What to do in Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced changes to paid parking hours during Ramadan. Starting Saturday, March 1, parking fees will follow a split schedule from Monday to Saturday. Morning to afternoon: paid parking will be enforced from 8 AM to 6 PM. Evening: after a two-hour free break, charges will apply again from 8 PM to midnight. Multi-storey parking will remain on a 24-hour paid system, unaffected by the new timings. Public transport work hours have also been adjusted. Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Line schedules will stay the same during Ramadan. However, Customer Happiness Centres will slightly...

Mark your calendars and get ready for a literary extravaganza! The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is making a grand return from January 31st to February 6th, 2024. This seven-day celebration of the written word, now in its 16th edition, promises a lineup of world-renowned authors, creators, and thought leaders, making it a must-attend event for bibliophiles. What's in Store at Emirates Literature Festival 2024? The festival boasts an impressive roster of speakers, including American poet Claudia Rankine, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Tony Fadell, and the talented author of Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros, making her regional debut. For BookTok enthusiasts, Curtis...

Dubai’s iconic Jumeirah Beach is getting a fresh new look — and it’s almost ready for visitors again. The revamped public beach is set to reopen in July 2025, bringing enhanced facilities just in time for peak summer season. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, shared details on various improvement projects, confirming that construction work at Jumeirah Beach is nearly complete. The beach will officially welcome the public again in a couple of months, marking a key milestone in the city’s broader plan to improve public spaces and boost community engagement. This is part of...

Dubai Mall is set to be the home of the exciting new attraction, House of Hype. The immersive entertainment park is set to open soon and is already generating a lot of buzz. Created by the same team behind the popular AYA Universe in Wafi Mall, the House of Hype promises to be bigger and better, spanning approximately 100,000 square feet and featuring 29 rooms. This brand-new attraction offers a futuristic, interactive experience. It boasts a variety of zones that cater to different interests and tastes. One of the most anticipated zones is the Virtual Reality (VR) zone, which will...

It’s a brand new year, and no, it’s not too early to start planning something unforgettable. On January 4, 2026, the legendary Khalid Abdulrahman will take the stage in Dubai, bringing with him the poetic lyrics, soulful voice, and timeless songs that have made him a household name across the Arab world. What better way to begin 2026 than with a night of music that stirs the heart and uplifts the soul? For decades, Khalid Abdulrahman has captured audiences with his powerful stage presence and emotional performances. His concerts are known for selling out quickly, drawing fans who want to...

Dubai is gearing up for a memorable New Year’s Eve, with exclusive arrangements to ensure a family-friendly experience. From December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, six public beaches will be designated exclusively for families. The initiative aims to provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for families to enjoy the celebrations by the sea. The beaches included in this arrangement are: Jumeirah Beach 2 Jumeirah Beach 3 Umm Suqeim Beach 1 Umm Suqeim Beach 2 Sunrise Beach Al Mamzar Beach This step also helps to manage the influx of visitors during the holiday season, offering families a peaceful setting away...

Dubai is turning up the excitement this weekend with a mix of art, music, culture, and food! Whether you’re looking for a festival to immerse yourself in, a musical night to dance away, or just a delicious meal to indulge in, the city has it all. Here’s your ultimate weekend guide from 31st January to 2nd February. Celebrate Urdu’s Rich Heritage at Jashn-e-Rekhta For lovers of poetry, music, and culture, the Jashn-e-Rekhta Festival is back, celebrating the beauty of Urdu in all its forms. Held at Zabeel Park Amphitheatre on the 1st and 2nd of February, the festival brings together...

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of artistic wonder as Art Dubai unveils its 17th edition, set to captivate audiences from March 1st to 3rd at the stunning Madinat Jumeirah. This eagerly anticipated event promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the transformative power of art. Art lovers can look forward to an extraordinary lineup featuring new commissions and premieres by globally acclaimed artists. From thought-provoking discussions to captivating performances and films, the three-day event will be a melting pot of inspiration, with a special focus on themes of hope, community, and the profound impact of...

Looking for a budget-friendly and unique way to navigate Dubai’s cityscape? Say hello to the relaunched abra water taxis, now connecting popular spots across Business Bay and beyond for just AED 2! Whether you're a resident seeking an alternative to traffic or a tourist aiming to explore Dubai’s waterways, this traditional, affordable transport option offers a fresh way to move through the city while taking in its spectacular views. Convenient Hours for an Easy Ride Operating six days a week, these abra water taxis run Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM, with extended Sunday hours from 10...

Dubai's beloved family destination, Global Village, is more accessible than ever with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcing the return of four dedicated bus routes for Season 29. With no direct Metro connection to this vibrant hub, these bus services offer a vital link for both residents and tourists eager to experience the excitement of Global Village.   Dubai's Global Village New Bus Routes and Timings: Route 102: Departing from Rashidya Bus Station every 60 minutes Route 103: Departing from Union Bus Station every 40 minutes Route 104: Departing from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station every 60 minutes Route 106:...