What to do in UAE

Starting October 12, 2025, travelling to countries in Europe’s Schengen zone will come with new digital checks at the border. That’s when the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially goes live — replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data and automated systems. The new system will apply to all non-EU travellers entering any of the 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The EES is an automated platform that will register key information when travellers enter or exit the Schengen zone: Fingerprints (only on first entry) A facial scan Passport details Time and place of...

Heading to Saadiyat Island this weekend (Sep 19-21)? Take note — Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced partial closures along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road (E12) due to scheduled works. The closure will happen in two phases: Stage one (red on the map): three left lanes closed from 10 PM on September 19 until 2 PM on September 20, 2025 Stage two (blue on the map): three right lanes closed from 10 PM on September 20 until 2 PM on September 21, 2025 Drivers moving between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island should expect slower traffic during these times and...

Dubai’s food scene never takes a break, and the newest spot turning heads is Papagalos. Nestled in the brand-new Mileo Hotel on Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach, this seaside hangout promises open-air vibe and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. Papagalos – which means parrot in Greek – is all about playful Mediterranean charm. Seafood takes centre stage, with highlights like Fritto Misto and Seabass Ceviche. Mezze fans won’t be disappointed either, with Hummus, Tzatziki, and other classics ready to circulate the table. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Papagalos Restaurant | Dubai (@papagalos.dubai) The plan is to keep the...

Get ready, Dubai food lovers, because a fresh new dining spot is heading to the city. Sobremesa, a Mexican-Spanish fusion restaurant, is set to open next month in Souk Al Bahar, bringing modern gourmet plates, lively cocktails, and a relaxed post-meal vibe. Sobremesa takes its name from a beloved Latin tradition – the time spent chatting and laughing once the plates are cleared. Think of it as a Spanish-style ritual where meals don’t end when the food is gone, but when the conversation (and tequila or mezcal) winds down. So, don’t rush off after your main course – stick around...

After a phased reopening, COVEBEACH is now fully up and running in its new home at La Vie, JBR — and it’s bigger and better than ever. The beach club, previously located on Bluewaters Island, made its comeback in July 2024, and this final stage completes the full transformation. Set right on the shore, the upgraded COVEBEACH now stretches across four levels and covers a massive 64,000 square feet. Here’s what you can expect when you visit: The beach club was opened in three phases. First came a pool and a terrace restaurant. Next, a stylish beach bar. And now,...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made traveling around the city even easier. If you use the metro, your rides on feeder buses are now free — as long as your whole trip stays within the same zone. In simple terms, if you take a feeder bus to reach the metro and then another one to get back to your starting point, you’ll only pay once. The fare is charged when you first tap in, and you won’t be charged again for your return ride within that same area. Dubai Metro’s network is divided into seven zones, and fares...

Dubai is about to get a massive new mall in the heart of a nature-filled community. Ghaf Woods Mall promises to bring a fresh, innovative shopping experience to the city. Announced by Majid Al Futtaim, this will be the company's 30th mall and their 19th in the country. What makes Ghaf Woods Mall special is its integration of nature and technology, blending perfectly into the surrounding environment. This mall is the first of its kind in the region to be designed with a forest-integrated concept. The retail space will be part of Ghaf Woods community, located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin...

If your wardrobe could use a workwear refresh, there’s a new reason to head to Dubai Design District this week. SHEIN pop-up, called 'Power in Style,' is all about celebrating confident, fashion-forward women. Running until October 22, the pop-up takes over Thea Café, blending fashion, coffee, and creativity in one seriously stylish spot. The experience is built around seven of SHEIN’s signature brands, each one showcasing a different side of modern workwear — from desk-to-dinner dressing to laid-back post-meeting comfort. It’s designed to take you through every part of your day in effortless style. View this post on Instagram A...

If you're a coffee lover on the lookout for a fantastic brew, you're in luck – carpo has just opened a store in Abu Dhabi! Located on the ground floor of Marina Mall, this new addition brings the brand's premium experience to the UAE capital, offering a top-notch selection of chocolate, coffee, and nuts. Founded in 1991 in Athens, carpo began by focusing on importing and selling high-quality nuts and dried fruits. Over the years, the brand expanded to include fine chocolates and coffee, quickly earning a reputation for its commitment to quality. With locations around the world, including in...

Tanweer Festival is set to return to the dunes of Mleiha in Sharjah this November, bringing back its distinctive mix of music, art, spiritual reflection, and sustainability. After a well-received debut edition, the three-day event from November 21 to 23 is preparing for an even more immersive second chapter. Held in the tranquil desert landscape, the festival will once again transform the area into a gathering space for creativity, cultural exchange, and mindful living. The initiative is led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who envisions the festival as a platform for deepening connection — both with others and...