What to do in UAE - Latest News

The sail-shaped silhouette on Jumeirah Beach has been part of Dubai’s skyline for more than two decades. But now, iconic Burj Al Arab is closing for a full refresh. After years of constant use, the building is heading into an 18-month renovation and should reopen around 2027. Since opening in December 1999, the hotel has built a reputation that goes beyond a typical stay. The private island location, the dhow sail design, and the “seven-star” label made it one of the most recognised hotels in the world. After years of hosting guests, the hotel is pausing to rework its interiors....

If you’ve ever wandered through Alserkal Avenue during art week and wished it lasted longer, you’re getting your wish this year. For five weekends, from April 18 to May 18, Al Quoz fills with exhibitions, talks, performances, and workshops over five weekends. Here’s a first look at what’s coming. April 18: Opening weekend On the first weekend, 16 gallery exhibitions open at once. Anthony Akinbola’s solo exhibition at Carbon 12 opens on April 18 and remains on view until May 24. At the same time, a new public artwork by Shilpa Gupta Still A Sky We Hold will appear in...

If you’ve ever stood at a bus stop in Dubai in the middle of summer, this update will feel like a relief. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has installed 726 modern bus shelters across the city, installed at high-traffic areas used by daily commuters. Many of the stops connect with metro stations, taxis, and shared transport. Some of the high-traffic stops connect to more than 10 bus routes and serve over 750 riders a day. The biggest shelters now include air-conditioned waiting areas or shaded seating. You’ll also see real-time screens showing bus routes, arrival times, and service frequency....

Looking for a weekend plan that isn’t just another brunch or mall visit? There’s a workshop in Al Ain this Saturday where you can learn a new craft and make something beautiful for your home. You’ll learn how to weave Talli and use it in a floral arrangement, then create your own piece during the session. Talli is a traditional Emirati weaving technique where threads, often mixed with metallic strands, are braided into narrow bands with detailed patterns. The finished strips are usually used as decorative trims on clothing, especially along sleeves and edges. No experience needed for Talli &...

You don’t usually walk into a gallery and see oil used like this. Our UAE, now open at Noor Royal Gallery, uses one of the country’s defining resources in a literal way. Every artwork in the exhibition is created with raw petroleum on canvas. The collection moves between past and present of the country through a consistent visual style. Sepia tones, gold hues, and detailed compositions show scenes tied to the UAE’s heritage, leadership, and daily life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noor Gallery | نور جاليري (@noorroyalgallery) The price tags for some of the pieces...

If you think the padel trend has already peaked, a new spot in Dubai might change your mind. Padel One has recently opened in Dubai Investment Park, and it even drew Kylian Mbappé for the launch, so you can already get a sense of the level. So, what’s different about this place? Padel One is founded by French singer Dadju and has everything you need for an active weekend or evening. Inside, you’ll find 6 indoor courts, a reformer Pilates studio, and wellness areas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @padelonedubai You can book a game, come...

What your child eats at school has mostly been out of your hands. That’s starting to change in the UAE with a National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment. The newly issued guide sets strict rules for what schools can serve, how food is handled, and who is responsible for it. According to it, all school food outlets must follow the same strict standards, whether it’s a canteen selling pre-packaged items, a cafeteria preparing sandwiches, or a full-service kitchen. There are 13 responsibilities covering how food is handled, prepared, and monitored. The most relevant change is that...

Working from home while your child studies nearby can get messy fast. With many parents in the UAE adjusting to distance learning, staying focused isn’t always easy. In Dubai, there’s a place that helps take some of that pressure off and makes the day easier for both children and adults. A study space that actually feels like one Terra Study Hub at Expo City Dubai is open to children aged 6 and above. Here, children follow their learning in a supervised space, with support from Terra Education Team. The presence of other children studying nearby creates a more focused atmosphere...

Abu Dhabi has plenty of activities taking place this week, and it’s a good moment to join in. Whether it’s an easy morning run or an evening outing with family or friends, here are the details of two community races taking place across the city. Mohammed Bin Zayed City Run on April 15 The Wednesday event includes three distances: 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km. Entry fee is AED 50. Participation is free for people of determination. Date: April 15, 2026 Time: 7 PM Location: Mohammed Bin Zayed City Park You can join this running event here. Run for...

The world has never felt so connected, but there are still so many new destinations to reach. Etihad Airways adds five more cities in China to its network, with direct routes from Zayed International Airport. You can now fly to: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) Guangzhou (CAN) Chengdu (TFU) Hangzhou (HGH) Shenzhen (SZX) All flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 28 business class seats and 262 economy seats. Whether you’re travelling for business or tourism, China has a lot to explore. Before this, Beijing was the only direct option from Abu Dhabi. With these 5 direct flights, you...