luxury fashion world, and Riyadh is at the center of it all. With the city’s fashion scene rapidly expanding — especially with Riyadh Fashion Week gaining momentum — major brands are taking notice. Now, Balenciaga has opened its largest flagship store in the world, right in the heart of the Saudi capital. The new store is located on the Ground Floor of Solitaire Mall, between Christian Dior and Bottega Veneta stores, making it a fitting home for the high-end fashion house. Covering 483 square meters, the space embraces Balenciaga’s signature industrial aesthetic....

Dubai is once again pushing architectural limits, with a new lineup of towering developments set to redefine the city’s skyline. Several of these projects aim to break records — not just in height, but in luxury, design, and function. Here's a closer look at five upcoming high-rise developments that are already drawing international attention. Burj Azizi – 725 meters (Completion by 2028) Set to become the second tallest tower in the world, Burj Azizi will stand at 725 meters with over 131 storeys. The project is not just aiming for height but also for a series of global records, like...

On August 2, 2027, a rare total solar eclipse will take place, visible across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. What sets this eclipse apart is its duration: lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest visible from land between 1991 and 2114. For reference, most solar eclipses last under three minutes. The path of totality — the area where complete darkness will be experienced — stretches across southern Spain, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, central Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia, before ending over the Indian Ocean near the Chagos...

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...

Just 20 minutes from the Red Sea International Airport, Desert Rock Resort is one of the most distinctive additions to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism project. Unlike the many island resorts set to open along the coast, this inland retreat is built directly into the rugged desert terrain — offering a very different kind of stay. Spread across 30,000 square metres, the resort has been carved out of mountains and clifftops, blending in with the surrounding rock formations. The hotel features 60 villas and suites, each designed to offer privacy, views, and a strong connection to the natural environment. Accommodation...

If you’re arriving in Dubai this month, there’s a little extra waiting for you at immigration. Throughout Ramadan, visitors will receive a unique Ramadan-themed passport stamp and a free tourist SIM with 10GB of data. For the second year in a row, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is adding a special touch to passports. The Ramadan stamp, designed by Brand Dubai (the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office), features the Ramadan In Dubai logo. It’s available at all entry points, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central, and Port Rashid Cruise Terminal. The Ramadan...

Saudi Arabia is expanding its list of major urban developments, and one of the newest additions is Othaim Circle. The project is currently under construction in Al Khobar, along the popular Prince Turki Street, with a view of the Arabian Gulf. Spanning 52,000 square metres, Othaim Circle is designed to combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in one coastal location. The layout includes open-air walkways, natural light, and uninterrupted sea views, offering visitors a mix of indoor and outdoor access across the development. Retail takes centre stage at Othaim Circle, with over 80 shops planned. The commercial mix includes both high-end...

Elrow XXL is back in Dubai on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The festival has a reputation for creating memorable events worldwide, from Amsterdam to London, and it’s now returning to Dubai for the third time. The event will take place at Jubilee Park at Expo City Dubai, and this year, it's wrapping up the season with a strong line-up. Phase 2 of the festival line-up has been dropped and DJs Bora Uzer, Ilario Alicante, Franky Rizardo, Kasia, Patrick Topping, Quilliam, Stasi Sanlin, and Tini Gessler are joining the big adventure. The festival has an interesting history that dates back over...

Starting June 18, 2025, travellers in the UAE applying for Schengen visas to France or Germany will need to complete an online Visa Application Form when scheduling their appointment on VFS Global’s portal. This change was announced by VFS Global to streamline the appointment system and reduce errors. The new form requirement is mandatory and must be filled out as part of the booking process — marking a shift from the previous method, where applicants could schedule a time slot first and submit the application form later. What’s Changing for UAE-Based Applicants: The online application form is now integrated into...