What to do in Abu Dhabi

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is back, and the 2025 edition promises to be its most thrilling yet! Taking place February 1-8, 2025, this premier women’s tennis tournament will light up the courts at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City. Whether you’re a long-time tennis fan or just looking for an exciting outing, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit. The tournament will feature 28 of the world’s best singles players and 16 doubles teams, guaranteeing a week packed with intense matches and unforgettable moments. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2025 Tickets and Seating Options To ensure...

Abu Dhabi is tightening up its public space policies, and unapproved flyers are now firmly in the spotlight. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed new fines for those who post or distribute promotional materials in public areas without permission — and the penalties can reach up to AED 4,000. The update falls under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, which aims to maintain the capital’s tidy appearance and keep public areas safe and uncluttered. Here’s how the fines stack up: First offence: AED 1,000 Second offence: AED 2,000 Third and further offences: AED 4,000...

Get ready to refresh your spirit and find balance at the Kayan Wellness Festival, a three-day celebration of holistic well-being in the serene surroundings of Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi. Set to take place from 31st January to 2nd February 2025, this transformative festival invites attendees to embark on a path of healing, self-discovery, and renewal. This year’s festival focuses on three key pillars: Mind, Body, and Soul. With a lineup of globally renowned wellness experts, immersive workshops, and inspiring talks, the festival offers a unique opportunity to embrace holistic living in a destination synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation. Meet World-Class...

Yas Island has just added a fresh new destination to its ever-growing lifestyle lineup with the launch of Noya Plaza. Located in the heart of the Noya residential neighbourhood and developed by Aldar, the newly opened shopping hub is designed to serve both locals and visitors with a convenient mix of retail, dining, and daily essentials. The atmosphere blends a laid-back community feel with sleek design, offering a compact yet thoughtfully curated experience. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee, picking up groceries, or running weekend errands, Noya Plaza brings it all together under one roof.     View...

For a unique BBQ experience set against the stunning backdrop of UAE mountains, don’t miss the 2024 Meats & Mountains Festival! Hosted at Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain, this exciting food and outdoor event will run two days only: on November 23 and December 21. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the festival to the fullest. This festival is all about open-fire cooking, with food stations featuring everything from Oklahoma Smash Burgers to juicy smoked meats from “BBQ Sultan.” With quality cuts provided by Meat House Gourmet, expect mouthwatering flavors and a variety of BBQ options...

Football fans, get ready for an exhilarating soccer extravaganza in Al Ain! The Egyptian national team is all set to light up the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium with not one but two thrilling friendly matches. On Thursday, October 12th, Egypt will face off against Zambia, followed by a fiery showdown with Algeria on Monday, October 16th. Egypt vs. Zambia First up, on October 12th, Egypt takes on Zambia in a match that promises a fascinating clash of playing styles. Egypt, with its rich football heritage and possession-based game, will go head-to-head with Zambia's flair for attacking football. Expect skillful dribbles,...

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...

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has recently made an important decision regarding mobile phones in schools. Starting now, students are prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto school premises, with clear guidelines established for how phones found on school grounds will be handled. This new rule is part of Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, specifically concerning student behavior in public education institutions. It falls under Article (7), which deals with second-degree violations, specifically addressing the misuse of communication devices like mobile phones. The Ministry’s circular to school principals and kindergartens outlines that schools must carry out regular inspection...

The Perseid meteor shower is active again for the 2025 season. It will light up the skies until August 23 — and peaking on the night of August 12. Known for its consistent and bright meteors, the Perseids typically produce up to 75 meteors per hour during the peak. These meteors are caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, a massive 26-km-wide comet — more than twice the size of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, according to NASA. Moving at speeds of about 60 km/sec, the Perseids often leave visible trails and occasional fireballs. They...

You probably know how easy it is to visit Thailand. Travellers from most countries, including GCC nations, can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism. However, the allowed stay period is now changing. The country remains visa-free, but your holiday can now last up to 30 days. Most visitors probably won’t even feel the difference, but the change is still worth knowing if you're planning a longer stay. Thailand introduced a 60-day visa-free stay in 2024, and the country is now replacing it with a stay period that’s twice shorter. All extensions will require approval from Thai immigration authorities. The new rule...