What to do in UAE - Latest News

If you’ve been wanting to watch more films that are connected to life in the UAE, Cinema Akil has something worth clearing your evening for this week. From May 19 to 21, Emirati Cinema Nights takes over Alserkal Avenue with three nights of films made by Emirati filmmakers. You'll see stories rooted in the country’s people, memories, families, and everyday moments. The programme includes 10 films covering everything from identity and community to grief and personal relationships. Hoba (The Vile) by Majid Alansari on May 19 Nearby Sky by Nujoom Alghanem on May 19 and 20 Heen (Then) by Saeed...

Waiting days for your salary could soon become much less common in the UAE private sector. Starting June 1, 2026, companies will be required to pay salaries on the first day of every month under a new MoHRE rule. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the update under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026. Any salary paid after the first day of the month will officially count as delayed Companies must transfer at least 85% of total wages If the transferred amount falls below 85%, the employee will still be considered unpaid under the system Companies must...

Some nights already feel like summer before they even happen. Live music by the beach, a crowd ready to sing along, and that first big event energy that makes it feel like something’s officially starting. That’s exactly the vibe heading to Bla Bla Beach Dubai on June 11, as Ross Learmonth and Arno Carstens take over the World Cup Kick Off Concert. For anyone who grew up listening to South African rock, both names need very little introduction. Ross Learmonth, best known as the former frontman of Prime Circle, built a loyal following through huge singalong tracks and powerful live...

If you’ve already started thinking about travel plans or a long break with family, the UAE has confirmed the Eid Al Adha holiday dates. The announcement covers both government employees and private sector workers. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced that public sector employees will be off from Monday, May 25, until Friday, May 29, 2026. Work will resume on Monday, June 1. Because the holiday connects with two weekends, government employees end up with a 9-day break in total. Private sector workers will be off between Tuesday, May 26 and Friday, May 29. Work for them will...

Something huge is coming to Yas Island, and no, not another theme park. Abu Dhabi is getting its own Sphere venue, the same futuristic entertainment concept that grabbed attention in Las Vegas with giant digital visuals, immersive shows, and concerts inside a massive dome-shaped arena. The latest update also confirms exactly where Sphere Abu Dhabi will be built. The venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2029. The original venue opened in Las Vegas in 2023 and instantly went viral for its glowing exterior, huge wraparound...

Residents in the UAE can now start planning for Eid Al Adha 2026. The holiday’s start date has been confirmed after the crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening, May 17. Here are all the dates for the upcoming holiday period: Dhu Al Hijjah (the final month in the Islamic calendar): Monday, May 18 Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE: Wednesday, May 27 Both public and private sector employees already have holidays confirmed for the Eid break, with 9 days off for government workers and 6 days off for private sector worker. School holiday...

If you’ve been craving greenery, calm water, and a break from city traffic, a mangrove trip might be exactly what you need before summer fully begins. The UAE has plenty of quiet spots where you can kayak through mangrove trees, stroll along boardwalks beside turquoise water, and spot birds and sea life Some locations are close enough for a half-day trip from Dubai, so you’ll still make it back for your evening plans. Others will pull you into peace and quiet for the whole day. Ajman Mangroves (45 mins from Dubai) Al Zorah Nature Reserve is one of the easiest...

Tired of the same gym walls and treadmill views? Wellness calendar in Dubai is way more interesting if you know where to look. One morning you could be doing yoga above the skyline, the next floating on water during a sunrise breathwork session, or even sweating workout inside Museum of the Future. Here are four classes you can book in Dubai this week. 1. Start Your Day with Rooftop Yoga Early mornings feel a little different when there’s a skyline view involved. Wellness brand ALO is hosting a sunrise yoga class that focuses on slow flows and mindful movement high...

Thai Fruits and Food Festival 2026 is now underway in the UAE. If you missed the taste of Thailand, you can find it this May in your city. The festival takes place in selected Al Maya Supermarkets and Choithrams stores in the UAE and offers exclusive discounts. Until May 31, you can explore a wide selection of Thai fruits, food products, condiments, beverages, and grocery items, with exclusive promotions of up to 25% off selected products. This is a great opportunity to try out fresh flavors from Thailand and explore some authentic culinary options, whether you’re looking for fruits, snacks,...

Taxis are still one of the easiest ways to get around Abu Dhabi right now, and soon both residents and visitors will have another ride-booking app to use. Bolt will officially launch taxi bookings in the capital in the coming weeks. The company has already soft-launched limousine bookings in Abu Dhabi, and Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi confirmed taxi services are next. If you’ve used other taxi apps before, Bolt is exactly the same. Open the app, choose your pick-up spot, and you’ll be matched with a nearby driver within moments. Transport in Abu Dhabi keeps changing fast, with new...