Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

If you’re a UAE resident looking to visit China, there’s a new visa procedure you need to follow. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai has updated its requirements, and applicants must now complete a two-step process that combines online and in-person actions. Here's what to expect. Step 1: Apply Online First You can no longer walk into the visa centre without completing an online step. All applicants must now fill out their visa application at https://www.visaforchina.cn. You’ll need to: Complete the visa application form online Upload all required documents (e.g. passport copy, recent photo, no-objection certificate, hotel bookings,...

John Dory Seafood Market is preparing to open its doors in Dubai on 25 July at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall. Touted as the region’s first head-to-tail seafood restaurant, it focuses on using every part of the fish in a way that prioritises freshness and sustainability. The concept brings together direct sourcing, in-house processing, and open-fire cooking, with the aim of delivering a seafood experience that balances quality with value. Ingredients are selected from trusted sources: tuna from the Seychelles, sea bass and sea bream from Greece, and French oysters chosen via blind tastings.     View...

Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract global hospitality brands, with a new addition now confirmed for Al Marjan Island. The NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel and Apartments is scheduled to open in 2028 and will be designed by Dubai-based B8 Architecture. The project marks another step forward in the emirate’s growth as a premium travel and investment destination. Operated by Minor Hotels — a group that already manages 17 hotels across the UAE — this will be the brand’s latest entry into the Middle East market. The hotel will be located in a prime area, just...

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...

More action is heading to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder, set for July 26 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. With just 10 days to go, organisers have confirmed four new matchups — and there’s still time to grab tickets if you haven’t booked yet. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced bouts for July 26: Mohammed Yahya vs Steven Nguyen Local fans will be watching closely the UAE warrior Mohammed Yahya makes his return to the Octagon. The Emirati lightweight is set to face Steven Nguyen, a Dallas-based fighter also in search of his first...

If you're thinking of extending your stay in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia, there’s a major update you need to know about. A new hybrid visa extension system is now in effect, requiring both online registration and an in-person visit to the immigration office. As of last month, Indonesia reversed its 2024 update that allowed many visa extensions to be done entirely online. This new requirement applies across Indonesia, including popular destinations like Bali. The change comes in response to a 36.7% rise in immigration violations from 2024 to 2025. If you're travelling with the UAE passport or residency, the...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a set of temporary traffic diversions in Mirdif, linked to the start of construction on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. RTA encourages all road users to plan their trips in the area in advance and allow extra travel time while the diversions remain in place. The changes are part of early works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major infrastructure project that will serve approximately one million residents by 2040.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) Key traffic changes in...

A new exhibition has opened at Alserkal Avenue that puts Syrian voices front and centre. “Summer Collective: Wavering Hope” runs at Ayyam Gallery until September 5, 2025, marking the gallery’s 20th anniversary. The group show brings together Syrian artists who have lived through over two decades of conflict, displacement, and political unrest. Some remained in cities and towns across Syria. Others went into exile. But all the works in this exhibition speak to a common need — to document what they experienced and what it meant to live through it.     View this post on Instagram   A post...

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has just launched the first-ever AFC Fashion Fund, aimed at supporting Arab talent in the global fashion industry. The biennial program is designed to help one ready-to-wear (RTW) designer scale their brand internationally, with a total value of USD 500,000 over a two-year period. To be eligible, applicants must be RTW designers holding citizenship from any Arab League country. The chosen designer will also benefit from guidance by an advisory board made up of editors, investors, and fashion industry leaders. The winner will be announced later in 2025.     View this post on Instagram...

If you're flying out of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), there’s a new addition to the ground crew. Instead of a human behind the wheel, you might spot a driverless electric vehicle towing luggage to the plane. Travel services provider dnata has just rolled out a fleet of autonomous baggage tractors at the airport as part of a major upgrade to its ground handling services. The fleet includes six EZTow model tractors developed by TractEasy. Each vehicle is fully electric and can tow up to four baggage containers (also known as ULDs) along pre-programmed routes. Operating at speeds of up...