What to do in UAE - Latest News

Starting October 1, Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks during flights, the airline has officially confirmed. While passengers are still allowed to bring one power bank onboard, it must meet specific conditions. The airline specified that each flyer can bring one power bank that is under 100 Watt hours to the cabin. Here's why Emirates making this change. Lithium-ion batteries — the type used in most power banks — store energy by moving lithium ions through an electrolyte solution between two electrodes. And under certain conditions, like overcharging or physical damage, these batteries can overheat. According to Emirates,...

Dubai continues to welcome fresh names to its hospitality scene, and the latest one comes from Greece. Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences is preparing to open this September, bringing a new blend of comfort, style and Mediterranean charm to the city. The new development will be located on Palm West Beach, offering water views on one side and the Dubai Marina skyline on the other. It’s a spot that connects well with some of the most popular dining and leisure destinations in Dubai.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @mileothepalm The design of...

If you're a South African living in the UAE, renewing your passport just got a whole lot simpler. As of July 2025, VFS Global has introduced a new service that lets you apply for a new passport right here in Dubai — no consulate visit or flight back home required. The passport renewal service is now available at Wafi Mall in Dubai at VFS Global, world’s largest visa application centre, which is currently the only official partner of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in the UAE. Instead of going through the consulate, you can now follow this procedure: Visit...

If you’re heading through central Abu Dhabi over the weekend, here’s an important traffic update to note. A partial closure is in place at one of the city’s busiest intersections: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road and Al Falah Road. It started on Thursday, August 7 and will last until Monday, August 11. Below, a detailed map of the affected area has been shared by AD Mobility, with closed roads marked in red and an alternative route marked in blue. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, leave extra time, and follow detour signage to avoid bottlenecks. While it may mean slower...

Instagram is shifting focus to make the app more about personal connections. In its latest update, Meta has introduced three new tools for its most popular platform aimed at boosting interaction between friends: Reposts for Reels and feed posts, a location-sharing Instagram Map, and a new “Friends” tab in the Reels section. Here’s a closer look at what’s new. 1. Reposts for Reels and Feed Posts Instagram now allows users to repost public Reels and feed posts, similar to sharing on other platforms. Reposted content gets its own tab on your profile. It can also be suggested to your followers,...

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has officially been awarded Level 3 accreditation in the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation programme — a recognition that places it among the world’s leading airports for passenger experience. ACI Customer Experience Accreditation is the only global programme that specifically evaluates how airports handle customer experience across their strategy and day-to-day operations. To reach Level 3, Zayed International Airport implemented several new initiatives: Passenger focus groups were launched to gather insights on traveller needs and expectations. A guest shadowing programme was introduced to help staff better understand the full airport journey from a passenger’s...

Dubai’s love for croissants is about to go up a notch. Hofmann Bakery, an award-winning Spanish patisserie, is getting ready to open its first UAE branch in DIFC. The Dubai launch marks brand's first international expansion, with further locations expected to open across the GCC. Known for its croissant creations, the bakery will serve signature items like the Classic Croissant, Mascarpone Croissant, and Chocolate Croissant, along with cookies, cakes and other pastries.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pastelería Hofmann (@pasteleriahofmann) The bakery was founded in 2008 by Mey Hofmann, and is now run...

If you regularly drive through Al Majaz, here’s something to keep on your radar. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed a temporary road closure from Corniche Road to Al Intifada Road, starting August 7 and continuing until August 24. The RTA is encouraging all motorists to plan ahead and follow detour signage to help avoid delays. Check the official map showing the affected zone below.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @rta_shj The closure is part of Phase 2 of an ongoing infrastructure upgrade project focused on improving traffic flow, upgrading public...

The UAE has once again secured top place on the global stage — this time for its performance in the labour market. According to the 2025 edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, the country ranked first globally in 10 key labour and employment indicators, outperforming some of the world’s most advanced economies. These rankings reflect the UAE’s consistent focus on competitiveness, growth, and quality of life — making it an increasingly attractive destination to live, work, and invest. UAE Ranked First Globally in the Following Labour Market Indicators: Working hours Employment rate Workforce growth...

Dubai’s man-made coastline keeps growing. Alongside Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and the soon-to-launch Palm Jebel Ali, the city is adding a new name to the list: Naïa Island. The project is developed by Shamal Holding and will be built just off Jumeirah Beach, between Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 3. Naïa Island will include low-rise buildings only, so views of the city’s skyline will stay visible from across the island. Early visuals show a focus on green landscapes, open space, and unobstructed sea views. One of the key components of the development is the arrival of the region’s first Cheval...