Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

The Hatta Farming Festival has returned, celebrating the agricultural richness of the UAE and the talents of local farmers. This year’s festival runs until this Wednesday, January 22, at the picturesque Leem Lake in Hatta. Entry is free, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the heart of the UAE’s farming community while enjoying engaging activities. As part of the Hatta Winter Festival, the event highlights the dedication and skills of 25 Emirati farmers and local companies. Visitors can explore a variety of products sourced from nearby farms, join hands-on workshops, and even gain insights from local agricultural experts. The festival...

Dubai’s electronic toll gate operator Salik has announced adjustments to its pricing for the holy month of Ramadan. The changes, set to take effect in line with the Ramadan season beginning on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, aim to accommodate the unique schedules of those observing the month of fasting. The revised toll system introduces new pricing and timing to better serve drivers during Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). This initiative follows the dynamic pricing model coming into effect on January 31, which replaced the flat rate of AED 4...

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans for a transformation of Al Fay Street, a project that aims to revolutionize traffic flow in Dubai. With an investment of AED 1.5 billion, this extensive development will introduce five new major intersections, improve connectivity, and ease congestion for hundreds of thousands of residents. Stretching from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to Emirates Road, the upgraded Al Fay Street will have an increased capacity of 64,400 vehicles per hour, benefitting around 600,000 residents in the vicinity. Areas like Dubai Sports City, Jumeirah Village...

Sharjah's paid parking system has undergone significant updates since late 2024, aiming to streamline parking access across the city. With new extended hours, fresh zones, and updated fee structures, here’s what you need to know to navigate the changes effectively. Parking spaces in Sharjah are easily identifiable by blue and white curb markings and clear signage, providing all the necessary details about usage and fees. While daily parking options remain available, the city also offers flexible prepaid subscription plans. Personal Subscriptions: Cover all areas of Sharjah or two specific zones. Business Subscriptions: Offer a city-wide parking solution tailored for enterprises....

AlUla Moments returns for its fourth edition, offering a captivating array of experiences that highlight the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Spanning until April 2025, this festival showcases AlUla’s stunning landscapes through a diverse lineup of flagship festivals, artistic showcases, sporting challenges, and live music events. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit. AlUla Trail Race (January 23–24, 2025) Trail runners, prepare for an epic adventure. This ultra-marathon offers a 100-kilometer route through iconic landmarks like Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the Maraya Concert Hall, with an elevation gain of over 1,770 meters. For less...

Abu Dhabi food lovers, get ready for a new seafood haven. The acclaimed Ibn AlBahr restaurant, known for its authentic Lebanese flavors and freshly caught seafood, is making its way to the capital. Already a favorite in Dubai, where it operates in Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Ibn AlBahr will soon open its doors at Makers District, Reem Island. The new location will replace the now-closed Cove Beach, offering diners a tranquil setting with captivating sea views — perfect for a relaxed meal by the water. While the exact opening date has...

Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury, has welcomed an exceptional addition to its roster of high-end offerings. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has partnered with Ounass to unveil Ounass Maison, a unique brick-and-mortar retail destination that brings the online luxury shopping pioneer into the physical realm for the very first time. Since its inception in 2016, Ounass has been at the forefront of online luxury shopping, and now, with Ounass Maison, it is translating its expertise into a tactile, immersive retail experience. Nestled on the ground floor of the resort, the store offers an elevated shopping experience designed to captivate visitors....

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is set to return with a fresh lineup of creativity, innovation, and style. Scheduled from 1 to 6 February at Dubai Design District (d3), this highly anticipated event will kick off the international fashion season, preceding major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and London. Founded by Dubai Design District and the Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week has become a dynamic platform for regional and global talent. The 2025 edition promises an impressive lineup of over 25 designers representing diverse regions, including France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE....

Dubai’s road toll system, Salik, will transition to variable pricing from January 31, introducing a dynamic approach to toll rates based on traffic patterns. This new pricing model aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow during peak hours. Salik Toll Pricing Details From January 31, the toll rate on Dubai roads will be AED 6 during peak hours on weekdays: Morning peak hours: 6 AM to 10 AM Evening peak hours: 4 PM to 8 PM During off-peak times, between 10 AM to 4 PM and 8 PM to 1 AM, the toll rate will drop to AED 4....

As 2025 kicks off, Abu Dhabi is introducing a range of new laws and regulations designed to drive progress across the emirate. From environmental strides to gender equality, these updates reflect a bold vision for the future. Here’s what residents and businesses need to know. Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership Abu Dhabi continues to champion gender equality by requiring all private joint-stock companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors. This initiative follows significant gains for women in publicly listed companies, where female board representation tripled between 2021 and 2023. The UAE Gender Balance Council aims...