Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

A new addition is joining Jeddah’s growing roster of high-end dining venues. Lola Brasserie, opening on 4 July in Al Khalidiyyah, is the latest concept from the Leylaty Group, known for its upscale hospitality projects in the Kingdom. This new brasserie aims to deliver a distinctly French atmosphere that balances classic elegance with Mediterranean warmth. Inspired by both Parisian style and the relaxed charm of southern France, the venue offers a setting that is both refined and inviting.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lola Brasserie (@lolabrasserieksa) The restaurant’s design reflects its dual identity....

The region of AlUla is introducing a new public transport project that aims to improve visitor access to some of Saudi Arabia’s most important heritage sites. The AlUla tramway, expected to launch operational services in the second half of 2027, will become the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway. The tramway will cover 22.4 kilometres and include 17 stations, each featuring a distinct architectural design. The route follows the historic path of the former Hijaz railway. It will connect five of AlUla’s most important heritage sites: AlUla Old Town Dadan Jabal Ikmah Nabataean Horizon Hegra Historical City (a UNESCO World Heritage...

Sharjah has taken a big step forward in its sustainability journey with the launch of SANA, the emirate’s first-ever solar power plant. Officially inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Department and SNOC, the plant brings a significant boost to local clean energy efforts. SANA is located next to the Sajaa Gas Plant and covers a vast 850,000 square metres. The solar facility has a generation capacity of 60 megawatts, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of around 13,800 homes. The plant features over 98,000 solar panels, mounted...

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the updated public service schedule for the Hijri New Year holiday on Friday, June 27, 2025. If you're driving, you'll be pleased to know that all public parking areas across Dubai will be free of charge, with the exception of multi-level parking terminals. Standard parking fees will resume Saturday, June 28. Public transport users can also expect adjusted timings: Dubai Metro will run from 5 AM on June 27 until 1 AM on June 28 Dubai Tram will operate from 6 AM to 1 AM in the same dates The RTA’s Customer...

Abu Dhabi’s wellness scene just gained a sophisticated new highlight. The internationally renowned Swiss skincare brand Valmont has launched its first regional spa at Erth Abu Dhabi, setting up in Villa 303 with calming views of Khor Al Maqta. This intimate opening marks Valmont’s debut in the Middle East and delivers what the brand does best — tailored skincare rooted in Swiss scientific expertise, now paired with Emirati hospitality.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Erth Abu Dhabi (@erth.uae) Erth Abu Dhabi has been part of the capital’s story for over 25 years. The...

Oman is moving into the next phase of its national campaign to reduce plastic pollution. From July 1, 2025, the country will implement Phase 3 of its ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, targeting a wider range of retail and food-related businesses. This phase, announced by the Environment Authority, will concern: Fruit and vegetable shops Grocery stores and packaging units Candy factories and sweet shops Bakeries and outlets selling bread, pastries, and confectionery Gift shops Businesses in these categories will need to replace single-use plastic bags with eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. Here's a short recap...

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

Get ready for a soulful trip down memory lane as Grammy-winning artist Macy Gray takes center stage at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, on Friday, August 29, 2025. Celebrating 25 years since her breakout into the music world, this concert is part of her anniversary tour honoring the iconic debut album On How Life Is, and it’s set to be an evening filled with emotion, rhythm, and that unmistakable voice. Timeless Tunes, Live in Dubai Macy Gray's raspy, soul-soaked vocals gave us some of the most unforgettable tracks of the early 2000s, and now, she’s bringing them back to life on stage...

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has announced its official working hours for the Hijri New Year holiday, which falls on Friday, 27 June 2025 (1447 AH). To ensure the smooth delivery of services during the public holiday, GDRFA Dubai has confirmed that key centers and platforms will remain operational.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by إقامة دبي | GDRFA Dubai (@gdrfadubai) Customer Happiness Centers That Remain Open Dubai International Airport – Terminal 3 (Arrivals Hall) The Customer Happiness Center will be available 24/7, continuing to support travelers...

Dubai’s high-end property market just got a new contender. Amaal, an Emirati-founded real estate developer, has partnered with automotive design powerhouse MANSORY to launch MANSORY Residences, a 48-floor luxury tower located in Mohammed Bin Rashid City. This is MANSORY’s first-ever foray into real estate and architectural design, and the partnership brings its signature aesthetics to residential living for the first time. Valued at AED 1.8 billion, the development is part of the Meydan Horizon masterplan and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Amaal Emirates (@amaal.emirates) The tower...