Discover all the fun things to do

Ever dreamed of sipping coffee in Paris or strolling through the streets of Rome? Before you pack your bags, there's one crucial step you need to get right: your Schengen visa application. Over 20% of UAE applications were rejected in 2023, and most of them could have been avoided. If you're planning a European getaway and want to maximize your chances, here are some essential tips to help you succeed. Mistake #1: Incorrectly Filling Out the Application Form While it might sound like a no-brainer, it’s one of the most common mistakes. First of all, the application needs to be...

If you missed out on the last AURA Skypool free ticket drop, you’re not the only one. Those spots disappeared fast, but now there’s another chance. The venue is giving away 10,000 complimentary entry tickets for visits until April 30. To make it clear, entry is free, but there's a minimum spend that applies per person. You can use that amount on food, drinks, additional guest services, or other items at the venue. Rise (6 AM): AED 100 Morning and evening slots (10 AM and 8 PM): AED 150 Afternoon Monday to Friday (3 PM): AED 200 Afternoon Saturday and...

A day at the zoo is back on the list. Riyadh Zoo has reopened after maintenance, and you can once again explore its animal zones and get close to wildlife. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about 2026 timings, zones, and the animals you can see there. Opening hours of Riyadh Zoo in 2026 Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM until sunset Friday: 1 PM until sunset Sunday: Closed Gates close at 4:30 PM What's Inside Riyadh Zoo You’ll move through different themed areas, each with its own animals and experiences: Go to Almalaz Bay where...

Get ready for a major destination coming to UAE in 2025: Surfbase Dubai. The place will be the home of the largest artificial wave in the world! In typical UAE style, this new surf club in CityLand Mall is set to take things to the next level, offering an exciting, year-round surfing experience for everyone, no matter the season. The artificial wave will be reaching heights between 0.8 to 3 metres and stretching 30 metres in width. With its deep-water design, it’s ideal for classic surfing, and the intensity of the wave can be adjusted from mellow to challenging, making...

Dubai’s dining calendar just got a new highlight. This October, Yu & Mi will open on the 36th floor of the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Downtown. Tucked behind a subtle entrance, the space opens into a setting that feels straight out of 1960s Hong Kong, with skyline views to match. Inside, it’s all about atmosphere. Deep red seating gives the room warmth, neon script glows softly across the walls, and bold artworks add personality. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep the city in sight, while brick accents and low lighting make the space feel cozy without losing its edge. View this post on Instagram...

If you’re gearing up for Dubai Ride 2025, here’s some good news! You can join the action on two wheels without spending a dirham. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has teamed up with Careem to offer all registered participants a free bike rental during the event on November 2, 2025. Bikes are available at any of the 200+ Careem Bike stations in Dubai on a first-come, first-served basis. On the day of the ride, there will be additional pop-up locations with bikes: Entrance A: Museum of the Future (Trade Centre Street) Entrance E: Lower FCS (Financial Centre Street) If...

If you drive in and out of Al Reem Island, getting around just became a lot easier. Abu Dhabi has openedtwo new bridges that connect the island directly to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E-12). Theirmutual capacity reaches up to 7,200 vehicles/hour, and travel time can be reduced by up to 15 minutesduring peak hours. The new connection reduces pressure on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street and Mina Road, which are oftencongested. Check out the official map with two new bridges added. A separate bridge is dedicated to freight vehicles, allowing trucks to make a U-turn between Zayed Portand Saadiyat Island...

Oman is taking a big step toward modernizing its payment systems with the introduction of a national payment card. Set to be issued by local banks under the oversight of the Central Bank, this new initiative is designed to offer a more secure, smooth, and convenient way for people to make payments both online and in stores. This move is a major part of Oman’s push to develop its digital payment landscape and reduce reliance on foreign payment providers. The new card will allow users to make transactions within a unified national system, making payments easier and safer for everyone,...

Ready to experience an unforgettable dance showdown? City Walk Unplugged returns for its exciting third season in 2024, promising two weekends of electric performances and a thrilling finale. This dynamic event celebrates dance talent from across the UAE and beyond, bringing together 30 outstanding teams chosen through a competitive TikTok submission process. From November 22 to 24, 30 dance groups which have been shortlisted as semifinals will feature fusion dance routines by these teams. They will showcase their creativity and skill before a live audience and a panel of renowned judges, including internationally recognized choreographers Brendon Hansford, Rhea Harmoush, Polina...

The Metropolitan Opera is heading to Saudi Arabia with a brand-new winter residency in Riyadh. Thanks to a collaboration between the Saudi Music Commission, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the Met Opera itself, the partnership is set to bring world-class productions to the Kingdom every year. For five years, the Met will make The Royal Diriyah Opera House its winter stage. Each season, the company will present a full-scale opera alongside a lineup of concerts, all spread over three weeks. Beyond the performances, the project is designed to highlight local talent and nurture careers, from singers and musicians to...