What to do in Dubai

A new community mall is on the horizon, and it’s bringing a fresh approach to shopping and leisure in Dubai. It's called The Villa Square and is designed around sustainability, wellness, and modern family living. Currently under development, the mall is set to open in Wadi Al Safa 5 in the third quarter of 2026. The design draws inspiration from Spanish architecture, with open spaces, natural light, and a seamless indoor-outdoor layout. It aims to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Inside, visitors can expect retail stores, family-friendly dining, landscaped green zones, and spaces dedicated to wellness and relaxation. Developed by...

It's the first weekend of July, and your agenda is full of creative shows, poolside chills, and epic city escapes. Whether you’re vibing in Dubai or planning a relaxed escape in Abu Dhabi, here’s your ultimate roundup of things to do this weekend in the UAE. Looking ahead? Don’t miss our full round-up of Events Happening This July, packed with summer concerts, art festivals, and more. Top things To Do This Weekend in UAE Music & Sunset Vibes Tease Me – Sunset Pool Brunch, DubaiReady for golden hour perfection? "Tease Me" at the Habtoor Grand Resort is your ticket to...

Visitors to Dubai now have an easier way to enjoy the emirate’s stunning waters thanks to the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA). The newly launched service allows those holding a valid boating licence issued by member states of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to obtain a local recreational boating licence. Visitors simply need to submit their existing national licence for online verification. Once validated, the DMA will issue a local licence, enabling tourists to operate jet skis, speedboats, and other recreational vessels for leisure, sports, and tourism activities. For those planning a visit, taking a boat ride on Dubai’s waters is...

Travel just got easier for Emirati passport holders. The UAE and Moldova have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual visa exemption, allowing UAE citizens to enter Moldova without a visa. The agreement was signed during an official meeting in Abu Dhabi between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mihai Popșoi, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding international collaboration and building strong, productive relations with Moldova in areas that support both countries’ development goals. This is the latest addition to a growing...

April is a good month to get back into running. If doing it alone doesn't quite work, there are several run clubs in Dubai hosting weekly meet-ups you can join. All of them are free to join, though some require a quick sign-up. 1. GymNation x Solutions Group Social Run Club Series Participants meet every Thursday evening in April 2026 at The Garden Project for a 5km run, followed by food, music, and time to hang out. Drinks and pizza are included after the run. More details and how to join here. If you have not been to The Garden...

If you're a South African living in the UAE, renewing your passport just got a whole lot simpler. As of July 2025, VFS Global has introduced a new service that lets you apply for a new passport right here in Dubai — no consulate visit or flight back home required. The passport renewal service is now available at Wafi Mall in Dubai at VFS Global, world’s largest visa application centre, which is currently the only official partner of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in the UAE. Instead of going through the consulate, you can now follow this procedure: Visit...

If your idea of a good day includes sunshine and food that feels like a mini holiday, here's a new rooftop address in Dubai you need to know about. Noia by the Pool has just opened at Mandarin Oriental, Downtown, and it feels like one of those spots people will recommend to friends. Up on the 11th floor, you'll find terrace tables, indoor seating, and a poolside area that can match any mood. Greek influence shapes both the space and the food. The menu includes: Raw dishes such as shrimp gazpacho and wild sea bream Classic starters like Greek salad,...

If your usual gym routine has started to feel a bit repetitive, a new fitness challenge in Dubai might shake things up. DEKA FIT, created by the team behind the well-known Spartan Race events, is scheduled to take place on March 28 at Skydive Dubai. The format combines running and functional workouts in a way that keeps participants constantly moving. Competitors move through a course made up of 10 fitness zones. Between each zone is a 500-m run (5km in total), so participants alternate between cardio and strength challenges. You can choose to compete alone or take part as a...

Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other as Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) embarks on a unique dining experience from October 1 to December 19, 2025. The historic ship, now anchored in Dubai, is set to host 'Around the World in 80 Days', a series of thematic dinners that bring the QE2's storied voyages to life through global flavors. For 80 consecutive nights, guests will enjoy a rotating three-course menu inspired by the 80 destinations the QE2 visited. Each evening will feature a new chapter of her travels, offering a fresh culinary journey from across the world. Here are...

The UAE has once again secured top place on the global stage — this time for its performance in the labour market. According to the 2025 edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, the country ranked first globally in 10 key labour and employment indicators, outperforming some of the world’s most advanced economies. These rankings reflect the UAE’s consistent focus on competitiveness, growth, and quality of life — making it an increasingly attractive destination to live, work, and invest. UAE Ranked First Globally in the Following Labour Market Indicators: Working hours Employment rate Workforce growth...