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If you’ve noticed how fast live entertainment in the region is growing, this news makes a lot of sense. This winter, Abu Dhabi will host the first-ever Live Summit Middle East. The two-day gathering, scheduled for December 7-8, will bring together 500 senior figures from across the global live entertainment industry. The event fits into a bigger change we’re seeing across the region. According to a recent survey, most Gen Z in the UAE is choosing concert tickets and experiences over traditional gifts, which says a lot about where the live industry is heading. Live Summit Middle East in Abu...

If you’re planning Umrah, you know how important it is to be prepared. The rituals are deeply meaningful, but the logistics can feel overwhelming, especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. To make things easier for foreign pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has issued the official Umrah guide in 16 international languages. The guide follows takes you through entire journey: from the moment you prepare at home to the completion of your pilgrimage. It starts with pre-travel requirements like visas and permits, then walks you through the rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. No matter where you’re coming from or...

If you're planning a visit to Dubai Opera soon, punctuality just became more important than ever. The venue has rolled out a new policy that bars audience members from entering once a performance has started. The update was announced on the venue’s official Instagram, with a clear message: “No entry after the performance begins, only during intermission.”     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Opera (@dubaiopera) The move aims to protect the integrity of the live experience — both for the performers on stage and the audience already seated. By eliminating mid-show disruptions, Dubai...

In just six years, the number of metro lines in Dubai will double. Blue Line hasn’t even opened yet, and a fourth line is already on the way. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced a new transport project, Gold Line. Here’s what to know about the route and connections. If you’re wondering where to switch between lines, here are the first connections announced: Red Line at Business Bay and Jumeirah Golf Estates Green Line at Al Ghubaiba Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates You can read more Etihad Rail and its stations here. Gold Line will...

If you’re used to Uber rides, you can soon enjoy the service in Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTA has signed an agreement with the ride-hailing company to bring the app to the emirate. And it comes with a much-needed addition to regular taxis: the option to book limousine rides. Booking will be available 24/7, with everything handled through the same app, including payment. Considering the scale of development in Ras Al Khaimah, bringing Uber to the emirate is a smart move. It’s a service millions already rely on in the UAE and abroad, and with tourism on the rise, it’s likely...

Cinema nights are great, but they can feel a bit predictable. You book, grab snacks, watch the film, and head out. It works, but it doesn’t always feel like much of an occasion. Cinemacity Starlight is a new place to watch films at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, and it changes that routine a little. You still get the core of it: the cinema features nine screens, including a large theatre with 500 seats. But the pace around it is different. Instead of standing around before your screening, there are cozy areas where you can sit, talk, and ease into...

A new global ranking is out, and it's another positive update for everyone calling the UAE home. TheWorld Happiness Report 2026 named the UAE the happiest country in the Arab world. It also ranks 21stglobally, ahead of the US (23rd) and the UK (29th). Several key factors are taken into account: social support GDP per capita healthy life expectancy freedom to make life choices generosity perceptions of corruption The result is also based on how people evaluate their own lives, not just economic indicators. Residents in the UAE reported more positive emotions than negative ones, pointing to a generally balanced...

Getting between coastal areas in Qatar usually means sticking to busy roads. A new plan suggests another option in the future: traveling by water. Qatar’s updated 2050 Transport Master Plan includes a water taxi network connecting key destinations from Al Wakra to Al Khor. The route shared so far includes: Al Wakra Hamad International Airport Doha Port Doha Downtown West Bay Pearl Lusail Al Khor The Ministry of Transport outlined three proposed water transport lines under the plan: Al Khor Water Transport Line, HIA Water Transport Line, and Al Wakrah Transport Line. The network would connect neighborhoods, business areas, and...

The world has never felt so connected, but there are still so many new destinations to reach. Etihad Airways adds five more cities in China to its network, with direct routes from Zayed International Airport. You can now fly to: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) Guangzhou (CAN) Chengdu (TFU) Hangzhou (HGH) Shenzhen (SZX) All flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 28 business class seats and 262 economy seats. Whether you’re travelling for business or tourism, China has a lot to explore. Before this, Beijing was the only direct option from Abu Dhabi. With these 5 direct flights, you...

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again taken the lead on the global stage — officially crowned the world’s busiest airport for international passengers in 2024. The latest figures from Airports Council International (ACI) show that DXB handled a massive 92.3 million international travellers, putting it ahead of other major global hubs like London Heathrow, Seoul Incheon, Singapore Changi, and Amsterdam Schiphol. That’s a 6.1% increase from 2023, and it marks the 10th year in a row that Dubai has held this top spot for international traffic. Dubai’s airport isn’t just big — it’s a crucial global connector. As the...