What to do in UAE - Latest News

One of football's most famous names is starting a new chapter in the UAE. After finishing his playing career, Andrés Iniesta is returning to UAE football as the new head coach of Gulf United FC ahead of the 2026/27 season. Andrés Iniesta hardly needs an introduction. The Spanish midfielder spent 22 years at Barcelona FC, winning four UEFA Champions League titles, nine La Liga trophies, and numerous other honours. UAE football fans know him well, too. Iniesta spent the final season of his playing career with Emirates Club FC, making 20 appearances and scoring five goals before retiring from professional...

Need a little motivation to stay active this summer? Here's a community run in Abu Dhabi you can join this week. The best part? No marathon-level preparation required. Global Running Day is coming to Yas Gateway Park on June 4, and everyone is invited to spend this Thursday evening getting active. Races begin after 7 PM, so you can easily join after work and get some endorphins flowing before the day ends: 5km at 7:30 PM 3km at 7:35 PM 1km at 7:40 PM Registration costs AED 55 for the 5km and 3km runs, and AED 25 for the 1km...

Summer brings a traffic change to Al Dhafra, with a temporary lane closure now in place on Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road (E45) in Madinat Zayed. Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a partial closure on the road while roadworks and infrastructure maintenance are taking place. The right-hand lane heading towards Liwa is closed until 5 AM on Monday, June 15. Check the affected section on the map below. During the two-week closure in Al Dhafra, drivers can still use Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road (E45), with traffic continuing through the remaining open lanes during the works. While the temporary closure...

Summer is just getting started in the UAE, and another public holiday is already on the horizon: Islamic New Year 2026 (or 1448 AH). While the exact date will depend on the official moon sighting, the occasion comes with a long weekend for UAE residents. So where does this long weekend come from in June 2026? The recently adopted UAE Public Holidays Law allows to move some holidays to the beginning or end of the week. The UAE has already announced that Monday, June 15, will be an official holiday for Hijri New Year for both private and public sector employees....

No Dubai bucket list feels complete without a trip to AURA Skypool and its famous skyline views. Planning a visit this summer? The popular pool has temporarily closed for renovations and won't reopen until September 1. AURA announced the closure on Instagram with the message, "A New Chapter Rises." The venue has not yet shared any details about the renovation, so the reopening will come with a few surprises. If you'd like to be among the first to see what's new, bookings for September are already open. AURA may be taking a break, but Dubai's summer fun certainly isn't. The...

Parking in Dubai Silicon Oasis changes from June 1. Drivers will now find new on-street parking zones near DSO and the University Residence buildings. The new areas use a ticketless parking system with automatic number plate recognition. Parking rates in Dubai Silicon Oasis: AED 4/hour from 12 AM to 4 PM and from 8 PM to 12 AM AED 6/hour from 4 PM to 8 PM There are no cash payment options in the new zones. Payment happens digitally through Salik or SMS. Other changes for drivers in Dubai: a 5% VAT now applies to parking services and Salik from...

There's a new app in the UAE, and if you enjoy a good deal, it's worth knowing about. Peekabox lets you pick up surprise boxes from restaurants, cafés, bakeries, grocery stores, and even hotel buffets for 50% to 70% less than the usual price. The catch? You won't know exactly what's inside until you collect it. At the end of the day, cafés, bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels pack fresh unsold food into surprise boxes. One day it could be pastries from a bakery, another day it might be sushi, prepared meals, coffee shop favourites, grocery items, or food from...

If seeing the Milky Way is on your bucket list, the next few months are your best chance. Al Quaa Desert in Abu Dhabi is one of the top stargazing spots in the country, and you don't need a guided tour or a 4x4 to get there. A little preparation, clear skies, and good company are all it takes. From the best viewing hours to driving tips and what to bring, here's everything you need to know before heading out. When Is Milky Way Season in UAE? Milky Way season in the UAE lasts until September. The best viewing hours...

If Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street is part of your regular drive, expect some changes to your route throughout the summer. Ras Al Khaimah has confirmed a partial road closure for asphalt maintenance works. The affected section extends between the Ship Roundabout and the Clock, with traffic restrictions in place until August 30. The maintenance teams will be on site 24 hours a day for the duration of the works. You can check the affected area on the map below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by شرطة رأس الخيمة (@rakpoliceghq) Restrictions will remain in place until August...

Dubai is gearing up to host the spectacular sporting event for the 3rd year as the Dubai Premier Padel P1 2026 comes to town from November 8th to 15th. The stage is set at the Hamdan Sports Complex, promising a week filled with thrilling matches and lively entertainment both on and off the court. A Stellar Line-Up Padel fans are in for a treat as the tournament brings together the crème de la crème of the padel world. Expect to see jaw-dropping performances from top-ranked players like Agustín Tapia, Juan Lebrón, Ale Galán, Arturo Coello, Gemma Triay, Delfina Brea or...