What to do in UAE

If you're after a swim with a view — and without the midday heat — Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal is bringing back its Moonlight Sessions starting Thursday, May 1, 2025. This exclusive rooftop experience lets guests take a dip in the iconic 90-metre sky pool, perched 96 metres above Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Here’s the breakdown of how to book your moonlit escape: Lotus Bar access: AED 300 minimum spend per person (no pool access) Single Pool Lounger: AED 300 per person (includes pool access) Lotus Floating Bed: AED 850 per couple Infinity Floating Bed: AED...

Residents in the UAE can now start planning for Eid Al Adha 2026. The holiday’s start date has been confirmed after the crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening, May 17. Here are all the dates for the upcoming holiday period: Dhu Al Hijjah (the final month in the Islamic calendar): Monday, May 18 Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE: Wednesday, May 27 Both public and private sector employees already have holidays confirmed for the Eid break, with 9 days off for government workers and 6 days off for private sector worker. School holiday...

You’ve probably already noticed flags showing up on balconies, cars, shopfronts. And if you’ve been thinking of getting one too, you’re not alone. After HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum encouraged residents to raise the UAE flag as a sign of unity, demand has picked up fast across the country. The good news is you don’t have to look far. UAE flags are easy to find right now, in different sizes and quality levels. Here’s where to buy one. 1. Buy a Flag at Supermarkets If you want something today, head to Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket. Flags are already...

Teddy Swims, the GRAMMY-nominated artist known for blending R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop, is officially set to perform in Dubai for the first time. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 22 at Coca-Cola Arena, marking a major moment for fans in the UAE. The global sensation, whose real name is Jaten Dimsdale, is currently on his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy world tour. The stops include his home country United States, two festivals in the UK, several shows across Australia and New Zealand, and finally, arrival to the UAE in November.     View this post on Instagram...

Robin Höfer, the former chef of MICHELIN-starred Ossiano, has launched his own supper club in Dubai — Robz’ Chef’s Table. Known for his work in top restaurants around the world, Robin brings his personal touch to this intimate dining experience, blending Asian flavors with German comfort food and global influences. Robz’ Chef’s Table is not a typical restaurant. With just eight seats per service, it offers a cozy, interactive setting where guests can enjoy dishes inspired by Robin’s culinary journey. Adding to the personal touch, diners even use cutlery passed down from his grandmother, Lore. What's on the Menu at...

Summer is just getting started in the UAE, and another public holiday is already on the horizon: Islamic New Year 2026 (or 1448 AH). While the exact date will depend on the official moon sighting, the occasion comes with a long weekend for UAE residents. So where does this long weekend come from in June 2026? The recently adopted UAE Public Holidays Law allows to move some holidays to the beginning or end of the week. The UAE has already announced that Monday, June 15, will be an official holiday for Hijri New Year for both private and public sector employees....

As the UAE prepares for the Islamic New Year holiday on June 15, several emirates have announced changes to parking, toll gates, and public transport. If you're planning to be out and about, here's what to know in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Free Parking and Toll Gates for Islamic New Year in Abu Dhabi Several Darb toll gates will be free of charge on June 15: Sas Al Nakhl Al Maqta Rabdan Al Saadiyat Al Qurm and Ghantoot toll gates are excluded from the exemption. Free parking for all spaces managed by Mawaqif has also been confirmed for the same...

Apple has unveiled plans for its fifth store in the UAE, set to open in 2025 in the historic city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. This announcement reinforces the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer experiences in the Middle East. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, stating: "The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs. We’re excited to grow our teams, support local businesses, and strengthen our customer relationships here." The upcoming store promises a dynamic space for shopping and learning, offering customers access to Apple’s latest...

Looking for a unique way to spend your weekend? Head to Abu Dhabi’s Al Quaa Desert on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for an unforgettable stargazing event — and yes, transport is available from Dubai. Al Quaa is one of the darkest sky spots in the UAE, which means it offers some of the clearest views of the Milky Way. On this special night, experts from Dubai Astronomy Group will guide participants through a fully immersive session, complete with storytelling, sky mapping, and astrophotography.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) The...

From January 10 to February 28, 2025, the Al Wathba region in Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival, a key feature of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event celebrates the enduring cultural and agricultural significance of date palms in the UAE. This year’s festival will bring together date enthusiasts, farmers, and traders from around the globe. It will include 12 competitions highlighting date packaging — with and without additives — featuring six...