Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Time Out Magazine has just released its list of the top 20 cultural cities worldwide, and Abu Dhabi has officially earned a spot. Ranked 20th on the list, the UAE capital joins cities like Paris (1st place), Florence (2nd), Edinburgh (3rd), Mexico City (4th), and Sydney (5th) as a recognised cultural powerhouse. The ranking is based on a global survey of 18,500 locals and the opinions of Time Out editors and cultural critics. Respondents rated their city’s arts, events, affordability, and overall vibrancy — and 86% of those in Abu Dhabi praised their cultural scene, with 67% noting its accessibility....

British ska-pop pioneers MADNESS are heading to Dubai. The band is scheduled to perform live at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Known for their unmistakable two-tone sound and energetic performances, MADNESS will bring decades of chart-topping music to the UAE stage. Formed in 1976, MADNESS rose to fame during the late '70s and early '80s ska revival in the UK. They’ve since become one of the most enduring and recognisable names in British pop, still performing today with six of the original seven members. Fans attending the Dubai concert can expect a full-throttle show packed with...

Dubai is about to sharpen its edge in winter sports. Opening this September, Emirates Sports Arena will be the city’s first professional ice arena built to National Hockey League (NHL) standards. Located in Dubai Sports City, the AED 20 million facility is designed to support high-level training, tournaments, and public access to ice sports. Covering 10,000 square metres and offering seating for over 600 spectators, the new venue is part of a broader effort to grow ice hockey, figure skating, and other winter sports in the region. Temperature in the arena will be kept between 16°C and 18°C — lower...

Dubai is turning to drone technology to clean the facades of its Metro and Tram stations, in a move that combines innovation with improved safety and sustainability. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that drones are now being trialled as part of the station cleaning process across the city’s public transport network. The drones are designed to spray down exterior surfaces, especially in areas that are otherwise difficult to reach or require working at height. By removing the need for scaffolding and harness systems, the initiative aims to minimise occupational hazards for cleaning teams.     View this...

Staying connected while commuting just got easier in Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that 31 public transport stations across the city are now equipped with free Wi-Fi, helping residents and visitors stay online as they travel. As of May 13, passengers can access complimentary internet at two additional marine transport hubs: Marina Promenade and Dubai Marina Mall Marine Transport Station. These new additions bring the total number of connected locations to 17 bus stations and 14 marine transport stations.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai)...

Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape is making room for a new addition on the Red Sea. Yanbu, a coastal city known for its history and strategic location, is set to welcome a boutique wellness resort by 2027, developed in partnership with ASFAR — the tourism investment arm of the Public Investment Fund — and destination development firm Baheej. The upcoming property will be a 34-room heritage-inspired hotel featuring cabanas with sea views, a spa that integrates maritime motifs, and wellness-focused experiences like yoga and meditation. Designed by architecture firm Spectrum, the resort will reflect the region’s rich seafaring history through...

Riyadh’s Al Olaya district has welcomed a new café that’s giving waffles a design-forward spotlight. Novu Waffle, the latest evolution of a once-small takeaway concept, has opened its doors with a full café experience — and a bold visual identity to match. The 100-square-metre venue stands out not just for its food, but for its interior, designed by Spanish design studio Masquespacio. The space is minimalist and monochrome, with clean white walls, floors, and furnishings subtly interrupted by a warm yellow glow.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dezeen (@dezeen) The grid pattern of...

A taste of London’s dessert culture is heading to Dubai. EIS Café, the popular UK-based dessert and coffee house, is getting ready to launch its first UAE location in JBR with a planned opening set for late summer 2025. Known for its indulgent sweet treats and vibrant presentation, the café brings a full menu that blends bold flavours with playful design. To mark its Dubai debut, the team behind EIS Café has installed the tallest entrance doors in JBR – 8 metres. Inside, guests will find a striking centrepiece made from 12 metres of real marble, weighing nearly 900kg. Such...

In a major first for digital finance, Dubai will soon allow residents to pay for government services using cryptocurrency. The move, announced during the Dubai FinTech Summit, marks a historic step in integrating blockchain-backed currencies into public sector operations. The Department of Finance (DOF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global digital asset platform Crypto.com. Once operational, the system will enable residents to pay for government services using crypto, which will be converted into AED before being transferred to DOF accounts. This would make Dubai the first government in the world to implement crypto payments across a wide range...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a new infrastructure upgrade in the city: a 91-metre pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Sheikh Rashid Street, one of the busiest routes in the emirate. Key features of new bridge across Sheikh Rashid Street: The bridge connects residential communities with key commercial zones and nearby public bus stations, improving connectivity for commuters and pedestrians. Equipped with elevators on both sides, the bridge is designed to be accessible for all users, including people of determination, cyclists, and parents with strollers. Inspired by Dubai’s maritime history, the bridge incorporates design elements that reflect traditional...