What to do in Dubai - Latest News

If you are a UAE citizen working in the private sector, or an employer hiring Emirati talent, a major update to labour rules is worth your attention as it directly affects salaries, contracts, and compliance from the start of 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed a new minimum wage for UAE citizens in private sector employment, setting the baseline salary at AED 6,000 per month. This applies not only to new hires, but also to existing employment arrangements where salaries fall below the updated threshold. The rule will come into effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026....

New year brings some changes to two popular communities in Dubai. If you live at Discovery Gardens or International City, you should know that paid parking zones will be introduced in both starting in early 2026. Here's everything you need to know about the new system, timings, and parking fees in both areas. New Parking Zone at Discovery Gardens (Code P106) Residents already notice parking signs popping up around the community. However, no fees before Thursday, January 15, 2026. Here are the hourly parking rates at Discovery Gardens: Standard hours (8 AM – 5 PM): AED 4 Peak hours (5...

Dubai’s cult-favourite chocolate FIX expanded its pop-up at Dubai International Airport. If you thought there was no more chance to get your hands on their famous bars this year, here's some good news: they will be available at DXB Terminal 1 and 3 until the very last day of 2025. After first setting social media and Duty Free shelves ablaze, FIX Chocolate has launched an exclusive pop-up inside Concourse B East (Terminal 3) and it will stay there until December 31. In addition, just for this holiday season, the brand also added a temporary store at Terminal 1. Now, travellers...

If you’re planning to spend the end of the year with your family in Dubai, there's no better option than to head to the beach. These spots are perfect for spending the day by the sea, whether you're building sandcastles, taking a dip, or just relaxing. During this New Year holidays, four beaches in the city will be open exclusively for families. On December 31 and January 1, the following beaches will be just for families: Jumeirah Beach 2 Jumeirah Beach 3 Umm Suqeim Beach 1 Umm Suqeim Beach To get the most out of your beach day, try to...

Dubai-based healthy food brand SOIL has opened a temporary café pop-up at Kite Beach, bringing its clean and functional food concept to one of the city’s most popular seaside destinations. Designed as a convenient stop to grab a healthy snack or drink, the pop-up is ideal for a beach stroll, a morning run, or a post-workout refuel, offering a relaxed way to enjoy SOIL’s signature approach to nutrition by the sea. The pop-up menu features a curated selection of SOIL favourites, focusing on protein-forward options. Visitors can try Coconut Oats Protein Cup, a creamy mix of oats, coconut flakes, and plant-based protein, perfect...

Legends 90 League (L90) is making a comeback to Dubai with its highly anticipated Season 4. Following the success of the past three seasons, this cricket tournament has become one of the most exciting events on the calendar for cricket fans around the world. Scheduled for March 2026, the tournament will bring together some of the biggest names in international cricket. Over the previous seasons, we’ve seen cricket icons like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Chris Gayle light up the field. They brought their A-game, thrilling audiences with fast-paced matches and incredible performances. And now, the fourth season...

The New Year holidays are the perfect time to spend the whole day outdoors with your family. With extended hours on both December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy everything Dubai’s parks and recreational areas have to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the timings for some of Dubai's most popular parks and attractions: Al Safa Park and Zabeel Park: 8 AM to 1 AM. Dubai Frame will be open from 8 AM to 9 PM Creek Park, Mushrif National Park, and Quranic Park: 8 AM to 12 AM. Cave of Miracles...

If you're looking for a challenge this January, Hatta Mountain Sprint Triathlons and Duathlon are calling your name. This event is for the strongest and the fittest and will undoubtedly push your limits in an off-road setting. A triathlon typically includes three segments: swimming, cycling, and running, and you’ve got to do all that in the rugged terrain of the Hajar Mountains. Each of the races will surely test your endurance, strength, and resilience. Feeling fit enough to join? You’ve got three options to choose from: Super Sprint Triathlon: 200 m swim, 5 km mountain bike ride, and 2.5 km...

New Year’s Eve in Dubai is the biggest celebration, bringing so much joy to the city, but it also means a lot of people and busy streets. With so many people heading to popular spots for the fireworks and celebrations, the city has made arrangements to manage the traffic and crowds. From road closures to extended metro services, here’s what you need to know to navigate the city with ease and enjoy the night. NYE 2026 in Dubai: Road Closures on December 31 Major roads near Burj Khalifa will start closing at different times. Here’s what to expect so you...

The top figures of global football are coming to Dubai in 2026, as the city prepares to host the FIFA Best Awards. FIFA confirmed it will bring its annual ceremony to the city, celebrating the top players and coaches in the world. Many fans see it as football’s version of the Academy Awards, where the biggest names share the spotlight. Past editions of FIFA Best Awards have honoured some of the most watched players. Lionel Messi was named the Best Men’s Player in both 2022 and 2023, following standout seasons when he won the World Cup with Argentina and demonstrated...