What to do in UAE

Expo City is transforming into a stage of national pride and celebration on December 2nd for a special National Day Ceremony, marking the historic unification of all seven Emirates into the United Arab Emirates. Expo City, already abuzz with the global climate discussions of COP28 from November 30th to December 12th, will take a brief interlude to showcase the rich tapestry of UAE's heritage and its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The National Day ceremony will be open to the public. Keep an eye out for ticket announcements, and you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in an experience filled with...

A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application. While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify...

Littering in Abu Dhabi just got more expensive! The city is stepping up efforts to keep its streets and spaces clean with updated fines for littering and improper waste disposal. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced new penalties, encouraging residents and visitors to dispose of their trash responsibly. How Much Could You Be Fined for Littering in Abu Dhabi 2025? If you leave trash outside designated bins — whether after a picnic, lunch break, or just on the go — you could be hit with a fine. Cigarette butts count too! If you flick them on the ground,...

On February 27, 2025, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 1,295 prisoners from correctional facilities across the country. The decision, reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), is part of a tradition of granting amnesty ahead of Ramadan. Along with the release, Sheikh Mohamed has pledged to settle the financial debts tied to the inmates' sentences. This move aims to ease their transition back into society and relieve the financial burden on their families. The annual pardon reflects the UAE’s values of compassion and second chances. Previously, the UAE President granted clemency to...

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has recently made an important decision regarding mobile phones in schools. Starting now, students are prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto school premises, with clear guidelines established for how phones found on school grounds will be handled. This new rule is part of Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, specifically concerning student behavior in public education institutions. It falls under Article (7), which deals with second-degree violations, specifically addressing the misuse of communication devices like mobile phones. The Ministry’s circular to school principals and kindergartens outlines that schools must carry out regular inspection...

The UAE has confirmed the first official public holiday of the year, and it’s one that everyone can enjoy, whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah, or any other emirate! New Year’s Day (January 1) will be a day off for both public and private sector employees across the country. New Year’s Day in the UAE: Public and Private Sector Holiday Dates Public sector employees across all emirates will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2. The first day back in the office will be on Monday, January 5. Meanwhile, private sector employees won’t miss out either....

The 17th edition of the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival is set to captivate equestrian enthusiasts from January 7 to 11 at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seeh Al Salam. This eagerly awaited event will showcase the skills and endurance of the UAE's finest long-distance stables and riders, alongside top international competitors based in the region. Organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club in partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, the Festival stands as a highlight on the UAE’s annual endurance racing calendar. The action kicks off on Tuesday, January 7, with the 101-km Dubai Crown Prince...

The UAE is preparing to celebrate its 54th National Day, marking more than five decades of unity, growth, and shared purpose. Sharjah has recently announced the full lineup of cultural, artistic, and community events to mark Eid Al Etihad 2025. The festivities will begin on November 19 and run through December 2. Whether you’re in the city for the first time or a local resident, Sharjah offers plenty of ways to take part in the National Day celebrations. Below, you'll find a complete guide to the events taking place in the emirate with dates and locations, so you won’t miss...

The UAE has introduced new rules regarding pensions and social insurance for Emirati mothers, allowing them to take leave to care for their children while maintaining their end-of-service benefits. The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) clarified that under Federal Law No. 57 of 2023, mothers can take up to three years off, provided they continue making monthly contributions. This law aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women across various sectors, including education, economy, and politics. The nation has long recognized the essential role of women in its development, a vision championed by the late...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian passport holders, making travel easier for many. Indian nationals who have a valid visa, residence permit, or green card from six additional countries can now get a UAE visa upon arrival. Previously, this option was only available to Indian nationals with valid visas or residence permits from the USA, UK, or European Union countries. Now, the UAE has expanded the list to include: Australia Canada Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea This means Indian travelers who hold valid residency from these countries can enter the UAE without applying...