What to do in UAE

Sharjah’s sweetest summer tradition is back. The fourth edition of the Mango Festival will take place from June 27 to June 29 at Expo Khor Fakkan, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the full flavour of the season’s most anticipated fruit — the mango. A highlight on the city’s cultural calendar, the festival celebrates not just the fruit itself but the agricultural heritage of the region. Showcasing a variety of mangoes freshly harvested from local farms, the event is a platform for growers to display their produce, share knowledge, and connect with both residents and fellow farmers. Held under the...

Dubai residents and visitors, mark your calendars for an extraordinary celestial show this Friday, December 13. The Geminids Meteor Shower, one of the year's most spectacular astronomical events, will light up Dubai’s night skies. This cosmic phenomenon, peaking mid-December annually, is famous for its dazzling display of meteors zipping across the sky at a staggering 120,000 kilometers per hour. While this year’s full moon might dim the spectacle slightly, the experience remains unmissable. At its peak, up to 120 meteors per hour can be seen under optimal conditions, according to NASA. To help you make the most of this astronomical...

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

Grab your phones and get ready for some bubbly fun! Abu Dhabi is about to welcome an exciting new immersive experience called Bubble Planet, and it's sure to be a hit. Opening this December at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Bubble Planet will bring a world of wonder with 11 interactive, Instagram-worthy rooms. After delighting visitors in the world's greatest cities such as Milan, London, Barcelona, New York and Singapore, Bubble Planet is finally bringing its magic to the UAE capital. Mark your calendars: tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 8 at 5pm. Prices are Dhs95 for adults and Dhs75 for...

The Jais Sledder, Ras Al Khaimah’s much-loved mountain ride, has been temporarily closed, leaving visitors eager for updates. Known for offering adrenaline-packed descents at speeds of up to 40kmph, the attraction has been out of operation for over a week, according to a representative from Jais Adventure Park. While the exact reason for the closure remains unspecified, call center staff have suggested that routine maintenance may be underway. A notice on the park’s official website confirms the temporary closure, with a message of thanks for visitors' patience. Nestled in the scenic adventure hub of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in...

Dubai is set for an extraordinary night of electronic music as Sebastian Ingrosso, one-third of the iconic Swedish House Mafia, returns for a show at Terra Solis on November 2, 2024. After an unforgettable New Year's Eve performance in Dubai, Ingrosso is back to electrify the desert venue with his Grammy-nominated sound.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Terra Solis Dubai (@terrasolisdubai) Hosted by Tomorrowland, this event promises to be more than just a concert — it's a nightlong celebration under the stars in the desert oasis of Terra Solis. Doors open at 6...

Abu Dhabi’s lineup of major residential developments just got a new addition. Aldar Properties has officially revealed Fahid Island, a coastal community promising a new kind of living experience rooted in wellness, sustainability, and nature. Set just a short drive from Yas Island, Fahid Island is being promoted as Abu Dhabi’s newest island destination, surrounded by turquoise waters, natural mangroves, and lush green spaces. What sets it apart? It’s the first island in the UAE designed entirely around well-being. Every residence will be located within 250 metres of a park or shaded trail, and the project includes 940,000 square metres...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the metro schedule for Ramadan, expected to start on Saturday, March 1. The operating hours for the Red and Green lines will stay the same throughout the holy month. Dubai Metro Hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan Monday – Thursday: 5 AM – midnight Friday: 5 AM – 1 AM (next day) Saturday: 5 AM – midnight Sunday: 8 AM – midnight For bus service updates, passengers are advised to check their routes and timings through the S’hail app. The app also provides schedules for abras and Dubai Water Taxis. Dubai...

If you're thinking of extending your stay in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia, there’s a major update you need to know about. A new hybrid visa extension system is now in effect, requiring both online registration and an in-person visit to the immigration office. As of last month, Indonesia reversed its 2024 update that allowed many visa extensions to be done entirely online. This new requirement applies across Indonesia, including popular destinations like Bali. The change comes in response to a 36.7% rise in immigration violations from 2024 to 2025. If you're travelling with the UAE passport or residency, the...

Getting around Dubai might be getting a little easier, thanks to a new traffic signal system just introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Called UTC-UX Fusion, the system uses AI and digital twin technology to manage traffic signals based on real-time road conditions. Instead of relying on fixed signal cycles, the new system constantly gathers data, predicts traffic trends, and adjusts signal timings to match what's actually happening on the roads. Before making any changes, it simulates the impact using a digital model of the city’s road network. Early reports show a potential 20% drop in journey times...