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Following the successful completion of the 2025 Hajj season, UAE authorities have announced that registration for the 2026 pilgrimage (1447 AH) will open in September 2025. This early notice gives prospective pilgrims ample time to prepare. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) has confirmed that priority will be given to UAE citizens who have not previously performed Hajj. This policy ensures that more individuals have the opportunity to participate in this important religious journey. How to Register for the 2026 Hajj Season All registrations will be handled through Awqaf’s official digital platforms, designed to simplify and...

Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi is set to open on November 22, 2025, in the Saadiyat Cultural District. This new museum will take visitors on a fascinating journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history, offering an incredible exploration of life on Earth, from the Big Bang to the rise of humans. Here’s a glimpse at some of the amazing exhibits you can expect: Stan, a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, one of the most well-preserved specimens ever found A 25-meter female blue whale, giving you the chance to marvel at one of the largest creatures to have ever...

A major road closure has been announced in Sharjah. The temporary inconvenience for drivers is tied to the Etihad Rail development, which aims to build a nationwide railway network that will eventually link all seven emirates and extend to neighbouring GCC countries. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that streets connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge, will be closed for two months, from Tuesday, July 1 until Saturday, August 30. Check the official map below.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @rta_shj While traffic diversions are expected to impact...

Get ready for an exciting new season of the Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26, where world-class racing meets luxury hospitality at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. With 40 Pattern races and over AED 53 million in prize money, this season promises to be bigger and better than ever. Starting on November 7, 2025, the season will feature 17 thrilling race meetings, culminating in the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026 — marking the 30th anniversary of the prestigious event.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Racing Club (@racingdubai) Here’s the full schedule...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out major updates to the public bus network. The changes include rerouting of some lines, new stops in expanding communities, and revised end points for better accessibility. The update supports RTA’s long-term plans to make public transport the preferred option across the city and reduce road congestion. Below, you can find all the changes to Dubai bus routes: Rerouted Bus Services Route 24: Adjusted path within Al Nahda 1 Route 44: Now runs through Dubai Festival City instead of Rebat Street Route F12: Rerouted between Satwa Roundabout and Wasal Park via Kuwait...

In line with national measures to enhance public safety and better manage traffic, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new regulations that redefine where food trucks can operate. The decision prohibits food trucks from setting up in residential neighbourhoods to ensure a more organised and secure urban environment. Under the new rules, mobile food vendors are also not permitted to park near traffic lights, road intersections, or the entrances and exits of main and secondary roads. They must also avoid high-traffic areas and maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from fuel stations. The ministry has also...

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...

Carrefour has officially closed its doors in Bahrain and Kuwait, bringing an end to decades of service in these countries. The French retail giant thanked customers for their loyalty and support over the years, celebrating the many memories made along the way. This isn’t the first time Carrefour has exited a Gulf market – earlier this year, it also stopped operations in Oman. However, in Oman, the closure paved the way for something new: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Group, which owned and managed Carrefour there, launched a new grocery brand called HyperMax. Carrefour continues to be a firm favourite in...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for pilgrims from the Gulf region to perform Umrah by expanding access and streamlining the process. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, entering the Kingdom through land, air, or sea ports. All pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application. The same applies to those who wish to pray in Rawdah Al Sharifah, the revered chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage...

Dubai is set to host the world’s most iconic chocolate event once again. Salon du Chocolat et de la Patisserie returns for its fourth Dubai edition from September 30 to October 2, welcoming chocolate lovers to Madinat Jumeirah for three days of tastings, demos, and industry showcases. The event is part of Dubai’s growing cultural and culinary calendar, and this year it’s expected to attract over 7,000 visitors.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie ME (@salonduchocolatme) Founded in Paris nearly 30 years ago, Salon du Chocolat has...