What to do in Dubai

The school holidays are just around the corner, and for many families in Dubai, that means it's time to start planning. Whether you're looking forward to a short break or need to balance work with family time, it's important to know when the next school break falls. Here's a comprehensive guide to all the key dates for the 2024-2025 academic year, including half-term breaks, national holidays and when students are off. It's important to note that while there are official holiday dates, individual schools have some flexibility when it comes to their calendar. Schools must adhere to the minimum required...

Fireworks are always a spectacular sight in Dubai, and during Ramadan, they become even more special. To celebrate the Holy Month, several maginificent displays will light up the sky across different locations in the city. Here’s when and where you can catch them. Al Seef Dubai Dates: March 1 & 8 Time: 10 PM Al Seef, the charming waterfront in Old Dubai, is a great place to soak in the city’s traditional vibes. It’s known for its Ramadan light displays, and this year, you can also enjoy fireworks on March 1 and 8. Arrive early to explore the area, take...

Get ready to shop until you drop because the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is back, celebrating its 30th anniversary in spectacular style! Running from December 6th, 2024, to January 12th, 2025, this year’s DSF promises to be bigger and better than ever, packed with unforgettable experiences, incredible deals, and world-class entertainment.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Festivals & Retail Events (@dubaifestivals) What to Expect: A Season of Sales, Entertainment, and Fun This milestone edition of DSF is set to be one for the history books. Over 38 days, the festival will offer...

If you use a nol card for public transport in Dubai, here’s an important update from RTA: starting in March, the minimum top-up amount will increase from AED 5 to AED 20. This means you’ll need to add at least 4 times more than before when reloading your card. A nol card is a smart card used for paying fares on Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and marine transport like the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra. You can also use it for RTA parking and even for shopping at over 2,000 stores across Dubai. There are three main types of...

A brand-new lifestyle destination has just opened its doors in Dubai, offering a unique blend of dining, wellness, and leisure experiences. The Square, located in Nad Al Sheba Gardens, is set to become a favorite community hotspot, showcasing six of Dubai’s most celebrated food and beverage brands alongside fitness and family-friendly amenities.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Square NAS (@thesquarenasg) Dine with Dubai’s Best Local Favorites Foodies will love exploring the culinary offerings at this 21,000-square-meter outdoor venue. Here’s a taste of what you can find: Entourage Three: The iconic burger joint...

Dubai's celebrated Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns from 29 January to 3 February 2025, bringing book enthusiasts together for its 17th edition at the newly renovated InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation, this festival is a must-attend for readers, writers, and families, offering an impressive lineup of over 150 sessions that span workshops, talks, and unique cultural experiences. This year's theme promises to delve into the art of storytelling, with events tailored for every age and interest. For those keen on an immersive experience, the LitFest 2025 will feature renowned authors, intriguing workshops, and exclusive...

Dubai is set to welcome one of the most legendary voices in Persian music as Moein takes the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 5 April 2025. This will mark the Iranian superstar's first-ever performance at this iconic venue, promising an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and emotion. Moein, often referred to as the "voice of love" by his devoted fans, has mesmerized audiences worldwide with his soulful ballads and poetic lyrics.   His career, spanning several decades, has cemented his place as one of the most cherished Persian singers of all time. His deep, emotive voice and heartfelt performances have...

Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with music, culture, and food at Zabeel Park, Dubai, on November 16, 2024. The Emirates Loves India event is offering a rare opportunity to enjoy some of Bollywood's biggest stars without spending a single dirham! Starting at 11 AM and running until 11 PM, this event promises fun and entertainment for everyone. Bollywood’s Badshah, known for his chart-topping hits, will be lighting up the stage with his signature rap and party anthems. Jonita Gandhi, the sensational playback singer with hits across Hindi and Tamil music, will also captivate the crowd with her powerful...

The UAE knows how to celebrate National Day, and Eid Al Etihad 2025 will be no exception. In addition to concerts, shows, and community events, fireworks will light up the skies across the country on December 2 and 3 to mark the nation’s 54th anniversary. Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or heading to another emirate for the long weekend, here’s where you can catch the brightest fireworks and join the celebrations this year. Note that more locations are expected to be announced soon, so it’s worth checking back for updates. Eid Al Etihad 2025 in Dubai: Fireworks Locations and...

Dubai's most anticipated fitness event is back! The Dubai Fitness Challenge, also known as the 30×30, returns this October for its eighth edition. From October 26th to November 24th, residents can enjoy a city-wide fitness extravaganza, packed with exciting events and activities, all free of charge. The Dubai Fitness Challenge encourages participants to dedicate 30 minutes of exercise each day for 30 days. Launched in 2017, this annual event has quickly become a key part of Dubai's fitness calendar, drawing millions of participants every year. What to Expect from Dubai Fitness Challenge 2024 The Dubai Fitness Challenge offers a range...