What to do in UAE - Latest News

Dubai has achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot among the world's top five cities for financial technology (fintech), as highlighted in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) published by Z/Yen, a London-based commercial think-tank and consultancy specializing in finance, technology, and the voluntary sectors. The index evaluates 119 financial hubs based on expert assessments and key industry data. For the first time, the city has been ranked as one of only eight cities worldwide recognized as a financial powerhouse with broad and deep capabilities across all areas of the finance sector. It joins leading global financial centres...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its instalment payment service to all its digital channels, making it easier for residents to manage their payments. Now, customers can use Tabby to pay for various RTA services in instalments through the RTA website, RTA app, and nol Pay app. Previously available only via smart kiosks, the instalment plan now covers over 170 services, allowing payments to be split into up to four instalments. Services that can be paid in instalments include: Traffic fines Vehicle registration renewal Driving licence renewal Parking fees Salik recharge Vehicle number plate purchases This initiative aligns...

The Dubai Government has confirmed the official public holidays for Eid Al Fitr 2025. Public sector employees will have time off for the first three days of Shawwal, the Islamic month that follows Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, an extra day off will be added, making the break even longer. This means that government workers in Dubai are expected to have Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2, as official holidays. However, these dates depend on the moon sighting and will be officially confirmed closer to the time. Earlier this week, the UAE government outlined Eid Al Fitr holiday...

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Natalie Imbruglia, the Australian-British pop sensation, takes the stage at Dubai Opera on 23rd August! Best known for her iconic hit Torn, Natalie has captivated audiences worldwide with her heartfelt lyrics, mesmerizing voice, and timeless songs. Now, she’s bringing her magic to Dubai for one special evening. Natalie rose to fame in the late '90s, quickly becoming a global star with her debut album Left of the Middle. Her breakout single Torn remains one of the most beloved songs of all time, and fans can expect to hear it live along with other...

Get ready, Abu Dhabi! Enrique Iglesias is making his way to the Etihad Arena for an electrifying performance on November 1st, 2025. Known for his passionate vocals, chart-topping hits, and incredible stage presence, Enrique promises an unforgettable night of music and energy that fans won’t want to miss. With a career spanning decades, Enrique has won the hearts of millions worldwide. From romantic ballads to dancefloor anthems, his music transcends generations. Fans can look forward to singing along to hits like Bailando, Hero, Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You), Escape, and many more. Enrique is known for his high-energy concerts, where he...

Abu Dhabi’s art scene continues to grow, offering residents and visitors more opportunities to engage with creative works. The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation has introduced two new exhibitions featuring the work of Italian artist Stefano Simontacchi. These exhibitions, running until August 31 on Saadiyat Island, explore themes of perception, energy, and human connection. What’s New on Display at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation? The first exhibition, Project Oneness, takes visitors through three interconnected rooms. The journey begins with an exploration of duality and humanity’s connection to the universe. Moving forward, light, movement, and color create an immersive experience, leading to a...

The UAE has made significant progress in the World Happiness Index 2025, published by Gallup. It now ranks 21st globally, surpassing countries like the US, UK, France, Germany, and Singapore, as well as all Arab nations. Gallup’s report attributes the UAE’s strong performance to economic stability, strong social support, and high-quality infrastructure. The country’s growing job market, positive economic outlook, and high living standards have boosted residents' overall happiness and well-being. Other UAE Rankings for 2025: 12th place for trust in people (based on returning lost wallets) 16th place worldwide for charitable donations 19th place for volunteering time 67th place...

The International Astronomy Center (IAC) has shared its latest forecast on when Eid Al Fitr is likely to begin. The exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal, the next Islamic month. In the Islamic lunar calendar, a new month begins only when the crescent moon is visible. This means the start of Eid Al Fitr is confirmed based on observations rather than a fixed date. Astronomers have analyzed the conditions for sighting the crescent moon in the Gulf region. Their findings indicate that spotting the moon...

Driving through one of Dubai’s busiest roads just got a lot easier. Thanks to a new upgrade by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), travel times on Sheikh Zayed Road near major landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall have been cut in half. A key improvement is the addition of a new lane on the service road near Financial Centre Metro Station, heading towards Abu Dhabi. The road now has four lanes instead of three, allowing more cars to move smoothly. This change increases the road’s capacity by 25%, handling up to 3,200 vehicles per hour instead of 2,400....

Dubai’s favorite pop-up food festival, e& Beach Canteen, is making a comeback! From March 27 to April 13, Nessnass Beach in Jumeirah will turn into a buzzing hub of food, music, and activities—all with a stunning ocean view. And the best part? Entry is completely free! What to Expect at e& Beach Canteen 2025 This year’s edition brings a variety of themed zones packed with exciting experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or looking for some wellness time, you won’t be disappointed.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Beach Canteen (@beachcanteenofficial) Foodie...