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More action is heading to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder, set for July 26 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. With just 10 days to go, organisers have confirmed four new matchups — and there’s still time to grab tickets if you haven’t booked yet. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced bouts for July 26: Mohammed Yahya vs Steven Nguyen Local fans will be watching closely the UAE warrior Mohammed Yahya makes his return to the Octagon. The Emirati lightweight is set to face Steven Nguyen, a Dallas-based fighter also in search of his first...

Dubai has announced that four public beaches will be reserved exclusively for families during the Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday. This initiative by Dubai Municipality aims to control crowd levels, as beaches see a surge of visitors during festive periods, and to ensure a more relaxed and secure environment for families. To maintain order and safety, 126 trained professionals will be stationed across these beaches to handle security and rescue operations. A separate team of ten supervisors will oversee crowd management, keep traffic flowing in beach parking areas, and ensure smooth operations at these sites. Dubai beaches with family-entry only...

Finding Arabic literature online has always been a challenge, but now, it’s a whole lot easier. Amazon, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, has just launched the Digital Arabic Library. With over 38,000 Arabic books available, including more than 1,000 for free, this library is a game-changer for readers worldwide. The collection is extensive, covering a wide range of genres, including history, science, fiction, and memoirs. Here are a few examples of what you can find: The Muqaddimah by Ibn Khaldun Cairo Modern by Naguib Mahfouz The Blue Elephant by Ahmed Mourad The Lost Star by Sara...

If you’ve been thinking about a spontaneous trip somewhere different, this might be your sign. From February 15, 2026, visa-free entry to Azerbaijan becomes available for citizens of Oman. The arrangement expires in one year, so Omani passport holders have a chance to visit this country without paperwork and fees. You can stay in Azerbaijan for up to 30 days per visit. During the one-year period, you’re allowed a maximum of three separate entries. That means you could plan a quick city break, come back later in the year for another trip, and still have one more visit in hand...

Starting September 2, 2025, UAE residents applying for non-immigrant US visas will face a significant change: most will no longer be able to skip the interview process. This includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt. The United States is returning to pre-pandemic screening rules for visa applicants, which means that applicants must attend an in-person interview at either the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate in Dubai. However, a small group will still qualify for interview waivers: 1. Diplomatic & official visas under A, G, and NATO categories 2. B1/B2 (business/tourist) visa...

If you're a South African living in the UAE, renewing your passport just got a whole lot simpler. As of July 2025, VFS Global has introduced a new service that lets you apply for a new passport right here in Dubai — no consulate visit or flight back home required. The passport renewal service is now available at Wafi Mall in Dubai at VFS Global, world’s largest visa application centre, which is currently the only official partner of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in the UAE. Instead of going through the consulate, you can now follow this procedure: Visit...

Mountains have always been a refuge for those looking to escape the noise of daily life, and ENVI Al Shafa promises the perfect environment for that retreat. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level, this new resort in Saudi Arabia offers privacy, serenity, and an immersive connection with nature. Created for those who seek peace and isolation, ENVI Al Shafa features 35 private villas. The interiors reflect the surrounding natural beauty: earthy materials, raw wood details, and subtle touches of greenery create a grounded atmosphere. The resort encourages slow living. You’ll find an open-air restaurant for relaxed meals, a cozy lounge,...

Dubai’s toll operator, Salik, has announced a significant update that will make traveling around the city more affordable for many drivers. The latest change introduces Salik toll exemptions for people of determination and their families, providing a great opportunity to save on toll fees during your daily commute. Salik Toll Exemptions in 2025: Who Qualifies The exemption applies to people who fall under four specific disability categories. These include: Intellectual disabilities Physical disabilities Autism Visual impairments To be eligible for the toll exemption, the person of determination must either own the vehicle or be directly related to the vehicle’s owner....

If you drive around Dubai regularly, you probably know how quickly traffic can build up around busy junctions. The RTA has been steadily working on upgrades to improve traffic flow. The latest addition is the opening of 2 new bridges on Oud Maitha Street, which could reduce travel time in the area from about 20 minutes to just five. One of the new bridges serves traffic moving from Al Asayel Street toward Al Wasl Club Street. The two-lane bridge can accommodate around 2,400 vehicles per hour. The second bridge is located at the intersection of Al Wasl Club Street and...

As cooler weather arrives, both locals and tourists in Dubai are flocking to the city’s most exciting outdoor destinations, eager to create new memories with family and friends. However, this year comes with a slight twist — 4 popular attractions in Dubai have seen an increase in ticket prices. Here's what you need to know before planning your next adventure. Glow Garden: A Magical Journey with a Price Bump Returning for its 10th spectacular season, Dubai's Glow Garden dazzles visitors with its glowing light installations and fantastical displays. However, the ticket price has increased to AED 78.75 (including 5% VAT),...