What to do in UAE - Latest News

Dubai has welcomed a new addition to its waters with the official launch of Alishba Royale — a handcrafted, five-star dhow cruise offering a distinctly traditional experience at Dubai Marina Harbour. The launch event on April 11, 2025, drew media guests and well-known personalities, including Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri, who emphasised the importance of preserving heritage while delivering modern hospitality.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alishba Dhow Cruise (@alishbadhowcruise) Crafted entirely by hand, Alishba Royale is not just another luxury cruise. It’s built to reflect UAE’s maritime traditions, offering passengers a slow-paced,...

Dubai has just unveiled a new urban initiative that brings the spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods into today’s cityscape. Announced on May 5, the Hewi Dubai initiative aims to reshape public spaces into hubs that foster stronger social ties and promote healthier, more connected lifestyles. Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the project takes inspiration from the fareej — a traditional Emirati neighbourhood concept built around shared spaces, intergenerational bonds, and daily communal life. First Project Under New Initiative: Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 The first pilot under this initiative...

A familiar stop on the Dubai Metro red line just got a name change. As of May 5, 2025, the UAE Exchange Metro Station — located in Jebel Ali Industrial Area and serving as the last station on the red line in that direction — is now officially called Life Pharmacy Metro Station. The rebranding follows a 10-year naming rights agreement between Life Pharmacy Group and Hypermedia, with Mada Media involved as the RTA’s authorised concessionaire for station naming partnerships. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), updates to signage — both inside and outside the station — as...

Dubai’s beauty scene just got a major upgrade. Gold Apple, a well-known Russian beauty retailer, has opened its doors at Mirdif City Centre, offering 1,500 sqm of the best beauty experience and infinite shelves packed with over 1,700 products across makeup, skincare, fragrance and more. This newly launched store is designed as a beauty supermarket — wide aisles, bright lighting, and a massive selection of both premium and affordable brands, all in one place.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gold Apple Middle East (@goldapple_me) Here’s what to expect inside Gold Apple Store in...

Abu Dhabi is tightening up its public space policies, and unapproved flyers are now firmly in the spotlight. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed new fines for those who post or distribute promotional materials in public areas without permission — and the penalties can reach up to AED 4,000. The update falls under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, which aims to maintain the capital’s tidy appearance and keep public areas safe and uncluttered. Here’s how the fines stack up: First offence: AED 1,000 Second offence: AED 2,000 Third and further offences: AED 4,000...

Dubai’s skyline is getting a new addition — and it’s a big one. The MGM Tower, part of a sprawling beachfront development, is currently under construction and is expected to open in Q3 2027, according to William Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International. “We're literally up on the fifth floor of the MGM tower as we speak,” Hornbuckle shared during a quarterly earnings call. Describing the site as “a truly interesting resort with all kinds of features,” he also hinted at potential gaming opportunities in the future, depending on regulatory developments.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Dubai is heading for a major transformation on the roads. By 2027, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to complete 57 large-scale road projects to reduce congestion and improve overall travel times across the city. What’s Coming to Dubai? 115 new bridges and tunnels 226 kilometres of new roads in general 11 key road corridors The projects fall under the 2025–2027 infrastructure plan recently reviewed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The goal is the same: reducing traffic, supporting growth, and easing daily commutes in a growing city like Dubai....

Dalma Island is getting a major boost in connectivity with the launch of two new ferries — Dalma and Al Dhanna. These vessels are to improve maritime connectivity to Jebel Dhanna and Dalma Island and make travel to these two destinations more efficient and accessible. Five Facts about New Abu Dhabi-Dalma Island Ferries: 1. Rediced travel time: only 40 minutes one way (compared to 2 hours before) 2. Each of the new ferries makes two trips per day 3. Huge capacity: each ferry can transport 193 passengers + 25 vehicles 4. Better accessibility: two internal elevators onboard to support people...

Dubai’s Global Village is rolling out a special offer for its final stretch of the season, giving visitors unlimited access to all Carnaval rides for just AED 50. The deal runs through to the end of Season 29 on this Sunday, May 11, giving families and thrill-seekers a cost-effective way to enjoy one of the city’s most popular outdoor attractions. Here are some of the 31-themed attractions included in this offer. For adrenaline fans: Festival Wheel – the iconic 60-metre observation wheel Global Burj – vertical drop action with skyline views Jamaica Drum – rapid spinning ride Honolo-Loop – for...

BRABUS, the German name best known for bold supercars and ultra-high-performance engineering, is shifting lanes — into luxury real estate. The brand has announced plans for its first residential megaproject: a custom-built private island in Abu Dhabi. BRABUS Island will take shape in the Al Seef District, spread across 100,000 square metres of prime coastal land. The plan includes 450 high-end residences, with a mix of 350 apartments and 100 waterfront or beachfront villas. Apartment sizes will range from 1,100 to 5,000 square feet, with layouts offering two to four bedrooms. For those looking to go bigger, the standalone villas...