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The sail-shaped silhouette on Jumeirah Beach has been part of Dubai’s skyline for more than two decades. But now, iconic Burj Al Arab is closing for a full refresh. After years of constant use, the building is heading into an 18-month renovation and should reopen around 2027. Since opening in December 1999, the hotel has built a reputation that goes beyond a typical stay. The private island location, the dhow sail design, and the “seven-star” label made it one of the most recognised hotels in the world. After years of hosting guests, the hotel is pausing to rework its interiors....

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be some important changes to the UAE's VAT regulations that businesses and taxpayers need to know about. The Ministry of Finance has introduced these changes through Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aiming to make the tax process simpler and more efficient. 1. No More Self-Invoices for Reverse Charge Mechanism One of the key updates is that businesses will no longer need to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, they’ll only need to keep supporting documents related to transactions. This will simplify the process, cut down on paperwork, and make it...

Abu Dhabi, get ready to up your game nights! Brass Monkey, the Dubai hotspot famous for bowling and arcades, is finally making its way to the capital. Scheduled to open at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Q2 2026, this neon-soaked, retro arcade playground for adults is bringing all the buzz and good vibes. Expect 12 full-sized bowling lanes, a stacked arcade, and plenty of interactive games to challenge your friends after work or on the weekend. And of course, there will be casual bites like tacos, sliders, pizzas, and kebabs to keep you going while you play, plus a...

Saudi boxing fans had plenty to celebrate last Saturday night as their own Mohammed Alakel made impressive debut on the global stage during the “fight of the century” featuring Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Terence Crawford. The 21-year-old debutant kicked things off in the lightweight division with a strong performance, earning a unanimous-decision win over American Travis Crawford after ten intense rounds. Alakel, nicknamed “Mighty,” took on the U.S. crowd for the first time in his 11-month pro career and didn’t disappoint. The judges scored the fight 99-91, 99-91, and 98-92 in his favour, and the CompuBox stats tell the full...

British ska-pop pioneers MADNESS are heading to Dubai. The band is scheduled to perform live at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Known for their unmistakable two-tone sound and energetic performances, MADNESS will bring decades of chart-topping music to the UAE stage. Formed in 1976, MADNESS rose to fame during the late '70s and early '80s ska revival in the UK. They’ve since become one of the most enduring and recognisable names in British pop, still performing today with six of the original seven members. Fans attending the Dubai concert can expect a full-throttle show packed with...

In line with national measures to enhance public safety and better manage traffic, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new regulations that redefine where food trucks can operate. The decision prohibits food trucks from setting up in residential neighbourhoods to ensure a more organised and secure urban environment. Under the new rules, mobile food vendors are also not permitted to park near traffic lights, road intersections, or the entrances and exits of main and secondary roads. They must also avoid high-traffic areas and maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from fuel stations. The ministry has also...

Dubai is officially one step closer to launching its air taxi service. The city just completed its first-ever eVTOL flight with crew, traveling from Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport. The flight was carried out by Joby Aviation Inc., who used the desert area for testing before taking it into more urban settings. This was an important moment ahead of the official launch of air taxis in 2026. With six propellers and four independent battery packs, the aircraft can travel up to 160 kilometers at speeds of 320 km/h. It can carry four passengers and the pilot. Sheikh Hamdan bin...

RAK continues to draw big names, and Mondrian is the latest to plant its flag on the shoreline. Known globally for its design-led hotels, the brand is now translating that identity into permanent homes with Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, and that alone deserves a closer look. This new project will include 343 residences, from one-bedroom apartments to townhouses and sky villas. One consistent detail across all of them: every unit faces west toward the Arabian Gulf, so open sea views and sunsets are part of the layout. The upper tier of Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences is...

If you’re balancing work with school runs or nursery drop-offs, Sharjah has introduced a new option that could make daily schedules easier to manage. The emirate has activated a remote work system for female government employees who have children enrolled in public or private schools or nurseries. The system is designed to support working mothers while maintaining day-to-day operations across government entities. It also aligns with the announced Year of the Family in the UAE. The system does not apply automatically across all roles. Senior management in each government department in Sharjah has been given the authority to decide where...

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a major development near Great Mosque in Mecca that will provide around 900,000 new indoor and outdoor praying spaces. This project, named King Salman Gate, spans 12 million sqm (equivalent to nearly 1,700 football fields) and aims to improve access to Great Mosque for pilgrims and visitors. King Salman Gate is planned as a mixed-use project, combining residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural spaces. The goal is to enhance the services currently provided in the area, ensuring better quality and accessibility for those visiting Great Mosque. The development will be connected to...