What to do in Dubai

Alserkal Art Week is returning to Dubai this November, bringing a fresh wave of creativity to the city's leading creative hub in Al Quoz. For the whole week from November 16 to 23, Alserkal Avenue will transform into a buzzing epicenter of contemporary art. Whether you’re into modern art, installations, or live performances, this week-long celebration offers something for everyone. Expect more than 15 exhibitions, public art installations, and performances that will spark your imagination. The Majlis Talks series, with this year’s theme “Stories Behind Stories,” promises to be a highlight. It’s all about exploring storytelling through performance, sound, and...

Ramadan is a time for reflection, fasting, and bringing communities together. It’s also a time for special gatherings, festive markets, and delicious food. This year, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is bringing back the much-loved Ramadan Nights Festival, and visitors can expect cultural events, workshops, and traditional activities across the city. Where & When to Join Ramadan Nights Festival in Dubai The festival kicks off with various activities at Etihad Museum on March 15-16. Visitors can take part in creative workshops such as table setting, modern henna art, and poetry sessions. The museum will also host discussions about the...

Time to pump up those tires, cyclists! The sixth edition of Dubai Ride is back on November 2, and it’s your chance to pedal through some of the city’s most iconic spots during Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025. The event welcomes everyone, regardless of their fitness level. Every participant will receive an official bib, which can be picked up at Zabeel Park’s 30x30 Fitness Village from October 29 to November 1. Without it, you won’t be able to join Dubai Ride. This year, you can choose between two rides: Route 1 of Dubai Ride 2025. Downtown Family route (4 km) This...

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the updated public service schedule for the Hijri New Year holiday on Friday, June 27, 2025. If you're driving, you'll be pleased to know that all public parking areas across Dubai will be free of charge, with the exception of multi-level parking terminals. Standard parking fees will resume Saturday, June 28. Public transport users can also expect adjusted timings: Dubai Metro will run from 5 AM on June 27 until 1 AM on June 28 Dubai Tram will operate from 6 AM to 1 AM in the same dates The RTA’s Customer...

Residents in Dubai will now be required to clear all outstanding traffic fines before renewing their residency visas, according to a recent announcement by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). During a press briefing, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, confirmed that visa renewals will not be processed if traffic fines are unpaid. He emphasized that the move is not meant to burden residents but to encourage respect for the law. “If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments,” Al Marri explained. The decision comes in response...

Dubai just got a step closer to flying taxis becoming part of daily life. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the first successful air taxi test flight, carried out in partnership with Joby Aviation, a company based in the US that makes electric aircraft. The trial is part of a plan to launch commercial air taxi services in Dubai. These small electric aircraft take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, and are designed for short city trips. The idea is to cut down on traffic and emissions, while making commutes quicker and quieter.     View...

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai is celebrating its 20th anniversary this autumn, and they’re marking the occasion with a month-long series of fun events, treats, and surprises for commuters. From late October to early November, expect limited-edition collectibles, discounts, prize booths, and even a little extra happiness in your day-to-day travels. Here are all offers, gifts and surprises you can expect: Limited-Edition 20th Anniversary Nol CardsOne of the first things you’ll notice is the special, limited-edition nol cards, which will be available at Metro stations. These commemorative cards are perfect if you’re into collecting travel memorabilia. You can...

One of India’s most recognised names in traditional food, Haldiram’s, has officially launched its first international outlet — and it’s right here in Dubai. Orders are available only via Talabat. Founded in 1937 in Bikaner, Haldiram’s has long been associated with authentic Indian snacks, sweets, and comfort meals. Now, Dubai residents can experience its menu straight from their phones. The offering includes a wide range of signature dishes: hearty Chole Bhature crunchy Raj Kachori Motichoor Ladoo Kaju Katli Maska Pao Bhaji     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by talabat UAE (@talabatuae) It’s a big moment...

The UAE has confirmed the first official public holiday of the year, and it’s one that everyone can enjoy, whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah, or any other emirate! New Year’s Day (January 1) will be a day off for both public and private sector employees across the country. New Year’s Day in the UAE: Public and Private Sector Holiday Dates Public sector employees across all emirates will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2. The first day back in the office will be on Monday, January 5. Meanwhile, private sector employees won’t miss out either....

If you use your UAE-issued credit or debit card abroad, take note — international transaction fees are going up. Starting September 22, 2025, several local banks will apply a 3.14% surcharge on the total value of purchases made outside the country. That’s a notable increase from the current 2.09%, and it applies each time your card is used internationally. These fee changes are not uncommon, and they typically fluctuate depending on the bank’s internal strategies and market conditions. This isn’t the only update affecting local cardholders. Just last week, it announced that one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer be sent...