Discover all the fun things to do

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, UAE residents have plenty of opportunities to plan some well-deserved time off. While exact public holiday dates are subject to moon sightings (especially for Islamic holidays), there’s already a good outline of when you can expect your next break. In total, UAE residents have at least 12 public holidays this year — and with some clever planning around weekends, you could stretch those into even longer escapes. Earlier this year, new public holiday law also came into effect: if a non-Eid public holiday falls on a weekend, the day off can now be...

Get ready for a transportation revolution in Saudi Arabia! The much-anticipated Riyadh Metro is set to begin operations with its first phase rolling out on November 27. This milestone marks the debut of what is hailed as the longest driverless metro system in the world. The initial launch will see three lines opening, as confirmed by Riyadh Metro on X (formerly Twitter). With a total of six lines, the entire metro network will span an impressive 176 kilometers and include 84 stations. The second phase, which will complete the remaining three routes, is expected to be operational by mid-December. At...

Dubai's exciting annual dog-friendly festival is back with a bark and a wag! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 9, as The Habtoor Polo Resort transforms into a haven for furry friends and their human companions. And here's the best part – entry is absolutely free! Taking place from 11 a.m. to 9 pm, the festival promises a day brimming with tail-wagging excitement and pawsitively delightful activities for your four-legged pals. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the dog show at 3 p.m., showcasing the best and most entertaining canine talents. Picture your pooch strutting their stuff on the...

Get ready to party because Elrow Dubai XXL, the mega techno and house music festival, is making a grand return to Dubai on April 13th, 2024 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre!  Last year was a blast, with a sold-out 18,000 people show making it the biggest dance music festival in 2023 in Dubai. This time it's going to be even bigger with space for 12,000 music lovers in only one day. The real show-stealer? Elrow is bringing the Middle East's largest stage ever – a mind-blowing +60 meters of pure madness! This Kaledioscope-inspired stage will be hosting some of the...

Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are always a highlight, and Al Maryah Island is adding an exciting twist this year. Moving away from traditional fireworks, the island will feature a cutting-edge laser and light spectacle, making it an unforgettable way to welcome 2025. The night begins with Al Maryah’s popular Winter Wonderland, running from 7 PM to 1 AM, offering family-friendly fun, live performances, and cultural showcases. The main events kick off at 11:50 PM with a mesmerizing drone show featuring 500 synchronized drones lighting up the sky with stunning patterns and animations. As the clock strikes midnight, two...

Dubai Mall is set to be the home of the exciting new attraction, House of Hype. The immersive entertainment park is set to open soon and is already generating a lot of buzz. Created by the same team behind the popular AYA Universe in Wafi Mall, the House of Hype promises to be bigger and better, spanning approximately 100,000 square feet and featuring 29 rooms. This brand-new attraction offers a futuristic, interactive experience. It boasts a variety of zones that cater to different interests and tastes. One of the most anticipated zones is the Virtual Reality (VR) zone, which will...

Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a cultural extravaganza as the Al Hosn Festival returns from January 19 to 28. Nestled within the heart of the bustling city center, this 10-day celebration unfolds at the historic Qasr Al Hosn, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage. Qasr Al Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi's oldest heritage sites, serves as the picturesque backdrop for this annual event. From the moment you step through its gates, you're transported to the year 1795, witnessing the birthplace of Abu Dhabi's cultural scene...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially rolled out the first phase of its new 10-year residency program – the Blue Visa. This visa is designed for individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. Who Can Get the UAE Blue Visa? The Blue Visa is awarded to people actively working to protect the environment, both in the UAE and internationally. This includes: Members of international environmental organizations Employees of companies focused on sustainability Winners of global environmental awards Activists and researchers with notable achievements In this first phase, 20 sustainability leaders will receive the Blue Visa. The UAE’s...

The 2025 Dhofar Khareef season in Salalah has officially begun with the launch of Ateen Square, a new cultural and entertainment hub serving as the centrepiece of this year’s festivities. Running until August 31, the venue welcomes both local and international guests with heritage events, modern entertainment, and family-friendly experiences. Ateen Square features a central stage inspired by Dhofar’s mountain ranges. It’s fitted with laser projections, digital screens, and artificial waterfalls to support performances each evening. The square also welcomed the world’s largest inflatable amusement park, offering slides, obstacle courses, and bounce zones under staff supervision.     View this...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced changes to paid parking hours during Ramadan. Starting Saturday, March 1, parking fees will follow a split schedule from Monday to Saturday. Morning to afternoon: paid parking will be enforced from 8 AM to 6 PM. Evening: after a two-hour free break, charges will apply again from 8 PM to midnight. Multi-storey parking will remain on a 24-hour paid system, unaffected by the new timings. Public transport work hours have also been adjusted. Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Line schedules will stay the same during Ramadan. However, Customer Happiness Centres will slightly...