What to do in UAE

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is bringing a whole lot of fun this winter! Happening from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the festival will be packed with events, deals, and entertainment for everyone. But if there’s one thing you absolutely don’t want to miss, it’s DSF Drone Show happening every evening at Bluewaters and The Beach JBR. At 8 PM and 10 PM each night, over 1,000 LED drones light up the sky with dazzling shapes, colors, and even some pyro effects. It’s an activity that’s perfect for the whole family. And with two different shows every evening, you...

As families in Dubai plan for winter, the school holiday calendar offers several long breaks for family outings or international travel. Dubai's 2024-2025 school calendar includes a three-week winter break in December and a bonus holiday for Union Day, adding more days off to look forward to this season. Union Day Holiday: A Long Weekend The UAE Union Day holiday gives Dubai families a four-day weekend in early December. Union Day on December 2, 2024 (Monday), and Flag Day on December 3, 2024 (Tuesday), provide a break from school starting Saturday, November 30. Both private and public school students will...

The countdown is on for ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025, happening on December 13. If you’ve been thinking about taking on a new challenge, this is your moment. Even if you’re not going for the full 42 km, there are shorter races that can push your limits during one of the UAE's biggest sporting events. Last year’s event saw over 33,000 runners from all over the world, making it the largest marathon in the event's history. And with spaces still available for every race, it’s not too late to prepare and join. View this post on Instagram A post shared...

Ramadan has started, and that means Eid al-Fitr is just around the corner. If you haven’t planned your time off yet, there’s still a chance to make the most of the upcoming break. The exact holiday dates for the public and private sectors in the UAE will be confirmed later, but here’s what we can expect based on past announcements. Expected Eid al-Fitr 2025 Dates The UAE typically grants public holidays from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal. This year, if Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on Sunday, 30 March. That would mean a four-day holiday,...

Looking for exciting plans this weekend in Dubai? With winter in full swing, there are exciting things happening all across the city - from live music to cultural celebrations, thrilling outdoor events, and creative spectacles. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your weekend in the city. Watch Majid Al Mohandis & Assala Nasri Live Kickstart your weekend with a mesmerizing evening of Arabic music at the Coca-Cola Arena on January 10th. Majid Al Mohandis, known as "The Prince of Arabic Music," and the legendary Assala Nasri will share the stage, performing iconic hits like "Shahd Al-Huroof" and...

Abu Dhabi residents could face fines of up to AED 4,000 for installing satellite dishes in unapproved locations, as authorities continue to tighten regulations aimed at preserving the emirate’s urban appearance and safety standards. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has reiterated that multiple satellite dishes on building facades, rooftops, and balconies violate Law No. 2 of 2012, which covers public cleanliness and urban planning regulations. The law aims to maintain architectural aesthetics, prevent safety hazards, and ensure a visually clean cityscape. Here’s how the fines are structured: First violation: AED 1,000 Second violation: AED 2,000 Third and repeated...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new digital inspection system to improve the Dubai Metro and Tram experience. This update will make journeys smoother, ensure proper use of designated cabins, and increase efficiency in monitoring violations. Better Enforcement of Women-Only and Gold Class Cabins Dubai Metro and Tram have dedicated cabins for women and children, but sometimes men enter these spaces, which is not allowed. The new system will help inspectors detect and prevent such violations more effectively. Gold Class Cabin users will also benefit, as the system will track unauthorized passengers using Silver nol cards in...

Barasti, the long-standing favourite in Dubai Marina, is bringing back free access to its beach and pool areas — and it’s sticking around until October 2025. After briefly introducing an entry fee earlier this year, Barasti has dropped charges altogether, with no minimum spend required. The move comes after Barasti’s recent major refresh, which saw upgrades to the pool deck, the addition of hammocks, and 16 premium cabanas for those who want to lounge in style.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Barasti Beach (@barastibeach) Regular cabanas are available for free. VIP cabanas and...

UAE National Day is just around the corner, and Dubai is turning into one big celebration zone. Between until December 2, the city will host a national month of celebrations 2025 packed with fireworks, heritage festivals, workshops, and family activities. Whether you love cultural events, outdoor fun, or city lights, there’s something happening in every corner of Dubai. Here’s your simple guide to all events in Dubai with dates and timings, so you can plan your weekends easily. National Month of Celebrations at Green Spaces Hatta Heritage Village (on weekends, November 15–December 2)Hatta Winter Camp invites kids aged 7 to...

With cooler weather on the horizon, Hatta is gearing up for an adventurous new season, kicking things off at the Hatta Wadi Hub starting from October 1st. If you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities, this year’s lineup promises a range of exciting experiences that are sure to keep everyone entertained.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Visit Hatta (@visit.hatta)   Hatta Wadi Hub Line-Up For those looking to channel their inner warrior, Hatta’s new spear-throwing zone lets you live out your wildest fantasies. Test your aim and precision in the brand-new shooting range, a...