Discover all the fun things to do

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...

Heading to Dubai Maritime City? If you're driving, here’s what you need to know: Parkin has introduced a new paid parking zone 321F in the area, with charges applying from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM. Here are the hourly parking rates in this area: 30 minutes: AED 2 1 hour: AED 4 (each additional hour + AED 4) 7 hours: AED 28 14 hours: AED 32 Sundays and public holidays are free. Monthly Parking Subscriptions in Dubai Maritime City (321F) 1 month: AED 315 3 months: AED 840 6 months: AED 1,680 12 months: AED 2,940 The...

Great news for gaming fans in the UAE! Play971 is now live, and it’s a game-changer. This new platform is the first of its kind to be fully licensed by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), making it the official place for online gaming and sports betting in the country. Operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, Play971 offers a wide variety of options, from classic casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette to sports betting on popular events such as football, cricket, and tennis. If you’re into eSports or fantasy games, this platform’s got you covered too. It’s...

Living in Dubai has its perks, but getting around the city still comes with daily costs: tolls, paid parking, and metro fares. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is now lowering some of those costs for specific groups. RTA introduced transport discounts and fee exemptions under the “Family First” programme. Here are the groups who can benefit: Senior Emirati citizens: no Salik toll fees and no public parking charges Citizens and students: discounted public transport fares Taxi drivers: 50% reduction in fares and driver licensing fees People of determination: exemption from Salik, parking fees, public transport fares, and vehicle registration...

If a Michelin restaurant has been on your list but you didn’t feel like committing to a full fine dining experience, MANĀO has introduced something more easygoing. Their Chef’s Tasting Menu is now available and includes an eight-course experience priced at AED 350/person. This special Thai dinner features wagyu, lobster, scallops, and slow-cooked meats, paired with Thai-inspired flavours, light fermentation, and a touch of fire running through the courses. The menu moves through a mix of textures and flavours, each course bringing something slightly different. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @manao_dubai If you feel like extending...

If you’re looking for a car ride like never before, head to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve for a drive-through photo exhibition that’s sure to impress. From January 30 to February 8, this unique outdoor event lets you explore the desert from the comfort of your own car. Al Marmoom: The Living Wild transforms the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve into an open-air gallery that celebrates the desert’s wildlife and natural beauty. It will guide you through a series of 24 photographs by His Excellency Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, capturing the reserve’s wild inhabitant. View this post on Instagram...

If you’re in the mood for something straight off the grill, there’s a new spot to check out in Abu Dhabi. L’ETO has just opened at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, and if you’re after a good lunch or a smoky dinner, you won’t leave disappointed. The menu features Mediterranean dishes with a touch of Asian flavour. Hot off the grill, you’ll find a selection that’s hard to ignore, from wagyu cuts and a ribeye côte de boeuf to tuna au poivre, dry-aged Scottish salmon, and roasted chicken. There’s more to explore, including yellowfin tuna with crisp potato rösti, red...

If you’re planning to get around this Friday, you might not need to pay for it. April 17 marks World Public Transport Day, a new global initiative that highlights the role of public transport in everyday life. To mark the day, free bus rides will be available in select cities across the UAE and Oman. The offer applies to both residents and tourists, with no limits on how many rides you take during the day. Ras Al Khaimah: free buses across the emirate Rakta shared the update on Instagram, confirming that all bus rides in RAK will be free for...

Dubai’s Metro system is one of the busiest transit networks in the region, serving around 900,000 daily riders. And with upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line, set to open in September 2029, it's going to serve even more passengers. To ensure a smooth and pleasant experience, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has laid out a set of rules that everyone entering Dubai Metro is expected to follow, with fines imposed for those who break them. Dubai Metro Fines: Fare Violations from AED 200 Using expired or invalid card: AED 200 Using card designated for others: AED 200 Selling nol cards without...

Don’t be too surprised if a driverless shuttle pulls up next to you on Al Marjan Island. Ras Al Khaimah is already testing robotaxis and robobuses in real traffic, with autonomous vehicles moving around hotels, public spaces, and tourist spots as part of ongoing trials. The self-driving vehicles have already covered more than 16,000 km during day and night testing on the island. For now, it's still in the trial phase, where engineers monitor how the vehicles handle real driving situations. Also in RAK: Uber is coming to the emirate soon with taxi and limousine rides. With big openings on...