Discover all the fun things to do

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new regulation regarding hotel check-out times. Starting immediately, all hotels in the Kingdom must enforce a strict check-out time by 12 PM, with no exceptions, regardless of when guests checked in or if their arrival was delayed. The new policy aligns with international hospitality standards, allowing hotels to manage their schedules efficiently and maintain room quality. It also gives hotels enough time to clean and prepare rooms to meet the required standards before new guests arrive. Key Moments of the New Regulation: All hotel guests must check out by 12...

Looking for a unique way to spend your weekend? Head to Abu Dhabi’s Al Quaa Desert on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for an unforgettable stargazing event — and yes, transport is available from Dubai. Al Quaa is one of the darkest sky spots in the UAE, which means it offers some of the clearest views of the Milky Way. On this special night, experts from Dubai Astronomy Group will guide participants through a fully immersive session, complete with storytelling, sky mapping, and astrophotography.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) The...

From January 10 to February 28, 2025, the Al Wathba region in Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival, a key feature of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event celebrates the enduring cultural and agricultural significance of date palms in the UAE. This year’s festival will bring together date enthusiasts, farmers, and traders from around the globe. It will include 12 competitions highlighting date packaging — with and without additives — featuring six...

Apple has unveiled plans for its fifth store in the UAE, set to open in 2025 in the historic city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. This announcement reinforces the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer experiences in the Middle East. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, stating: "The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs. We’re excited to grow our teams, support local businesses, and strengthen our customer relationships here." The upcoming store promises a dynamic space for shopping and learning, offering customers access to Apple’s latest...

If you’ve been wondering whether distance learning is about to end, here’s the latest from UAE authorities. Schools and kindergartens across the country are currently operating remotely, and that continues until April 17. Meanwhile, gradual return to in-person classes is being prepared. Here’s the full update. The Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council confirmed that nurseries, schools, and universities are moving toward in-person learning. Regular classes will resume across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools on April 20, 2026. Private schools can still use a hybrid rotational model when needed. All educational institutions are also expected to...

If you’re a fan of Korean cinema, this one’s for you. The Korean Film Festival is returning for its ninth edition in the UAE — with screenings lined up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This year’s theme is “music”, with a curated lineup of films ranging from those with unforgettable original soundtracks to others where music plays a central role.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Korean Cultural Center UAE🇦🇪🇰🇷 (@kcc_uae) Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UAE and the Korean Cultural Center, the festival will take place at Manarat...

If you’ve been craving greenery, calm water, and a break from city traffic, a mangrove trip might be exactly what you need before summer fully begins. The UAE has plenty of quiet spots where you can kayak through mangrove trees, stroll along boardwalks beside turquoise water, and spot birds and sea life Some locations are close enough for a half-day trip from Dubai, so you’ll still make it back for your evening plans. Others will pull you into peace and quiet for the whole day. Ajman Mangroves (45 mins from Dubai) Al Zorah Nature Reserve is one of the easiest...

Marsana East Beach on Hudayriyat Island has launched something new for summer: night swimming. For the first time in Abu Dhabi, beachgoers can take a swim after sunset, with the beach staying open into the night until the end of September. Equipped with floodlights and lifeguards, the setup allows safe swimming after dark. Comfortable sunbeds and a relaxed atmosphere make it a good option for evening downtime, whether you’re cooling off solo or heading out with friends and family.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Marsana Hudayriyat Island (@marsanahudayriyat) The beach remains popular during...

Jeddah’s food scene keeps growing, and the latest addition is The Good Butcher, a restaurant by Saudi chef and food entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji. Located on the Jeddah Corniche, where Nobu used to be, this new spot is all about high-quality meat — whether you love a juicy steak or a perfectly cooked burger. What’s on the Menu of the Good Butcher? While meat takes center stage, there’s something for everyone, including salads, sides, and vegetarian options. Here’s a taste of what to expect:     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Good Butcher (@thegoodbutcher.sa) Starters:...

You’ve probably already noticed flags showing up on balconies, cars, shopfronts. And if you’ve been thinking of getting one too, you’re not alone. After HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum encouraged residents to raise the UAE flag as a sign of unity, demand has picked up fast across the country. The good news is you don’t have to look far. UAE flags are easy to find right now, in different sizes and quality levels. Here’s where to buy one. 1. Buy a Flag at Supermarkets If you want something today, head to Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket. Flags are already...