What to do in UAE

Abu Dhabi is embracing the spirit of Ramadan with Layali Ramadan, a vibrant open-air event on Saadiyat Island. Running throughout the Holy Month, this nighttime festival combines food, shopping, and entertainment, offering a perfect place to unwind and celebrate with family and friends. At Layali Ramadan, food takes center stage. Expect a variety of delicious suhoor options from popular local spots like Aptitude Cafe, Derwandi, Estkanah Chai, Glaze Bake House, Lento, Lgymat & Rgag, and Treats. Whether you’re craving traditional Emirati flavors or contemporary bites, there’s something for every taste.     View this post on Instagram   A post...

Dubai’s roads are about to become even more efficient, thanks to a major upgrade in the city’s traffic light system. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new project using artificial intelligence (AI) to make traffic signals smarter, helping cars move more smoothly through intersections. The system, called UTC-UX Fusion, will be installed at key junctions across the city. It will be able to predict traffic patterns and adjust signal timings in real time, meaning fewer stops at red lights and a faster drive for everyone. A digital twin technology will also be used — this allows experts...

Abu Dhabi just got a new spot for evening beach fun! The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has opened Night Beach on the Corniche, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a swim after sunset. Whether you're an early riser or prefer the cooler evening hours, this beach is the perfect place to cool off while getting some exercise. Night Beach is open daily from 6 PM to 10 PM, with extended hours on the weekends, running until midnight from Friday to Sunday. In addition to swimming, the beach offers plenty of activities to keep you active, including volleyball, basketball,...

Some weekends just call for good food, good company, and no real plans beyond that. Taste of Dubai 2026 fits right into that category. From February 6 to 8, the city’s favourite food festival takes over Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, turning it into a three-day hangout with great cooking, live music, and those “just one more bite” moments. If you’ve been before, you already know the vibe. If this is your first Taste of Dubai, take it as a sign to clear your schedule. Here’s everything you need to know about a February weekend the city does really well. Taste...

Residents in Dubai will now be required to clear all outstanding traffic fines before renewing their residency visas, according to a recent announcement by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). During a press briefing, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, confirmed that visa renewals will not be processed if traffic fines are unpaid. He emphasized that the move is not meant to burden residents but to encourage respect for the law. “If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments,” Al Marri explained. The decision comes in response...

LOEWE has launched an exclusive perfume pop-up in the heart of Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open until 9 February, the LOEWE Perfumes Greenhouse invites visitors to experience its signature Botanical Rainbow fragrances and home scents inside a beautifully designed Victorian-style greenhouse. This one-of-a-kind space takes inspiration from old apothecaries and botanical gardens, where plants were traditionally grown for their healing properties. The greenhouse setting blends nature and luxury, offering a multi-sensory journey through color, texture, and scent.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by إثر (@ethr.ae) At the core of this...

As parents, keeping your kids safe in the digital world can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the constant stream of new apps, social media platforms, and online games popping up. With 2026 announced as the UAE Year of the Family, the government is stepping up to make sure kids can explore the internet safely. In December 2025, the UAE introduced a new law - Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2025 on Child Digital Safety - to safeguard children online. It ensures that any platform accessible in the UAE, whether a website, app, or streaming service, must adhere...

Dubai is launching a new digital platform to bring people together. Called My Dubai Communities, this initiative aims to connect residents, citizens, and visitors with interest-based groups across the city. With around 100 different communities, it offers opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to meet, interact, and engage in activities they love. Announcing the platform on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted how the initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal of strengthening community ties. My Dubai Communities isn’t just about hobbies — it’s a space for...

Dubai Mall has rolled out changes to pick-up and drop-off locations for visitors, employees, and tour operators, as Emaar continues upgrades on its infrastructure, including the Grand Parking area. Tour Buses and Hop-On Hop-Off Service Tour bus pick-up and drop-off points along Grand Drive and Grand Parking are set to close soon. While no official date has been announced, operators are already adjusting routes.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Mall by Emaar (@thedubaimall) Tour buses will now stop near Dubai Mall Chinatown or at the front of Dubai Mall Zabeel. The RTA’s...

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2024-2025 is wrapping up this Sunday, January 12, but there's still plenty of excitement to enjoy. From dazzling light shows to vibrant cultural gatherings, these free events promise to make your final weekend unforgettable. Let’s explore what’s waiting for you across Dubai. 1. e& MOTB at Dubai Design District Dive into creativity and culture at e& MOTB, a standout event with a Neo-Vintage theme that fuses retro 50s vibes with futuristic flair. Strolling through this creative space, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of unique local treasures and pop-up stores from international brands. The food stalls,...