Discover all the fun things to do

If you share your home with a dog or cat in Abu Dhabi, this update is worth your attention. Animal Owner System is coming into effect, making pet registration mandatory across the emirate. And it isn’t a “someday” task. You’ve got until Tuesday, February 3 to sort it without penalties. Abu Dhabi Municipality has confirmed that all dogs and cats in the emirate must now be registered under the animal ownership service. This applies to individuals and businesses. If your pet isn’t registered after February 3, you could be fined AED 1,000. How to Register Your Dog or Cat in...

Picking a place to eat in Abu Dhabi just got easier. Yas Bay Restaurant Week is on until May 10, with many restaurants offering fixed-price menus. You can eat for as little as AED 50 or go for a full set menu if you’re craving something more substantial. Here’s a look at all the venues and their deals. 5 restaurants under AED 100 Good for breakfast, a quick bite, or a relaxed meal without stretching the budget. Peaksy with flexible, family-friendly menus (from ~AED 50) Art Market with breakfast set with a drink (~AED 79), including options like French toast...

If you like your coffee with a stamp of celebrity approval, here’s a new address in Dubai worth adding to your list. Cherry House has opened in Al Safa 1 near Sheikh Zayed Road, and it's ready to treat you with specialty coffee roasted on-site and fresh pastries. Cherry House was created by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Matar Al-Kus El-Falasi, founder of Saddle and Feels. The name of the café inspired by the fruit coffee beans come from, and deep cherry-colored interiors match this theme. After placing your order, you can watch the whole process happen in front of you, from...

If your child uses AI tools for homework, projects, or even just to look up ideas, this update from the UAE Ministry of Education is worth your attention. The UAE bans use of generative AI in schools under a new 2026 guide. It outlines 25 rules for how these tools can – and can’t – be used in classrooms. Students under 13 are not allowed to use generative AI tools at all. The same applies to children in grades below Grade 7. Academic Honesty: No AI-written Homework without Approval When it comes to homework and projects, students cannot submit AI-generated...

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns for its 30th anniversary with an action-packed lineup of spectacular events, running from December 6 to January 16. This year’s DSF promises to illuminate Dubai with a range of mesmerizing activities that include drone shows, fireworks, and interactive light displays — all set against the city’s most iconic backdrops. DSF 2024 Spectacular Drone Shows: Twice-Daily Free Performances Each night, a thousand drones take to the skies in two free-to-watch shows at 8 PM and 10 PM, held at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. Here’s what you can expect: Themed Drone Shows: From December...

Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome 2024 with a bang – quite literally! The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is hosting a breathtaking fireworks display that promises to be a visual feast, stretching an impressive 4.5km along the picturesque waterfront from Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village. This New Year's Eve, Ras Al Khaimah aims to outdo itself with an iconic display that incorporates never-before-seen choreography elements and cutting-edge techniques. RAK has become synonymous with record-breaking fireworks, and this year's spectacle aims to continue that tradition by adding to its already impressive five-year streak of Guinness World Records...

Luxury wellness brand Miraval is heading to Saudi Arabia, bringing its signature concept of mindful luxury to Shura Island, part of the Red Sea Project. The new resort promises a slower, more intentional way to travel — where wellbeing, nature and design take centre stage. Set along the pristine Red Sea coast, Miraval The Red Sea will offer an adults-only escape focused on balance and self-care. Expect thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, wellness-led dining, immersive spa experiences and curated daily activities created to help guests calmful recharge. True to the brand’s philosophy, the resort will focus on experiences rather than excess. From personalised wellness programmes and movement sessions...

Elissa, one of the most iconic voices in Arabic pop music, is set to perform at Dubai Opera for one night only on November 3, 2025. With a career spanning more than two decades, the Lebanese superstar will bring her signature emotional ballads and unforgettable hits to the Dubai stage. With more than 30 million records sold and over one billion YouTube views, Elissa has become a defining figure in Arabic music. Her ability to channel raw emotion through her songs has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base across the Arab world. Forbes recognised her as one...

Ramadan in Dubai always feels special: from the Iftars with family to late-night outings. If you want to go a little deeper this year, Season of Wulfa gives you that chance. Through multiple initiatives and events during Ramadan 2026, it invites you to connect, give back and experience the season in a more meaningful way. Across the city, you’ll find more than 50 initiatives and events during Ramadan 2026, all designed to bring people together. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the programmes worth checking out. Ayal Al Freej: Ramadan Fun for Kids until March 20...

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a new regulation that will affect businesses across the country. Starting from August 18, 2025, most commercial and industrial establishments will be required to close for 90 minutes during Friday prayers. This closure is mandatory for most commercial and industrial establishments. The decision, announced in the country’s Official Gazette, was made by Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry. The Ministry has stated that the new rule is meant to serve the public interest and support the well-being of society. The regulation encourages alignment with...