What to do in Dubai

If you’re looking for a great spot to celebrate UAE Flag Day 2025, Global Village is where you’ll want to be. Dubai’s favourite multicultural destination will celebrate the occasion with a stunning Flag Day Drone Show that blends art, light, and national pride in the open desert sky. On Monday, November 3, at 8:30 PM, hundreds of drones will rise above the park, painting the night with intricate formations and vivid colours. Watch as they create dazzling visual effects, forming the UAE flag and a series of breathtaking patterns that pay tribute to the nation’s spirit and unity. View this...

The New Year holidays are the perfect time to spend the whole day outdoors with your family. With extended hours on both December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy everything Dubai’s parks and recreational areas have to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the timings for some of Dubai's most popular parks and attractions: Al Safa Park and Zabeel Park: 8 AM to 1 AM. Dubai Frame will be open from 8 AM to 9 PM Creek Park, Mushrif National Park, and Quranic Park: 8 AM to 12 AM. Cave of Miracles...

A new dining destination is on the horizon for Italian food lovers in Dubai. Gusto Restaurant & Bar is preparing to open in Burj Daman, promising a menu inspired by the classic flavours of Italy. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the concept is already generating interest among the city’s culinary crowd. The name “Gusto” translates to doing something with enjoyment and enthusiasm — fitting for a venue that aims to celebrate the richness of Italian cuisine.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gusto Restaurant & Cafè (@gusto_dxb) The restaurant’s...

If your recent days have been revolving around school duties and keeping the routine steady at home, here’s a date update worth saving. The UAE announces an early spring break for schools and universities, and it starts on March 9, 2026. It applies nationwide. The update comes from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with approval involving the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD). It includes students, plus educational and administrative staff across the UAE. وزارة التربية والتعليم ووزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي تعلنان عن إجازة الربيع للطلبة والكادر التربوي والإداري...

Silicon Central Mall is inviting Dubai residents to stay active this summer with a new indoor fitness initiative. From August 2 to 30, Mall Walk Club will transform the shopping centre into a walking space every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM. This free initiative gives participants a climate-controlled venue to walk, move, and keep fit, regardless of the outdoor heat. The programme is organised in collaboration with FITZE, a fitness app that rewards users for staying active.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Silicon Central (@siliconcentral) This campaign by Silicon Central Mall...

If your mall plan usually includes a coffee stop and something freshly baked, here’s a new address to know. Princi, the famous Milanese bakery, is now open at Dubai Mall, marking its first location in the UAE. Bread and pastries here are prepared throughout the day, and the whole vibe reflects the casual café culture you’d find in Italy. Rocco Princi opened his first bakery in Milan in 1986, focused on quality ingredients and traditional Italian baking. That approach has defined the brand for nearly 40 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Princi Middle East (@princi.mena)...

The first day of Eid Al Fitr in 2026 will begin with prayers across the UAE, as the official timings have now been confirmed. Whether you're starting your day in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other emirate, here’s what you need to know. Here are the confirmed Eid Al Fitr prayer timings in 2026 for each emirate: Fujairah: 6:10 AM Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah: 6:12 AM Sharjah and Ajman: 6:16 AM Dubai: 6:18 AM Abu Dhabi: 6:20 AM The prayers will be held in approved mosques across the UAE. Please note that traditional open-air prayer grounds will...

Dubai is gearing up to host the second edition of Eco Walk 2024, a community-centered event aimed at fostering environmental sustainability across the UAE. Set for Saturday, November 9, at Al Forsan Park in Expo City Dubai, the event will run from 8 AM to noon and will feature a series of eco-friendly activities and interactive experiences designed to engage participants in the nation’s green goals. A highlight of Eco Walk will be the ceremonial planting of the Ghaf tree — the UAE’s national symbol of resilience and sustainability — at 9 AM. Dr. Abdallah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, former Minister...

If you live in Wasl Village or visit the area often, there’s a small update that may affect your daily routine. A new paid parking zone has been introduced in the area, operating under code 248W. Signs are already installed across the neighborhood, so residents and visitors can easily recognize the designated spaces. The parking system operates 24/7. Here's are hourly parking fees in Wasl Village (248W): 30 minutes = AED 2 1 hour = AED 4 2 hours = AED 8 3 hours = AED 12 4 hours = AED 16 Wasl Village falls into higher-tariff zone, which typically...

Planning a shopping trip to Spinneys or Waitrose soon? There's a little change you’ll want to know about. Starting February 1, a few branches of these popular stores will introduce paid parking in partnership with Parkin. With the new system in place, drivers still get two hours of free parking. But if you’re planning to stick around longer than a couple of hours (whether for extra shopping or a coffee break), you’ll need to pay a small hourly fee after. Here are the Waitrose locations with paid parking after 2 hours: in Motor City in Al Thanya And here are...