Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Starting Friday, July 25, banks in the United Arab Emirates will begin phasing out one-time passwords (OTPs) that are currently sent by SMS and email. The shift is part of a gradual security update led by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). OTPs are short security codes sent to your phone or inbox. They're used to approve online payments, including things like shopping or QR-code transactions when dining out. This won’t happen overnight — the rollout is gradual and expected to be completed by March 2026 across all banks in the country. But the UAE’s banking system is moving...

Mark your calendar for December 4 — Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform live at BEYON Al Dana Amphitheatre Desert Garden in Bahrain. The upcoming show is part of his Søn of Dad Tour, which has seen sold-out dates across the United States and Europe this summer. The American singer-songwriter from Southern Indiana gained attention in 2023 with the release of "Son of Dad," a deeply personal debut album dedicated to his late father. Songs like "Father’s Son," "Patches," and "Grief Is Only Love" resonate with fans for their emotional weight and storytelling. In live shows, Wilson often shares stories about...

Abu Dhabi’s waterfront will soon glow again. Manar, the capital’s large-scale light art exhibition, is coming back this November as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi programme by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This year’s edition, Manar 2.0, will feature more than 35 artworks by international and local artists. Among the names announced are teamLab, Carsten Höller, Shezad Dawood, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Nujoom Alghanem. The works will range from light sculptures and projections to interactive installations and performances.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Apple fans in Saudi Arabia now have direct access to the brand’s full product lineup through a newly launched official online store and app. The rollout means you can now browse, shop, and receive Apple products at home — without the need to go through third-party resellers. The store includes Arabic language support, offering a smoother shopping and customer service experience for users in the region. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your device or explore something new, the platform now feels more local. Shoppers can expect a more personalised experience, from model comparisons and recommendations to the ability to customise...

Two big names in fashion and culture are coming to Dubai. This November, Anna Wintour and Candace Bushnell will headline the Women’s Empowerment Convention, a two-day event held at Atlantis The Royal. The event will bring together over 100 speakers across industries for two days of talks, workshops, and networking, all centred around this year’s theme: “All In: Career, Money and Life.” The programme will focus on how financial independence influences women’s lives and explore the diverse paths to achieving it.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Women’s Empowerment Council (@we.council) Speakers of Women’s...

On October 17, 2025, celebrated Egyptian singer Angham will perform live at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Exhibition Hall 9. The one-night-only event promises a journey through some of the most loved Arabic pop tracks of the last few decades. Angham is considered the best-selling living female artist from Egypt and a key figure in shaping modern Arabic music. She began her career in 1987 and has since built a legacy defined by expressive vocals, melismatic phrasing, and emotional depth.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Moments Events (@moments.events) Over the years, she...

Passengers travelling between emirates by bus can now stay connected on the go. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi across its entire intercity bus fleet. The update covers all 259 intercity buses that operate between Dubai and other emirates such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. The service is powered by e& and is available for use on smartphones, tablets, and laptops throughout each journey.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) This means passengers will now be able to browse...

Residents in Dubai will now be required to clear all outstanding traffic fines before renewing their residency visas, according to a recent announcement by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). During a press briefing, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, confirmed that visa renewals will not be processed if traffic fines are unpaid. He emphasized that the move is not meant to burden residents but to encourage respect for the law. “If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments,” Al Marri explained. The decision comes in response...

Qiddiya City is taking another big step toward becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment. In a newly announced global partnership with the Faldo Series, the city has revealed plans for an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. The course is expected to open in 2026 and is part of Qiddiya’s strategy to support sporting development in Saudi Arabia, particularly among youth. The partnership with the Faldo Series — a well-known international platform for young golf talent — reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in grassroots sports under Vision 2030. The upcoming course won’t...

Ming Dynasty, a new Chinese restaurant and entertainment venue, opened its doors at Dubai Mall on July 22. The spot is currently in its soft opening phase and brings together dining and interactive experiences in a family-friendly setting. Located in the Fountain Views Complex, Ming Dynasty offers more than just a restaurant. The space includes a karaoke room, a dedicated lounge, and LED screen displays animated with dragons.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ming Dynasty Dubai (@mingdynastydubai) At the heart of the venue is the international buffet, where guests can explore dishes from...