What to do in UAE

More action is heading to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder, set for July 26 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. With just 10 days to go, organisers have confirmed four new matchups — and there’s still time to grab tickets if you haven’t booked yet. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced bouts for July 26: Mohammed Yahya vs Steven Nguyen Local fans will be watching closely the UAE warrior Mohammed Yahya makes his return to the Octagon. The Emirati lightweight is set to face Steven Nguyen, a Dallas-based fighter also in search of his first...

Dubai’s hotel landscape is set to get even more exciting with the upcoming launch of Kimpton Dubai, the brand’s first foray into the UAE. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the new hotel will transform the former Crowne Plaza Business Bay into a stylish boutique escape right on the edge of the Dubai Canal. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton is known for its design-driven approach and community-focused ethos. The Dubai property will channel that spirit with a design inspired by its canal-side setting — curved fins and metallic touches mimic the movement of water and reflect the city’s...

Get ready for something truly different under the desert sky. Dubai’s first-ever 72-hour festival, Echoes of the Sand, is arriving at Terra Solis by Tomorrowland this November. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable non-stop celebration of music, movement, and pure desert energy. The big party begins on Thursday, November 20 and will last till Saturday, November 23. From 9 PM to 1 AM, the desert will transform into a glowing dance floor, with resident and 4 headline DJs keeping the energy alive long into the night. When you’re not dancing, there will be plenty to explore in the morning:...

Dubai Metro riders will have more time to travel this weekend. On Sunday, July 20, the metro will run until 1 AM the following day, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The extended hours apply across the network and are being introduced to support increased footfall during a major event in the city. Normally, Dubai Metro operates from 8 AM to midnight on Sundays. With the extension, passengers will be able to travel more conveniently throughout the evening. The RTA shared the update on its social media, encouraging people to make use of the additional service hours...

Dubai has rolled out temporary flexible working hours for government employees during the summer months, aiming to improve work-life balance and boost productivity. The initiative, confirmed by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025. The flexible work model follows the official five-day workweek and divides employees into two working groups: Group 1 works eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off completely. Group 2 works seven hours Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday. For many government employees in Dubai, weekends already include a half-day Friday and full days...

Futuristic underground transport system by Elon Musk’s Boring Company is coming to Dubai sooner than we thought. According to the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Dubai Loop is expected to be operational by 2026. A 17km underground network will move people swiftly and efficiently around the city. With 11 stations planned, it will be capable of carrying more than 20,000 passengers per hour, significantly easing congestion and providing a fast alternative to traditional transport. Dubai Loop will use tunnels to connect different parts of the city, allowing people to travel quickly and...

Clear your schedule because Etihad Airways is bringing something exciting to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, and you won’t want to miss it. From now until September 9, they’re hosting a special event on the ground floor where you can check out their brand-new A321LR aircraft and score up to 40% off flights to 6 destinations. Here’s what you can expect! You can grab special fares to 6 destinations, including Chiang Mai and Krabi (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Medan (Indonesia), Tunis (Tunisia), and Algiers (Algeria). Each day, one of these destinations gets an extra 10% off, so you can...

This Ramadan, Mercato Shopping Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah are bringing a fun and exciting way to celebrate the season! They’re hosting a Ramadan Lantern Hunt, where you can explore the malls, find hidden lanterns, and win prizes every day. How to Play the Ramadan Lantern Hunt Step 1. Download the PrivilegePLUS app Step 2. Search for lanterns hidden around the malls Step 3. Scan the QR code on the back of each lantern Step 4. Find a winning lantern? You’ll get an instant prize! The more lanterns you scan, the better your chances of winning. If you don’t win...

Set your alarms early on next Sunday! A fascinating celestial event is coming to Dubai on April 13, 2025. Known as the ‘pink moon,’ this full moon will be visible in the early morning, with moonrise at 5:56 AM. Despite its name, the pink moon won’t actually turn pink. The name comes from the pink flowers that bloom in April, marking the arrival of spring. This year’s pink moon is also a ‘micromoon,’ meaning it will be at its farthest point from Earth. Because of this distance, it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon. While...

Top names and brands are already making their mark in Ras Al Khaimah, but this one stands out as truly iconic. The first-ever Tonino Lamborghini Residences are coming to Al Marjan Island, and if you're looking for next-level luxury living, this is the project you’ll want to keep an eye on. BNW Developments has teamed up with Tonino Lamborghini to bring a bold new vision to life: 377 exclusive residences, including studios, penthouses, villas, and mansions. As expected from the Italian luxury brand, resident can count on world-class craftsmanship and a living experience that goes beyond luxury. With breathtaking views,...