What to do in Abu Dhabi

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be some important changes to the UAE's VAT regulations that businesses and taxpayers need to know about. The Ministry of Finance has introduced these changes through Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aiming to make the tax process simpler and more efficient. 1. No More Self-Invoices for Reverse Charge Mechanism One of the key updates is that businesses will no longer need to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, they’ll only need to keep supporting documents related to transactions. This will simplify the process, cut down on paperwork, and make it...

Planning a trip or staycation in the UAE capital? Here's a great deal to get more out of it without spending extra. Hotel guests in Abu Dhabi can now visit three museums for free, thanks to a new offer running until April 5. Here’s how it works. If you book at least two nights at any of the participating hotels, you’ll get complimentary access to three major cultural spots in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The three museums included in the offer: Louvre Abu Dhabi Zayed National Museum Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Some of the participating hotels include Sofitel Abu...

If you’re craving French food with a Mediterranean twist, Bar Du Port is the place to be. The French Riviera-inspired venue is making its way to Abu Dhabi, opening its doors at Yas Marina. This will be the brand’s sixth location in the region. Fans of coastal cuisine can now enjoy the same great food and atmosphere across multiple cities. The brand has recently opened a new location in Doha, and the UAE capital is next with the opening planned for Q4 of 2025.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bar Du Port (@barduportdubai)...

If you're driving in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, there’s a good reason to check your traffic fines sooner rather than later. A new initiative from the Abu Dhabi Police — launched at Adnoc petrol stations — is reminding drivers to take advantage of a discount system. The campaign, titled “Act Now and Benefit,” encourage drivers to pay off their fines as soon as possible and save up to one third of the fine amount: Payments within 60 days of receiving a fine will give a driver 35% off Payments made within one year will give a 25%...

A new luxury landmark is on the horizon for the UAE capital. A Bvlgari Resort & Mansions is officially coming to Abu Dhabi, bringing Italian sophistication and Arabian elegance together on a private, horseshoe-shaped island. The resort is expected to welcome guests in 2030. This upcoming megaproject will include 60 rooms and suites, such as two Bvlgari Suites and one Bvlgari Penthouse, as well as 30 villas — each with its own private pool and stunning sea or skyline views. The development will also feature 90 unique mansions in various sizes, designed to reflect a fusion of architectural styles. The...

Popular Italian restaurant Fi’lia is branching out from Dubai to open two exciting new locations — Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Known for its comforting Italian-Mediterranean dishes, Fi’lia is all set to bring its blend of tradition and modernity to more diners in the region. In Abu Dhabi, Fi’lia will open at the upcoming Mondrian Abu Dhabi, a luxury hotel with 300 rooms that’s expected to launch later this year. This chic venue will serve as the perfect spot to enjoy Fi’lia’s handmade pastas, fresh ingredients, and warm ambiance.   Over in Saudi Arabia, Fi’lia will debut...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Distance learning in the UAE is staying in place a bit longer. Remote classes will continue until at least Friday, April 17. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Education, which will monitor the situation and provide weekly updates. The update covers public and private schools, nurseries, and kindergartens across the country. In Dubai, schools can submit requests for an earlier return to classrooms, but any decision depends on approval from the Ministry of Education. There’s still no update for university students. As it was announced on March 16, federal government employees with children in kindergarten through Grade 8...

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...

Finding a nearby place to walk, let kids run around, or simply sit outside is becoming easier in Abu Dhabi. The city has opened 16 new parks in Al Shamkhah district, giving residents more easy access to green spaces close to home. This initiative focuses on making outdoor time part of daily routines rather than something saved for weekends or special outings. This expansion of green spaces reflects a wider shift in how the capital approaches urban planning. In May 2025, Abu Dhabi ranked 9th in a global survey of cities with the best green spaces and access to nature,...