What to do in UAE - Latest News

If you’re planning a trip to Hatta, now’s the time to get moving. Officials have confirmed that Hatta’s outdoor attractions will close for the summer break, leaving visitors a few more chances to soak up the cooler weather and adventure-packed activities before the seasonal shutdown. What’s Closing at Hatta during Summer 2025? At the heart of the action is Hatta Wadi Hub, home to a range of outdoor experiences including archery, zorbing, Slip ‘n’ Slide, mountain biking, ziplines, axe throwing, pony rides and net walks for younger or less adventurous visitors. Hatta’s popular glamping options will also pause for the...

As Eid Al Adha approaches, residents across the UAE are preparing for a long weekend filled with spiritual reflection and festive gatherings. Falling on Friday, June 6, with Arafah Day on Thursday, June 5, the 2025 holiday will bring a four-day break from Thursday to Sunday (June 5–8) for both the public and private sectors. While the holiday brings well-earned time off and joyful celebrations, its core begins with a spiritual start: Eid prayer. This year, Eid Al Adha coincides with Jumuah (Friday) prayers, marking a particularly significant moment for the Muslim community. The UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed that...

Two of Dubai’s busiest shopping destinations — Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira — have introduced a barrierless parking system this year, designed to streamline visitors' experience. But if you don’t play by the new rules, you could end up with a AED 150 fine. Here’s a clear guide to how it works, how to pay, and how to avoid any unnecessary fees. How the New Parking System Works The new system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to track your vehicle’s entry and exit time. Cameras scan your plate as you drive in and out — no...

Dubai’s iconic Jumeirah Beach is getting a fresh new look — and it’s almost ready for visitors again. The revamped public beach is set to reopen in July 2025, bringing enhanced facilities just in time for peak summer season. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, shared details on various improvement projects, confirming that construction work at Jumeirah Beach is nearly complete. The beach will officially welcome the public again in a couple of months, marking a key milestone in the city’s broader plan to improve public spaces and boost community engagement. This is part of...

Dubai’s hotel landscape is set to get even more exciting with the upcoming launch of Kimpton Dubai, the brand’s first foray into the UAE. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the new hotel will transform the former Crowne Plaza Business Bay into a stylish boutique escape right on the edge of the Dubai Canal. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton is known for its design-driven approach and community-focused ethos. The Dubai property will channel that spirit with a design inspired by its canal-side setting — curved fins and metallic touches mimic the movement of water and reflect the city’s...

Dubai’s ambitious Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is shaping up to be more than just an aviation hub — it’s on track to become a next-generation transport ecosystem. One of the latest confirmed features? An underground train system designed to make passenger movement across the massive site faster and more efficient. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths revealed that the new airport — set to be one of the largest in the world — will be so expansive that passengers could face travel times of up to 20 minutes just to get from one...

Visitors arriving in Dubai are getting a warm welcome — and a little something extra — as part of a new initiative offering free Global Village tickets to tourists. Whether flying into Dubai International Airport or crossing into the city from Hatta, tourists have been receiving complimentary access to the city's popular multicultural theme park, thanks to a collaboration between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and Global Village. The gesture comes as part of the Year of Community campaign in the UAE, which focuses on strengthening family ties, celebrating cultural diversity, and encouraging inclusive, shared experiences....

Dubai is set to welcome a towering new addition to its skyline — and it’s a name that’s hard to miss. Officially announced on April 29, the Trump International Hotel and Tower Dubai will rise 80 storeys high along Sheikh Zayed Road, making it one of the city’s boldest new landmarks. Developed in partnership with Dar Global, the mega project will feature a blend of luxury hotel suites and residences, with sweeping views across Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf. Slated to soar up to 350 metres, this sleek new skyscraper will stand next to the Shangri-La Hotel, right by...

The UAE has announced its updated fuel prices for May 2025, and it's a bit of a mixed bag. Depending on what you fill your tank with, you might be paying a little more — or slightly less — this month. Starting May 1, Super 98 petrol will see a minor increase, priced at AED 2.58 per litre, up from AED 2.57 in April. Special 95 is also going up, landing at AED 2.47 per litre, compared to AED 2.46 last month. On the flip side, diesel users get a bit of a break. Diesel is dropping to AED 2.52...

If you're after a swim with a view — and without the midday heat — Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal is bringing back its Moonlight Sessions starting Thursday, May 1, 2025. This exclusive rooftop experience lets guests take a dip in the iconic 90-metre sky pool, perched 96 metres above Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Here’s the breakdown of how to book your moonlit escape: Lotus Bar access: AED 300 minimum spend per person (no pool access) Single Pool Lounger: AED 300 per person (includes pool access) Lotus Floating Bed: AED 850 per couple Infinity Floating Bed: AED...