What to do in UAE

If you're planning to relocate to Dubai or are an expat looking to renew your residence visa, completing the medical fitness test is an essential step in the process. This mandatory test, required for all individuals aged 18 and above, helps ensure that individuals are free from communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and hepatitis. The medical fitness test in Dubai consists of three steps: Physical examination Blood test Chest X-ray In Dubai, there are 21 medical fitness centres available across the emirate to complete this test. These centres are operated under the authority of Dubai Health. Medical Fitness...

Dubai’s vibrant arts scene is about to come alive once again as the Sikka Art & Design Festival returns to Al Shindagha from 31 January to 9 February 2025. Celebrating 13 years of creativity, this annual event transforms the historic district into a buzzing hub of artistic expression. The entry to Sikka 2025 is free but a registration is required. Wander through the charming alleyways and heritage houses to discover over 40 captivating public art pieces and installations. Sculptures, murals, and interactive displays will be scattered across 19 locations, inviting visitors to engage with art in a unique way. Some...

Looking for a festive escape this winter? Experience a winter wonderland in the dunes. From 14 December to 28 February, The Winter Nest offers an enchanting pop-up dining experience at The Nest by Sonara, set amidst the stunning desert dunes. This one-of-a-kind retreat features eight cozy chalets encircling a majestic Christmas tree decked with sparkling lights, creating a magical Alpine atmosphere. The Winter Nest takes your taste buds on a culinary journey through the Alps: Moitié-Moitié Fondue: a decadent Swiss specialty made of melted cheese, perfect for dipping crusty bread. Raclette: melted cheese poured over tender potatoes, served with tangy...

A new wave of dining is about to arrive in Downtown Dubai. WOOHOO, a tech-forward restaurant concept by hospitality group Gastronaut, is launching soon at Kempinski The Boulevard — and it’s looking to redefine what it means to “dine in the future.” WOOHOO will serve up a curated menu of Japanese, Mexican, and Peruvian dishes, with recipes developed through a blend of AI-generated input and hands-on expertise from a Michelin-level chef. Guests can expect flavour combinations that challenge conventions while staying rooted in fine-dining execution.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by WOOHOO (@woohoo.dubai) The...

Dubai’s social calendar just got a refresh with the launch of an all-new ladies night — and it’s happening at one of the city’s most iconic spots: Wild Wadi Waterpark. Forget rooftops and dress codes. This one swaps heels for swimsuits and adds a splash of adventure. Running every second Friday from 7 PM to 11 PM until the end of September, this women-only event transforms the waterpark into a vibrant after-hours playground — exclusively for ladies and young girls.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Wild Wadi Waterpark (@wildwadiwaterpark) Here are the confirmed...

If you’re driving in Abu Dhabi this weekend, be prepared for temporary road closures. The UAE Tour, a major cycling race, is rolling through the city, and some key roads will be closed for a few hours on Saturday, February 22. The closures will begin at 12:10 PM and end around 4:45 PM. Different parts of Abu Dhabi will be affected at different times, so check the list below and plan your route accordingly: Hudayriat Island – 12:10 PM to 1:00 PM Al Mushrif – 12:20 PM to 1:10 PM Khalifa City area (multiple roads) – 12:40 PM to 1:45...

Mark your calendars — January 17 marks the debut of The Hub by Social, a dynamic new food hall and community space in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City. Nestled in the heart of Masdar Park, The Hub promises a unique blend of global cuisines, entertainment, and sustainability-focused initiatives, making it more than just a dining destination. Developed in collaboration between Masdar City and Social Distrikt, The Hub stands out with its theme of “Socialize Sustainably.” It’s a vibrant meeting place that combines food, culture, and eco-consciousness, offering a welcoming environment for families, food enthusiasts, and professionals. Beyond its delicious menu offerings,...

The UAE has officially announced that both public and private sector employees will enjoy a holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in celebration of the New Year. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) released a circular confirming the holiday for all federal government entities. Similarly, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation declared the same day as a paid holiday for private sector workers. Normal work schedules will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This nationwide holiday allows residents to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with family and friends, or simply take the day to relax....

Stargazers, get ready for the last Supermoon and meteor shower of 2024! As 2024 wraps up, Dubai’s night skies have one last spectacular show in store: the Beaver Moon supermoon paired with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower. Here’s everything you need to know to experience this breathtaking cosmic event and the best locations across the UAE to enjoy it. What’s Special About the Beaver Moon? The Beaver Moon is the final supermoon of the year, set to shine brightly over Dubai on Friday, November 15. Known in folklore for marking the time when beavers prepare for winter, this...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is rolling out a series of traffic improvements, starting with the opening of new access points to Al Warqa neighbourhood from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Scheduled for early June, the project is expected to significantly ease congestion and reduce travel times for thousands of commuters. The new access point at Al Warqa 1 will increase road capacity by up to 5,000 vehicles per hour. Travel times on the route will drop dramatically from 20 minutes to just 3.5 minutes, while the journey distance will be reduced from 5.7km to 1.5km. The changes are...