What to do in Dubai

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...

Asia Cup 2025 came to a thrilling close in Dubai as India triumphed over Pakistan to claim the coveted title on September 28. In a gripping final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured a five-wicket victory, thanks to a composed and brilliant innings from Tilak Varma, and a powerful partnership with Shivam Dube. With this win, India celebrates its ninth Asia Cup title, cementing its position as the most successful team in the history of Asia’s premier cricket tournament. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asian Cricket Council (@asiancricketcouncil) Chasing a target of 147, India found...

Get ready for a week-long celebration of creativity, dialogue, and immersive experiences as Alserkal Art Week makes a return from February 25th to March 3rd. This much-anticipated event promises a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, from installations and exhibitions to slow art walks, workshops, pop-ups, and a community space where everyone is welcome. A Captivating Prelude: "Can You Hear Me?" by Nalini Malani The spotlight turns on as Alserkal Art Week kicks off with a mesmerizing installation by Nalini Malani titled "Can You Hear Me?" at Concrete. Running throughout the week, this immersive experience features a nine-channel video installation, showcasing over...

Dubai, prepare to be spellbound. The world-famous WICKED The Musical is finally landing in the city for the very first time. Opening at Dubai Opera on January 28, 2026, this magical show will run until February 15. Fans of the hit production can expect an unforgettable theatrical experience like no other. Tickets for WICKED The Musical at Dubai Opera: Get the Best Seats Step into the wonder of the show and enjoy every moment live. Tickets to WICKED The Musical at Dubai Opera are already on sale on Platinumlist, make sure to book yours right now, so you get the...

Get ready for a dining experience like no other in Dubai. Fuloong, a refined omakase restaurant, is now open on Jumeirah Beach Road, offering an elevated culinary journey that combines luxury ingredients with a thoughtfully curated tasting menu. Omakase, a traditional Japanese dining style meaning "I leave it up to you," is the heart of Fuloong’s dining philosophy. You trust the chef to design a tasting menu based on the season, available ingredients, and their own style. An open kitchen lets you watch the entire process. The experience at Fuloong begins with a soothing, in-house-brewed tea. Each of the 8...

Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure at Alif Galactic Adventure, launching at Expo City Dubai this October. The event runs the whole day from 10 AM to 6 PM and is packed with workshops, challenges, and creative experiences. It's a fantastic way to engage with space-themed activities while having a blast with the kids. Only two weekends: October 11-12 and October 18-19. For younger adventurers, there’s Hydro Rocket Workshop, where they can design and fire their own water-powered rockets, learning about thrust and aerodynamics in a fun and interactive way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...

Elissa, one of the most iconic voices in Arabic pop music, is set to perform at Dubai Opera for one night only on November 3, 2025. With a career spanning more than two decades, the Lebanese superstar will bring her signature emotional ballads and unforgettable hits to the Dubai stage. With more than 30 million records sold and over one billion YouTube views, Elissa has become a defining figure in Arabic music. Her ability to channel raw emotion through her songs has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base across the Arab world. Forbes recognised her as one...

Dubai is set to welcome one of the biggest names in hip-hop this October. Lil Baby, the Grammy-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter, will take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on October 18 for what promises to be a major night in the city’s live music calendar. The performance is part of his global ‘Who Hard As Me’ world tour, which kicks off in Houston this August. From there, Lil Baby will travel across cities in Germany, France, Belgium, the UK, Australia, and more, before arriving in the UAE for his Dubai debut.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Dubai’s Museum of the Future has introduced a new Summer Pass, giving guests unlimited entry until September 30. The pass lets visitors access the museum without needing to pre-book specific times, offering more flexibility throughout the season. In addition to general admission, Summer Pass holders get exclusive access to several attractions and experiences. These include children’s play areas, seasonal events, and behind-the-scenes tours. The pass also comes with a AED 50 credit redeemable at the museum’s lobby retail shop, usable anytime over the summer. To align with the city’s shift to indoor activities during the hotter months, the Museum of the...

Just as fans were getting ready for Mary J. Blige’s highly anticipated return to Dubai, news broke that the concert — originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 — has been cancelled. The performance was set to be a major moment, marking over a decade since the iconic R&B star last took the stage for a full concert in the UAE. While the exact reasons for the cancellation have not been disclosed, the event has quietly been removed from the Coca-Cola Arena’s official calendar. Although the disappointment is real, there’s still hope that Mary J. Blige will make her way back...