What to do in UAE

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

If you live in the UAE or have kids approaching adulthood, there’s a legal update worth knowing about. Under the new law, adulthood in the UAE will officially start at 18. The change comes under an updated federal law linked to the Civil Transactions Law and replaces the previous age of 21. In everyday terms, this means: full legal responsibility now starts at 18 from this age, it's now possible to work full-time, drive, and get married Adulthood was previously calculated using the Hijri lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar most people use. Because of that, “21”...

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....

A new media law officially came into effect in the UAE on May 29, setting out a firm regulatory structure for media activities across the country. With fines reaching up to AED 1 million, the law aims to promote ethical and responsible media content in both digital and traditional spaces. The legislation outlines a wide range of violations, many with tiered penalties depending on how serious or repeated the offence is. It also includes licensing requirements and updated provisions for content creators, publishers, and media companies operating in the UAE. Key Offences and Fines under New Media Law in UAE...

Art Dubai is back from April 18 to 20, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together artists, collectors, and art lovers from around the world. As one of the leading international art fairs, it offers a unique mix of creativity, culture, and innovation. The fair will feature four main sections: Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Digital. Alongside these, visitors can enjoy an exciting lineup of artist commissions, performances, talks, workshops, and educational programs. More than 120 exhibitors are expected at this year's edition, with installations and discussions set to spark conversations about art’s evolving role. Notably, Mexican artist Hector Zamora will unveil...

Tennis enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable experience as the World Tennis League (WTL) makes its highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi! From December 19 to 22, Etihad Arena will host the third edition of what’s being billed as The Greatest Show on Court, with tennis superstars and thrilling matches set to electrify the city. This year's World Tennis League promises to be a must-go event for fans and thrill-seekers alike. It will bring together 16 of the world’s top tennis talents, split into 4 fierce teams, battling for the championship in a format that combines the intensity of professional...

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Waterworld is getting even bigger this summer. The long-awaited expansion opened to the public on July 1, 2025, adding 13,445 square metres of brand-new aquatic fun. The updated section builds on the park’s existing theme, continuing the tale of "The Legend of the Lost Pearl" with a new storyline set in the Lost City. It introduces 20 new rides, slides, and experiences, thoughtfully designed for a wide range of age groups — from young kids to thrill-seekers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yas Waterworld™️ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (@yaswaterworldyasisland) Here’s...

Traveling to Dubai from Emirates soon? You're in for a special treat! If you're booking a return flight – be it in the economy, business, or first class – between January 12 and February 1, 2024, for travel before March 31, 2024, the airline is turning your journey into an adventure by offering free tickets to two of Dubai's must-visit spots – the Museum of the Future and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. Here's the lowdown on grabbing those free tickets: Book your flights online at emirates.com, through the Emirates call center, at an Emirates ticketing office, or simply through your favorite...

While Dubai is most popularly known for its spectacular skyline, modern architecture, and luxurious lifestyle, the city is also a thriving hub for art and culture. Connected by people from around the world, Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures and offers an unparalleled experience for art and culture enthusiasts. Dubai has something to offer everyone, from awe-inspiring art galleries to world-class museums. The city also holds a history that’s deeply embedded in the tradition and culture of the region, and for those that are interested, there is a plethora of historical experiences to explore everywhere. If you are...

If you’ve got decade-old traffic fines in Sharjah, there’s good news. The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has announced a decision to waive all traffic violations that are more than 10 years old, provided they meet certain conditions. The announcement was made during a recent SEC meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Council. Who Qualifies for Traffic Fine Waiving? According to the decision, traffic violations recorded by Sharjah Police will be dropped if: At least 10 years have passed since the date of the violation The fine has remained...