What to do in Dubai

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be some important changes to the UAE's VAT regulations that businesses and taxpayers need to know about. The Ministry of Finance has introduced these changes through Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aiming to make the tax process simpler and more efficient. 1. No More Self-Invoices for Reverse Charge Mechanism One of the key updates is that businesses will no longer need to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, they’ll only need to keep supporting documents related to transactions. This will simplify the process, cut down on paperwork, and make it...

Calling all anime lovers, comic fanatics, and cosplay queens and kings, Dubai is about to get a pop-culture glow-up! On October 4-5, the brand-new event FNDM lands at The Concourse Convention Center, Dubai Outlet Mall, bringing everything you’ve been dreaming of under one roof. What’s Waiting for You at FNDM? Here’s what you can dive into during the festival: Pro cosplayers on the Cosplay Catwalk Shows and entertainment on the FNDM Stage Artist Alley showcasing talented creatives 80+ vendors with collectibles, merch, and exclusive drops And of course, no pop-culture festival is complete without celebrity meet-and-greets, and FNDM’s lineup is...

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...

Dubai foodies are in for a real treat! Siena Paris, the celebrity hotspot beloved by Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, and Selena Gomez, is bringing its chic vibe and exquisite menu to DIFC. Siena Paris is known for its sophisticated atmosphere, and the Dubai location is expected to reflect the same refined vibe. The Parisian venue features elegant interiors, with a spacious dining area that opens up to a winter garden. While details for the Dubai design are still under wraps, it’s likely that a similar ambiance will be carried over. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Siena (@siena.paris)...

If you’ve been thinking about getting more active, here’s something that might give you that extra push. Ramadan Games 2026 in Dubai is bringing the community together for weeks of sport, movement and friendly competition. Organised by Dubai Police, the event will take place from February 20 to March 11 across six different locations in the emirate. There’s more than AED 700,000 in prize money, and the programme includes 25 competitions in total, with 12 sports open to public participation. This isn’t limited to professional athletes or sports clubs. A big part of the initiative is encouraging residents to stay...

Just when you thought Dubai had it all, a new development is set to raise the bar even higher. Dubai Beach EDITION, scheduled to open in 2029, will bring a new level of sophistication to Dubai Harbour. With a luxury hotel and exclusive residences right at the edge of JBR, this addition will be a significant step forward in the city’s luxury offerings. The hotel will feature 185 rooms and suites, each boasting stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Designed with EDITION’s signature style, the space will offer a perfect mix of modern luxury and understated elegance for a memorable...

Dubai’s appetite for unique luxury has found a new chapter with the opening of Sweden Beach Palace, an exclusive island resort set within The Heart of Europe development in the World Islands archipelago. Now available for bookings, the destination features 9 beachfront mansions that reinterpret Scandinavian elegance through a distinctly regional lens. Think sleek minimalism paired with Middle Eastern-inspired opulence. Each palace spans 21,000 square feet and comes fully fitted with interiors by Bentley Home, 6 floors of living space, and high-end amenities that include a private infinity pool, rooftop terrace, snow room spa, and panoramic views of the Arabian...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Looking to make the most of your Eid Al Fitr weekend in Dubai? The city has a lot in store this year. From family-only beaches to cultural performances in parks, the holiday is filled with opportunities to create lasting memories with loved ones. For those who love spending time by the sea, Dubai has designated several beaches as family-only zones: Jumeirah 1 Jumeirah 2 (including the night beach) Jumeirah 3 Umm Suqeim 1 (including the night beach) Umm Suqeim 2 If coming to Jumeirah Beach 2, you can check out the recently opened free library with books in English and...

If you’re looking for a car ride like never before, head to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve for a drive-through photo exhibition that’s sure to impress. From January 30 to February 8, this unique outdoor event lets you explore the desert from the comfort of your own car. Al Marmoom: The Living Wild transforms the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve into an open-air gallery that celebrates the desert’s wildlife and natural beauty. It will guide you through a series of 24 photographs by His Excellency Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, capturing the reserve’s wild inhabitant. View this post on Instagram...