What to do in UAE - Latest News

A new entertainment destination is getting ready to shake things up at Rixos Premium Dubai on Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Scheduled to open in September 2025, Kapitol is the latest project from Sunset Hospitality Group, marking the brand’s first step into large-scale entertainment. Spread across three floors and over 30,000 square feet, Kapitol combines immersive games, vintage aesthetics, food, music, and plenty of fun under one roof. The design draws inspiration from Art Deco and classic movie theatres, giving it a retro yet elegant vibe from the moment guests step through its grand entrance. Here’s what curious minds can find...

Travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about to get a lot easier. Thanks to new high-tech security scanners now installed in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, passengers can keep laptops, tablets, and liquids inside their bags during security screening. The update comes from a partnership between Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and global security tech firm Smiths Detection. The newly deployed HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners use advanced 3D imaging to give security teams a detailed view of carry-on items — without needing you to unpack them. Already used at leading airports in Europe and the US, these systems aim to...

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a brand-new driver training and licensing facility in Hatta, making it easier than ever for residents to access essential services without leaving their community. The new centre was developed in collaboration with Emirates Driving Institute and is part of the RTA’s broader goal to expand access to public services through private sector partnerships. Until now, many Hatta residents had to travel into Dubai or nearby emirates for driver licensing procedures — but this new branch changes that.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات،...

Dubai’s appetite for unique luxury has found a new chapter with the opening of Sweden Beach Palace, an exclusive island resort set within The Heart of Europe development in the World Islands archipelago. Now available for bookings, the destination features 9 beachfront mansions that reinterpret Scandinavian elegance through a distinctly regional lens. Think sleek minimalism paired with Middle Eastern-inspired opulence. Each palace spans 21,000 square feet and comes fully fitted with interiors by Bentley Home, 6 floors of living space, and high-end amenities that include a private infinity pool, rooftop terrace, snow room spa, and panoramic views of the Arabian...

Abu Dhabi is diving into a new era of marine innovation with the creation of a massive artificial coral reef project, set to become the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Called the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden, this initiative will introduce 1,200 square kilometres of artificial reef structures to the emirate’s coastline — an area larger than 200,000 football fields. The project, spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of a broader vision to restore marine habitats and strengthen biodiversity in the...

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...