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Carrefour has officially closed its doors in Bahrain and Kuwait, bringing an end to decades of service in these countries. The French retail giant thanked customers for their loyalty and support over the years, celebrating the many memories made along the way. This isn’t the first time Carrefour has exited a Gulf market – earlier this year, it also stopped operations in Oman. However, in Oman, the closure paved the way for something new: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Group, which owned and managed Carrefour there, launched a new grocery brand called HyperMax. Carrefour continues to be a firm favourite in...

As temperatures rise across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has announced the return of the midday break rule, now in its 21st year. This annual initiative is designed to protect workers from exposure during the hottest part of the day and ensure their health and safety during the peak of summer. Starting June 15 and running until September 15, outdoor work under direct sunlight will be prohibited daily from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. What the Summer Midday Break in UAE Involves: Ban on work from 12:30 PM to 3 PM applies to all sectors...

Riyadh continues to establish itself as a culinary destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming internationally acclaimed dining concepts from around the world. One of the newest additions is Isabel Mayfair, which has made its Middle East debut in the bustling As Sulimaniyah district. Designed by the acclaimed David T’kint of DTK Studio, Isabel Mayfair combines the sophistication of an art-deco mansion with the glamour of the Gatsby era. The venue is divided into three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, a light-filled conservatory, and a speakeasy bar tucked discreetly behind a hidden door.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Getting ready for Hajj 2026? Vaccinations are one of the few steps you can’t afford to delay, and missing a required one can stop your trip before it starts. The rules apply to all pilgrims aged one year and above. Here’s the list of required and recommended vaccines. Hajj 2026 mandatory vaccines what every pilgrim must have Meningococcal ACYWRequired for all pilgrims. Must be taken at least 10 days before arrival, with valid proof of vaccination. Polio vaccineRequired only for travellers from countries where polio is still circulating. The dose must fall within the approved timeframe before travel. Yellow fever...

A slice of French culinary heritage has landed in Riyadh. Lenôtre Paris, the renowned artisanal pastry house, has opened its first Saudi location in Laysen Valley, with another on the way in Lumière Centre. Known for refined presentation and technique, the brand brings with it decades of pastry expertise, now available to sample in the Kingdom. Originally founded in 1957 by Gaston and Colette Lenôtre, the concept has long stood as a symbol of French gastronomy. Their first boutique opened near Normandy, and in 1971, the Lenôtre School was established in Plaisir (Yvelines) to share culinary excellence with future generations....

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is taking things up a notch, and this time, Madina is in the spotlight. The city is about to welcome the arrival of CZN Burak Gurme, the global Turkish brand created by chef and internet sensation Burak Özdemir. Known for his energetic personality and massive online following, Chef Burak is bringing his signature take on Turkish comfort food to one of the Kingdom’s most historic cities. Located on Artaah Ibn Al Munther, the new restaurant will soon open its doors to offer a gourmet twist on traditional Turkish dishes. View this post on Instagram A post...

A major shift in regional travel is on the way. Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever international ferry service, offering a new and more affordable option to connect with the UAE and other Gulf countries. As for now, airlines dominate this route. But for many travellers — especially those visiting for work or pilgrimage — a ferry could mean a lower-cost, more accessible option. Once operational, the ferry service will provide an alternative to air travel, which is currently the only commercial travel option between Pakistan and the GCC, including the UAE. The new service is expected to serve...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new name for Al Khail Metro Station. From now on, it will be called Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station. This station is part of the Red Line, located between interchanges 4 and 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road. The renaming follows an agreement between RTA and Al Fardan Exchange, which has acquired the naming rights. As part of the deal, the company will gain exclusive branding opportunities within the station, using smart technologies to enhance its presence. Dubai Metro has a long-standing practice of offering station naming rights to private companies. This...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a major infrastructure addition: a new 800-metre-long tunnel at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street and Al Barsha South Street, near Kings’ School. This newly completed project is part of the wider Umm Suqeim Street development plan and connects Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road. With 4 lanes in each direction, the tunnel is capable to accomodate 16,000 vehicles per hour. As a result travel time is reduced by 61%: from 9.7 minutes to 3.8 minutes between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al...

If London is on your mind this year, pause for a second before booking your flight. New UK travel rules are now in force. From February 25, 2026, most travellers who used to enter the UK visa-free now need to apply for an ETA before boarding their flight. Airlines can turn you away at check-in, even if you’ve flown to Britain many times before. Here’s what you need to know so your trip doesn’t start with a surprise at the airport. What is the UK ETA and Who Needs It? The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is not a visa. It’s...