What to do in Dubai - Latest News

Dubai Design District (d3) has always been a hotspot for creativity, and now it’s about to get even better. Meraas is developing a new residential neighbourhood that will turn d3 into one of the most desirable places to live in Dubai. The new project blends waterfront living with spaces for art, culture, retail, and hospitality. You’ll find homes alongside creative studios, galleries, and places to work and relax. It also looks like an excellent spot for families: it's safe, green, and peaceful, with all the amenities you need to make life easy and comfortable. Given that 2026 has been announced...

If you live in the UAE or have kids approaching adulthood, there’s a legal update worth knowing about. Under the new law, adulthood in the UAE will officially start at 18. The change comes under an updated federal law linked to the Civil Transactions Law and replaces the previous age of 21. In everyday terms, this means: full legal responsibility now starts at 18 from this age, it's now possible to work full-time, drive, and get married Adulthood was previously calculated using the Hijri lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar most people use. Because of that, “21”...

If you’re looking for events in Dubai in January that offer art, a relaxed vibe, and plenty to enjoy, Quoz Arts Fest 2026 ticks all the boxes. For two days, Alserkal Avenue’s warehouses, courtyards, and open spaces will turn into places to wander and explore. Along the way, you’ll find everything you need for a great weekend: art, food, and entertainment. Happening on January 24 and 25, the festival highlights creative voices from the region and beyond, with experiences you can enjoy at your own pace. One of the highlights this year comes from the international collective Numen / For...

If FIX Chocolate is your guilty pleasure, the start of January is going to be a fantastic time for you. The much-loved local brand is kicking off the year with a limited-time pop-up in Dubai that blends chocolate, curiosity, and a touch of mystery. Until January 11, FIX Chocolate is setting up a temporary shop outside the Museum of the Future. It will be open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, making it easy to stop by whether you’re nearby, visiting the museum, or simply in the mood for something indulgent. To start the new year, the brand is...

If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about new food concepts and still talks about great pop-ups months later, this one’s for you. Neo Temaki, the hand roll sushi spot that caused a buzz during its pop-up days, is officially putting down roots. The brand is opening a permanent location in Dubai, and it’s set to land inside JW Marriott Marquis in early 2026. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Neo Temaki caught people’s attention at Sole DXB thanks to its fast-rolled hand roll sushi, bold Japanese flavours, and atmosphere. At the pop-up, the menu featured crowd-pleasers...

Dubai has a habit of moving fast, and 2026 doesn’t look any different. From futuristic ways to get around to behind-the-scenes tech changes, here are six impressive things coming to the city that could end up being part of your everyday routine. 1. You’ll Be Able To Travel Between Emirates By Train Passenger trains on Etihad Rail are expected to launch in 2026, turning a freight-only rail network into something everyday travellers can actually use. Once services begin, people will be far less dependent on long drives when moving between emirates. There’s still no exact launch date, but officials confirmed...

Fireworks lighting up the skyline, busy streets, late dinners, and countdown plans that stretch past midnight: New Year in the UAE is always a big moment. If you’re heading out to celebrate or just moving around the city on January 1, knowing where you can park for free can save a lot of time, money, and a bit of stress. Here’s a look at how public parking works across the UAE during New Year holidays 2026. Abu Dhabi: Free Parking and Tolls on January 1 If you’re celebrating in Abu Dhabi, getting around on New Year’s Day will be easier...

If you rely on an e-scooter to move around Dubai, or you use one while visiting the city, there’s a practical update worth knowing. Roads and Transport Authority has expanded the permit service beyond its website. You can now request e-scooter riding permit via RTA app or through Dubai Now app. The service is already active. Here’s how it works: Apply online through RTA website, RTA Dubai app, or Dubai Now app Complete a short theory test covering riding rules and safety basics Once you pass, the permit is issued electronically through RTA’s smart channels You can then legally ride...

If you are a UAE citizen working in the private sector, or an employer hiring Emirati talent, a major update to labour rules is worth your attention as it directly affects salaries, contracts, and compliance from the start of 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed a new minimum wage for UAE citizens in private sector employment, setting the baseline salary at AED 6,000 per month. This applies not only to new hires, but also to existing employment arrangements where salaries fall below the updated threshold. The rule will come into effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026....

New year brings some changes to two popular communities in Dubai. If you live at Discovery Gardens or International City, you should know that paid parking zones will be introduced in both starting in early 2026. Here's everything you need to know about the new system, timings, and parking fees in both areas. New Parking Zone at Discovery Gardens (Code P106) Residents already notice parking signs popping up around the community. However, no fees before Thursday, January 15, 2026. Here are the hourly parking rates at Discovery Gardens: Standard hours (8 AM – 5 PM): AED 4 Peak hours (5...