Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Riyadh continues its hotel boom with the latest addition to its hospitality scene – Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa. Located in the capital’s growing Sahafa District, the hotel is just 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, offering easy access for business and leisure travellers alike. It’s also within close reach of Riyadh Boulevard, King Salman Social Centre Park, and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – making it a practical base whether you’re in town for meetings or a weekend break. The hotel features 171 rooms and suites, with many offering skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms are...

Dubai’s sporting calendar is keeping the momentum going into the new year. One of the most anticipated events, L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, is returning to the city on January 25, 2026. The official amateur cycling event brings the world-famous Tour de France atmosphere to the UAE with a full day of road cycling across closed streets, combining scenic city views with stretches through Dubai’s desert outskirts.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by L’Etape Dubai (@letapedubai) L’Etape Dubai 2026 is expanding its format, offering four ride categories to suit different experience levels: RACE...

Bahrain has introduced a new water taxi system, offering a traffic-free way to travel across parts of the island by sea. This eco-friendly transportation option allows passengers to move between six stations across Manama and Muharraq with one-way or round-trip service. Operated by Masar Group, this service is available daily and offers a new way for both locals and tourists to commute while enjoying coastal views.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Water Taxi (@watertaxibh) Each water taxi carries up to 28 passengers (20 standard and 8 VIP seats) and is fully air-conditioned. Free...

Fans in the UAE will soon have the chance to experience Jin’s first-ever solo fan concert tour on the big screen. On August 10, 2025, the Amsterdam leg of the RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR will be broadcast live in five cinemas across the country. Jin, a member of BTS, is touring globally with performances across South Korea, Japan, North America, and Europe, and this stop in Amsterdam marks a key moment in his solo journey. The show will feature songs from both of his solo albums – “Echo” and “Happy” – giving fans a front-row view of his latest work, distinctive stage presence,...

Madinah International Book Fair 2025 is underway and welcoming readers, families, and culture lovers from across the Kingdom. Now in its fourth edition, the fair runs until August 4 at the King Salman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entry is free, and the fair is open daily from 2 PM to midnight. Visitors will find an extensive range of titles across literature, science, Islamic studies, and more. There’s also a diverse cultural programme including: Seminars Dialogue sessions Poetry evenings Creative workshops Prominent authors and cultural figures will join these events, offering a deeper look into various topics and ideas. At...

The magical world of Harry Potter welcomes all wizards and witches in the UAE. For the first time ever, Harry Potter: The Exhibition has come to Abu Dhabi, making its regional debut this summer. The immersive experience opened on July 31, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island and will run until Sunday, September 14. This is the first time the exhibition lands not only in the UAE but across the entire Middle East. Fans of the books, films, and Fantastic Beasts universe can expect a multi-sensory, highly interactive journey through one of the most beloved franchises in the world....

Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 is officially coming back on October 2-11, hosted at King Saud University. This annual event draws huge interest from across the country and abroad — and for good reason. In 2024, over a million visitors came through the doors, and this year’s edition promises a wide selection of books, authors, and cultural experiences once again. Visitors can expect a massive collection of books from publishers around the world. Whether you're into fiction or nonfiction, academic titles or art books, there’s something for every interest and reading level. Genres range from contemporary novels and memoirs to...

If you regularly drive to mosques in Dubai, there’s a new parking update you need to know. Starting August 2025, more than 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques in the city will be managed by Parkin Company, under a new agreement with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The new setup allows free parking for one hour during prayer time. Outside those hours, however, all these spaces will become paid parking zones, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The newly managed mosque parking areas will be assigned to either Zone M or Zone MP, each...

If you're into Arabic music, there's a good reason to mark your calendar for December 24, 2025. Omar Khairat is coming to Dubai Opera, and it's not something you’ll want to miss. Khairat is one of the most well-known composers in the region, with a career that’s been going strong for over 40 years. He’s behind the music for more than 120 film and TV productions, and his instrumental pieces mix classical, jazz, and Arabic influences in a way that’s instantly recognisable. Even if you don’t know him by name, chances are you’ve heard some of his work, like “Leilet...

Starting October 12, 2025, travelling to countries in Europe’s Schengen zone will come with new digital checks at the border. That’s when the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially goes live — replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data and automated systems. The new system will apply to all non-EU travellers entering any of the 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The EES is an automated platform that will register key information when travellers enter or exit the Schengen zone: Fingerprints (only on first entry) A facial scan Passport details Time and place of...