What to do in Dubai

Missing travel over the past couple of months or planning a big getaway for Eid al-Adha? Good news coming from Emirates: the airline is back to operating 96% of its global flight network, which means far more options are open again when it comes to planning a trip. You can now fly to 137 destinations in 72 countries, including cities in Europe, the Americas, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East and GCC, the Far East, and Australasia. Emirates also offers a few booking perks: If you book from April 2, you get one free date change across all cabin classes...

Dubai has announced its eventful 2025 calendar, packed with festivals, mega sales, cultural celebrations, and entertainment experiences. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, there’s something to look forward to throughout the year —  from massive shopping sprees to iconic cultural events. Here’s a guide to what you can expect: Major Shopping and Retail Events in Dubai in 2025 Dubai Shopping Festival (December 6, 2024 – January 12, 2025): The iconic festival concludes with deals from 25% to 90% off across 3,000+ stores, alongside drone shows and live performances. 3-Day Super Sale (May & November): Two weekends of discounts of...

Dubai’s parking network continues to grow, and now, Mirdif is getting two new paid parking zones starting Monday, May 26. Parkin, the city’s official parking operator, announced the launch of Zone 251C (on-street) and Zone 251D (off-street), expanding regulated parking in one of the city’s busiest residential districts. Parking in these new zones will be free on Sundays and public holidays, but standard tariffs will apply on other days, with variable rates for peak and non-peak hours. Here are the rates for the two new parking zones in Mirdif: Zone 251C – On-Street Parking 1 hour: AED 4 (peak), AED...

Dubai is gearing up for a dazzling National Day celebration, and the iconic Burj Khalifa is at the center of it all. Standing at an awe-inspiring 829.8 meters, the world’s tallest building will debut a revolutionary RGBW (red, green, blue, white) lighting system on December 1 during the UAE's National Day festivities, bringing a new level of brilliance to Dubai's skyline. This state-of-the-art lighting upgrade seamlessly integrates modern technology with the architectural masterpiece’s timeless design. The system, designed to produce color-changing effects, replaces static lighting with dynamic, addressable fixtures. It allows for an array of scenes, from vibrant holiday displays...

If you’ve already seen Mama B at food events around Dubai, there’s good news. The Taiwanese favourite finally has a permanent dine-in restaurant in JLT. The spot made a name for itself through pop-ups and local food events, where people lined up for handmade dumplings, comforting noodle bowls, and Taiwanese street-style dishes. Now the brand has a proper space where guests can take their time with the food instead of catching it at a one-day event. The restaurant offers the same dishes that made Mama B popular, including handmade dumplings, crispy potstickers, fluffy meat buns, crispy chicken cutlets, beef noodle...

A new chapter in the UAE’s cultural story has begun. The UAE National Orchestra (UAENO) makes its debut in 2026 with a series of performances across the emirates. One of the biggest initiatives of the year, this project brings a unique style to classical music performances. Featuring professional musicians and national instruments like the oud and qanun, the orchestra promises an exceptional, never-before-seen experience for music lovers across the country. Here’s everything you need to know about UAENO and its debut season. About the UAE National Orchestra: History and First Public Performance The idea for the National Orchestra began with...

Ramadan has officially begun in the UAE! The Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the start of the holy month on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. During this period, Muslims around the country commit to elevating their submission to faith, embracing both spiritual and physical challenges as part of their religious devotion. Ramadan brings several changes to daily life in the UAE. Working hours are reduced for both public and private sectors, giving people more time to focus on spiritual practices. Public transport also adjusts its schedule to accommodate the needs of those fasting. Additionally, the holy month brings changes to public spaces,...

The World Cup atmosphere is already in the air, and McDonald’s UAE is turning up the vibes with collectible cups and limited-edition treats. This summer, customers at McDonald’s UAE can get their hands on a special World Cup Meal and receive a surprise cup featuring one of football’s biggest names. The meal comes with a choice of burger or 9-piece Chicken McNuggets, plus a limited-edition gold-packaged Big Mac Sauce. But let's be honest, the real prize is the cup. Here's who you might get: David Beckham Ronaldinho Thierry Henry Heung-Min Son Lamine Yamal Grimace (McDonald's purple MVP) If you want...

If you feel like you’ve been going to the same places on repeat, keep an eye on this new spot in Dubai. Shinobi handroll bar opens on Al Wasl Road in May 2026. Walk in and you’re met with neon lights, tiled walls, and a full subway train turned into seating. The concept promises to be loud, a bit raw, and nothing like a typical Japanese restaurant. Handroll bars are one of the newer dining trends in Dubai, but this one feels special. You’ll spot touches of Tokyo, New York, and Dubai throughout. Clean finishes, industrial details, and music playing...

Zendaya x On collection is about to hit stores worldwide, and if you’re in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, you won’t have to wait long. The Swiss sportswear brand has released its first-ever line co-created with the star of Spider-Man and Euphoria, and this one goes beyond a typical collab. Zendaya worked closely with her long-time stylist Law Roach, creating pieces that reflect her personal style. So what clothes can you get? Ribbed T-shirts and tanks for layering, relaxed trousers, casual shorts, sporty skorts, and lightweight outerwear. The colour palette features black, white, tan, soft blues, and deep reds. If...