Discover all the fun things to do

Planning Umrah for the upcoming season? Saudi Arabia has now confirmed the official timeline for Umrah visas, entry dates, and final deadlines for pilgrims for 1448 AH arriving from outside the Kingdom. Here are the main dates confirmed for the 1448 AH Umrah season: May 31, 2026: start of Umrah visa issuance (14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH) June 1, 2026: pilgrims with Umrah visas can enter Mecca and receive permits March 9, 2027: final deadline for issuing Umrah visas March 23, 2027: last date for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia April 7, 2027: deadline for pilgrim departures Last year, Saudi...

With so many developments, Qiddiya City can easily be named one of Saudi Arabia’s top entertainment destinations. But here’s another big project that’s coming to the area: Horse Racing Venue. Once completed, it will become home to The Saudi Cup and feature world-class facilities and experiences that will make it a year-round destination. Here’s what you can expect from the new horse racing venue: 2,2km main turf track and a 2,4km inner dirt track 21,000-seat grandstand, expandable to 70,000 for major events 180-meter parade ring A world-class Equine Hospital providing advanced care for the horses, from diagnostics to rehabilitation, is...

Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure at Alif Galactic Adventure, launching at Expo City Dubai this October. The event runs the whole day from 10 AM to 6 PM and is packed with workshops, challenges, and creative experiences. It's a fantastic way to engage with space-themed activities while having a blast with the kids. Only two weekends: October 11-12 and October 18-19. For younger adventurers, there’s Hydro Rocket Workshop, where they can design and fire their own water-powered rockets, learning about thrust and aerodynamics in a fun and interactive way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...

Looking for a chance to dive into the world of creativity? Art Dubai Fair is back this spring, bringing the best of global and regional talent right to the heart of the city. Held from May 14 to 17, 2026, at Madinat Jumeirah, the event will offer an opportunity to dive into the dynamic world of art. From traditional galleries to interactive digital experiences, here’s what you can expect from this year’s event. Art Dubai Galleries: Contemporary and Modern Art This section will bring together a variety of exhibitors showcasing both contemporary and modern works. Expect to see creative pieces...

London has plenty of stylish places to visit, but few come with champagne bars, immersive fashion rooms, and free entry. Louis Vuitton Hotel in Mayfair turns some of the brand’s most iconic bags into spaces you can walk through. The brand created the experience to celebrate 130 years of the Louis Vuitton Monogram, the signature LV pattern first introduced in 1896. Every room of the pop-up takes inspiration from a different LV bag. The experience begins at Lobby, inspired by the Keepall travel bag. From there, visitors move through Café Alma, a chic Art Deco-inspired dining space, where they can...

If you need to brighten up your January, here’s an event you don’t want to miss! Qatar Kite Festival is flying back to Old Doha Port this month, and it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience, whether you’re with friends, a special someone, or the whole family. The event will last from January 15 to 24, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it and even come back for more fun. Get ready for some incredible professional kite flying shows during this edition! 20 top teams from around the world will gather in Doha and fill the sky with...

If you use your UAE-issued credit or debit card abroad, take note — international transaction fees are going up. Starting September 22, 2025, several local banks will apply a 3.14% surcharge on the total value of purchases made outside the country. That’s a notable increase from the current 2.09%, and it applies each time your card is used internationally. These fee changes are not uncommon, and they typically fluctuate depending on the bank’s internal strategies and market conditions. This isn’t the only update affecting local cardholders. Just last week, it announced that one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer be sent...

Ready for match day? Doha has the right spot to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 atmosphere for free. Head to Snoonu Arena at Mall of Qatar, where a Fan Zone is open until July 19. Come here for interactive experiences, football-themed attractions, and Wall of Wishes, where you can leave a football wish of your own. A lucky goal, a surprise winner, your team lifting the trophy... anything is fair game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Anderson (@michaelmx8) The FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at Mall of Qatar is free to enter, though you'll...

Looking for a weekend where sweat and adrenaline replace the usual brunch plans? Spartan City race is coming to Abu Dhabi this June, and registration is already open. After last year's success, this indoor event is back for its second edition, inviting participants to push their limits at Etihad Arena. The 3km course features 15 obstacles. The City format takes everything you love about a traditional Spartan race, such as obstacles that test your endurance, strength, and speed. The only difference: you'll be doing it all indoors. The majority of the race is held inside Etihad Arena, and there’s a...

If you're an anime fan, you're in for a treat this October! Cinema Akil is bringing back its highly anticipated Anime Season. This year, the lineup is all about whimsy, imagination, and heroines who take you on unforgettable journeys. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of anime, this is your chance to see five iconic films on the big screen from October 17 to 29. Full Schedule of Anime Season 2025 at Cinema Akil 1. The Colours Within This beautifully animated film tells the story of Totsuko, a girl who can see people’s emotions as colors....