What to do in Dubai - Latest News

If your idea of a good day includes sunshine and food that feels like a mini holiday, here's a new rooftop address in Dubai you need to know about. Noia by the Pool has just opened at Mandarin Oriental, Downtown, and it feels like one of those spots people will recommend to friends. Up on the 11th floor, you'll find terrace tables, indoor seating, and a poolside area that can match any mood. Greek influence shapes both the space and the food. The menu includes: Raw dishes such as shrimp gazpacho and wild sea bream Classic starters like Greek salad,...

Winter brings many new restaurant openings in Dubai, but here’s the one that comes with history and top city views. Iconic Parisian brasserie L’Avenue is opening at Dubai Mall this February. If you’re after a chic dining spot, this is the place to be! They’ve chosen the best location possible: at Fashion Avenue, with stunning views of the Dubai Fountain. Original L’Avenue in Paris has long been the go-to for fashion insiders and celebrities. Expect the same energy when it opens in the heart of the city: stylish interiors, an A-list atmosphere, and a crowd that knows how to enjoy...

If travel is always on your mind, here’s good news: more international destinations are now easier for Indians to reach. India has climbed to 80th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026. It shares the spot with Algeria. Indian travellers now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations, opening up more travel options than before. While it’s not a dramatic leap, it does mark steady progress from 85th place last year. For travellers, that means fewer formalities and a clearer picture of where you can go without applying for a visa in advance. Below, you’ll find the full list...

Dubai is about to get a taste of modern Spain with the arrival of Barrafina, a popular tapas restaurant that’s officially opening its doors on January 26. Located in DIFC Gate Village 1, this marks the first Barrafina location in the Middle East, with more expected to follow. The restaurant concept is all about sharing, because, as the saying goes, sharing is caring. Barrafina’s roots trace back to the Spanish heritage of brothers Sam and Eddie Hart, who grew up in Mallorca. First ever spot opened in 2007 in London, and quickly became a standout. The same spirit of no-fuss...

If cooler weather makes you want to move more, you’re not alone. Winter mornings at Kite Beach are made for running, and Adidas has set up a free fitness pop-up right by the shore for anyone who wants to get out there. Until March 31, you can join fast-paced tempo runs, recovery-focused activities, or Pilates sessions in the open air. Everything is free and available throughout the week, so you can join whenever it fits your schedule. You don’t need to be part of a club or a serious runner to take part. Some sessions are hosted with local run...

Sometimes, the space sets the mood way before the food even arrives. And if you've been looking for a place where you can slow down and stay a while, check out OTHER in Dar Wasl. It has just opened in Dubai, and it’s for people who care about where they eat and what’s on the table. OTHER is one of those places where the interiors are worth mentioning before anything else. They feature deep blue walls, red upholstered seating, and blue-and-white tiled floors. It feels less like a regular dining room and more like a modern design space you’ve wandered...

If your travel mood swings between beach heat and “give me something totally different,” this one’s for you. A brand-new European route is coming this autumn, and this is not your typical destination. Emirates has confirmed it will launch daily flights to Finland, opening a direct link between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) starting October 2026. It’s a place of quiet forests, icy lakes, proper winters, and a pace of life that feels a world away from Dubai. Saunas instead of skyscrapers, snowy landscapes instead of desert heat, and long summer days or glowing northern skies, depending...

If you’ve ever fumbled with cash and cards at the kiosk while rushing to catch your flight, we’ve got great news for you. Starting January 22, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is making parking a whole lot easier. Thanks to a new deal with Salik, the airport is launching a ticketless parking system across all terminals, and it’s about to change the entire experience for frequent travelers. When you drive into any of the parking areas, there’s no need to grab a ticket or stop at a machine. Your car will be automatically recognized, and the parking fee will be deducted...

If you’re into music that you end up endlessly replaying late at night, this is the concert you've been waiting for. Filipino rock band Ben&Ben is heading to Global Village on February 7 for a live show on the Main Stage at 9 PM. Their performances are known for those moments when everyone ends up singing along, even if you only learned the lyrics in the process. The band started in Manila with twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Guico. Now, it includes 9 members, and they’ve built a following with songs that touch on love, uncertainty, hope, and everyday life....

Mid-January in Dubai means one thing: Ramadan is on people’s minds. If you’re ready to ease into that mood, Ramadan Souq in Deira is a good place to start. It opens on January 17 at Old Municipality Street Square in the Grand Souq area. The market stays in the neighbourhood for 25 days, giving visitors time to spend a few unhurried evenings in one of Dubai’s oldest trading districts. Ramadan Souq in Deira centres on everyday shopping and long-standing customs rather than trends or spectacle. Expect stalls selling food items, personal goods, and seasonal essentials. Many of the stalls are...