News
The stories shaping the city — openings, travel, events and the need-to-know, in one place.
Celebrating the women of the nation this Emirati Women’s Day
The Emirati women behind it all If there’s one thing we know for sure, there’s no mountain high enough for a woman’s ambitions. And Emirati women are no exception to this rule. The Emirati Women’s Day was launched as a means to celebrate the women who have helped shape the nation through their contributions. Launched […]
UAE introduces new fees for hotels, restaurants and malls playing music
Venues that play music commercially will be required to pay licensing fees from December 2026 Venues that play music commercially in the UAE will be subject to new licensing fees from December 2026, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced. In a new guide, called the Collective Management in Music Guide, the ministry […]
John Cena is coming to Middle East Film & Comic Con 2026
Now you can see him, WWE champion turned Hollywood actor John Cena will be at Middle East Film & Comic Con’s 2026 edition. Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) has just added John Cena to its 2026 line up of celebrity speakers. Taking place at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi on September 11 to […]
Hotel review: Is the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, really all glitz and glamour?
This Abu Dhabi grande dame comes carved from pure Venetian Renaissance chic, and delivers the warmest form of Middle Eastern hospitality. But what’s the real key to its popularity with A-listers and heads of state? Setting the scene Living in the UAE, we’re often left numb to architectural majesty. Bricks and mortar have to conspire […]
Wynn Al Marjan Island just revealed its stunning new shoreline
The upcoming Ras Al Khaimah resort has revealed fresh details of what guests can expect along its 550-metre shoreline If there’s one megaproject everyone has their eyes on, it’s the Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement that Wynn Al Marjan Island will open in September […]
Etihad brings Abu Dhabi closer to Central Asia with new daily flights to Tashkent
Planning your next vacation? Etihad Airways now operates daily direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Grab your passports and get ready to discover a new destination, Etihad Airways has added a non-stop flight from Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Travellers can book the EY830 flight from Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, which takes off […]
Dubai just ranked second in the world for AI adoption
61 cities spanning 39 countries were evaluated in the global study Dubai has added another impressive global ranking to its list, taking second place worldwide in the Intelligent Cities Index by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The study, which looked at 61 cities across 39 countries, recognised Dubai’s growing use of AI and advanced technology to […]
4 of the best family staycations to fit in before the school bell rings
The summer holidays are entering their final stretch – here’s where we’ve taken our own kids, and where we’re sending you, for one last proper weekend together before the uniforms come out. There’s a particular calendar dread that sets in around now every year – the one where you glance at the date and realise […]
Dubai concerts, shows and performances to know about in 2026
From huge concerts to laugh-out-loud comedy and spectacular live shows, here’s what’s coming to Dubai Love catching concerts in Dubai? Well, we have good news. Dubai’s live entertainment scene is packed with a line-up of concerts, festivals, musicals and live shows heading to the city over the coming months. Think global music stars and nostalgic […]
Dubai Airport is hosting free Mallathon walks throughout August
Get your steps in at DXB as Dubai Mallathon heads beyond the malls for the first time If you’re travelling through Dubai International Airport this summer, you can now get your steps in while waiting for your flight. Dubai Mallathon is bringing its popular indoor walking and running concept to DXB, making the airport the […]
6 new stores are opening soon at Dubai Hills Mall
Dubai Hills Mall is getting a fresh lineup of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, with six new names set to join its ever-growing retail offering If you’re always on the lookout for new places to shop in Dubai, there’s plenty to look forward to. Ulta Beauty, The Cheeseroom, 12 STOREEZ, American Eagle, Alo Yoga and […]
Natural History Museum set to reveal LEGO exhibition this August
The LEGO Natural Brickstory exhibit will open at Natural History Museum on August 21, 2026. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new exhibition that will have LEGO fans in the country buzzing with excitement. The LEGO SHOWS Natural Brickstory will launch on August 21, a world-first, limited-time exhibition that invites visitors […]
12 hints, tips, hacks and strats for your next Emirates flight
Emirates travel tips to upgrade your flight experience with APEX’s 2026 Best Overall Airline in the Middle East… If you’re travelling with Emirates, you’re already off to a good start. It is, after all, the airline with a metaphorical trophy cabinet the size of Concourse B. But there are still ways to further enhance the […]