What to do in UAE

A new heartwarming initiative is bringing pay-it-forward dining across Dubai, giving residents a chance to spread kindness and support local cafés and restaurants. Through the platform TreatOnUs.ae, you can prepay for a coffee, dessert, or meal that will later be gifted to someone else who visits the venue. The concept comes from entrepreneur Alexander Sysoev and is founded on the old “suspended coffee” tradition, where people would pay in advance for someone else’s drink. Now, that same idea has been turned into a citywide movement that connects people, even if they never meet. Here’s how it works: Restaurants and cafés...

Prepare to be dazzled as the Jewellery & Watch Show (JWS) Abu Dhabi gears up for its 31st edition, running from November 13-17, 2024, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This prestigious event promises an unforgettable experience with a showcase of luxury jewellery and watch collections from over 20 countries. It's a must-visit for collectors, aficionados, and anyone seeking the latest in opulence and craftsmanship. The show will feature exclusive creations from renowned regional and global brands, including unique pieces that embody the finest artistry in the jewellery and watchmaking world. Attendees will also get the chance to...

Dubai Mall is welcoming a fresh pop-up experience this season: Acqua di Parma Caffettino, the Italian lifestyle brand’s first-ever café in the Middle East. The café is located on the first floor of Bloomingdale’s and will stay open until November 3, 2025. The café has a bright and airy feel, with yellow and orange accents mixed with white and grey. Curved and geometric furniture gives the space a smooth flow, and wooden touches add warmth. The brand’s perfumes and home fragrances are displayed along a wall, making it easy to check out the new summer collection while enjoying a coffee...

A brand-new family park has opened its doors in the Al Aweer II area of Dubai, offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy – and the best part? It’s completely free to enter. Spread over 10,500 square meters, this open park features a mix of green spaces and recreational facilities. Unlike other parks, this one has no fences, making it an open and inviting spot for visitors to relax and connect with nature. The park’s design is inspired by the natural beauty and rural charm of the Al Aweer II area, perfectly reflecting Dubai’s unique landscape. Local trees like...

For those who live and breathe wellness, Dubai just unveiled something that’s bound to be on your radar. The Bay Health Club in Al Barari is the city’s latest oasis for fitness, relaxation, and everything in between. If you’re someone who loves to focus on well-being, you’ll find everything for this here. The Bay is a members-only wellness haven designed for those who prioritize both fitness and recovery. With a range of classes from Pilates, yoga, and functional training to dedicated spaces for saunas, sound baths, and vibrational therapy, you’ll have everything you need to restore your energy. The club...

The Giving Movement, known for its Dubai-based athleisure and apparel collections, has quietly entered the café space. The brand has soft launched its first-ever café inside its flagship store at City Walk, marking a new chapter that blends coffee, culture, and community. While official details are still under wraps, a brief teaser on social media hinted at the brand's evolving identity, moving beyond fashion to offer a social and lifestyle destination. Clips from the soft opening showed a packed venue, suggesting early interest and enthusiasm from the community.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Dubai has been ranked the third most scenic city globally for nighttime exploration, according to new research released by travel experts at Travelbag. The study looked at more than 100 cities around the world to measure how well they cater to “noctourism,” a growing trend in 2025 that reflects the increasing popularity of after-dark travel experiences. The ranking is based on several criteria, including: Number of Instagram hashtags Light and noise pollution levels Nighttime safety scores Number of late-night venues Dubai secured the third spot thanks to a combination of safety, aesthetics, and nightlife options. With a nighttime safety score...

Hu Pan, a newly opened Chinese restaurant in Dubai Creek Harbour, brings a refined take on Cantonese cuisine to one of the city’s most scenic waterfront locations. With a focus on traditional flavours and premium ingredients, Hu Pan is set across two levels and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a terrace with views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline. The menu at Hu Pan draws inspiration from Cantonese culinary heritage, with a wide selection of dishes across categories such as starters, handmade dim sum, seafood, Peking duck, wok specialities, and a variety of local desserts.    ...

Get ready to dodge ghosts and chase high scores — a real-life Pac-Man experience is making its way to Dubai this May. The nostalgic arcade game is getting a physical makeover at Active Games UAE in Al Quoz, where fans will get the chance to step into a glowing, life-sized maze as Pac-Man themselves. This interactive activity lets players become the yellow arcade icon, collecting pellets, avoiding ghosts, and navigating the maze in a full-on immersive setup enhanced with digital projections and vibrant visuals.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PAC-MAN™ UAE (@pacmanuae) Pac-Man...

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has started testing a new high-tech passport control system designed to make travelling smoother for some passengers. The system, called "Unlimited Smart Travel", uses artificial intelligence and facial recognition to verify people’s identity—without needing to show any documents. Right now, it’s available in the First and Business Class lounges at Terminal 3. This move is part of the airport’s effort to use smart technology to improve travel. The project was announced during Dubai AI Week by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). A senior GDRFA official explained that the system builds on the...