What to do in UAE - Latest News

The magical world of Harry Potter welcomes all wizards and witches in the UAE. For the first time ever, Harry Potter: The Exhibition has come to Abu Dhabi, making its regional debut this summer. The immersive experience opened on July 31, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island and will run until Sunday, September 14. This is the first time the exhibition lands not only in the UAE but across the entire Middle East. Fans of the books, films, and Fantastic Beasts universe can expect a multi-sensory, highly interactive journey through one of the most beloved franchises in the world....

If you regularly drive to mosques in Dubai, there’s a new parking update you need to know. Starting August 2025, more than 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques in the city will be managed by Parkin Company, under a new agreement with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The new setup allows free parking for one hour during prayer time. Outside those hours, however, all these spaces will become paid parking zones, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The newly managed mosque parking areas will be assigned to either Zone M or Zone MP, each...

If you're into Arabic music, there's a good reason to mark your calendar for December 24, 2025. Omar Khairat is coming to Dubai Opera, and it's not something you’ll want to miss. Khairat is one of the most well-known composers in the region, with a career that’s been going strong for over 40 years. He’s behind the music for more than 120 film and TV productions, and his instrumental pieces mix classical, jazz, and Arabic influences in a way that’s instantly recognisable. Even if you don’t know him by name, chances are you’ve heard some of his work, like “Leilet...

Starting October 12, 2025, travelling to countries in Europe’s Schengen zone will come with new digital checks at the border. That’s when the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially goes live — replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data and automated systems. The new system will apply to all non-EU travellers entering any of the 29 Schengen countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The EES is an automated platform that will register key information when travellers enter or exit the Schengen zone: Fingerprints (only on first entry) A facial scan Passport details Time and place of...

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has once again turned into a gaming hotspot with the return of Yas Gaming Festival, now running until August 10, 2025. The free-entry event is open daily at Town Square, offering an indoor escape packed with games, competitions, and live-action excitement for players of all levels. At the centre of this year’s festival is a neon-themed Nintendo Switch-inspired arena, where visitors can try out the latest and most loved games on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo. The space is designed to welcome up to 40 players at a time, making it easy to jump into a...

UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced petrol and diesel prices for August 2025. The new rates, which will come into effect on Friday, August 1, show minor adjustments for petrol and a notable rise in diesel prices. Here are the updated prices and how they compare to last month: Super 98 petrol: AED 2.69 per litre (decrease of about 0.37%) Super 95 petrol: AED 2.57 per litre (0.39% decrease) E-Plus 91 petrol: AED 2.50 per litre (0.40% less) Diesel, however, saw a noticeable jump, rising to AED 2.78 per litre, up from AED 2.63 in July. That’s an increase of...

Silicon Central Mall is inviting Dubai residents to stay active this summer with a new indoor fitness initiative. From August 2 to 30, Mall Walk Club will transform the shopping centre into a walking space every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM. This free initiative gives participants a climate-controlled venue to walk, move, and keep fit, regardless of the outdoor heat. The programme is organised in collaboration with FITZE, a fitness app that rewards users for staying active.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Silicon Central (@siliconcentral) This campaign by Silicon Central Mall...

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....