What to do in Dubai

If your ideal weekend involves switching off your phone, slowing your thoughts and actually feeling taken care of, Vera in Jumeirah might just become your new regular spot. It’s ladies-only beauty and wellness spot to plan your “me time” around. Tucked along Umm Al Wasl Road, right opposite J3 Mall in Umm Suqeim, the new space brings beauty, wellness, longevity and mindfulness together under one roof. Whether you’re booking in for yoga, Pilates, a massage, a restorative therapy session or a hair and skin appointment, once you’re inside, it feels like you’ve stepped out of the city for a while....

Dubai is taking serious steps to tackle stormwater and prevent flooding with a massive upgrade to its drainage system. The city has kicked off four major projects under the wider "Tasreef" initiative — a long-term plan to boost how Dubai handles rainwater. The latest contracts, worth AED 1.439 billion, will bring over 36 km of new drainage pipelines to different parts of the city. These drainage improvements will cover several busy and flood-prone parts of Dubai, including: Jumeirah Al Quoz Nad Al Hamar Al Garhoud Al Wasl Al Rashidiya Zabeel Al Badaa Areas around Dubai International Airport The project aims...

A new report from AirHelp has confirmed what many travellers already experience: Dubai International Airport (DXB) has officially been ranked the best airport in the world for food and shops in 2025. The ranking is based on AirHelp’s annual global airport evaluation, which scored 250 airports across 68 countries. Airports were rated in three key areas: punctuality, customer opinions, and food & shops. DXB’s Performance in the 2025 AirHelp Score Score for food & shops: 9.1 out of 10 (ranked #1 worldwide in this category) Overall score: 8.14 out of 10 Overall ranking: 18th place globally DXB wasn’t the only...

If you’ve ever used Dubai Metro at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station during peak hours, you still remember those slow-moving crowds and packed platforms. It’s that one experience we don’t really need in our lives, and thankfully, it’s about to get better. Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with Emaar Properties to expand the city's busiest station. Passenger numbers at this stop have grown by 7.5% over the past five years, and it shows during those moments when everyone seems to be leaving at the same time. If you were in Downtown on New Year’s Eve, or tried to get...

The United Arab Emirates has officially launched a new government performance system powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This system is designed to save more than 250,000 work hours per year. It will use AI tools and algorithms to conduct in-depth analysis, produce executive summaries, and support predictive performance management. By processing over 150 million data points every month, the system aims to provide 50,000 proactive insights annually to help decision-makers respond quickly. One of the...

Dubai-based healthy food brand SOIL has opened a temporary café pop-up at Kite Beach, bringing its clean and functional food concept to one of the city’s most popular seaside destinations. Designed as a convenient stop to grab a healthy snack or drink, the pop-up is ideal for a beach stroll, a morning run, or a post-workout refuel, offering a relaxed way to enjoy SOIL’s signature approach to nutrition by the sea. The pop-up menu features a curated selection of SOIL favourites, focusing on protein-forward options. Visitors can try Coconut Oats Protein Cup, a creamy mix of oats, coconut flakes, and plant-based protein, perfect...

It’s hard to imagine how else Dubai can be improved, but another huge initiative is on the way. Green and Blue Spaces Roadmap 2030 will reshape the way we experience urban life. With plans to introduce more parks, enhance beaches, and expand sports facilities, this project promises to make Dubai greener, more active, and better connected to nature. In the next few years, a whole new level of green is coming to the city with 1.5 million more trees and 120 new parks. So, if you ever feel like “touching grass” (a Gen Z term for disconnecting from the busy...

You know that moment at the doctor’s office when you’re trying to explain everything quickly, hoping you don’t forget something important? That experience might soon feel very different in the UAE. Meet Amal, the country's first AI physician assistant and a genuine breakthrough in healthcare. Amal steps in before you speak to a doctor. Here’s how it works: You complete an interactive interview with Amal AI assistant records your symptoms, medical background and key concerns The system builds a medical summary Your doctor reviews the summary before the consultation begins After your appointment, you can return to Amal to clarify...

If you think the padel trend has already peaked, a new spot in Dubai might change your mind. Padel One has recently opened in Dubai Investment Park, and it even drew Kylian Mbappé for the launch, so you can already get a sense of the level. So, what’s different about this place? Padel One is founded by French singer Dadju and has everything you need for an active weekend or evening. Inside, you’ll find 6 indoor courts, a reformer Pilates studio, and wellness areas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @padelonedubai You can book a game, come...

If you’re in the mood for a slow evening, well-dressed people, and live jazz, this is one to book early. Blue Note returns to Dubai Opera on April 30 to celebrate International Jazz Day with a one-night live show. It’s one of those events you feel lucky to get into. The first edition was sold out, and tickets for this one won’t stay around for long. Blue Note, the jazz label founded in 1939, is behind some of the most influential jazz recordings. This special evening brings that sound to the stage with a new lineup. What to expect from...