Discover all the fun things to do

Esports fans in Riyadh, there’s something exciting on the horizon! After the success of the Esports World Cup this year, the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is set to take center stage in Riyadh in November 2026. Unlike other similar events that feature club teams, ENC focuses on the competition between national teams. Popular game publishers like Electronic Arts, Tencent, Krafton, and Ubisoft will be involved, bringing well-known titles such as EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, PUBG, and Rainbow Six into the spotlight. This new competition will feature teams from nearly 100 countries, competing in more than 15 games. Here’s what...

If you're on the hunt for a fresh beach spot in Dubai, Sunset 55° Beach Club at the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah might just be your new favorite place. It's all about relaxed vibes and good times, with stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah. Whether you're in the mood to chill during the day or enjoy a fun night out, Sunset 55° has got you covered. You can spend your day lounging on comfy sunbeds, or kick back in a shaded cabana if you want to escape the sun for a bit. Plus, there's the adults-only pool right outside the...

If you're a South African living in the UAE, renewing your passport just got a whole lot simpler. As of July 2025, VFS Global has introduced a new service that lets you apply for a new passport right here in Dubai — no consulate visit or flight back home required. The passport renewal service is now available at Wafi Mall in Dubai at VFS Global, world’s largest visa application centre, which is currently the only official partner of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in the UAE. Instead of going through the consulate, you can now follow this procedure: Visit...

Located just a short drive away from Dubai is the small but mighty Emirate of Ajman. Although spanning a short space of 300 km, the city is well worth visiting. Ajman is home to one of the best white-sand coasts in the region, making it the go-to destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and laid-back weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring Emirates. Discover The White Sandy Beaches Of Ajman Along with luxurious 5-star resorts, including Sheraton, Radisson, and more, Ajman is also home to other exciting activities like horseback riding on the beach, watersports, and...

Starting July 1 through August 22, 2025, Ajman will roll out summer work policy aimed at easing conditions for government employees during the hottest months of the year. The decision introduces remote work on Fridays and shortened working hours during the week. Public sector employees will now follow this updated schedule: Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Friday: Remote work for all staff While the new working model eases the standard office routine, it also emphasises the uninterrupted delivery of essential services. Government departments have been asked to apply flexible internal arrangements to make sure services continue smoothly....

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has named the best and worst government departments when it comes to bureaucracy. Sheikh Mohammed has long been vocal about the negative impact of excessive bureaucracy, calling it “the art of turning simple things into complex ones.” He believes government systems should focus on results, not just paperwork and rigid rules. This year’s top three least bureaucratic departments are: Department of Justice Department of State Department of Energy and Infrastructure These offices were praised for prioritizing efficiency over unnecessary procedures and for...

If you’re looking for a new place to try, B+F Riyadh is worth keeping in mind. This burger boutique is getting ready to open at Laysen Valley and it'll bring something different from the usual spots. The vibe is warm, slightly rustic, and built around live fire, so you can actually see part of the cooking as it happens. The concept comes from Kuwait and centres around cooking over charcoal. You'll notice the difference after the first bite. The food picks up a deeper, slightly smoky flavour, which gives familiar dishes a bit more character. View this post on Instagram...

Travel just got easier for Emirati passport holders. The UAE and Moldova have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual visa exemption, allowing UAE citizens to enter Moldova without a visa. The agreement was signed during an official meeting in Abu Dhabi between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mihai Popșoi, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding international collaboration and building strong, productive relations with Moldova in areas that support both countries’ development goals. This is the latest addition to a growing...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...

Riyadh is about to take your fitness routine to a whole new level. GymNation Middle East has launched what might just be the most epic fitness class in the world: at 650+ meters above the city in a hot-air balloon. Every Saturday this January, you can join a workout that gives you more than just a good burn. You’ll be sweating it out with a jaw-dropping view of Riyadh’s skyline. The experience starts with a warm-up on the ground before you take off, and then it’s 30 minutes of full-body strength and conditioning. Get ready for Cloud Crushers (squats), Overhead...