What to do in Dubai

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...

Dubai is making it easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge their cars by installing new charging stations at on-street parking spots across the city. This initiative, launched by Parkin — Dubai’s biggest public parking operator — in partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), aims to improve accessibility to EV charging, especially in busy residential areas where home charging isn’t always an option. The new on-street EV charging stations will be set up in zones A and C, which are designated for street parking. Each station will offer two charging points, operating on 22-kilowatt alternating current (AC),...

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns for its 30th anniversary with an action-packed lineup of spectacular events, running from December 6 to January 16. This year’s DSF promises to illuminate Dubai with a range of mesmerizing activities that include drone shows, fireworks, and interactive light displays — all set against the city’s most iconic backdrops. DSF 2024 Spectacular Drone Shows: Twice-Daily Free Performances Each night, a thousand drones take to the skies in two free-to-watch shows at 8 PM and 10 PM, held at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. Here’s what you can expect: Themed Drone Shows: From December...

If Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) feels a little different lately, it's because there's something big in the works. The lakes that the area is known for have been drained, and while that may seem odd at first, it’s all part of a new development called Bay360. The project will center around a 700m promenade along the water, perfect for casual strolls, outdoor dining, and hanging out with friends. Planned as a go-to waterfront community, it will offer a place where people can stop by for a coffee, have lunch meetings, run errands, or enjoy a relaxed evening after work. Currently...

Distance learning in the UAE is staying in place a bit longer. Remote classes will continue until at least Friday, April 17. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Education, which will monitor the situation and provide weekly updates. The update covers public and private schools, nurseries, and kindergartens across the country. In Dubai, schools can submit requests for an earlier return to classrooms, but any decision depends on approval from the Ministry of Education. There’s still no update for university students. As it was announced on March 16, federal government employees with children in kindergarten through Grade 8...

Dubai’s One Za’abeel is turning up the heat with a major summer retail event. The Curated Playlist pop-up is taking over The Plaza for two weekends — May 23 to 25 and May 30 to June 1 — bringing together an impressive lineup of regional and global brands across fashion, beauty, homeware and more. This immersive shopping experience celebrates independent and well-known labels, with everything from statement jewellery and beachwear to clean skincare and handmade ceramics.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by One Za’abeel (@onezaabeel) Some of the participating brands (organisers promise more than...

A new cycling trail for kids is now open in Dubai, and it’s a great option for parents looking for outdoor activities that feel safe and easy to fit into family routines. Located inside Mushrif National Park, Young Rangers Cycling Trail is the first child-focused cycling trail of its kind in the Middle East. It's reserved for young cyclists under the age of 12. It stretches for 1.5 km through Mushrif’s forest landscape, surrounded by Ghaf trees that create a calm and shaded environment, which helps parents feel more comfortable letting their kids ride freely without pressure from older cyclists....

A quick heads-up in case you feel like planning a day out with friends or family during this school break. A few popular attractions in Dubai are offering free tickets and special offers, so it’s good to know what’s available and maybe save a few ideas for later plans. From sky-high pools and beach resorts to playful art spaces and waterparks, here are 5 Dubai attractions with free tickets and offers available this March. 1. Aquaventure World One of Dubai’s largest waterparks, known for its record-breaking slides, river rides and wide beachfront at Atlantis, The Palm. Offer: Limited number of...

A new digital convenience is coming to petrol pumps across Dubai. Salik, the familiar name behind toll gate payments, is expanding its scope. In a soon-to-launch partnership with ENOC petrol stations, motorists will be able to pay for fuel using their Salik e-wallet — no PINs, no cards, no physical interaction at the terminal required. Here’s how it works. The system is powered by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Once you drive into a participating ENOC station: Cameras scan your vehicle’s licence plate The system identifies your Salik account The fuel amount is automatically deducted from your e-wallet ENOC...

Dubai’s ambitious Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is shaping up to be more than just an aviation hub — it’s on track to become a next-generation transport ecosystem. One of the latest confirmed features? An underground train system designed to make passenger movement across the massive site faster and more efficient. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths revealed that the new airport — set to be one of the largest in the world — will be so expansive that passengers could face travel times of up to 20 minutes just to get from one...