What to do in UAE - Latest News

Family life is often made up of everyday moments: time together, shared routines, small traditions. A new nationwide photo competition in the UAE, called “Family in Frame Award,” invites residents to share photographs that reflect those experiences and the ties that bring families together. The competition is being held as part of Year of Family, a national initiative that highlights the role of family ties, shared values, and community support across the country. Participants are asked to submit a photo that tells a visual story about family life. The image can show simple, real moments that reflect belonging, support between...

If you live in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) or often park there, there’s an important update you need to know about. Paid parking in this area officially begins on March 16 as Dubai expands its digital parking system across residential areas. Drivers parking on the streets in JVC will now need to pay hourly fees through PARKONIC, a ticketless parking system already used in several parts of Dubai. Instead of parking meters or paper tickets, the system uses number plate recognition, with parking linked directly to your vehicle. Hourly fees depend on the time of day and apply daily, including...

More supportive initiatives for UAE residents continue to appear this month, and one of them comes from Fazaa. The program has announced a special offer for UAE families: free discount memberships available during 2026 as a part of the Year of the Family. Resident families in the UAE can apply and use the membership to access discounts and services across everyday spending, travel, and entertainment. To qualify, the household must include at least one child. The free discount membership will remain active throughout the Year of the Family 2026 and will expire at the end of the year. View this...

If you like keeping a list of places around Dubai where pets are welcome, here’s a new address to note for the future. Pawdy Neighbours has opened in Downtown as a pet-friendly restaurant with dog spa and daycare. The concept works a little differently from a typical pet-friendly café. At Pawdy Neighbours, your dog can check into a boutique-style hotel, spend time at a supervised day club, or visit the grooming spa while you sit down at the restaurant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Whiskey (@whiskeynotbrandy) There’s indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the hotel and spa...

Here’s another place you might want to keep on your radar for future outings in Dubai. Duck & Rice, a London restaurant known for blending British pub culture with Cantonese cooking, opens soon at DIFC Square. Here, pints and cocktails are served with roast duck and dim sum: a mix that feels a little different from the usual dining options but will surely captivate your heart. Among the dishes you’ll find famous Duck & Rice, served with Cantonese roast duck, jasmine rice, and fresh cucumber. The Cantonese House Roast Duck is another standout option to save room for. View this...

Sometimes the nicest way to spend an hour is simply sitting somewhere calm with a book. No notifications, no pressure to socialize; just a quiet moment to read. And since March is officially celebrated as the Month of Reading in the UAE, it’s a good moment to notice some of the local reading communities. One of the most appealing formats is Silent Book Club. The community started years ago and has gradually grown into a global network with local clubs in more than 60 countries. For readers in the UAE, there are currently two Silent Book Club communities you can...

Sometimes we reach for our phones without even thinking. A quick check of messages turns into a scroll through news, videos, or social media. In the modern world, that habit has become part of everyday life. Every now and then, though, swapping the phone for a book can gently change the rhythm of the day. It’s one of the reasons why reading matters, even when most information now lives on screens. Here are five reasons to pick up a book instead of a phone. 1. Reading Slows Down the Mind Phones are designed for speed: notifications, short clips, and endless...

If you live in Wasl Village or visit the area often, there’s a small update that may affect your daily routine. A new paid parking zone has been introduced in the area, operating under code 248W. Signs are already installed across the neighborhood, so residents and visitors can easily recognize the designated spaces. The parking system operates 24/7. Here's are hourly parking fees in Wasl Village (248W): 30 minutes = AED 2 1 hour = AED 4 2 hours = AED 8 3 hours = AED 12 4 hours = AED 16 Wasl Village falls into higher-tariff zone, which typically...

A quick heads-up in case you feel like planning a day out with friends or family during this school break. A few popular attractions in Dubai are offering free tickets and special offers, so it’s good to know what’s available and maybe save a few ideas for later plans. From sky-high pools and beach resorts to playful art spaces and waterparks, here are 5 Dubai attractions with free tickets and offers available this March. 1. Aquaventure World One of Dubai’s largest waterparks, known for its record-breaking slides, river rides and wide beachfront at Atlantis, The Palm. Offer: Limited number of...

If you enjoy discovering new dessert spots, there’s another one to keep on your radar for future outings. Cake & Bubbles, the famous patisserie and Champagne bar from London, has plans to open soon in Dubai at DIFC Square. The idea behind the concept by Spanish chef Albert Adrià is simple and a little indulgent: refined desserts paired with a glass of sparkling wine. The first Cake & Bubbles opened inside Hotel Café Royal in London and quickly built a following for that exact combination. Some of the sweet creations that made the concept popular are expected to appear in...