What to do in UAE - Latest News

The holy month of Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, one of the most important holidays for Muslims. If you’ve been waiting for clarity on upcoming days off, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 have now been officially confirmed for both the public and private sector in the UAE. The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) have announced the official schedule. For federal government employees in the UAE, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 are: The break will last from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22...

Sharjah has taken a genuinely creative approach to architecture with its latest project. A stunning mosque with glass dome just opened in Al Dhaid, and it feels unlike anything else in the emirate. If you're already planning a visit, Al Nasr Mosque is located in the Jabal Omar neighbourhood. The first thing that catches your eye is the huge glass dome that covers nearly 80% of the roof. Instead of a traditional ceiling, you see a structure made of hexagonal glass panels arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The glass allows natural light to fill the prayer hall throughout the day....

If you had La Baia Dubai saved for your next beach day, we’ve got news. The stylish seaside spot at J1 Beach has officially closed. This spot didn’t stick around for long, but it definitely made an impression with its Mediterranean mood and coastal Italian flavours. La Baia isn’t the only venue to have closed at J1 Beach. Chou Chou stepped away last year, Lunico closed just days ago, and now La Baia is the latest name to bow out. But don’t write off J1 just yet. A new concept is coming soon, and if there’s one thing this city...

There’s a new spot in town where your pup can run wild (in a good way), meet new furry friends, and cool off after a proper play session. The JLT dog park is now open in Dubai, and you’ll find it in Cluster V. If you already live in JLT, this is about to become part of your daily routine. If you don’t, it might be worth the trip. As a responsible dog parent, you’ll appreciate how well this place is set up. There’s a secure gated entrance, plenty of open space for proper runs, agility-style obstacles to burn off...

If you’re already counting down to book fair season, there’s something special waiting this year. Oman has officially been named Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the decision honours Oman’s literary contribution and reflects the strong cultural ties between the two countries. Arabic literature carries centuries of poetry, thought, and storytelling that continue to shape culture today. If you’d like to explore its richness, here's good news: in January 2026, Amazon launched a Digital Arabic Library with 38,000 titles now available online....

AI has become part of everyday life. But it’s no longer limited to personal use. Governments are actively integrating it into national systems. The UAE has just proved it is at the forefront of this shift, ranking 3rd globally in AI adoption. Singapore ranks first globally in AI adoption, followed by Chile in second place. Back in 2017, the UAE launched the world’s first national AI strategy, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into public services, infrastructure, and major economic sectors. A new global study shows the country reached a 56% adoption rate in 2025. Today, AI supports government services, finance,...

Dubai is known for its futuristic skyline, but it doesn’t forget its roots. The city has welcomed a new mosque in Al Muhaisnah 2, blending modern design with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Al Walidayn Mosque offers space for 1,788 worshippers and is equipped with everything from spacious prayer halls to ablution areas and restrooms. It’s fully accessible, with dedicated facilities for People of Determination. Plus, there’s a designated space for the imam and muezzin. Great news for those visiting during Ramadan: parking near mosques in Dubai will be free throughout the holy month! Normally, parking is free for just one...

Spending this Ramadan in Abu Dhabi? You're in luck this year because the city’s best cultural venues, heritage sites, and museums have prepared special programmes just for the season. Many of these places have extended their hours, so you can enjoy all the incredible events and activities well into the night. Zayed National Museum From the first day of Ramadan until the 20th, Zayed National Museum will be open until late evening. Al Masar Garden will turn into a lively hub with pop-up food stalls, cafés, and a variety of cultural activities. You can enjoy live performances, storytelling, film screenings,...

If you're in Dubai during Ramadan, you’ve likely planned a visit to the Ramadan markets or an outing to watch the fireworks and drone shows. And if shopping is on your agenda, you're in luck! Dubai’s malls have extended their working hours this month, giving you more time to shop and relax. All malls open at 10 AM every day, but the closing times differ. Here are the malls that stay open until midnight on weekends: BurJuman Mall and Dubai Marina Mall: Sunday to Thursday, until 10 PM. Friday to Saturday, until 11 PM Dubai Festival City Mall: daily, until...

On the first day of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi opened Masdar City Mosque, a project that blends tradition with modernity. It's the UAE’s first net-zero energy mosque, which produces as much electricity as it consumes annually. Inspired by the traditional Al Bidyah Mosque, the mosque retains classic elements of Emirati design while incorporating sustainable technology. The roof and parking shades are covered with over 1,000 sqm of solar panels, providing all the power the mosque needs. Inside, there's a 42-metre-wide, column-free prayer hall that offers an open space for worship and can accommodate up to 1,300 people. A rammed earth Qibla...