Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

If you’re planning to perform Hajj this year, make sure you follow all the official regulations — because the consequences of skipping the rules just got serious. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has rolled out a set of penalties aimed at cracking down on unauthorized Hajj attempts, and the fines, deportations, and bans are nothing to take lightly. The enforcement period runs from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 to Dhul-Hijjah 14 (April 29 to June 10), and here’s what you need to know about Hajj violation penalties: 1. SR20,000 (USD 5,300) fine for: Anyone performing or attempting Hajj without an official permit. Visitors...

If you're after a swim with a view — and without the midday heat — Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal is bringing back its Moonlight Sessions starting Thursday, May 1, 2025. This exclusive rooftop experience lets guests take a dip in the iconic 90-metre sky pool, perched 96 metres above Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Here’s the breakdown of how to book your moonlit escape: Lotus Bar access: AED 300 minimum spend per person (no pool access) Single Pool Lounger: AED 300 per person (includes pool access) Lotus Floating Bed: AED 850 per couple Infinity Floating Bed: AED...

Getting around the UAE is about to get even easier. Starting Thursday, May 1, residents and visitors can hop on a brand-new intercity bus service connecting Ajman and Al Ain. The new route will operate between Musalla Bus Station in Ajman and Al Ain Bus Station. The service will offer four trips daily in each direction. If you're heading from Ajman to Al Ain, the buses depart at: 8 AM 12 PM 4 PM 8 PM Buses departing from Al Ain back to Ajman will follow the same schedule: 8 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM. While the...

Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island is quickly cementing its place as one of the UAE’s fastest-growing travel hotspots. With big developments like Ardee Al Marjan Island and Wynn Al Marjan Island in the pipeline, there’s a lot to look forward to — and now Fairmont is adding to the excitement. Fairmont has officially announced its debut in Ras Al Khaimah with not one, but two new properties: Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel and Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island. Both will be part of the newly launched Ardee Al Marjan Island community, promising a new standard of beachfront luxury blending...

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, UAE residents have plenty of opportunities to plan some well-deserved time off. While exact public holiday dates are subject to moon sightings (especially for Islamic holidays), there’s already a good outline of when you can expect your next break. In total, UAE residents have at least 12 public holidays this year — and with some clever planning around weekends, you could stretch those into even longer escapes. Earlier this year, new public holiday law also came into effect: if a non-Eid public holiday falls on a weekend, the day off can now be...

Hotels across Abu Dhabi are set to introduce facial recognition technology as part of a new initiative to enhance guest safety and streamline operations. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) confirmed that the system will first be implemented in five-star hotels across Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, before expanding to four-star hotels and eventually all hotel categories. The project, overseen by the Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department of DCT Abu Dhabi, supports the emirate’s long-standing reputation for safety, having been named the world’s safest city in Numbeo’s...

Bahrain has officially declared Thursday, May 1, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of Labour Day. The announcement came through a circular issued by Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, confirming that all ministries and public institutions will remain closed for the day. Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is recognised globally in over 80 countries. Held annually on May 1, the day pays tribute to the contributions and rights of workers, highlighting the importance of fair labour practices and social protections in the workforce. The holiday provides...

Jumeirah Group is adding another name to its expanding portfolio of high-end properties with the unveiling of Jumeirah Asora Bay, a new ultra-luxury hotel and residence project coming to La Mer South. Scheduled to open in 2029, the development will bring a more intimate and refined take on resort living to Dubai’s coastline. Unlike the mega-properties Jumeirah is often associated with, Asora Bay will take a boutique-style approach to luxury, offering: 103 rooms and suites 20 private villas Arabesque-meets-modern architecture Wellness spa, infinity pools, and a private members' club Fitness centre with the brand’s signature facilities The resort is designed...

Exciting news for waterpark fans: Yas Waterworld on Yas Island is set to expand in a big way this summer. Miral, the developer behind some of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, has confirmed that the park will be adding 12 brand-new rides and slides, plus fresh dining options, just in time for the hotter months. The expansion introduces a new themed zone called The Lost City, building on the park’s original Legend of the Lost Pearl story. Expect hidden treasures, secret passages, and plenty of surprises woven into the new attractions. Here are some hints at what to expect at Yas...

Chef Kelvin Cheung, best known for his modern dining hotspot Jun’s, is bringing something a little different to Dubai’s food scene. Meet Jooksing, a new takeout-style concept serving up comforting, fast, and flavour-packed American-Chinese fusion dishes. "Jook-sing" is a Cantonese term for a Chinese expat born in the West — a fitting tribute to Chef Kelvin's own background. Born in Canada and raised in Chicago, his multicultural roots shine through in this new food venture, where East meets West in the most comforting way possible.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by James Pemberton (@foodiejamesdxb)...