What to do in UAE - Latest News

UFC 321 has been officially announced and is coming to Etihad Arena on Friday, October 25. The event is the headline act of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025, a city-wide celebration centred around mixed martial arts, fan events, and live entertainment. This year’s fight card hasn’t been released yet, but based on previous editions, fans can expect a packed night of competition featuring high-profile matchups and title fights. Abu Dhabi has been hosting UFC events since 2010. Over the last 15 years, the capital has staged more than 20 cards, helping position it as a key global stop for combat...

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is making summer in Dubai more social with a series of brunches and ladies’ nights across its most popular venues. Whether you're looking for a relaxed afternoon indoors, waterfront views, or an upbeat evening out, this line-up covers a variety of cuisines, vibes, and timings. McGettigan’s – Irish Energy with Food and Live Music McGettigan’s brings a lively Irish atmosphere to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, offering great food, a globally inspired menu, and energetic live performances. It's a welcoming venue for any occasion.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by McGettigan’s Souk Madinat...

Indian travellers can now visit 59 countries without needing a visa in advance. The latest update from the Henley Passport Index (July 2025) shows India has moved up to 77th place, sharing the rank with Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. This improved mobility comes through a mix of visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) options. Indian passport holders are advised to check entry rules, length of stay, and any health or COVID-related requirements directly with official sources before travelling. Below is a breakdown of countries Indian citizens can visit without applying for a visa in advance: Asia...

If you’re after a new kind of summer energy, Gahwa Beats is rolling into Dubai this weekend with a citywide series of coffee-fuelled pop-ups. Launching this Saturday (July 26) as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the event combines coffee culture with high-energy DJ sets and immersive performances. Gahwa Beats pop-ups will take place every Saturday until August 23, each time in a new location around Dubai.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dubai Festivals & Retail Events (@dubaifestivals) Each event will feature: Live music from high-energy DJs Dynamic dance shows Aesthetic set-ups and visuals...

Starting Friday, July 25, banks in the United Arab Emirates will begin phasing out one-time passwords (OTPs) that are currently sent by SMS and email. The shift is part of a gradual security update led by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). OTPs are short security codes sent to your phone or inbox. They're used to approve online payments, including things like shopping or QR-code transactions when dining out. This won’t happen overnight — the rollout is gradual and expected to be completed by March 2026 across all banks in the country. But the UAE’s banking system is moving...

Abu Dhabi’s waterfront will soon glow again. Manar, the capital’s large-scale light art exhibition, is coming back this November as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi programme by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This year’s edition, Manar 2.0, will feature more than 35 artworks by international and local artists. Among the names announced are teamLab, Carsten Höller, Shezad Dawood, Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Nujoom Alghanem. The works will range from light sculptures and projections to interactive installations and performances.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Two big names in fashion and culture are coming to Dubai. This November, Anna Wintour and Candace Bushnell will headline the Women’s Empowerment Convention, a two-day event held at Atlantis The Royal. The event will bring together over 100 speakers across industries for two days of talks, workshops, and networking, all centred around this year’s theme: “All In: Career, Money and Life.” The programme will focus on how financial independence influences women’s lives and explore the diverse paths to achieving it.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Women’s Empowerment Council (@we.council) Speakers of Women’s...

Passengers travelling between emirates by bus can now stay connected on the go. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi across its entire intercity bus fleet. The update covers all 259 intercity buses that operate between Dubai and other emirates such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. The service is powered by e& and is available for use on smartphones, tablets, and laptops throughout each journey.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) This means passengers will now be able to browse...

Residents in Dubai will now be required to clear all outstanding traffic fines before renewing their residency visas, according to a recent announcement by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). During a press briefing, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA, confirmed that visa renewals will not be processed if traffic fines are unpaid. He emphasized that the move is not meant to burden residents but to encourage respect for the law. “If the traffic fine is a big amount, they can pay in instalments,” Al Marri explained. The decision comes in response...

Ming Dynasty, a new Chinese restaurant and entertainment venue, opened its doors at Dubai Mall on July 22. The spot is currently in its soft opening phase and brings together dining and interactive experiences in a family-friendly setting. Located in the Fountain Views Complex, Ming Dynasty offers more than just a restaurant. The space includes a karaoke room, a dedicated lounge, and LED screen displays animated with dragons.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ming Dynasty Dubai (@mingdynastydubai) At the heart of the venue is the international buffet, where guests can explore dishes from...