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This autumn, Dubai will welcome a fresh and exciting addition to its dining scene — Orilla, the debut restaurant concept from acclaimed chef Saradhi Dakara. Located in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Orilla promises to be one of the hottest openings of the season. Named after the Spanish word for “shore,” Orilla pays homage to the coastal spirit of the Mediterranean while infusing it with the elegance and precision of Asian kitchens. Chef Saradhi Dakara, who has spent years cooking, traveling, and immersing himself in the culture of Mediterranean towns, describes Orilla as a personal tribute to the Mediterranean way of life....

One of Abu Dhabi’s most historic landmarks is welcoming visitors once again. Al Maqta Museum, located inside the beautifully restored Maqta Fort, has officially reopened following a full revamp led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Police. This latest restoration is part of an ongoing push to preserve the capital’s cultural heritage — and for history lovers, it’s well worth the visit. The building has deep roots in Abu Dhabi’s story. Back in the 1950s, long before Maqta Bridge connected Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, this site served as...

From August 1 to 3, 2025, Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship will make its debut at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, bringing three days of high-level competition and inclusive participation to the emirate. Announced by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) and held under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event aims to support the global rise of grappling — one of the fastest-growing combat sports worldwide. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AJPTour (@ajptour) The championship is part of the AJP Tour,...

You know the Dubai Fountain? Abu Dhabi is getting its own version. A new project at Al Maryah Waterfront is already underway and likely to draw crowds in the evenings once it opens. The fountain promises a big water show with music composed by Ramin Djawadi, known for the Game of Thrones soundtrack. You’ll see a huge sphere lighting up at night, with more than 1,000 jets shooting up to 75 metres. Construction started in April 2026, and there’s no opening date yet. Other enhancements at Al Maryah Waterfront include: A sea boardwalk extension to give guests closer access to...

Drivers in Abu Dhabi should be aware of upcoming road closures and diversions as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. The Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) has announced temporary traffic changes via their official X account. Check the maps of affected areas and dates of road closures in Abu Dhabi below. Nahyan The First Street Diversion – Zakhir Roundabout, Al Ain Duration: Wednesday, April 2 (12 AM) to Sunday, April 13 (5 AM) A temporary diversion will be in place. Drivers are advised to use alternative roads. Jacques Chirac Street Closure – Saadiyat Island Duration: March 29 – June 30 (3...

Looking for a unique way to embrace the winter season in Doha? Head over to Rosewood Doha and try out their open-air ice rink. Set under the crisp sky of Lusail, it’s a fun and relaxed spot for families and friends to enjoy the winter vibes. Whether you’re a pro on skates or just out for a leisurely glide, the rink offers a chance to enjoy the season in a totally new way. To make your visit even sweeter, treat yourself to some hot chocolate and fresh pastries from Butterfly Patisserie and Q Deli. It’s the kind of cozy escape...

Looking for something new to check out during Riyadh Season 2025? Here’s a beloved family-friendly free zone that’s now open and ready for you: Riyadh Zoo! From giraffes reaching for the sky to flamingos strutting their stuff, it brings you up close to wildlife in a way that’s both fun and informative. The zoo is split into several zones, each with something unique to offer: Almalaz Bay: start your visit with Owl House, Farm Experience, and Kangaroo Yard Ape Escape where you can meet chimpanzees, orangutans, lemurs, and other primates Enchanted Forest: this African-themed area lets you feed giraffes, meet...

A new public art project has launched in Fujairah, turning an ordinary road into a musical experience. The 750-metre stretch of road plays part of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony when driven over at the right speed. The initiative, named “Musical Street,” is the first of its kind in the UAE and the Arab region and located on Sheikh Khalifa Street, just before the Fujairah Court. It was developed by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy as part of a wider plan to bring art into public spaces and daily routines.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Dubai’s man-made coastline keeps growing. Alongside Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and the soon-to-launch Palm Jebel Ali, the city is adding a new name to the list: Naïa Island. The project is developed by Shamal Holding and will be built just off Jumeirah Beach, between Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 3. Naïa Island will include low-rise buildings only, so views of the city’s skyline will stay visible from across the island. Early visuals show a focus on green landscapes, open space, and unobstructed sea views. One of the key components of the development is the arrival of the region’s first Cheval...

The UAE has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for government employees. Depending on the moon sighting, public sector workers could enjoy a long break of up to six days. Eid Al Fitr begins on Shawwal 1, marking the end of Ramadan. Since the Islamic calendar follows the moon cycle, the exact date depends on when the crescent moon is sighted. In the UAE, the moon will be observed on March 29. If it’s spotted that evening, Eid will fall on Sunday, March 30, and the public sector holiday will run from March 30 to April 1. Since...