What to do in Dubai

Dubai is on its way to becoming a fully cashless city by 2026, marking a shift in how residents, businesses, and tourists pay for everyday services. The move is part of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched in October 2024 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with a goal to shift 90% of all transactions into digital formats. The expected outcome is a potential AED 8 billion boost to the local economy each year, thanks to broader FinTech adoption and smoother digital integration across sectors. By 2033, the city is aiming to rank among the top five most...

Dubai is set to elevate its coastline with the development of Al Mamzar Corniche Beach, a public space designed to blend recreation, relaxation, and modern amenities. Spread over 125,000 square metres with a width of up to 80 metres, the project promises an engaging experience for residents and visitors. The upcoming beach will feature dedicated zones catering to diverse interests. A public beach exclusively for women, complete with night swimming facilities, stands out as a major attraction. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a network of running, walking, and cycling paths, seamlessly connecting Al Mamzar Creek Beach and Al Mamzar Park. The...

Get ready for the return of Sole DXB, the UAE's premier festival celebrating contemporary culture, back for its 12th edition from December 13th to 15th, 2024, at Dubai Design District (d3). Known for its eclectic mix of music, art, fashion, and street culture, Sole DXB has become a must-attend event for fans of all things urban.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SOLE (@soledxb) What’s new at Sole DXB 2024 This year's edition promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Over three full days, festival-goers can expect live performances on the main...

Beautyworld Middle East 2025 is the event beauty lovers and professionals have been waiting for! On October 27-29, the Dubai World Trade Centre will be buzzing with excitement as the region's leading beauty, fragrance, and wellness exhibition comes back. Whether you're a professional, an exhibitor, or simply a beauty enthusiast, this event is where the future of the industry will take shape. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beautyworld Middle East (@beautyworldme) Beautyworld offers a chance to get a first-hand look at the latest trends and innovations. From skincare and fragrance to tech and wellness, the exhibition...

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is returning to the city with 38 days of amazing deals, entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun. Taking place from December 6, 2025, to January 12, 2026, the 31st edition of DSF promises to be bigger and better than ever before. First launched in 1996, DSF is now the longest-running retail festival in the world, and each year it continues to grow. While the incredible shopping deals are always the main attraction, there’s much more to look forward to. This year, expect to see performances by some of the biggest global stars in music, as well as...

Expo City Dubai is embracing change with an updated masterplan that allows cars while maintaining its vision for a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly urban hub. Originally designed as a car-free city when it launched in 2022, Expo City is undergoing a major transformation. The revamped 3.5-square-kilometer site aims to become home to over 35,000 residents and a thriving professional hub for 40,000 workers. Under the new masterplan, some vehicles — specifically private cars, delivery services, and emergency vehicles — will have limited access to designated areas. Officials have assured the public that this change will not disrupt the city’s walkable design or...

Get ready, Dubai! Nick Carter, the iconic member of the Backstreet Boys, is set to light up the stage at Bla Bla on February 8th. This is your chance to see one of the most legendary pop stars of our time perform live in an intimate but exciting setting! Nick Carter has been a household name since the Backstreet Boys skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s, capturing hearts with hits like "I Want It That Way," "Everybody," and "As Long As You Love Me." As a solo artist, he’s continued to wow fans with his incredible talent, releasing chart-topping albums...

If you're looking for a front-row seat to witness the dazzling Burj Khalifa NYE fireworks display, look no further than the Sky Views Observatory. Situated on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Address Sky View Hotel, this epic observatory offers unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa, making it the perfect place to welcome the New Year. The Sky Views Observatory provides crystal-clear, spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa, allowing you to experience the best New Year’s Eve celebration in the world in all its glory when the fireworks light up the night sky. This extraordinary New Year's Eve celebration...

Kuwait has introduced a new electronic visa (e-visa) platform aimed at making travel and entry procedures simpler, faster, and more accessible. Launched in July 2025, the website kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw is part of the country’s plan to modernise its digital services and support its goals in tourism, trade, and regional cooperation. The system now offers four types of visas, each designed to meet different travel needs: 1. Tourist E-Visa (up to 30 days of stay) This visa is for individuals wanting to explore Kuwait’s cultural and recreational attractions. It allows visitors to stay maximum 30 days in the country, giving them enough...

Starting January 1, 2025, Dubai will implement a major ban on single-use plastics that will reshape the way takeaways are packaged across the emirate. This move is part of Dubai’s broader effort to encourage sustainability and reduce environmental waste, building on an earlier ban on plastic bags under 57 micrometres. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing and how it might impact your daily routine. What’s Included in the January 2025 Plastic Ban in Dubai? The 2025 phase of Dubai’s plastic ban will prohibit a wide range of single-use plastic items, including: Plastic straws Plastic stirrers Plastic cups...