Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Planning your holidays for 2025? The UAE has several public holidays lined up, and two of the most awaited are Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Since Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting, exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time. However, based on predictions and the official UAE holiday calendar, here’s what we can expect for next year’s Eid celebrations. Eid Al Fitr 2025 (March 29-30) Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious feasts. The official break began on March 29, covering the 30th of Ramadan...

Bahrain’s Sitra Mall is set to host a special cultural treat this May. The popular Japanese tea house Chawan is launching a themed pop-up experience as part of Polytechnic Bahrain’s Marketing Day, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most colourful events of the month. Running for two days only — May 14 and 15, from 6 PM to 10 PM — the “Chawan in Japan” pop-up is designed to celebrate the essence of Japanese traditions while giving visitors a chance to try a range of seasonal drinks, sweets, and activities. Entry is completely free, making it an...

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new rule aimed at protecting three of the emirate’s most iconic native trees: Al Ghaf, Al Samar, and Al Sidr. Under the latest directive from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), any individual found damaging these trees will face a fine of AED 10,000. The new rule reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. Each of these trees will now be officially coded and numbered, making them trackable and legally protected. The regulation is designed to prevent any unauthorized trimming, removal, or harm — whether through landscaping, development, or accidental damage. These...

Yas Island has just added a fresh new destination to its ever-growing lifestyle lineup with the launch of Noya Plaza. Located in the heart of the Noya residential neighbourhood and developed by Aldar, the newly opened shopping hub is designed to serve both locals and visitors with a convenient mix of retail, dining, and daily essentials. The atmosphere blends a laid-back community feel with sleek design, offering a compact yet thoughtfully curated experience. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee, picking up groceries, or running weekend errands, Noya Plaza brings it all together under one roof.     View...

A new entertainment destination is getting ready to shake things up at Rixos Premium Dubai on Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Scheduled to open in September 2025, Kapitol is the latest project from Sunset Hospitality Group, marking the brand’s first step into large-scale entertainment. Spread across three floors and over 30,000 square feet, Kapitol combines immersive games, vintage aesthetics, food, music, and plenty of fun under one roof. The design draws inspiration from Art Deco and classic movie theatres, giving it a retro yet elegant vibe from the moment guests step through its grand entrance. Here’s what curious minds can find...

Travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about to get a lot easier. Thanks to new high-tech security scanners now installed in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, passengers can keep laptops, tablets, and liquids inside their bags during security screening. The update comes from a partnership between Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and global security tech firm Smiths Detection. The newly deployed HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners use advanced 3D imaging to give security teams a detailed view of carry-on items — without needing you to unpack them. Already used at leading airports in Europe and the US, these systems aim to...

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a brand-new driver training and licensing facility in Hatta, making it easier than ever for residents to access essential services without leaving their community. The new centre was developed in collaboration with Emirates Driving Institute and is part of the RTA’s broader goal to expand access to public services through private sector partnerships. Until now, many Hatta residents had to travel into Dubai or nearby emirates for driver licensing procedures — but this new branch changes that.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات،...

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...

A new culinary experience is coming to Riyadh, and it’s not your typical fine dining restaurant. Julien by Daniel Boulud, set to open inside the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, will offer a highly exclusive chef’s table experience — limited to just 10 seats. This intimate concept is the latest creation from Chef Daniel Boulud, celebrated globally for his refined approach to French cuisine. Julien will take the idea of a tasting menu to new heights with a multi-sensory, live-cooking format that blends hospitality and performance. Guests will be seated around a marble-topped chef’s counter in a hidden...

A major new name in global shopping is about to land in Saudi Arabia. Westfield, the internationally recognised retail brand behind some of the world’s most visited malls, will soon be making its mark in the Kingdom — starting with Westfield Riyadh. This development follows a 10-year exclusive franchise partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Cenomi Centers and Westfield. Under the agreement, Cenomi Centers will rebrand up to eight of its existing malls across the country, bringing the Westfield experience to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Among the first to carry the Westfield name are the upcoming projects: Jawharat Riyadh Jawharat Jeddah Nakheel...