Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

A day at the zoo is back on the list. Riyadh Zoo has reopened after maintenance, and you can once again explore its animal zones and get close to wildlife. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about 2026 timings, zones, and the animals you can see there. Opening hours of Riyadh Zoo in 2026 Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM until sunset Friday: 1 PM until sunset Sunday: Closed Gates close at 4:30 PM What's Inside Riyadh Zoo You’ll move through different themed areas, each with its own animals and experiences: Go to Almalaz Bay where...

If you enjoy trying new beauty products and discovering brands before they turn into social media trends, Beautyworld Riyadh 2026 will you plenty to explore. On May 18-20, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre will turn into a full-on beauty expo, bringing together skincare, cosmetics, hair tools, fragrances, and everyday essentials. The event is rightfully called the biggest beauty expo in the country. This year, get ready to discover more than 400 exhibitors from over 40 countries. You’ll see well-known brands, but also smaller ones and new launches. It’s a good place to compare, try things out, and see...

If you’re looking to enjoy some air with family and friends, here’s a small update to keep in mind. Dubai Miracle Garden is offering a special UAE resident ticket from April 1 to May 31. Until the end of the season, entry costs AED 30! Kids under 12 still enter for free, regardless of their residency. Located in Arjan, Al Barsha South, Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the largest natural flower gardens in the world. With its impressive floral displays, themed installations, and towering sculptures made of millions of flowers, it’s an incredible place to explore. It also holds...

Taxi rides in Dubai might feel a bit different now, especially if you’re used to chatting with a driver along the way. The city has started rolling out self-driving taxis, with the first rides now available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Two companies are behind this phase: WeRide: book through Uber Apollo Go (by Baidu): book through Apollo Go For now, the rollout is limited. Around 100 autonomous taxis are being added to Dubai’s transport network, with plans to increase that number gradually over time. Before opening the service to the public, the vehicles were already tested on selected roads...

If cars, bikes, and that raw engine sound are your thing, you’ll want to keep April 11 free. Kandura Rally is back in Dubai, and this edition comes with a few surprises. This year, you’ll feel the speed before you even see it, especially when you get the chance to ride with a pro driver. As a spectator, you'll see over 500 vehicles in one place, from classic cars and supercars to modified builds, trucks, and superbikes. Walk around, check out the details up close, and catch live competitions where design, performance, and creativity take the spotlight. Feel like getting...

The UAE is taking a new step to encourage healthier eating habits among the residents. The Cabinet has recently approved the National Healthy Nutrition Strategy 2031, which includes a ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) and stricter rules on junk food marketing. PHOs are commonly used in processed foods to improve shelf life and texture, but they also the main source of artificial trans fats. Health experts say cutting these out can make a noticeable difference. It helps improve cholesterol levels, reduces inflammation, and supports better heart health over time. The ban on PHOs in the UAE means that products...

Distance learning in the UAE is staying in place a bit longer. Remote classes will continue until at least Friday, April 17. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Education, which will monitor the situation and provide weekly updates. The update covers public and private schools, nurseries, and kindergartens across the country. In Dubai, schools can submit requests for an earlier return to classrooms, but any decision depends on approval from the Ministry of Education. There’s still no update for university students. As it was announced on March 16, federal government employees with children in kindergarten through Grade 8...

Easter weekend is a good excuse to get out and do something different, and Dubai has a few solid options lined up. If you’re planning a relaxed day out or something to keep the kids busy, there are plenty of Easter events and activities happening this year. Here are 5 picks worth adding to your plans. 1. Easter activities at Wavehouse Over the weekend, the venue shifts into Easter mode with egg hunts, face painting, and live music. If you’re going for the food, Wavehouse has over-the-top milkshakes and loaded desserts. Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm JumeirahDate: From April 3...

If you missed out on the last AURA Skypool free ticket drop, you’re not the only one. Those spots disappeared fast, but now there’s another chance. The venue is giving away 10,000 complimentary entry tickets for visits until April 30. To make it clear, entry is free, but there's a minimum spend that applies per person. You can use that amount on food, drinks, additional guest services, or other items at the venue. Rise (6 AM): AED 100 Morning and evening slots (10 AM and 8 PM): AED 150 Afternoon Monday to Friday (3 PM): AED 200 Afternoon Saturday and...

Parking rules in Mohamed bin Zayed City (MBZ City) are changing, and if you usually leave your car in this area, here are all details on fees and new zones. Starting April 6, a paid parking system will be introduced across several commercial sectors and villa areas in MBZ City. A map of zones has already been released, showing where paid parking applies across Mohamed bin Zayed City. Commercial sectors are marked as ME, while villa areas are labelled Z. You can see all the zones in the map below. Payments will be fully digital. You’ll need to use apps...