Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Stargazing season in the UAE wraps up with one final celestial event this summer. On Saturday, July 26, Dubai Astronomy is hosting its last Milky Way observation night of the season at Al Quaa Desert in Abu Dhabi — known for its dark, clear skies and minimal light pollution. Whether you’re into constellations or curious about capturing the night sky through a lens, this event is geared toward beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The night includes a sky mapping session, a crash course in astrophotography, and a guided photo opportunity to capture the galaxy in full view.     View...

Starting June 18, 2025, travellers in the UAE applying for Schengen visas to France or Germany will need to complete an online Visa Application Form when scheduling their appointment on VFS Global’s portal. This change was announced by VFS Global to streamline the appointment system and reduce errors. The new form requirement is mandatory and must be filled out as part of the booking process — marking a shift from the previous method, where applicants could schedule a time slot first and submit the application form later. What’s Changing for UAE-Based Applicants: The online application form is now integrated into...

Slava’s Snowshow is back in Dubai this October, bringing its award-winning blend of whimsy and theatrical spectacle to the newly opened New Covent Garden Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. The internationally acclaimed production runs from October 14 to 26, offering a rare chance to catch this world-touring performance in the UAE. Since its debut, Slava’s Snowshow has been performed in cities across the UK, USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia — earning standing ovations at every stop.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Slava’s SnowShow Official (@slavasnowshowofficial) The show has collected more...

A new all-American concept is making its way to Dubai this August. Rodeo Drive is opening at the Oaks Hotel, Ibn Battuta Gate, bringing with it a mix of live-fire cooking, games, music, and family-friendly zones. Split into six areas, Rodeo Drive is part restaurant, part entertainment hub. Expect classic American character paired with a modern layout designed by Hiren Ganatra. From leather booths and timber decor in the Wild West Grill to a neon-lit arcade, cage-style bull-riding zone, and even a hidden speakeasy behind a bookshelf, the venue is built to deliver variety.     View this post on...

Blippi is making his way to Bahrain for two days of fun-filled learning and excitement. The well-known children’s entertainer will appear for a meet-and-greet experience on July 27 and 28 as part of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival, now in its second season. Held at one of the biggest kid-focused events in the Kingdom, the festival is designed to spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on activities and stage shows. This year’s highlight is the arrival of Blippi, known for his playful way of introducing young audiences to the world around them.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Power Slap, the world’s leading slap fighting league, is coming back to Abu Dhabi on Friday, October 24, as part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. After a packed-out debut last year, the event is set to take over Space42 Arena for its second appearance in the capital. Organisers have yet to announce the official fight card, but fans can register their interest now to be among the first to know when tickets are released. The return of Power Slap is expected to deliver a night of high-stakes matchups and intense action.     View this post on Instagram...

Riyadh Film Music Festival is back for its second edition, taking place from July 30 to August 8, 2025. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, this year’s festival will be held at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The event will bring together 80 internationally renowned film music composers for a unique cultural celebration. Audiences can expect an immersive blend of iconic films and live orchestral performances, with a professional orchestra from Armenia providing the soundtrack for the screenings. Here’s the list of featured film concerts during Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025: Top Gun:...

On August 2, 2027, a rare total solar eclipse will take place, visible across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. What sets this eclipse apart is its duration: lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest visible from land between 1991 and 2114. For reference, most solar eclipses last under three minutes. The path of totality — the area where complete darkness will be experienced — stretches across southern Spain, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, central Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia, before ending over the Indian Ocean near the Chagos...

Dubai Mall has rolled out changes to pick-up and drop-off locations for visitors, employees, and tour operators, as Emaar continues upgrades on its infrastructure, including the Grand Parking area. Tour Buses and Hop-On Hop-Off Service Tour bus pick-up and drop-off points along Grand Drive and Grand Parking are set to close soon. While no official date has been announced, operators are already adjusting routes.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Mall by Emaar (@thedubaimall) Tour buses will now stop near Dubai Mall Chinatown or at the front of Dubai Mall Zabeel. The RTA’s...

A new chapter is unfolding for Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. Construction has officially begun on the Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project, a development set to transform the island’s lifestyle and leisure offering. At the heart of Al Maryah Waterfront will be a 30-metre-tall luminous sphere, enveloped in cascading water and situated within the bay. Surrounding the sphere will be over 1,000 AI-powered water jets, each soaring up to 75 metres high and choreographed to music composed by Ramin Djawadi. Other enhancements include: A sea boardwalk extension, giving guests closer access to the water’s edge. A shaded outdoor cooling system, aimed...