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The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) has announced its expected start date for Ramadan 2025. Most Islamic countries will be looking for the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025, to determine the beginning of the holy month. According to Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, the Centre’s director, some regions might be able to spot the crescent moon that evening using telescopes. Since the moon’s conjunction happens before sunset and it will still be visible after sunset in all Islamic regions, most countries are expected to declare Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic...

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant shake-up in its retail landscape. A new regulation bans small grocery stores (baqalas) and kiosks from selling a specific list of products, including tobacco, fresh produce, meat, and dates, as part of a broader effort to streamline and formalise the country’s retail sector. The directive, issued by Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, is effective immediately. However, existing small grocers will have six months to adjust and comply with the new requirements. Products Now Banned from Sale in Small Grocery Stores: Regular and electronic cigarettes Shisha products Fruits and vegetables Dates Meat...

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) just hit a major milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 29.4 million passengers in 2024—a massive 28.1% jump from the previous year. A big part of this success comes from Etihad Airways, which flew passengers to over 125 destinations, adding 29 new routes in just one year. The airport also saw eight new airlines join its network, including British Airways, Air Astana, and Aegean Airlines. Aircraft movements increased by 10%, reaching 249,747 takeoffs and landings. Key travel markets like the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt played a major role in this surge. Zayed International Airport isn’t...

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is already in full swing in Dubai, and book lovers now have a little more time to browse the shelves. Originally scheduled to wrap up this weekend, the popular sale has been extended for one more week and will now run until March 15 in Dubai Studio City. Visitors can expect thousands of titles: thrillers, romance, history, fantasy and more, with plenty of both English titles and Arabic books available. If this is your first Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, get ready to feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. Picture this: a massive selection of...

Most weekends start to feel the same after a while. If you feel like doing something different without going far, Al Thakira Mangroves are worth it. You’ll find this hidden gem in Qatar about 17 km northeast of Al Khor. Just follow the road out, then continue over sand until the water and mangroves come into view. Al Thakira Mangroves are one of the oldest and largest forests in the country, with trees growing right in saltwater. The area was declared a protected reserve in 2006 because of its marine life. It’s one of those natural places in Qatar that...

Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a magnet for major musicals, and something really spooky coming to the capital. After the buzz around Mamma Mia! set to light up the city in June 2025 — complete with a glam brunch option — it's been confirmed that BEETLEJUICE The Musical will be making its debut in the UAE capital this November. The clues were coming via Etihad Arena's social media in the past weeks, and now, it's official: Beetlejuice fans, it’s showtime! And time to get your tickets to one of the most anticipated performances of this autumn! Make sure to clear...

If you’re planning a trip to Global Village this season, here’s some good news: parking just got a whole lot smarter. Thanks to a partnership between Salik and Parkonic, visitors can now enjoy a seamless, ticket-free parking experience. Fee will be automatically deducted through Salik eWallet. Most of the parking areas at Global Village remain completely free, with six main zones available for visitors. On weekends, five additional zones open up to accommodate the larger crowds. However, if you’re looking for extra convenience, there are two paid options: P6 Zone for AED 75 Premium Zone for AED 120 These are...

For those who missed Dubai's New Year’s Eve fireworks, there’s still a dazzling event to catch: the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. On Friday, January 3, the night sky over the UAE will come alive with streaks of light, marking one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year. This meteor shower, one of the strongest annually, promises a stunning display and is a must-see until the next major astronomical event in August 2025. What Is the Quadrantid Meteor Shower? The Quadrantid Meteor Shower is caused by debris from 2003 EH1, an asteroid-like object known as a "rock comet." Discovered in...

Kuwait has officially declared the Eid Al Adha public holiday, giving residents a long break this June. The Council of Ministers has announced that the country will observe a public holiday from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025. Following the extended holiday, Monday, June 9 will be a rest day, with work resuming on Tuesday, June 10. The break covers the Day of Arafat — a significant day of reflection and fasting that precedes Eid — and Eid Al Adha, one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar. According to the Emirates Astronomy Society, Eid Al...

Get ready for an electrifying experience as Dubai's much-loved White Festival makes a return! This time, the beats will take over the iconic Dubai Harbour on April 20th, promising a night to remember for music and party lovers alike. The highlight of the event is none other than the globally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee, set to take the stage and keep the crowd grooving with his infectious tunes. Known for his unparalleled talent and magnetic stage presence, Black Coffee is sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere at the White Festival.     View this post on Instagram   A post...