Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Starting July 2025, taxi fares in Ajman will see a slight increase in response to higher UAE petrol prices. The tariff per kilometre will go up to AED 1.76, up from AED 1.74, according to the local transport operator. The change follows the monthly fuel price adjustment announced by the UAE fuel price committee on June 30. July’s prices reflect a recent spike in global oil rates through most of June, which pushed costs higher across the country. However, there’s some cautious optimism on the horizon. Oil prices dropped significantly last week — by around 13% — as regional tensions...

A major new community development is on the horizon in Dubai South. Dubai South Properties has officially announced Hayat by Dubai South, a wellness-inspired residential project spanning 10 million square feet near the existing terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport. Positioned close to what is set to become the world’s highest-capacity airport, Hayat by Dubai South is designed with future growth in mind. The masterplan includes around 2,500 residential units, offering a broad mix of townhouses, semi-attached and standalone villas, mansions, apartments, and hotel apartments. The community will be centred around wellbeing, with facilities such as lush green parks, shaded...

One of Dubai’s most talked-about dining concepts is on its way to the capital. Kokoro, the UAE’s first dedicated hand roll bar, is set to open a new branch on Saadiyat Island in March 2026. The exact location has yet to be revealed, but the expansion marks a significant step for the homegrown brand that has redefined casual Japanese dining in the UAE. Kokoro first launched in March 2024 and quickly gained a loyal following in Dubai, with popular outlets in Alserkal Avenue and Nad Al Sheba. Known for its counter-seating format, no-reservations policy, and hand rolls, Kokoro has now served...

A new residential and hospitality project is coming to Ras Al Khaimah, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most distinctive communities in the emirate. Mira Coral Bay, developed by Mira Developments, will be the first waterfront community to bring together multiple global lifestyle brands in one place. Set along the coast of Al Mairid, the project covers 220,000 square metres and includes 14 branded residential buildings, a collection of five-star hotels, and a wide variety of dining options. The design has been developed by Marco Casamonti & Partners / Archea Associati, with the goal of creating a...

Fans of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and smooth R&B are in for a special night this summer. On August 16, the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium will host a live concert featuring South Border and Kris Lawrence, two of the Philippines’ most recognised musical names. South Border, known for timeless tracks like Kahit Kailan, Rainbow, and Love of My Life, has been a major force in the OPM scene for nearly three decades. Their signature blend of ballads and R&B has earned them platinum albums and a loyal global following. Joining them on stage is Kris Lawrence, the Philippines’ “Prince of R&B”,...

Dubai’s fine dining scene has a new arrival. Vera Versilia, a seafood-focused Italian restaurant inspired by the Tuscan coast, has officially opened on the second floor of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. The restaurant draws heavily from Versilia, the famed seaside region of Tuscany that blends natural beauty, artistic heritage, and refined living. The space channels this spirit through light, sculptural interiors in sand-toned hues, polished Carrara marble accents, and original artworks from Pietrasanta.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Marco Garfagnini (@marcogarfagnini) At the helm is Executive Chef Marco Garfagnini, a Versilia...

Fuel prices in the UAE are going up this July. After staying unchanged in June, the new rates reflect global trends, with international oil prices seeing an upward swing earlier in the month. From 1 July 2025, drivers across the country will pay the following per litre — along with how much more you'll be paying compared to June: Super 98 petrol: AED 2.70 (+AED 0.12 from June) Special 95 petrol: AED 2.58 (+AED 0.11) E-Plus 91 petrol: AED 2.51 (+AED 0.12) Diesel: AED 2.63 (+AED 0.18) The UAE deregulated petrol prices back in 2015, linking them directly to global...

On 26 June 2025, Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi swapped engines for a red carpet as it hosted the regional premiere of F1: The Movie. The venue, best known for its roaring F1 weekends, was transformed into a purpose-built cinema space — complete with guest activations and luxury film premiere elements — for a night celebrating the fusion of motorsport and cinema. Key figures from the Creative Media Authority (CMA) and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) were in attendance, alongside collaborators from Etihad Airways, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Circuit. The...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for pilgrims from the Gulf region to perform Umrah by expanding access and streamlining the process. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, entering the Kingdom through land, air, or sea ports. All pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application. The same applies to those who wish to pray in Rawdah Al Sharifah, the revered chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage...

Riyadh’s public transportation system continues to grow with the latest addition to the Orange Line (Line 3) of the Riyadh Metro. Hassan bin Thabit Street, officially opened by the Public Transport Authority, is the newest stop on one of the capital’s most important transit corridors. The Orange Line stretches 41 kilometres, running from Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road near Khashm Al Aan in the east. The new stop is located between An Naseem and Khashm Al Aan (terminus). The newly opened station is expected to: Improve daily commute options for residents and visitors Relieve...