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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...

Popular Italian restaurant Fi’lia is branching out from Dubai to open two exciting new locations — Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Known for its comforting Italian-Mediterranean dishes, Fi’lia is all set to bring its blend of tradition and modernity to more diners in the region. In Abu Dhabi, Fi’lia will open at the upcoming Mondrian Abu Dhabi, a luxury hotel with 300 rooms that’s expected to launch later this year. This chic venue will serve as the perfect spot to enjoy Fi’lia’s handmade pastas, fresh ingredients, and warm ambiance.   Over in Saudi Arabia, Fi’lia will debut...

Riyadh’s café scene is growing fast, and Lazy Cat is keeping pace. The popular feline-inspired concept that first made waves in Laysen Valley is now expanding, with a second location opening soon in the Diplomatic Quarter. Since making its Saudi debut, Lazy Cat has earned a loyal following thanks to its inviting design and creative menu. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, the menu has plenty to offer.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lazy Cat (@eatlazycat) Some of the signature dishes include: Burrata Caprese Folded...

Dubai’s appetite for unique luxury has found a new chapter with the opening of Sweden Beach Palace, an exclusive island resort set within The Heart of Europe development in the World Islands archipelago. Now available for bookings, the destination features 9 beachfront mansions that reinterpret Scandinavian elegance through a distinctly regional lens. Think sleek minimalism paired with Middle Eastern-inspired opulence. Each palace spans 21,000 square feet and comes fully fitted with interiors by Bentley Home, 6 floors of living space, and high-end amenities that include a private infinity pool, rooftop terrace, snow room spa, and panoramic views of the Arabian...

The Metropolitan Opera is heading to Saudi Arabia with a brand-new winter residency in Riyadh. Thanks to a collaboration between the Saudi Music Commission, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the Met Opera itself, the partnership is set to bring world-class productions to the Kingdom every year. For five years, the Met will make The Royal Diriyah Opera House its winter stage. Each season, the company will present a full-scale opera alongside a lineup of concerts, all spread over three weeks. Beyond the performances, the project is designed to highlight local talent and nurture careers, from singers and musicians to...

Kuwait has introduced a new law aimed at tackling widespread debt evasion related to public utility bills. Starting in three months, residents and businesses who fail to pay their electricity, water, and other essential service bills within 30 days of notification will face automatic suspension of these services. The newly approved Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 gives ministries and public institutions the authority to halt services digitally for anyone with overdue payments. The law applies to a range of utilities, including water, electricity, and telecommunications, addressing growing arrears that have put significant pressure on state finances. Under this law, service...

Dubai is making it easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge their cars by installing new charging stations at on-street parking spots across the city. This initiative, launched by Parkin — Dubai’s biggest public parking operator — in partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), aims to improve accessibility to EV charging, especially in busy residential areas where home charging isn’t always an option. The new on-street EV charging stations will be set up in zones A and C, which are designated for street parking. Each station will offer two charging points, operating on 22-kilowatt alternating current (AC),...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Jeddah has a new spot for film lovers to explore – Cinema Al Balad, a venue dedicated to showcasing local, regional, and international cinema. The newly opened art house cinema is breathing new life into the city’s historic relationship with film, offering an experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s first open-air theatre, Al-Jumjum Cinema, Cinema Al Balad pays tribute to the early days of cinema in Jeddah. Back then, moviegoers would gather in the historic district for open-air screenings. Fast forward to today, and Cinema Al Balad is continuing that legacy in a modern, curated...

Looking to make the most of your Eid Al Fitr weekend in Dubai? The city has a lot in store this year. From family-only beaches to cultural performances in parks, the holiday is filled with opportunities to create lasting memories with loved ones. For those who love spending time by the sea, Dubai has designated several beaches as family-only zones: Jumeirah 1 Jumeirah 2 (including the night beach) Jumeirah 3 Umm Suqeim 1 (including the night beach) Umm Suqeim 2 If coming to Jumeirah Beach 2, you can check out the recently opened free library with books in English and...