What to do in Dubai

If you needed another sign of the strong unity in the UAE, here's a new trend that’s bringing people together across the country. More and more residents are hanging banners with the words "I fortified you in the name of God, O homeland," a phrase from the national anthem, to express their love and support for the nation. The trend started when Reem Abdullah Al Shamsi shared a photo of her family’s home with a banner. The image quickly caught the attention of others who also wanted to show their support for the country during tough times. Emirati designer Omar...

Dubai is about to add another skyscraper to its skyline — Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower. This one is set to become the tallest residential clock tower in the world. The new 106-floor project is a collaboration between London Gate, a UAE-based real estate developer, and Franck Muller, the Swiss watchmaker known for its detailed designs. The tower is expected to reach 450 metres once completed and will feature a façade, taking inspiration from Franck Muller’s intricate Aeternitas watch. The façade will be handled by Permasteelisa Group, responsible for its design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation. Construction has already begun, and as...

The UAE has launched a new online platform called Work in UAE (workinuae.ae), designed to simplify the process of managing residency services for domestic workers. This platform enables employers and residents to issue, renew, or cancel residency visas, and even complete the required medical tests, all through a single, user-friendly digital service. This initiative is part of the broader Work Bundle platform, developed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in partnership with several key agencies. It aims to make governmental procedures more efficient and improve the overall user experience. The platform provides a one-stop solution for managing...

Dubai’s outdoor season has returned, and with it comes the reopening of The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens, one of the city’s most popular open-air destinations. After spending the summer indoors, it’s the perfect time to enjoy cooler evenings and explore what’s new at this green, lively space. The Square has welcomed several new dining options this year: Cipriani Dolci SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar Maxzi – The Good Food Shop Familiar names like Public, Home Bakery, Omar Odali, Asma, and Kokoro are also back, continuing to draw in their loyal crowd from last season. View this post on...

If you’re an Indian expat in the UAE planning to submit a passport application soon, there’s a new rule you need to keep in mind. Starting September 1, 2025, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has updated its passport photo guidelines, and most applicants will need to take new photos that meet ICAO standards. This change follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is part of international travel regulations. For those not familiar with ICAO, it’s the International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets global standards for travel documents like passports. Here’s what you need to know about...

Dubai’s luxury hotel scene is getting an exciting new addition — Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Opening on March 14, 2025, this stunning resort takes inspiration from sleek superyachts, offering an upscale experience right next to Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. A Look Inside the Hotel Designed by Shaun Killa, the architect behind the Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is all about modern elegance. Inside, French designer Tristan Auer blends nautical themes with warm tones, featuring marble surfaces, wooden accents, and silk carpets that capture Dubai’s golden hour glow. The hotel has 386 rooms and suites,...

KIMA, a new Japanese restaurant, is set to open its doors on Friday, June 13 in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai. Inspired by the casual energy of a Tokyo neighbourhood izakaya, KIMA brings a laidback, no-frills dining experience focused entirely on food, drinks, and atmosphere. The name izakaya translates from Japanese as "stay, drink, and place," which perfectly captures KIMA’s approach. The restaurant’s tagline — “No suits, no filters – just food, drinks, and good noise” — reflects its emphasis on authenticity over aesthetics.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kima Izakaya Dubai (@kima_izakaya)...

Italian cuisine fans in Dubai have a new restaurant to look forward to. Felicità Dubai is preparing to open its doors at Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai in late September, with a focus on celebrating the flavours and spirit of Southern Italy. Felicità, meaning "happiness" in Italian, draws its concept from more than just food — it promises an experience rooted in Italian culture, comfort, and family tradition. According to the team behind the venue, the restaurant aims to highlight “food, culture and the spirit of Southern Italy.” The décor will reflect Italian influences and the venue will house...

Chef Kelvin Cheung, best known for his modern dining hotspot Jun’s, is bringing something a little different to Dubai’s food scene. Meet Jooksing, a new takeout-style concept serving up comforting, fast, and flavour-packed American-Chinese fusion dishes. "Jook-sing" is a Cantonese term for a Chinese expat born in the West — a fitting tribute to Chef Kelvin's own background. Born in Canada and raised in Chicago, his multicultural roots shine through in this new food venture, where East meets West in the most comforting way possible.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by James Pemberton (@foodiejamesdxb)...

Get ready for something truly different under the desert sky. Dubai’s first-ever 72-hour festival, Echoes of the Sand, is arriving at Terra Solis by Tomorrowland this November. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable non-stop celebration of music, movement, and pure desert energy. The big party begins on Thursday, November 20 and will last till Saturday, November 23. From 9 PM to 1 AM, the desert will transform into a glowing dance floor, with resident and 4 headline DJs keeping the energy alive long into the night. When you’re not dancing, there will be plenty to explore in the morning:...