Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury, has welcomed an exceptional addition to its roster of high-end offerings. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has partnered with Ounass to unveil Ounass Maison, a unique brick-and-mortar retail destination that brings the online luxury shopping pioneer into the physical realm for the very first time. Since its inception in 2016, Ounass has been at the forefront of online luxury shopping, and now, with Ounass Maison, it is translating its expertise into a tactile, immersive retail experience. Nestled on the ground floor of the resort, the store offers an elevated shopping experience designed to captivate visitors....

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is set to return with a fresh lineup of creativity, innovation, and style. Scheduled from 1 to 6 February at Dubai Design District (d3), this highly anticipated event will kick off the international fashion season, preceding major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and London. Founded by Dubai Design District and the Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week has become a dynamic platform for regional and global talent. The 2025 edition promises an impressive lineup of over 25 designers representing diverse regions, including France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE....

Dubai’s road toll system, Salik, will transition to variable pricing from January 31, introducing a dynamic approach to toll rates based on traffic patterns. This new pricing model aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow during peak hours. Salik Toll Pricing Details From January 31, the toll rate on Dubai roads will be AED 6 during peak hours on weekdays: Morning peak hours: 6 AM to 10 AM Evening peak hours: 4 PM to 8 PM During off-peak times, between 10 AM to 4 PM and 8 PM to 1 AM, the toll rate will drop to AED 4....

As 2025 kicks off, Abu Dhabi is introducing a range of new laws and regulations designed to drive progress across the emirate. From environmental strides to gender equality, these updates reflect a bold vision for the future. Here’s what residents and businesses need to know. Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership Abu Dhabi continues to champion gender equality by requiring all private joint-stock companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors. This initiative follows significant gains for women in publicly listed companies, where female board representation tripled between 2021 and 2023. The UAE Gender Balance Council aims...

As February 22, 2025, approaches, Saudi Arabia gears up to commemorate its first public holiday of the year — Saudi Founding Day. This day honors the establishment of the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1727, marking nearly three centuries of rich history and cultural legacy. What Is Saudi Founding Day? Saudi Founding Day celebrates the creation of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. Officially introduced in 2022, the holiday was established through a royal decree by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It recognizes the deep historical, cultural, and civilizational roots of Saudi Arabia....

Mark your calendars — January 17 marks the debut of The Hub by Social, a dynamic new food hall and community space in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City. Nestled in the heart of Masdar Park, The Hub promises a unique blend of global cuisines, entertainment, and sustainability-focused initiatives, making it more than just a dining destination. Developed in collaboration between Masdar City and Social Distrikt, The Hub stands out with its theme of “Socialize Sustainably.” It’s a vibrant meeting place that combines food, culture, and eco-consciousness, offering a welcoming environment for families, food enthusiasts, and professionals. Beyond its delicious menu offerings,...

Residents of the UAE can now bring friends and relatives to visit the country for up to 90 days through a streamlined online service. Offered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, the Friend or Relative Visa simplifies the process, allowing for flexible travel plans and durations. Applying for the UAE Friend or Relative Visa Online: A Step-by-Step Guide The application process is straightforward: Log in to the authority’s website or smart app using your digital identity. Select the visa type and duration that best fits your needs. Carefully verify all the details before submitting your...

Starting January 1, 2025, UAE residents can look forward to a potential boost in their work-life balance. A significant change to public holiday rules means that if a holiday falls on a weekend, it can now be transferred to a weekday, ensuring you don’t miss out on a well-deserved break. Public holidays in the UAE often align with the Islamic Hijri calendar, leading to dates that shift each year. Previously, if these holidays fell on a Friday or Saturday (weekend days for most workers), no extra time off was given. However, the revised law guarantees that holidays like New Year’s...

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced an exciting step forward in the country's digital transformation: the launch of Google Pay in 2025. This development will bring a new level of convenience and accessibility to the payment landscape in Saudi Arabia. For Android users, this means seamless, contactless payments across stores, apps, and websites with just a tap. Google Wallet will allow users to securely add and manage their payment cards, offering a smoother and more secure shopping experience. While Apple Pay has been available since 2019, Google Pay's introduction will expand the digital payment options for residents, enhancing competition...

Experience the essence of Ramadan at Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, where tradition meets adventure in an enchanting atmosphere. Break your fast under elegantly decorated tents, savoring a delectable Iftar buffet filled with a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes. Unique experience will be available from February 28 until March 28, 2025. Looking to make the evening truly extraordinary? Opt for the VIP Iftar with Animals, starting at 260 AED per person, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience alongside giraffes, elephants, and other fascinating creatures. The festive energy continues with mesmerizing cultural performances, from dazzling Tanoora dances to the soulful...