What to do in UAE - Latest News

World Art Day comes once a year, but in Abu Dhabi, the experience continues beyond the date. You can step into it whenever you’re ready, with exhibitions and workshops across the city’s museums and art spaces. Here’s a look at the best experiences to check out right now. Picasso Exhibition and Events at Louvre Abu Dhabi If you start anywhere, start here. Picasso, the Figure is open until May 31. The exhibition focuses on how the artist approached the human body, with works brought in from the Louvre and regional collections. Read more about the exhibition here. A general admission...

You have another green spot to add to your outings in Dubai, and it’s well worth a visit. Central Park (yes, that’s the actual name) is huge and has everything you need for a family day out. It’s located in Jebel Ali inside the Wasl Gate community and covers 82,700 sqm. Before you worry about access, the park is open to everyone, not just residents. Once you’re in, there’s plenty to do. You can go for a run, meet friends for a game of basketball, or plan a picnic. With open lawns, shaded areas, and wide paths, it feels spacious....

If you’re planning to get around this Friday, you might not need to pay for it. April 17 marks World Public Transport Day, a new global initiative that highlights the role of public transport in everyday life. To mark the day, free bus rides will be available in select cities across the UAE and Oman. The offer applies to both residents and tourists, with no limits on how many rides you take during the day. Ras Al Khaimah: free buses across the emirate Rakta shared the update on Instagram, confirming that all bus rides in RAK will be free for...

If you’ve been wondering whether distance learning is about to end, here’s the latest from UAE authorities. Schools and kindergartens across the country are currently operating remotely, and that continues until April 17. Meanwhile, gradual return to in-person classes is being prepared. Here’s the full update. The Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council confirmed that nurseries, schools, and universities are moving toward in-person learning. Regular classes will resume across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools on April 20, 2026. Private schools can still use a hybrid rotational model when needed. All educational institutions are also expected to...

Sharjah has just been selected to host one of the world’s most important gatherings dedicated to children’s books, and it’s a big moment for the UAE. In 2030, the emirate will welcome the 42nd International Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). The UAE will become the first country in the Arab world to host this global meeting. IBBY has been active since 1953 and is headquartered in Switzerland. The organisation connects professionals across countries to support children’s books, improve access to reading, and encourage collaboration between writers, publishers, educators, and cultural institutions. The congress takes...

There’s a certain appeal to pulling into a drive-thru with no idea what you’re getting. One thing leads to another, and you end up trying more than you expected, but it feels worth it. At Al Qana Drive-Thru in Abu Dhabi, you’ve got over 20 spots in one place, so it’s easy to go from burgers and pizza to coffee, matcha, and dessert without leaving your car. What you’ll find at Al Qana Drive-Thru: Craving burgers? Aballii Burger, Wayback Burgers, White Smoke, Sauced, Gather On Pizza lover? Slice 45 In the mood for something sweet? Chocolicious Sweets, Hoop Desserts and...

If you’ve ever tried to book a table at Orfali Bros, you already know it’s not the easiest reservation to land. Now there’s a new reason to try again, or finally see what the place is all about. The restaurant has introduced a 7-course tasting menu that goes back to the dishes that built the restaurant’s reputation. Here’s what’s included in the OG tasting menu: Corn Bomb Guess What? Umami Eclair Roots Aleppo Street Bun Orfali Bayaldi ORF Labaniyeh View this post on Instagram A post shared by @orfalibros The experience costs AED 350 per person. If you want to...

The UAE passport has officially entered the major league, now the second strongest in the world in the 2026 Henley Index. With access to 187 countries visa-free, Emiratis can enjoy more travel freedom than ever before: the EU, the UK, Thailand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, just to name a few. This marks a significant rise, up from 10th place just last year, and an impressive leap from its modest 38th position in 2016. Today, the UAE is ranked alongside countries like Japan and South Korea. In the past 10 years, the country has gained visa-free access to 152...

If you’re the kind of person who packs up a picnic and heads out for a quiet day in nature, Kalba is about to give you a new reason to go. A new spot called Al Hiyar Lake and Rest Area is getting ready to open, and it’s the kind of place where you can spend a full day with family or friends. The site includes 30 parking spaces for single trailers and 60 larger spots with rest areas. You’ll also find places on-site to grab food or pick up anything you forgot. Plan to spend the day here, because...

If buses are part of your daily routine in Abu Dhabi, your usual route might look a bit different from April 15. Rabdan Bus Interchange is no longer in service. Passengers will now need to use new stops, as several routes have moved to different hubs across the city. Here’s what’s changed. Passengers who used Rabdan Interchange will now head to: Al Qanah Al Maqta’a Mall The following bus routes now operate through these locations: 407, 300, 203, 101, A10 Additional changes following the Rabdan Interchange closure: L42 and X5 now start and end at Al Qanah Q3 runs between...