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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...

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has once again turned into a gaming hotspot with the return of Yas Gaming Festival, now running until August 10, 2025. The free-entry event is open daily at Town Square, offering an indoor escape packed with games, competitions, and live-action excitement for players of all levels. At the centre of this year’s festival is a neon-themed Nintendo Switch-inspired arena, where visitors can try out the latest and most loved games on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo. The space is designed to welcome up to 40 players at a time, making it easy to jump into a...

Saudi Arabia is back in the race for the tallest building in the world. Construction on the long-awaited Jeddah Tower (Burj Jeddah) has officially resumed, and once complete, it’s set to rise to at least 1,000 metres — well beyond the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the record at 828 metres. Officially known as the Jeddah Economic Company Tower, the structure has been in the works for over a decade. After years of delays, the project is once again moving forward. The city can already boast 172-meter flagpole — the tallest in the world, — and with Burj...

Dubai Sports World is back for its 15th edition, offering a packed indoor programme for residents looking to stay active this summer. The massive sports complex reopens on Sunday, August 3, and will remain open until Tuesday, September 2. It’s held inside the Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. This year’s setup includes more than 40 courts and pitches available for public use. Visitors can play: Five- and seven-a-side football Tennis Badminton Cricket Padel and more     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @dubaisportsworld For those who prefer solo workouts...

UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced petrol and diesel prices for August 2025. The new rates, which will come into effect on Friday, August 1, show minor adjustments for petrol and a notable rise in diesel prices. Here are the updated prices and how they compare to last month: Super 98 petrol: AED 2.69 per litre (decrease of about 0.37%) Super 95 petrol: AED 2.57 per litre (0.39% decrease) E-Plus 91 petrol: AED 2.50 per litre (0.40% less) Diesel, however, saw a noticeable jump, rising to AED 2.78 per litre, up from AED 2.63 in July. That’s an increase of...