Category: What’s On

Sharjah has committed Dh750 million to a package of road projects designed to ease one of the UAE’s busiest commuter corridors and create more direct links with Dubai, including a new tunnel beneath Al Taawun Roundabout, the opening of Noor Road and improved access to Expo Centre Sharjah.The projects were announced by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as part of a wider plan to develop internal and main roads

[caption id="attachment_118696" align="alignnone" width="1000"] The Arab tourism market is poised to play a defining role in the future growth of Kerala tourism - particularly in driving progress across Ayurveda tourism, medical tourism, luxury travel, and the souvenir industry.[/caption]Kerala Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinema unveiled the official logo of the Indo Arab Connect 2026, India's biggest-ever GCC and West Asia tourism summit, to be held in Kochi during the first week of September 2026.Organised by the Indo-Arab Tourism and Hospitality

Dubai has relaunched its Mallathon as a three-month public fitness drive, turning six of the emirate’s largest shopping centres into morning walking and running venues during the peak summer period.The second edition, running from 15 June to 15 September 2026, is being staged daily between 6am and 10am at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Deira and Dubai Hills Mall. The programme is free, open to residents and visitors, and does

Dubai WoodShow 2026 will open on June 22 with smart manufacturing technologies at the centre of a wider industry shift towards automated, data-led and materials-efficient production.The 22nd edition of the trade exhibition will run until June 24 at Dubai World Trade Centre, occupying Halls 6, 7 and 8 for a business-to-business audience spanning timber suppliers, machinery makers, furniture producers, fit-out contractors, architects, interior designers and building materials distributors. The event is being positioned as a platform for companies seeking to

Zed has launched a digital wallet offering 15 per cent cashback on every ride in Dubai, escalating competition in a transport market where app-based booking, loyalty incentives and faster fleet access are becoming central to commuter choice.The Dubai-built ride-hailing platform said the Zed Wallet will credit cashback automatically after each eligible journey, with rewards capped at Dh20 per trip and redeemable against future rides booked through the app. The offer covers both taxi and premium ride categories across the emirate

A UAE-focused tourism session in Moscow drew one of the largest audiences at the Let’s Travel International Tourism Forum, underscoring the expanding role of travel in the broader economic relationship between the Emirates and Russia.The panel, titled “UAE-Russia Tourism Dialogue: Successful Stories”, was organised by the Russia-UAE Business Council in cooperation with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Russian Federation. Held during the forum at the All-Russian Exhibition Centre, the discussion brought together officials, tourism promoters, business

Dubai has moved to shorten the waiting time for tourist entry permits, with 30-day and 60-day single-entry visas now expected to be processed within 48 hours through approved channels, sharpening the emirate’s appeal as peak summer and year-end travel planning gathers pace.The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai has indicated that the service applies to single-entry tourist visas issued for visits of either 30 or 60 days. Applications must be submitted through authorised tourism establishments or approved

Canadian University Dubai and FINTECH. TV have inaugurated a live broadcast studio at the university’s City Walk campus, creating a direct media and education link between Dubai and the New York Stock Exchange.The Global Markets Studio, opened on 1 June and announced publicly this week, is being positioned as a hands-on platform for students to produce financial news segments, podcasts, interviews and market-focused programming while engaging with executives, investors, entrepreneurs and media professionals across global financial centres. The initiative gives

Dubai has launched a new phase of its Content Creators Programme to train emerging talent in cultural storytelling, digital production and responsible online communication, placing the initiative at the centre of the emirate’s push to expand its creative economy.The programme, led by Dubai Press Club in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, focuses on helping creators produce cultural and creative content that reflects Dubai’s identity, heritage, values and changing urban story. Registration opened ahead of the training schedule, with

Dubai’s premium fitness market has gained a new large-format health club with the opening of FITCODE Q-East in Al Quoz, bringing a performance-led training, recovery and wellness model to one of the city’s emerging lifestyle districts.The flagship mixed health club spans nearly 24,000 sq ft at Q-East, a luxury destination positioned around creative, retail, food, entertainment and wellness concepts. The opening marks FITCODE’s third Dubai location and extends the brand’s presence beyond its established clubs at Tilal Al Ghaf and

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed 90 per cent of the new Dubai Harbour access bridge, moving the 1.5-kilometre link closer to a phased opening that is expected to cut travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road and the waterfront district from 12 minutes to three.The bridge, being developed with Shamal Holding, will provide direct entry and exit between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, one of Dubai’s key waterfront and tourism destinations. The project is designed with two lanes

