What to do in Abu Dhabi - Latest News

Some people book Emirates Palace for a weekend and think that’s the pinnacle of luxury. Well, it is. But soon, a few lucky people will actually get to call the place home. Sounds unreal? But it's actually a new project. A collection of just 35 private mansions is coming to the grounds of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time private residences will exist inside the estate itself. The location is along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, close to Qasr Al Watan and Founder’s Memorial. These homes will include private courtyards, gardens, open living spaces and views facing...

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...

Still figuring out Eid plans with the kids? Two malls in Abu Dhabi are filling the holiday week with circus performances, live entertainment and activities. Here are all the details and dates for your family outings during this Eid Al Adha break. Bawabat Al Sharq Mall: Daily Entertainment Until May 31 Families visiting Bawabat Al Sharq Mall until the end of the month can catch daily performances featuring magicians, bubble artists, acrobats and jugglers, along with face painting, games and kids activities. It all happens at Sharjah Gate on the Ground Floor. Timings: from 4 PM to 10 PM Hili...

If you’re already thinking about how to keep the kids busy during the Eid Al Adha break without spending the whole day indoors, Emirates Park Zoo has a fun option back. The park is bringing back its popular Rain in the Zoo experience until May 31. Safe to say, families are obsessed with this experience. And honestly, have you seen the weather forecast lately? Splash zones, misty rain areas and water slides sound like exactly what kids need right now. Don't forget to book your zoo admission ticket! To enjoy Rain the Zoo, get a separate ticket (AED 85) on...

Public holidays in the UAE always come with one small perk drivers look forward to: free parking. Eid Al Adha 2026 will bring a four-day break this year, starting Tuesday, May 26, and authorities in different emirates are now starting to announce their holiday parking rules. Each emirate sets its own parking exemption periods during Eid holidays, and here are the official confirmations. Free Parking in Dubai during Eid RTA confirmed that public parking in the city will be free on May 25-29. This exemption does not apply to multi-storey parking buildings, which will continue to operate with regular parking...

Need quick updates about tourism, business or the UAE economy without searching through pages of information? You now have a special AI assistant "working" at The Ministry of Economy and Tourism for that. His name is Rashid, and his job is to help residents and investors quickly access information related to the UAE’s tourism and economic sectors. The AI assistant provides updates and answers through direct digital support, making information easier to access without relying only on traditional channels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by وزارة الاقتصاد والسياحة (@economy.ae) With the UAE recently ranking third globally in...

Sneaker fans in the UAE might want to plan a mall visit this week because New Balance is releasing a UAE-exclusive version of its famous shoe model. New Balance 1080v15 UAE Exclusive drops on May 22. The new model has a simple style. It comes in white color, with black, green and red accents as a nod to the UAE flag. This exclusive release will be available for AED 899 at selected stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can find New Balance 1080v15 UAE Exclusive in the following malls: Dubai Mall Dubai Hills Mall City Walk Yas Mall New...

If you're tired of scrolling through streaming platforms for 40 minutes in search of a worthy film, CineMAS 2026 might be a better plan. The festival continues at Manarat Al Saadiyat until May 24 with independent films, live Q&As and a silent Charlie Chaplin classic accompanied by DJ music. So, here’s what’s in store for you at CineMAS 2026 this week: Thursday, May 21: UAE short films curated by Abdulrahman Al Madani, including Oug, Yathoom, A Small Dream, The Battle, Noor and Unsaid. After the screening, the directors join the audience for a live Q&A. Friday, May 22: Jim Jarmusch’s...

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced plans for one national health insurance system that will cover all seven emirates. UAE citizens would get the same level of healthcare support whether they’re in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah or anywhere else in the country. While the UAE healthcare tops global rankings, the access to its services varies. Different programmes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai include treatments and preventive care. Other emirates have less coverage and healthcare access. The new unified system would bring everything under one structure, making it easier for Emirati citizens to access the same healthcare services anywhere...

If smoky kababs, fresh flatbreads and slow-cooked Persian dishes sound like your kind of dinner, Abu Dhabi finally has its own Berenjak restaurant. The London-born spot has opened inside The House in Al Bateen, bringing its menu to a two-floor villa in the capital. Kababs are one of the biggest reasons people love Berenjak, and the Abu Dhabi menu includes several favourites already popular at the restaurant’s other locations, like Koobideh Kabab with minced lamb, onion and black pepper or Kabab Vaziri with juicy beef and tender chicken. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Berenjak UAE (@berenjak.uae)...