Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

In a significant policy reversal, the Central Bank of the UAE has directed all banks in the country to halt the planned increase to the minimum balance requirement for personal account holders. The decision, issued via a circular on Tuesday, comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the policy on individual consumers. Previously, several banks had announced intentions to raise the minimum monthly balance from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, starting June 1, 2025. Customers failing to meet the new threshold would have faced monthly fees of up to AED 105, although the standard fee reported by most banks...

Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in smart mobility continues with the announcement of a new robotaxi trial. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Pony.ai to bring autonomous taxis to the emirate. Supervised trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with fully driverless services anticipated to launch as early as next year. This partnership adds to the growing list of autonomous vehicle initiatives underway in Dubai. It follows previous agreements with Uber and Chinese firm Baidu, both of which are also expected to test driverless taxi services...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled the first phase of its enhanced marine transport stations in Dubai Marina, offering a more comfortable and connected experience for commuters. The upgrade introduces air-conditioned waiting areas, smarter service features, and improved accessibility, all while preserving the city’s maritime character. Five marine stations now feature modern facilities designed to make commuting by water more seamless and enjoyable: Marina Promenade Marina Terrace Marina Walk Marina Mall Marina Mall 1 The new waiting areas come equipped with free Wi-Fi, real-time schedule display screens, and audio announcement systems, ensuring passengers stay informed while staying cool....

CineMAS 2025 has returned to Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, and it's more than just a celebration of indie film. Running until Sunday, June 1, this year’s edition unfolds across seven themed days, each packed with powerful screenings and curated line-ups designed to challenge, reflect, and resonate. Organised around themes of identity, heritage, climate, labour, duplicity and statelessness, CineMAS 2025 invites audiences to dive into a deeper cinematic experience. The programming has been put together by regional institutions like Arab Film Studio, NYUAD, The Climate Tribe, and others, ensuring a strong local perspective.     View this post on...

Dubai’s burger game is levelling up with the arrival of Junk Smash Burgers, the viral French-born brand known for its indulgent, high-impact smash burgers. After gaining a cult following in Paris and London, the concept is getting ready to open its first location in the UAE — right at 25 Jump Street, the city’s newly launched licensed street next to 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Brought in by Icon Hospitality, the same team behind EL&N, the Dubai outpost promises a straightforward approach to burgers — zero fluff, just quality.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

A new experience has surfaced at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and it’s one you won’t need flippers for. The marine-life theme park is introducing SeaSub, the world’s first submersible experience inside an aquarium — and just in time for summer. Set within the park’s Endless Ocean, the region’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium, SeaSub takes guests on a 45-minute underwater ride where they’ll come face-to-face with rays, sharks, and a variety of fish species, all from the comfort of a fully enclosed mini submersible.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SeaWorld® Yas Island,...

If you’ve seen a wide-eyed, sharp-toothed creature chilling in handbags, showing up in Reels, or mysteriously popping out of shopping hauls across Dubai and Abu Dhabi... no, you’re not imagining things. That’s Labubu, and it’s currently the hottest collector trend sweeping the world. Once a niche designer toy known mostly to hardcore collectors, Labubu has officially gone viral. From high-end mall shelves to TikTok feeds and even café tables, this tiny monster is everywhere, and people are completely obsessed. Even if you’re not into hype culture or trendy toys, it’s still fun to know what’s turning heads in the city—because...

Qatar’s dining scene is heating up with a stylish new addition: Bar Du Port is making its Doha debut at Al Maha Island, the city’s exclusive waterfront destination. Known for its effortlessly elegant vibe, coastal flair, and sophisticated Mediterranean menu, the restaurant and lounge is already a hit in Beirut, Cairo, and Dubai — and now it’s bringing that same charm to the Qatari capital. The Doha outpost is set up to match the city’s climate and pace, with three distinct spaces designed to suit every kind of visit.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Dubai’s parking network continues to grow, and now, Mirdif is getting two new paid parking zones starting Monday, May 26. Parkin, the city’s official parking operator, announced the launch of Zone 251C (on-street) and Zone 251D (off-street), expanding regulated parking in one of the city’s busiest residential districts. Parking in these new zones will be free on Sundays and public holidays, but standard tariffs will apply on other days, with variable rates for peak and non-peak hours. Here are the rates for the two new parking zones in Mirdif: Zone 251C – On-Street Parking 1 hour: AED 4 (peak), AED...

Riyadh’s café scene gets a fashionable twist this month, thanks to a limited-time collaboration between SoMatcha and Jimmy Choo. This design-meets-drinks experience is running until 31 May at SoMatcha’s flagship location in An Nada — and it’s turning heads with every cup served. Founded in 2021 by Yara AlNamlah, SoMatcha has quickly carved out its niche as a destination for matcha enthusiasts. Built around the idea of celebrating matcha’s health benefits and versatility, the café blends a minimalist aesthetic with a menu focused entirely on the green tea superfood.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...