Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Oman has officially declared Sunday, June 29, 2025, as a public holiday for both public and private sector employees in observance of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary and the beginning of the Hijri year 1447 AH. This decision means a three-day weekend for residents across the Sultanate, aligning their time off with neighbouring countries like the UAE, where the Islamic New Year will be marked slightly earlier  on Friday, June 27. The timing of the holiday is especially notable because Oman’s official work week runs from Sunday to Thursday. With the Islamic New Year falling on a Sunday, employees will...

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is set for a major shift starting July 1, 2025, when new food labelling regulations officially come into effect. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced that all restaurants, cafés, food establishments, and delivery platforms must begin displaying full nutritional information on their menus — both physical and digital. The updated rules are part of a nationwide push to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and increase public awareness of sodium and caffeine consumption. Under the new guidelines, menus must now include: Saltshaker icons to indicate high-sodium dishes Caffeine content disclosures for beverages An estimate of...

One of the world’s most iconic Chinese restaurants has officially landed in Dubai. MR CHOW opened its doors today in the Gate District at DIFC, marking the brand’s first UAE location and a major new addition to the city’s fine dining scene. Originally launched in Knightsbridge, London in 1968, MR CHOW was founded by Michael Chow as a tribute to traditional Beijing cuisine, brought to life through modern presentation and theatrical service. The brand has since grown a global following and a celebrity clientele that includes Bella Hadid, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Martha Stewart.     View this post on...

The Banc, the celebrated North London dining spot with a cult following and celebrity fanbase, has officially opened its doors in Dubai. Nestled inside the Renaissance Hotel in Business Bay, this two-level venue is already drawing attention for its bold atmosphere, diverse menu, and unique London-meets-Dubai concept. The interiors echo The Banc’s London roots, where the original branch was housed in a former Barclays Bank. That touch of nostalgia makes its way to Dubai too – most notably through the replica vault door behind the bar.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Banc...

Abu Dhabi is once again welcoming film lovers from all walks of life with the return of the European Film Festival, running from 23 to 29 June at the Cultural Foundation. Now in its second edition, the event is organised by the European Union Delegation to the UAE in collaboration with the Cultural Foundation, bringing a fresh celebration of cinema to the capital. This year's festival focuses on themes of identity, resilience, and social change, exploring how stories from different corners of Europe reflect shared human experiences.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by EU...

This August, Terhal is making its return to Diriyah. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the second edition of this immersive theatrical production will run from August 4 to 25, 2025 at Mayadeen, Diriyah, one of Riyadh’s most historic venues. The production blends theatrical storytelling with visuals, using lighting and special effects to bring Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and history to life. From mountains and deserts to bustling cities and quiet villages, Terhal paints a vivid portrait of the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by وزارة الثقافة MOC (@mocsaudi)...

Saudi Arabia is now laying the groundwork for Riyadh Expo 2030, set to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. The Expo site, located in the north of the capital between KAPSARC and King Khalid International Airport, will span over six million square metres and is expected to welcome 40 million visitors in person and more than 1 billion virtually. Following its winning bid in November 2023 — where Riyadh secured 119 out of 173 votes, defeating Rome and Busan — the country is investing SAR 29.3 billion into the project. The goal is to present a forward-looking,...

Nando’s just made a bold new move on the Dubai dining scene. The South African flame-grilled chicken brand has opened its largest UAE restaurant — and it’s located right on the buzzing strip of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). This new two-storey flagship marks a major milestone for the peri-peri powerhouse. With a spacious layout offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the JBR branch is designed to keep up with the energy of Dubai’s beachside crowd, from day to night.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nando's UAE (@nandosuae) Inside, the space mirrors Nando’s signature...

A new luxury landmark is on the horizon for the UAE capital. A Bvlgari Resort & Mansions is officially coming to Abu Dhabi, bringing Italian sophistication and Arabian elegance together on a private, horseshoe-shaped island. The resort is expected to welcome guests in 2030. This upcoming megaproject will include 60 rooms and suites, such as two Bvlgari Suites and one Bvlgari Penthouse, as well as 30 villas — each with its own private pool and stunning sea or skyline views. The development will also feature 90 unique mansions in various sizes, designed to reflect a fusion of architectural styles. The...

Marugame Udon, the world’s largest udon noodle chain, is about to make its debut in the UAE. Known for its freshly made Sanuki-style udon, the Japanese brand has over 1,100 outlets worldwide — and now it’s setting its sights on the Gulf. The first UAE branch is opening soon in Dubai, with a clear ambition to expand. The company has announced plans to open 10 locations across the UAE in the next five years, offering residents and visitors access to fast-casual Japanese dining with a focus on authenticity and quality.     View this post on Instagram   A post...