What to do in UAE - Latest News

Step into Downtown Dubai and imagine slipping off your shoes, settling onto a tatami floor, and focusing on a single bowl of ramen made with serious care. Ramen Hisa is all about that kind of experience. It opens on May 7, with a concept focused entirely on one of Japan’s most loved dishes. This new Japanese haven comes to the city from the team behind TakaHisa. Don’t expect a huge venue filled with noise and crowrds. The space feels intimate, with only 28 seats available. Japanese hospitality begins at the entrance, where every guest removes their shoes. Staying true to...

Missing travel over the past couple of months or planning a big getaway for Eid al-Adha? Good news coming from Emirates: the airline is back to operating 96% of its global flight network, which means far more options are open again when it comes to planning a trip. You can now fly to 137 destinations in 72 countries, including cities in Europe, the Americas, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East and GCC, the Far East, and Australasia. Emirates also offers a few booking perks: If you book from April 2, you get one free date change across all cabin classes...

Noticing bright orange-red colors popping up around Dubai? Flame tree season is back. And soon, you’ll be seeing a lot more of them. Dubai Municipality has started planting thousands of new trees across the emirate, following a directive from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The flame tree, scientifically known as Delonix regia, is one of the most recognizable sights in Dubai. It handles local climate well and needs around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Blooming begins in late April and continues through July. The emirate already has more than 50,000 flame trees. New plantings are...

If you’ve ever wanted to try one of New York’s most talked-about noodles, you won’t have to travel for it too far. Momofuku is opening in Abu Dhabi in 2026. The restaurant will be located at Saadiyat Grove, an upcoming destination in the cultural heart of Saadiyat Island. Momofuku started in New York in 2004, when David Chang opened a casual noodle bar. Since then, he has picked up six James Beard Awards, appeared on the Time 100 list, and expanded Momofuku to eight locations across the US. One reason the brand caught so much attention came down to the...

If you’re on a mission to try all the stylish beach spots in Dubai, here’s a new one to check out. Bvlgari Resort Dubai has opened Serpenti Beach Club at La Spiaggia on Jumeira Bay Island. You can spend the day by the pool or on the beach, and you don’t need to stay overnight at the hotel to get in. Non-guests can visit Serpenti Beach Club during the day if space is available. Entry is handled on a first-come basis. On weekdays (Monday to Friday) access costs AED 500 per person, and the full amount can be used on...

If your usual route passes through Abu Ubaidah Bin Al Jarrah Street in Al Ain, there’s a small update to keep in mind before you head out this May. A traffic diversion is in place on that road and will continue until Sunday, May 24. The change only affects part of the street, but it may slightly alter how traffic flows in the area. Check the map of road closures below to see exactly which section is affected. In neighboring Abu Dhabi, drivers may also notice a change this month, with paid parking expanding in MBZ City starting May 6....

If you’re used to parking in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, take note of what’s changing this week. From May 6, paid parking will apply in commercial sectors ME9 and ME12 in MBZ City. The two zones have more than 10,000 parking spaces in total, including designated spaces for People of Determination. Last month, paid parking was introduced across several other commercial sectors and villa areas in MBZ City. The standard fee is AED 2/hour. Payment can be made through Darb or Tamm apps, by SMS, or at machines installed in the area. Another change for drivers in Abu Dhabi also...

Looking for weekend activities in Dubai? Head to Dubai Autodrome this Saturday for an evening of fun, or maybe even a bit of sweat if you’re planning to join the cycling race. Positive Spirit Race Challenge returns on May 9 for its 4th edition. You can sign up and ride, or just hang out trackside and enjoy the entertainment with friends or family. The event is open to all levels and includes different race categories, so anyone aged 5 and above can register and take part. Biking in the city often? From May 1, Dubai Police monitor e-scooter and bike...

Ever wondered what actually goes on inside those members-only places you can’t just walk into? Abu Dhabi is giving you a way in, but only for a short time. There's a new venue opened inside Cinemacity Starlight at Marina Mall, and throughout May 2026, you can walk in without needing a membership. 1927 calls itself a house devoted to film, music, and the art of gathering, which pretty much sums it up. It’s the kind of place you go to depending on your mood. Some nights that might mean watching a film. Other times it’s dinner, drinks, or staying for...

Wagyu only. That’s the whole point of this new restaurant at Dubai Harbour. Sutēki opens on May 6, and everything on the menu revolves around wagyu beef. No mix of cuisines, no distractions, just a focused selection that explores the ingredient in different forms. Expect raw dishes, grilled cuts, and a few reworked classics. The bar is worth a look on its own. The selection includes more than 20 Japanese whiskies, alongside wine and sake. Sutēki’s design has a particular charm. Unlike many neon-lit Japanese spots, it leans into dim lighting, warm wood finishes, and a more polished, chic atmosphere....