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Balad Beast is coming back for its fourth edition, and if you’ve been waiting for this massive party in Jeddah to return, save the dates. On January 29-30, the festival will take over Al Balad, bringing spots like Souq Square, Roshn Square, and the city’s hidden courtyards to life with music. With four stages, there’ll be no shortage of beats to match your vibe, whether you're into hip-hop, electronic, or something else entirely. The lineup for Balad Beast 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, but if past editions are anything to go by, it’s going to be packed with big names....

There’s something special about winter nights in Qatar, the cool breeze, the quiet glow of the desert, and that feeling that everyone is finally stepping outside again. Sealine Nights captures that atmosphere perfectly. It’s one of those seasonal events where families unwind, friends gather, and music fills the air in a way that makes the whole place feel alive. Here’s a look at the biggest shows lighting up the shoreline this year. Khaled Abdulrahman Khaled Abdulrahman performing under the open Doha sky feels like the perfect combination of nostalgia and winter magic. His voice has that unmistakable warmth, emotional, deep,...

Film lovers, mark your calendars! Red Sea International Film Festival is back to Jeddah for its fifth edition, running from December 4 to 13, 2025. Every year, this event transforms Al-Balad into a hub for storytelling, creativity, and global talent, and this one looks just as promising. Dedicated to celebrating diversity and innovation, the festival brings together filmmakers from around the world alongside fresh Saudi voices shaping the country’s cinematic scene. Whether you love thought-provoking dramas or quick, punchy shorts, there’s plenty to discover across its packed schedule. Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Line-up of Films The festival will...

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be some important changes to the UAE's VAT regulations that businesses and taxpayers need to know about. The Ministry of Finance has introduced these changes through Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aiming to make the tax process simpler and more efficient. 1. No More Self-Invoices for Reverse Charge Mechanism One of the key updates is that businesses will no longer need to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, they’ll only need to keep supporting documents related to transactions. This will simplify the process, cut down on paperwork, and make it...

Wondering what’s making Riyadh buzz this December? It’s Riyadh Music Week 2025 (RMW25), running from December 4 to 13. This weeklong event is bringing music, creativity, and innovation together in a way that’s never been seen before in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re into big concerts or intimate music sessions, RMW25 has it all. Riyadh Music Week will have a strong focus on uncovering the next generation of artists. With small, more personal events taking place in warehouses, cafés, studios, and open-air spaces, you'll get no shortage of entertainment. XP Music Futures 2025 (December 4-6) This year, the event will feature...

Al Estiqlal Square in Sharjah has undergone a major transformation, and it’s ready to impress both locals and visitors. Inaugurated on December 2, 2025, by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, it now features a new landmark. The place has also been redesigned to make it easier to navigate and safer for everyone who visits. The centerpiece of the square is the striking 34-meter-high Independence Monument. At the top of the monument is a seven-pointed star, representing the seven emirates of the UAE. Around the monument, you’ll notice two new fountains and pedestrian...

Kuwaitis will have a great start to 2026 with six official public holidays in January. Whether you’re planning to travel or take a break, these holidays offer plenty of time to enjoy a well-paced start to the year. The New Year break lasts for three days, offering a smooth transition into the new year. Similarly, the Isra and Mi’raj observance will also offer three days off. This religious occasion commemorates the night Prophet Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended to the heavens. Here’s a breakdown of the January holidays in Kuwait: New Year holidays from January 1 to...

WICKED The Musical is getting a lot of attention across the Gulf, with shows planned in Dubai and Riyadh, and now it’s finally coming to Bahrain. The production is landing in the kingdom for the very first time, and theatre fans will get a full week in January 2026 to experience it live at Bahrain National Theatre. The show debuts on Tuesday, January 13, and you have until January 17 to catch a performance. It’s a chance to enjoy a well-loved production right here in Manama. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to see this musical live, this is...

Qatar has announced an important update for GCC residents who plan to visit the country. The visit visa period has been extended from one month to two months. Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry permit. These changes were introduced on November 30 and are available through the Haya platform, according to Qatar Tourism. The aim of this update is to make travel more convenient for GCC visitors. Qatar continues to host many cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022. A longer stay and the option to enter the country multiple times...

Dubai residents who love an early workout now have even more reason to hit the parks. Dubai Municipality has introduced major changes across the city’s green spaces, including earlier opening hours and a full set of new names for several neighbourhood favourites. These updates aim to make the parks more useful for morning fitness fans and to better reflect each community’s identity. Early Opening Hours for 20 Dubai Parks For the first time, jogging tracks inside 20 residential parks now open daily at 5 AM. This is a big shift from last year’s timings. If you like getting your steps...