What to do in Dubai

As Eid Al Adha approaches, residents across the UAE are preparing for a long weekend filled with spiritual reflection and festive gatherings. Falling on Friday, June 6, with Arafah Day on Thursday, June 5, the 2025 holiday will bring a four-day break from Thursday to Sunday (June 5–8) for both the public and private sectors. While the holiday brings well-earned time off and joyful celebrations, its core begins with a spiritual start: Eid prayer. This year, Eid Al Adha coincides with Jumuah (Friday) prayers, marking a particularly significant moment for the Muslim community. The UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed that...

Filipino pop group BINI is heading to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for a major live show on Sunday, May 18, as part of their highly anticipated “BINIverse” world tour 2025. The concert marks one of the first international stops on the tour, and fans in the region are getting ready to celebrate this milestone with the chart-topping act. Following the release of their latest single “Blink Twice”, the demand for BINI’s Dubai concert soared — with the first three ticket sales phases selling out quickly. Due to popular demand, additional tickets have now been released, giving more fans the chance to...

If you’re into food trends, you’ve probably noticed the vibrant purple hue popping up in drinks on social media. It’s not blueberry, it’s ube, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you're in luck! Dubai's cafes are obsessed with this trend, making everything from ube lattes to delicious desserts. Ready to dive into the purple trend? Here’s what you need to know. What is Ube? Ube, or purple yam, is a root vegetable from the Philippines, often used in local desserts. If you're wondering what ube tastes like, it’s generally described as sweet and earthy with vanilla notes, nutty undertones,...

A photo goes viral, everyone starts sharing it, and a few hours later people realise it was fake. AI-edited images and videos can spread misinformation, damage reputations, and create panic very quickly. Manipulated content is getting much harder to spot with the naked eye, but a young UAE researcher may have found a solution. During her master’s studies at Zayed University, Bashayer Al Salami spent time researching digital threats and AI manipulation online. The research later turned into Deepy, a platform that checks uploaded photos, videos, and audio clips and tells users whether the content may have been artificially altered....

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...

Dubai is set to groove to the beats of house music once again as Defected Dubai returns for its second edition on November 9th and 10th, 2024. Following the resounding success of its debut last year, the festival is back with even more energy and excitement, ready to transform Soul Beach at Mina Jebel Ali into a paradise for music lovers. In 2023, Defected Dubai made its mark with a stellar lineup that drew house music enthusiasts from around the world. This year, the festival promises to take the experience to a whole new level. Day 1: A Beach Party...

Getting around Dubai might be getting a little easier, thanks to a new traffic signal system just introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Called UTC-UX Fusion, the system uses AI and digital twin technology to manage traffic signals based on real-time road conditions. Instead of relying on fixed signal cycles, the new system constantly gathers data, predicts traffic trends, and adjusts signal timings to match what's actually happening on the roads. Before making any changes, it simulates the impact using a digital model of the city’s road network. Early reports show a potential 20% drop in journey times...

Big news for commuters: a brand-new intercity bus service between Dubai and Sharjah will begin operations on Friday, May 2, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The new Route E308 will run between Stadium Bus Station in Dubai and Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah, making travel between the two emirates even easier. A one-way trip on the route will cost AED 12. Updates to Existing Bus Routes in Dubai from May 2 In addition to launching Route E308, the RTA is also making adjustments to several existing city routes starting May 2. Here’s a quick breakdown of...

Dubai is stepping into Diwali season with a line-up of glamorous fashion and lifestyle pop-ups that promise sparkle, style, and plenty of festive shopping. From couture and fine jewellery to quirky accessories and wedding-ready outfits, here’s where and when you can shop the season’s most exciting collections. All That Glitters on September 19–20 The Collective Dubai’s annual festive showcase is back at the Ritz Carlton, DIFC. Expect a handpicked selection of couture fashion, statement jewellery, and emerging labels that capture the essence of Diwali glamour. Designers include Aikeyah, Aseem Kapoor, Mohammed Mazhar, Vikram Phadnis and Khanna Jewellers. Guests can also...

The UAE has officially declared 2026 as the Year of the Family, a year dedicated to reinforcing the importance of family as the foundation of society. On November 6, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the announcement, highlighting how families play a vital role in the UAE’s prosperity and long-term stability. Since 2016, the country has introduced an annual theme, with each year guiding national policies, initiatives, and events. Now, 2026 will shine a spotlight on family values: unity, empathy, and cooperation, which are deeply ingrained in Emirati culture, and ensure that these values continue to...