Discover all the fun things to do

No Dubai bucket list feels complete without a trip to AURA Skypool and its famous skyline views. Planning a visit this summer? The popular pool has temporarily closed for renovations and won't reopen until September 1. AURA announced the closure on Instagram with the message, "A New Chapter Rises." The venue has not yet shared any details about the renovation, so the reopening will come with a few surprises. If you'd like to be among the first to see what's new, bookings for September are already open. AURA may be taking a break, but Dubai's summer fun certainly isn't. The...

Parking in Dubai Silicon Oasis changes from June 1. Drivers will now find new on-street parking zones near DSO and the University Residence buildings. The new areas use a ticketless parking system with automatic number plate recognition. Parking rates in Dubai Silicon Oasis: AED 4/hour from 12 AM to 4 PM and from 8 PM to 12 AM AED 6/hour from 4 PM to 8 PM There are no cash payment options in the new zones. Payment happens digitally through Salik or SMS. Other changes for drivers in Dubai: a 5% VAT now applies to parking services and Salik from...

This autumn, Dubai will welcome a fresh and exciting addition to its dining scene — Orilla, the debut restaurant concept from acclaimed chef Saradhi Dakara. Located in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Orilla promises to be one of the hottest openings of the season. Named after the Spanish word for “shore,” Orilla pays homage to the coastal spirit of the Mediterranean while infusing it with the elegance and precision of Asian kitchens. Chef Saradhi Dakara, who has spent years cooking, traveling, and immersing himself in the culture of Mediterranean towns, describes Orilla as a personal tribute to the Mediterranean way of life....

Who doesn’t love a day of sun, water, and wild rides? You’re in luck because Wild Wadi Waterpark is reopening on February 14, ready to welcome visitors for a fresh season of splashes and thrills. If you’ve been missing rides like Jumeirah Sceirah, Burj Surj, and Tantrum Alley, all your favorite spots are back! And if it’s your first time in the park, get ready to dive into over 30 rides and attractions or just chill in the massive Wave Pool. Throughout the visit, you can enjoy live music, seasonal shows, and interactive experiences. When hunger strikes, get a tasty...

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new voluntary pension and savings programme that will extend to both Saudi nationals and foreign workers. This initiative, called Public Pension and Savings Programme, aims to encourage local savings and reduce the outflow of remittances. As of the first quarter of 2025, 77% of the country’s social insurance system subscribers were expatriates. Last year, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia sent home SAR 144.2 billion in remittances, which is 14% more than in 2023. Over the last decade, total remittances have reached SAR 1.43 trillion. The new programme is designed to allow foreign workers...

New Year’s Eve in Dubai is always a spectacle, but for 2026, EMAAR is taking things to a whole new level. If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to welcome the new year, there’s no better place than Burj Park. This year’s celebration promises to be extraordinary, featuring a breathtaking fireworks display, live performances, immersive light shows, and plenty of fun for everyone. With a full programme of performances, visual effects, and one of the most talked-about fireworks shows in the world, the atmosphere at Burj Park will feel special from the moment you arrive. EMAAR New Year's Eve 2026...

AlUla, known for its rich cultural heritage, is hosting Al Khatt Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration of Arabic calligraphy. Until 22 February, visitors can explore stunning artworks, interactive exhibits, and live demonstrations that bring this ancient art form to life. The festival highlights both traditional and modern styles of Arabic calligraphy, displayed across various materials such as fabric, furniture, jewelry, and paper. Whether indoors or outdoors, each piece tells a unique story of artistic expression. At Tantora Square, don't miss the large-scale calligraphy installation by Her Highness Sheikha Khawla Bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi. Six additional pieces on display explore the...

Noticing bright orange-red colors popping up around Dubai? Flame tree season is back. And soon, you’ll be seeing a lot more of them. Dubai Municipality has started planting thousands of new trees across the emirate, following a directive from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The flame tree, scientifically known as Delonix regia, is one of the most recognizable sights in Dubai. It handles local climate well and needs around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Blooming begins in late April and continues through July. The emirate already has more than 50,000 flame trees. New plantings are...

Air India Express is celebrating India's 79th Independence Anniversary with an incredible Freedom Sale, offering huge discounts on both domestic and international flights. This exciting sale covers 5 million seats, so there are plenty of opportunities to score affordable tickets for travel from the UAE to India and other destinations. Bookings are open until August 15, 2025. You can book through Air India Express’ website, mobile app, or any other major booking channels. For this Freedom Sale, the airline is offering affordable fares for both domestic and international flights: INR 1,279 (around AED 53.5) for tickets within country INR 4,279...

If you’re looking for a place to take your little ones for some serious fun this winter, Global Village is the top choice. The park is bringing back The Wonderers’ Kids Fest on January 9! With non-stop games, shows, and even Guinness World Record-holding activities, the whole family is in for a good time. You have until February 15 to enjoy it! Head to the Kids’ Theatre where the fun will be happening daily from 4 PM to 10 PM. Young visitors can dive into a variety of giant games, including the record-holding Snakes and Ladders, a supersized Giant Battleship...