What to do in UAE - Latest News

Parking fees refunded? Sounds like a fantasy, right? Not this time. Parkin is introducing a new initiative starting May 1 that lets you get your parking fees in Dubai back when you shop at small businesses. The details are already out, so you can plan ahead. “Spots for Shops” links parking to what you spend at nearby businesses. Here’s how it works: Park in a Parkin space near a participating business Pay the parking fee Make a purchase at the shop Ask the merchant to validate parking through the Parkin app Receive the amount back as credit in the Parkin...

If early mornings usually include a battle with motivation, Yas Mall Walking Club gives you a reason to rise and shine. You can stay active without stepping into the sun and finish before the day gets busy. The club holds morning walks at the mall every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and anyone can join for free. Each session starts at 8 AM with a guided warm-up. After, the group moves through the mall, when everything feels quiet and open enough to walk without interruptions. You can walk at your own pace and still cover around 7,000 to 8,000 steps over...

Electric vehicles are already a common sight on Dubai roads compared to just a few years ago, and the city is adding more places to charge them. A new agreement between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Emarat EV Charging Stations Company brings charging stations to mosque parking areas in the city. Drivers will be able to charge their cars while visiting nearby mosques. The plan includes installation, maintenance, performance monitoring, and smart payment systems. The agreement spans eight years, with the option to extend. A mobile app will show nearby charging points in real time, so you...

Some of the best evenings in Dubai start without a plan. Add art and free entry, and you have a good reason to head out. If that sounds like your kind of night, DIFC Art Nights is back from April 23 to 26 for its 21st edition. No booking needed, just head to Gate Village in the evening and take your time with the installations. You’ll see paintings, digital art, sculptures, photography, murals, and other pieces, including works from Opera Gallery and Christie’s. Stick around and you might end up at a panel talk, a live performance, or even a...

Ever wished a bus could come closer to you instead of the other way around? In Dubai, that is exactly how Bus On Demand works. The popular service has expanded to Al Qusais and JVC to meet growing demand. And you can use it for free in these two neighborhoods until Sunday, April 12. Instead of waiting at a fixed bus stop, you book a small vehicle through the app by entering your location and destination. The service works in a similar way to a taxi, but it is shared public transport and, like a regular bus, has a schedule:...

There’s a new dining app in Abu Dhabi, and it is not only about paying the bill at the end of dinner. SoSocial has officially launched in the capital and it aims to make dining out feel social again. Users can find friends or meet new people through a matching system that helps connect people with similar interests. At partner venues, users can split the bill and earn Social Cash, which can be redeemed across the SoSocial network. During April, selected venues in Abu Dhabi are also offering up to 100% instant cashback. SoSocial also connects with other loyalty programmes...

Missing a stadium ticket doesn’t mean missing the concert. This April, VOX Cinemas is bringing the BTS World Tour “ARIRANG” to the big screen, with live screenings across the UAE. The concerts will stream directly from Goyang in South Korea and from Japan, so you get the enjoy the full performance of your favorite K-pop band without leaving your city. Only two dates are scheduled: ARIRANG in Goyang (South Korea) on April 11 at 1:45 PM ARIRANG in Tokyo (Japan) on April 18 at 1:45 PM The live screenings will be available at select VOX Cinemas locations across the UAE,...

If beach days are back on your mind, Al Mamzar Beach is one to keep on your list. It’s reopening soon, and it’s going to feel like a completely different place. The upgrade is now 88% complete, so most of the work is already done. Night swimming and a women-only beach are two of the main additions, so you can come in the evening and choose a more private setting. The women-only beach will be fully enclosed, with separate access and its own facilities. After a swim, you can rinse off the salty water in a shower and change. All...

We’ve all been there. You want to change your flight dates, but the fee ends up costing more than the ticket itself. If you’re flying with Etihad Airways, that situation just got a bit easier. The airline announced an update to its ticket policy that gives passengers more flexibility when plans change. Tickets issued now through March 31, 2027 come with one free change. You can adjust your flight date or time once without paying a change fee. After that first change, standard conditions apply. Other charges can still apply in case: Missing a flight, which leads to a no-show...

A green space five minutes from home can make a real difference to your daily routine. In Dubai, you may not have to go far to find one. A new park could soon open right next to you. Dubai Municipality has announced plans to open 35 parks in the city this year. They will serve 23 residential communities, and most will be within a five-minute walk from nearby homes. Come with your kids, use the courts, go for a run, or just touch the grass for a bit. There’s a space for each kind of activity: For kids: early childhood...