What to do in UAE

You probably know how easy it is to visit Thailand. Travellers from most countries, including GCC nations, can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism. However, the allowed stay period is now changing. The country remains visa-free, but your holiday can now last up to 30 days. Most visitors probably won’t even feel the difference, but the change is still worth knowing if you're planning a longer stay. Thailand introduced a 60-day visa-free stay in 2024, and the country is now replacing it with a stay period that’s twice shorter. All extensions will require approval from Thai immigration authorities. The new rule...

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind desert experience this winter as The Uncommon Pop-Up Cafe, making its debut at Al Marmoom from December 20, 2024, to January 12, 2025, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This breathtaking mirrored pop-up cafe invites guests to step into a surreal desert scene, where mirrors and lights create an enchanting atmosphere as the golden sun dips below the dunes.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Uncommon (@theuncommon.ae) Perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers, The Uncommon combines immersive design with relaxing activities, creating a memorable oasis...

Yas Island has just added a fresh new destination to its ever-growing lifestyle lineup with the launch of Noya Plaza. Located in the heart of the Noya residential neighbourhood and developed by Aldar, the newly opened shopping hub is designed to serve both locals and visitors with a convenient mix of retail, dining, and daily essentials. The atmosphere blends a laid-back community feel with sleek design, offering a compact yet thoughtfully curated experience. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee, picking up groceries, or running weekend errands, Noya Plaza brings it all together under one roof.     View...

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is back, and the 2025 edition promises to be its most thrilling yet! Taking place February 1-8, 2025, this premier women’s tennis tournament will light up the courts at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City. Whether you’re a long-time tennis fan or just looking for an exciting outing, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit. The tournament will feature 28 of the world’s best singles players and 16 doubles teams, guaranteeing a week packed with intense matches and unforgettable moments. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2025 Tickets and Seating Options To ensure...

Dubai has updated parking fees in several busy districts, including Karama, Al Qusais, Al Kifaf, Madinat Dubai, and Al Melaheya. The new tariff structure, rolled out by Parkin PJSC, the city's largest public parking operator, was announced on social media this week and applies specifically to Zones W and WP. Here’s a quick look at the updated rates by zone: Zone WP (Al Kifaf – 324WP) Peak hours (8 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 8 PM): AED 6 per hour Off-peak hours: AED 4 per hour Zone W (Covers Al Karama – 318W, Al Qusais First –...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced temporary road closures on Thursday, February 6, due to the UAE Tour Women cycling race. Several key roads will be affected as cyclists make their way through the city. Stage 1 of the race starts at 12:45 PM from the Dubai Police Officer's Club and finishes at Dubai Harbour at 4:40 PM. Roads will be closed temporarily and will reopen once the last cyclist has passed. If you're driving in Dubai on Thursday, be aware that the following 15 streets will experience temporary closures: Latifa Hospital Street Oud Metha Road Al Seef...

Get ready for a wild adventure as Dar Al Zain Festival returns to Al Ain from April 12th to 21st. This isn't your ordinary festival; it's a celebration of nature and family fun that promises to leave you amazed and entertained. What To Expect at DAZ Festival Imagine a place where art installations mingle with the rustling of trees, where concerts echo through the air, and where the aroma of street food tantalizes your taste buds. That's the essence of DAZ Festival, set against the backdrop of Al Ain Zoo. This year, the festival is themed "Farm Meets Safari," offering...

Get ready to refresh your spirit and find balance at the Kayan Wellness Festival, a three-day celebration of holistic well-being in the serene surroundings of Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi. Set to take place from 31st January to 2nd February 2025, this transformative festival invites attendees to embark on a path of healing, self-discovery, and renewal. This year’s festival focuses on three key pillars: Mind, Body, and Soul. With a lineup of globally renowned wellness experts, immersive workshops, and inspiring talks, the festival offers a unique opportunity to embrace holistic living in a destination synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation. Meet World-Class...

Looking for a unique cultural experience this winter? The 13th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival returns from 31 January to 28 February 2025, hosted at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. This year’s theme, “Memory,” promises a rich tapestry of artistic expression, showcasing over 200 artists from around the globe. What began in 2013 with just 30 emerging artists from Ras Al Khaimah has blossomed into an internationally recognized annual event. Today, the festival serves as a dynamic platform for creativity, connecting artists, authors, and visitors through shared stories and diverse cultural experiences.     View this...

Dubai is set to introduce a game-changing parking system at three of its busiest malls — Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif — beginning January 1, 2025. Partnering with Majid Al Futtaim, Parkin will roll out a high-tech "barrierless parking" solution that utilizes advanced camera technology to automatically track vehicles. Parkin, Dubai’s primary public parking operator, confirmed that fees for parking will remain unchanged under the five-year deal with MAF. The primary benefit will be a smoother, more efficient experience for the 20 million vehicles expected to visit these malls annually. In total, these sites...