What to do in Dubai

Dubai continues to be a top global destination, with a record-breaking 18.72 million international visitors coming to the city in 2024. This marks a 9% increase from 2023, when the city welcomed 17.15 million tourists. The latest figures, released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), highlight the city's growing appeal to travelers worldwide. Why more tourists are choosing Dubai? Several key factors contributed to this: Year-round events: Dubai hosts a packed calendar of business summits, trade exhibitions, sports competitions, and entertainment events, drawing both professionals and tourists to the city. New luxury hotels: The city’s hospitality sector...

LEGO fans, keep your eyes open — Dubai has turned into a playground of giant brick creations this month. Until September 30, the city is sprinkled with life-size LEGO installations, and they’re not just for kids. Whether you want to climb on, pose with, or simply admire these quirky builds, this is your chance to see LEGO on a whole new scale. If you’d like to make a mini tour out of it, here’s a route you can follow: 1. Start with Dubai Design District (d3) to hop on the giant LEGO seesaws and feel like a kid again. 2....

Join an empowering and supportive community of women at the Nike Women’s Walks, a weekly free event every Monday until November 25 as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). The scenic evening walk along the Dubai Canal offers a gentle but energizing workout. This relaxing, wellness-focused event is perfect for easing into the week with gorgeous canal views and shared motivation with other women. The walk begins at Orto Cafe with a check-in time of 7:15 PM, followed by a 7:30 PM start along the beautiful Dubai Canal. Bring your water bottle and walking buddy, and enjoy the camaraderie...

Fans of Vietnamese flavors, you're in for a real treat! Chom Chom is coming to Dubai, and it promises to deliver the authentic taste of Hanoi street food right to your plate. Inspired by the bustling food scene of Vietnam, the new spot will open soon at Galleria Mall in Al Barsha. The restaurant brings all the bold and vibrant flavors that Vietnam is known for. Smoky grilled meats, fresh and crispy rice paper rolls, and rich, aromatic bowls of pho. The menu offers a mix of street food staples and creative twists, with plenty of options to suit everyone’s...

Dubai’s homegrown dining scene has a new addition to explore. Hospitality group TABLE4TWO — the team behind Zaza Slice, Rascals Deli, and the upcoming Dime Burger — has just launched its first licensed concept: Apollo, a contemporary all-day bistro located in Palm Views West. This fresh dining destination brings a casual, stylish atmosphere with modern comfort food, sweeping views over Ain Dubai and the Marina, and a space designed for everything from a quick solo bite to a full dinner with friends.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Photorealistic visualization studio (@viz.cultura) Created by...

Dubai’s high-end property market just got a new contender. Amaal, an Emirati-founded real estate developer, has partnered with automotive design powerhouse MANSORY to launch MANSORY Residences, a 48-floor luxury tower located in Mohammed Bin Rashid City. This is MANSORY’s first-ever foray into real estate and architectural design, and the partnership brings its signature aesthetics to residential living for the first time. Valued at AED 1.8 billion, the development is part of the Meydan Horizon masterplan and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Amaal Emirates (@amaal.emirates) The tower...

Did you know that your skin is actually hard at work every night? While you're getting your beauty sleep, your skin is clocking in for its own overnight shift. As strange as the idea might sound, the science behind it makes total sense. At night, your skin shifts from defense mode to repair mode, working to fix the damage it accumulated throughout the day. The key thing happening during sleep is mitosis — a process where your skin’s cells divide to replace old, damaged ones. This means your skin works on creating new, healthy cells, producing more collagen, and repairing...

If you're a coffee lover, you're probably used to the city being filled with great spots. But have you ever heard of a café run by a family that owns a real coffee farm? That’s exactly what The Reformatory Lab is about. After finding success in Sydney, they've now brought their passion for coffee and food to Um Sheif, Jumeirah. The drink menu includes classics like flat whites and filter coffee, along with trendy matcha. They also offer a selection of fresh bakes, like hazelnut praline croissants and vanilla custard tarts, that pairs great with your drink. View this post...

Marriott International is making its mark in Dubai’s luxury residential market with the launch of the first JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central. The global hospitality brand is bringing its new project to one of the city’s most sought-after residential hotspots. The 115-unit development is expected to be ready by early 2028. The residences will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, all featuring stunning ocean views. Residents will also enjoy a host of premium amenities, including a rooftop pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf, spa facilities, a fully equipped fitness centre, and concierge services. View this post on Instagram A...

Dubai, get ready to move, groove, and feel the beat because The Music Run 2025 is back on November 15 at Meydan Racecourse. This isn’t your usual 5K – it’s a fitness party like no other, where every step syncs with live DJs, thumping playlists, and a festival-like finish line celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who just wants to dance their way through a few kilometres, this is your chance to turn exercise into an epic night out. No prior running experience is needed – just bring your energy, your friends, and your love for music. View...