What to do in Dubai

Dubai has rolled out temporary flexible working hours for government employees during the summer months, aiming to improve work-life balance and boost productivity. The initiative, confirmed by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025. The flexible work model follows the official five-day workweek and divides employees into two working groups: Group 1 works eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off completely. Group 2 works seven hours Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday. For many government employees in Dubai, weekends already include a half-day Friday and full days...

Get ready for Feastival 2024, a delightful family and pet-friendly celebration happening on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Tickets start at AED 20 if purchased early or AED 30 on the day, with kids under 13 enjoying free entry. This event promises fun for everyone, featuring a bustling Christmas Market, exciting activities for kids and dogs, and plenty of festive cheer for adults. Santa Claus himself will be present for meet-and-greet opportunities, complete with free treats for kids and pets (photo session costs AED 60). What's Happening at...

Dubai regularly updates its rules to keep life in the emirate comfortable and well organised. As part of this effort, a new law on the quality and safety of buildings has been issued, aimed at ensuring properties remain properly maintained and safe for the people who live and work in them. The rules apply to all buildings in the emirate, including those located in private development areas and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. They cover buildings completed both before and after the law comes into force. One of the key requirements is a Quality and Safety...

Dubai-based healthy food brand SOIL has opened a temporary café pop-up at Kite Beach, bringing its clean and functional food concept to one of the city’s most popular seaside destinations. Designed as a convenient stop to grab a healthy snack or drink, the pop-up is ideal for a beach stroll, a morning run, or a post-workout refuel, offering a relaxed way to enjoy SOIL’s signature approach to nutrition by the sea. The pop-up menu features a curated selection of SOIL favourites, focusing on protein-forward options. Visitors can try Coconut Oats Protein Cup, a creamy mix of oats, coconut flakes, and plant-based protein, perfect...

If you use public transport in Dubai, you probably rely on a nol card. By 2026, the system will be completely upgraded, introducing digital payments, smartphone integration, and new fare options. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already completed 40% of the project, which is being rolled out in three phases with a total investment of AED 550 million. What’s Changing in Dubai’s nol card? The biggest shift is moving from the current card-based ticketing system to an account-based model. This means nol cardholders will have digital accounts linked to their cards, making payments and top-ups more flexible. The...

World Islands are getting a major addition in late 2027 with the opening of InterContinental Dubai – The Heart of Europe. This new resort will offer an ideal getaway just a short boat ride from the city, combining luxury with a sense of escape. The resort’s architecture is one-of-a-kind. Designed by HWKN Architecture, it will feature a mesh “curtain” facade made from Teflon-coated fibreglass that sways with the wind, creating an eye-catching effect. The interior design blends Mediterranean elegance with modern luxury, featuring stone columns and flowing fabrics. Inside, there will be 466 rooms spread across three wings: Bellissima, Dolce...

Dubai Metro riders will have more time to travel this weekend. On Sunday, July 20, the metro will run until 1 AM the following day, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The extended hours apply across the network and are being introduced to support increased footfall during a major event in the city. Normally, Dubai Metro operates from 8 AM to midnight on Sundays. With the extension, passengers will be able to travel more conveniently throughout the evening. The RTA shared the update on its social media, encouraging people to make use of the additional service hours...

Dubai’s fitness scene just got a major upgrade. Athlo has officially launched in the city, giving gym-goers a whole new way to use their memberships. The app allows members to sell unused class slots and get back 60% of the value, tackling what founder Matthew Mansell calls “subscription fatigue” in the wellness industry. Mansell, a former British rugby player, created Athlo after leaving his finance career and realising he couldn’t make full use of multiple gym memberships. The app soft-launched in the UAE in July and has already smashed the UK’s initial booking numbers, showing that Dubai is ready for...

Najwa Karam will return to Dubai for a live concert at Dubai Opera on September 30, performing tracks from her extensive discography including her newest album, Halet Tawari', which was released in June 2025. A long-standing icon of Arabic music, Karam is known for shaping the Lebanese pop scene since the early 1990s. She earned the nickname "Shams el-Ghinnieh" (The Sun of Arabic Song) early in her career and continues to be a major influence in the region's music industry. A regular guest in UAE, the star is coming back for another stunning performance at Dubai Opera in just 2...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a set of temporary traffic diversions in Mirdif, linked to the start of construction on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. RTA encourages all road users to plan their trips in the area in advance and allow extra travel time while the diversions remain in place. The changes are part of early works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major infrastructure project that will serve approximately one million residents by 2040.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) Key traffic changes in...