What to do in Dubai

Dubai’s property scene is known for pushing boundaries, and the latest addition has a distinctly sporty twist. Chelsea Football Club has teamed up with DAMAC Properties to launch a new football-themed branded residential project in Dubai Maritime City. Titled Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, the development brings together high-end living with a bold sports identity — and yes, it’s Chelsea blue throughout. The project includes six towers, each rising 130 metres high, offering a total of 1,400 sea-facing units with expansive views of the Arabian Gulf. But it’s more than just the skyline views that make this project stand out. Every...

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind desert experience this winter as The Uncommon Pop-Up Cafe, making its debut at Al Marmoom from December 20, 2024, to January 12, 2025, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This breathtaking mirrored pop-up cafe invites guests to step into a surreal desert scene, where mirrors and lights create an enchanting atmosphere as the golden sun dips below the dunes.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Uncommon (@theuncommon.ae) Perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers, The Uncommon combines immersive design with relaxing activities, creating a memorable oasis...

Dubai Municipality has announced extended operating hours for public parks, green spaces, and major leisure attractions across the emirate during the Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays. The adjustments aim to offer more time for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor and family-friendly activities throughout the long weekend. Eid Al Adha in the UAE will be observed from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, with regular working hours resuming on Monday, June 9. During this period, Dubai’s parks and recreational sites will run on a special schedule. Residential parks and neighbourhood squares will remain open from 8 AM to midnight....

Carbone, the Italian-American restaurant that’s become a global celebrity favourite, is making its debut in Dubai on October 6, 2025. The new place will be located on the ground floor of Atlantis The Royal. If you’ve heard the name in rap songs — like Drake’s mention in "Spin Bout U" — you already know this is a spot where you’ll need a reservation. And just like that song, getting a table here might feel just as exclusive as it sounds. The design of Carbone will immediately transport guests to the golden age of glamour, featuring dazzling chandeliers, art collections, velvet...

The United Arab Emirates has announced a significant update to the Emirates ID renewal process, aimed at making the procedure faster and more efficient for UAE citizens. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) introduced the change on Tuesday, September 9, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline government services and reduce bureaucracy. This update brings two new services that eliminate the need for citizens to provide unnecessary information during the renewal process. Now, UAE citizens can renew their Emirates IDs with just one simple step: submitting an application and paying the required fees. View this...

If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably noticed one activity popping up again and again: padel. Well, now there’s a new spot in Dubai where you can enjoy it — and it’s outdoors. Matcha Club, the well-known padel and wellness venue in Al Quoz, is setting up something new: a pop-up space at Dubai Festival City Mall. Starting from April 10, you can swing by — literally — to play padel, sip on something healthy, and soak up the waterfront views.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Matcha Club (@matchadxb) This...

Dubai’s love for London’s top restaurants continues with the arrival of The Banc, a stylish new dining destination at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel. Following in the footsteps of Zuma, La Petite Maison, and Jamavar, this London-born eatery brings a bold mix of flavors, energy, and upscale hospitality to the city’s vibrant food scene. Located by the Dubai Water Canal, The Banc offers Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine — dubbed Mediterrasian — alongside an exclusive shisha and cigar lounge. Whether you’re here for a luxurious dinner or a laid-back evening under the skyline, The Banc delivers an experience to remember. Stepping into The...

Dubai is once again shaping the future, unveiling an ambitious new development that promises to transform the city's landscape: The Future Loop. This innovative project is part of the larger Dubai Walk Master Plan, recently approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by DubaiMediaOffice (@dubaimediaoffice) Slated for completion by 2040, this visionary initiative aims to make Dubai a haven for pedestrians and cyclists by creating an extensive network of walkways and cycle paths. At...

Dubai Safari Park is preparing to wrap up its 6th season, with Sunday, June 1 marked as the final day before the summer closure. If you’ve been meaning to visit, now’s the time — this is the last chance to catch one of the city’s most popular outdoor attractions before the weather heats up. This season has been the busiest on record, with visitor numbers up by 67%. One of the biggest draws has been the nocturnal safari, which ran for four weeks and sold out every night.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

If you regularly drive to Dubai Mall, there’s an important update you’ll want to know. As part of the mall’s major expansion project, the Grand Parking facility will temporarily close starting June. Located on the Financial Street side, Grand Parking is the smallest of the mall’s four car parks, offering 694 parking slots. The closure is linked to preparations for the launch of New Grand Drive, set to open in August. During this period, Fashion Parking, Cinema Parking, and Zabeel Parking will continue operating as usual, so you’ll still have multiple options when visiting the world’s busiest shopping destination.  ...