What to do in Dubai

A major new community development is on the horizon in Dubai South. Dubai South Properties has officially announced Hayat by Dubai South, a wellness-inspired residential project spanning 10 million square feet near the existing terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport. Positioned close to what is set to become the world’s highest-capacity airport, Hayat by Dubai South is designed with future growth in mind. The masterplan includes around 2,500 residential units, offering a broad mix of townhouses, semi-attached and standalone villas, mansions, apartments, and hotel apartments. The community will be centred around wellbeing, with facilities such as lush green parks, shaded...

Exciting news for anyone who regularly drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi: a brand new city-style district is on the way, and it’s going to completely transform the route. AD Ports Group has signed a AED 2.47 billion deal with Mira Developments to create one of Abu Dhabi’s largest mixed-use communities in Al Mamoura, right along the highway. Construction is set to begin within the next year, with the entire project expected to take 10 years to complete. By 2035, the area will look drastically different. Early plans for the project include everything from residential neighborhoods to business complexes, hotels,...

Dubai’s skyline continues to evolve with big ideas — and the newest addition promises to bring something entirely different to the table. Set to open in 2029, Akala Hotel & Residences will be the world’s first precision wellness hotel, combining modern science, sustainability, and hospitality in one destination. Located between Downtown Dubai and DIFC, the twin-tower development is designed with well-being at its core. Developed by Arada, the project is more than just a place to stay — it’s a space designed to help guests and residents live better. One of the 220-metre towers will host a next-gen hotel, while...

Dubai Creek, one of the emirate’s most iconic historical areas, has just received a major infrastructure upgrade. The wharf on the Deira side of the creek has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment, with a total investment of AED 112 million aimed at enhancing the experience for both marine operators and visitors. The two-kilometre stretch has seen several key improvements. Here’s what’s new: Heightened retaining walls now stand at 8.3 metres to strengthen the quay’s resilience. 200 anchors and 500 ship berths have been added to accommodate increased marine traffic. A public promenade was introduced, offering new recreational space along the waterfront....

Dubai Mall is welcoming a fresh pop-up experience this season: Acqua di Parma Caffettino, the Italian lifestyle brand’s first-ever café in the Middle East. The café is located on the first floor of Bloomingdale’s and will stay open until November 3, 2025. The café has a bright and airy feel, with yellow and orange accents mixed with white and grey. Curved and geometric furniture gives the space a smooth flow, and wooden touches add warmth. The brand’s perfumes and home fragrances are displayed along a wall, making it easy to check out the new summer collection while enjoying a coffee...

Great news for commuters traveling on one of Dubai's busiest highways! After two months of construction, the Emirates Road repair project is nearing completion. The 14-kilometre stretch of road will be fully open by August 25, 2025, offering a smoother and more efficient commute for thousands of drivers. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been working hard to resurface and reconstruct the highway to improve traffic flow and road quality. The work was done in stages, each one designed to minimize disruptions for commuters. The project came about after inspections revealed a drop in the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), mainly...

Step into a world of tradition and childhood nostalgia as the Etihad Museum Garden hosts Hag Al Laila on February 15-16, 2025. This lively Emirati celebration is all about music, storytelling, games, and, of course, plenty of sweet treats! The main stage will feature Basma Choir, performing beloved Khaleeji classics and even some Spacetoon favorites that will bring back childhood memories. Fans of Emirati animation can also enjoy screenings of the well-loved series Freej.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Etihad Museum (@etihadmuseum) As you explore, you’ll come across Eternal Gateways, an installation by Emirati...

If there’s one thing the UAE excels at, it’s breaking records, and 2025 is no exception. With a series of jaw-dropping events and creative feats, the country has added several Guinness World Records to its name. Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive achievements of this year! 1. Most Participants in a Mall Run Event in Dubai This summer, the city set a new Guinness World Record with the largest-ever mall run. Dubai Mallathon 2025 welcomed over 40,000 participants in total. The grand finale at Dubai Hills Mall featured 1,392 runners, securing the title for most runners...

Parking in Dubai just got a major upgrade. Residents of the emirate can now access a fully cashless, ticket-free system using their Salik account for payment. The initiative is a result of a collaboration between Salik Company PJSC, Parkonic, and Dubai Holding, and is the first AI-powered parking solution of its kind in the region. The system has launched across 36,000 on-street and off-street parking spaces. This includes areas in major master-planned communities operated by Dubai Holding. Forget barriers, paper tickets, or searching for the right change. Here’s what the new system offers: Seamless entry and exit with no physical...

UAE national employees working for Dubai government entities will be eligible for 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave, following a new decree issued on July 16 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The new regulation, Decree No. (31) of 2025, applies to Emirati employees in government bodies, free zones (including DIFC), members of the judiciary, and military personnel (excluding candidates). It can also extend to additional categories by future Executive Council decisions. To qualify for 10-day paid marriage leave in Dubai, the following conditions should...