What to do in UAE - Latest News

After years of dormancy, Palm Jebel Ali is officially back in the spotlight. Originally launched in 2002 and paused during the 2008 global financial crisis, this man-made island is now regaining momentum, with major construction contracts awarded and plans for luxury living, leisure, and tourism firmly in motion. Set to be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development potential. Once complete, it will offer 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, eventually housing 35,000 families. Highlights of what’s planned include: 80 hotels and resorts...

Just as fans were getting ready for Mary J. Blige’s highly anticipated return to Dubai, news broke that the concert — originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 — has been cancelled. The performance was set to be a major moment, marking over a decade since the iconic R&B star last took the stage for a full concert in the UAE. While the exact reasons for the cancellation have not been disclosed, the event has quietly been removed from the Coca-Cola Arena’s official calendar. Although the disappointment is real, there’s still hope that Mary J. Blige will make her way back...

Construction has officially started on the UAE-Oman railway project, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and GCC cooperation. The long-anticipated Hafeet Rail line will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, Oman’s key port city. The rail line promises to deliver fast, efficient, and sustainable travel across national borders. With passenger trains reaching speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, the journey between the two cities will take just 100 minutes. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers, and the freight trains will transport cargo equivalent to 300 trucks, reducing truck-related carbon emissions by 80%.  ...

The UAE government has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of Hijri year 1447 AH. The announcement, issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), applies to public sector employees across the country. With the holiday falling on a Friday, workers in the public sector can look forward to a three-day weekend, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 30. The Islamic New Year is based on the Hijri calendar, a lunar calendar used widely across the Muslim world. The new year...

Dubai is fully embracing the Labubu craze this summer with six themed workshops, art sessions, and a pastel-sweet tea party popping up across the city. Whether you're into DIY crafts, kawaii collectibles, or just want to spend an afternoon immersed in creativity, there's a Labubu experience for every kind of fan. If you want to dive into the world of Labubu and understand why it’s everywhere this summer, check out our guide to Labubu in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Now, back to where to find the Labubu-inspired activities in Dubai this June.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Dubai has rolled out temporary flexible working hours for government employees during the summer months, aiming to improve work-life balance and boost productivity. The initiative, confirmed by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025. The flexible work model follows the official five-day workweek and divides employees into two working groups: Group 1 works eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off completely. Group 2 works seven hours Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday. For many government employees in Dubai, weekends already include a half-day Friday and full days...

Elissa, one of the most iconic voices in Arabic pop music, is set to perform at Dubai Opera for one night only on November 3, 2025. With a career spanning more than two decades, the Lebanese superstar will bring her signature emotional ballads and unforgettable hits to the Dubai stage. With more than 30 million records sold and over one billion YouTube views, Elissa has become a defining figure in Arabic music. Her ability to channel raw emotion through her songs has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base across the Arab world. Forbes recognised her as one...

The Unexpected Hotels & Residences — a bold lifestyle hospitality brand that made waves in Ibiza — is officially heading to the UAE. The new property, The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences, is set to open in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027, marking the brand’s regional debut. After the successful launch of The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel, known for its immersive mix of luxury, music, and entertainment, the UAE edition looks set to bring the same vibrant atmosphere to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The Ras Al Khaimah property will feature 422 guestrooms and suites, all with uninterrupted...

Summer heat in the UAE isn’t just hard on people — it takes a serious toll on cars too. From overheated engines to failing air conditioning, high temperatures can quickly lead to breakdowns or worse. That’s why Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police offer free car inspections to residents until August 31, 2025. All private car owners can benefit from this service by visiting special centres: selected ADNOC service stations if you live in the capital or AutoPro locations in Dubai. What’s Included in the Free Inspection? These checks focus on the parts of your vehicle most vulnerable to summer stress....

This June, Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t just about world-class art — it’s also about world-class flavour. For two weekends only, the museum’s café will host a special culinary collaboration with Kooya Filipino Eatery, led by acclaimed Chef JP Anglo. The Kooya x Museum Café pop-up is scheduled for June 13–14 and June 27–28, from 6 PM to 11 PM. This pop-up brings the soul of Filipino cuisine to the capital. Chef JP Anglo, the force behind Kooya in Dubai and Sarsa in the Philippines, has curated a menu that reimagines comfort food with depth and heritage.     View this...