What to do in UAE - Latest News

If you’re posting promotional content on social media in the UAE — even without getting paid for it — a new regulation now applies to you. The UAE Media Council has issued a rule that requires influencers and content creators to get an advertising permit for all promotional activity, paid or unpaid. The rule was officially announced on July 30, with a full implementation period of three months. After that, permits will become mandatory, and a list of approved agencies will be published by the UAE Media Council. Key details of the advertising permit system in UAE Permit required for...

Dubai is adding a major green space to its growing urban landscape. A new 10-hectare nature reserve is under construction as part of the Expo Valley development, located within Expo City Dubai. The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026 and will be part of a gated residential community designed around natural surroundings. The site will feature over 1,000 trees, including native and adaptive species like acacia and ghaf, both known for their resilience in the UAE’s climate. All trees will be cultivated and maintained at an on-site nursery. These species were selected specifically for...

UK-based barefoot footwear brand Vivobarefoot has officially launched its regional e-commerce platform, vivobarefoot.me, making its products directly available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Operated by Andy Enterprises LLC, the brand’s authorised distributor in the region, the launch offers a tailored shopping experience for customers in the Gulf. Known for promoting natural foot movement and functional design, Vivobarefoot shoes are a minimal alternative to traditional footwear. The signature features — wide toe boxes, thin soles, and zero-drop construction — are designed to improve posture, strengthen feet, and allow the body to move as naturally as possible....

From August 1 to 3, 2025, Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship will make its debut at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, bringing three days of high-level competition and inclusive participation to the emirate. Announced by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) and held under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event aims to support the global rise of grappling — one of the fastest-growing combat sports worldwide. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AJPTour (@ajptour) The championship is part of the AJP Tour,...

Dubai-based developer Binghatti has launched a new residential project — Binghatti Flare — in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT). With a total value of AED 2.1 billion for each tower, the development includes two high-rise towers featuring more than 1,300 residential units. The Sky Terrace residences will range from studio to four-bedroom units, offering a wide variety of layouts. Key lifestyle features include: Private pools 20+ premium amenities JVT’s first man-made beach Egyptian buyers are among the most active international investors for Binghatti, which is why the developer has kept a dedicated team stationed in Rixos Premium Alamein for five days...

If you use your UAE-issued credit or debit card abroad, take note — international transaction fees are going up. Starting September 22, 2025, several local banks will apply a 3.14% surcharge on the total value of purchases made outside the country. That’s a notable increase from the current 2.09%, and it applies each time your card is used internationally. These fee changes are not uncommon, and they typically fluctuate depending on the bank’s internal strategies and market conditions. This isn’t the only update affecting local cardholders. Just last week, it announced that one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer be sent...

If you're driving in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, there’s a good reason to check your traffic fines sooner rather than later. A new initiative from the Abu Dhabi Police — launched at Adnoc petrol stations — is reminding drivers to take advantage of a discount system. The campaign, titled “Act Now and Benefit,” encourage drivers to pay off their fines as soon as possible and save up to one third of the fine amount: Payments within 60 days of receiving a fine will give a driver 35% off Payments made within one year will give a 25%...

Daily commuters between Dubai and Sharjah now have a new public transport option. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new intercity bus route, E308. It connects Stadium Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. E308 Schedule & Fare Details Service hours: Daily from 5 AM to 11:30 PM Frequency: Departures every 30 minutes Fare: AED 12 for a one-way trip RTA has taken steps to make intercity travel more convenient for anyone travelling between Dubai and neighbouring emirates. All intercity buses departing from Dubai are now equipped with free Wi-Fi, enhancing comfort and connectivity...

Faraj Suleiman is set to perform at Dubai Opera on December 8, 2025. Known for his ability to blend Arabic melodies with classical forms and jazz influences, Palestinian author and pianist has carved out a space of his own in the world of instrumental music. His compositions — including “Questions on My Mind,” “Little Thought,” “Night Wander,” and “Hymn to Gentrification” — showcase a distinct approach to piano that continues to reshape how Arabic music can be presented. His work often bridges genres and cultures, while staying rooted in the rhythm and structure of regional sounds.     View this...

Spartan Race is making its return to the UAE on October 11-12, 2025, and this time the course is unlike anything seen before. The upcoming Spartan Trifecta Weekend is set to take place inside Al Ain Zoo, blending obstacle racing with wild scenery for a two-day event that’s open to beginners, seasoned athletes, and families. This edition marks the first time a Spartan event to be hosted inside a zoo, which means competitors will be navigating a course that runs through animal exhibits, garden landscapes, and natural trails. There’s even a chance of spotting zebras or giraffes while climbing ropes...