Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival is back to the capital, marking its 31st edition, and it promises to be the largest and most competitive yet. Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort in Abu Dhabi Corniche, the event will run from August 15 to 24. This year, it welcomes over 3,000 participants from 82 countries to compete for a half-million-dirham prize pool across 27 different tournaments.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Abu Dhabi Chess Festival (@adchessfestival) The festival will feature various chess formats and other classic games such as checkers and dominoes,...

Several key updates regarding UAE passports were announced this week, making life a bit easier for Emirati citizens. If you’re a UAE passport holder, here are the essential changes you need to know about. 1. Renewing Your UAE Passport Now Possible Up to a Year in Advance Starting Monday, August 18, Emirati citizens will now be able to renew their UAE passports up to a year before the expiry date. This change marks a big shift from the previous rule, which required citizens to renew their passport only six months before it expired.     View this post on Instagram...

Riyadh's dining scene is thriving, with a wide variety of new spots popping up that cater to every craving. One of the latest gems in the capital is YU by Toki, a modern Chinese restaurant offering bold Cantonese and Szechuan flavors with a contemporary twist. If you're in the mood for an unforgettable meal, this is the place to be. Located at Al Mamlaka Social Dining, YU by Toki welcomes diners with warm wooden tones and soft glowing lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The cozy, intimate lighting creates the perfect atmosphere for everything from a business lunch to a fun...

Kuwait has made an update to its residency and family visa policies, with changes that will impact expats living in the country. The new regulations are aimed at making it simpler for expats to bring their family members to Kuwait and ease the process for professionals traveling to the country. One of the major changes is that expats can now apply for family visas valid for up to one year. This policy includes multiple entry options and various timeframes: Single entry visa with the duration of 1, 2, or 3 months Multiple entry with the duration of up to 1 year...

In a significant move to modernize and preserve Dubai’s religious infrastructure, a newly signed strategic agreement between the Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) outlines a comprehensive plan to improve mosques, prayer grounds, and funeral services across the city. 1. Heritage Mosques: Restoration and Preservation Central to this initiative is the preservation and restoration of heritage mosques in Dubai. The Dubai Municipality will oversee the restoration work to maintain the cultural and architectural integrity of these historical sites. Meanwhile, IACAD will manage the operational aspects, such as appointing imams, muezzins, and preachers. In addition, daily...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun work on a major upgrade at the Nad Al Hamar Intersection, aimed at making your daily commute smoother and faster. Drivers can expect a nearly 30% reduction in travel time once the work is completed. A new 850-meter lane is being added for vehicles coming from Ras Al Khor Street, heading towards the Nad Al Hamar Intersection, close to Nasser bin Lootah Mosque. This is great news for drivers who face congestion in this area, particularly during peak hours. But that's not all — vehicles coming from Al Rabat Street and turning...

A Night of Relatable Laughter You Won’t Forget. Get ready, Qatar, Lebanese comedy star John Achkar is bringing his hit stand-up special “I’m Trying” to Doha for one night only! Known for his witty storytelling and sharp humor, John will light up the stage at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on 20 September 2025 with a show full of real-life punchlines and non-stop laughs. And the fun doesn’t stop here, John is also taking “I’m Trying” on the road with upcoming shows in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Bahrain, making it a regional comedy tour you won’t want to miss. What...

Dubai’s food scene continues to grow, and there’s no shortage of cake shops and patisseries. Now, joining the wide array of international treats, a place offering authentic Emirati desserts has been opened. A homegrown dessert house, Dibsa brings traditional sweets to a modern setting, offering a fresh twist on the flavors many locals know and love. The name Dibsa comes from 'dibs,' the rich date syrup that’s commonly used in Emirati kitchens. The brand's approach to desserts is about mixing the old with the new. They take traditional Emirati recipes and add a modern spin, offering a unique take on...

If you thought you missed your chance to see epic monster truck spectacle in Abu Dhabi, here’s great news! Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire has added a new show to its run at Etihad Arena on September 28, making it easier for fans to catch all the excitement. This edition comes with some exclusive additions to the show: the new truck, Skelesaurus, and Articgon, a fire-breathing robot that adds a bit of extra flair to the show.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live (@hotwheelsmonstertruckslive) Apart form new machines,...

Get ready for a weekend of grit, determination, and a whole lot of mud as two of the most intense global obstacle course races make their way to Dubai this November. As part of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, Spartan Race and Tough Mudder are set to take over the Wadi Hub at Hatta Resorts on November 1 and 2. If you’ve been looking for a way to challenge yourself physically, these races are the perfect opportunity to push your limits while soaking up the beauty of Hatta mountains. Spartan Race on November 1, 2025 The Spartan Race kicks off...