Dubai’s GameExpo has shifted attention from global gaming brands to the local talent building games, art and digital content, giving developers, designers, artists and small businesses a larger platform at Dubai World Trade Centre.The three-day event, running from June 5 to 7 as part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, has become a showcase for the UAE’s expanding gaming economy, combining esports tournaments, cosplay contests, product launches, creator activations and developer showcases under one roof. Organisers expect more than

Abu Dhabi will add a Sphere entertainment venue to Yas Island by the end of 2029, placing a $1.7 billion immersive arena beside some of the emirate’s biggest visitor attractions and intensifying its drive to become a global leisure and live-events hub.The project, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co., will be the first Sphere venue outside the United States. Planned capacity is up to 20,000 guests, depending on event configuration, putting

Dubai has launched SME in a Box, a digital platform intended to cut the time, cost and complexity faced by entrepreneurs setting up and operating small businesses in the emirate.The initiative, introduced by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, gives founders a single entry point to access core services that are usually handled through multiple providers. These include licensing support, banking, digital payments, telecommunications, logistics, marketing and

Abu Dhabi opened the third International Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance Conference 2026 on Wednesday, bringing policymakers, academics, faith leaders, media figures and technology specialists together for a three-day examination of how new media and artificial intelligence are reshaping families and communities.The event, held from 3 to 5 June at Space42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, is being convened under the theme “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community”. Organisers expect more than 4,500 participants from

Abu Dhabi has launched an AI-powered parking payment system that automatically records vehicle entry and exit, calculates charges and deducts fees from the user’s Darb wallet without requiring tickets, machines, SMS messages or QR codes.The Free Flow Paid Parking System marks a further shift in the capital’s transport network towards automated, cashless mobility services. Q Mobility said the system uses automatic number plate recognition technology supported by smart cameras and artificial intelligence to identify vehicles as they move through designated

UAE motorists are paying more for petrol in June, but pump prices remain below many major global markets, cushioning households and businesses from the full impact of higher international energy costs.The latest monthly adjustment raised Super 98 petrol to Dh3.95 a litre from Dh3.66 in May, while Special 95 increased to Dh3.83 from Dh3.55. E-Plus 91 moved up to Dh3.76 from Dh3.48. Diesel, however, fell to Dh4.33 a litre from Dh4.69, offering some relief to transport operators, delivery fleets and

Omoda and Jaecoo are preparing to introduce an AI-powered driverless parking system in the UAE, bringing automated valet-style functions to selected models as the country accelerates its push into smart mobility, artificial intelligence and autonomous transport.The system, called VPD, or Valet Parking Driver, enables a vehicle to identify a vacant bay, navigate through complex parking areas and park itself without the driver remaining inside or standing nearby. The feature is controlled through a mobile application, allowing the user to activate

Sharjah’s eastern coast is preparing for a new high-altitude tourism landmark as “Above the Clouds”, a crescent-shaped retreat on Mount Deem in Kalba, moves towards opening by late 2026 or early 2027, adding a dramatic mountain destination to the emirate’s expanding nature-led visitor economy.The project, positioned 850 metres above sea level, covers 4,700 square metres across two levels and is designed to offer panoramic views of Kalba’s coastline, valleys and surrounding mountain terrain. Its location on Al Deem mountain places

UAE residents can expect generally fair skies on Thursday as temperatures climb across much of the country, with low clouds forming over the eastern coast during the morning and humidity returning overnight into Friday.The National Centre of Meteorology’s outlook points to a stable early-summer pattern, shaped by weak surface pressure systems and an upper-air high-pressure extension. The combination is expected to keep conditions largely dry and clear while allowing daytime heat to build over internal and coastal areas.Temperatures are forecast

Dubai has opened the Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2026 with a stronger emphasis on gaming as a career pathway, placing digital skills, education and competitive play at the centre of a citywide programme running from May 22 to June 7.Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the festival is being positioned as more than an entertainment event. Its 2026 edition connects esports tournaments, game showcases, education sessions and family attractions

Dubai’s Eid Al Adha retail season is set to open with a wider-than-usual edition of the 3 Day Super Sale, offering discounts of up to 90 per cent across malls, shopping districts and participating outlets from 27 to 31 May.The campaign, organised under Dubai’s annual retail calendar, has been extended to five days despite retaining its familiar 3 Day Super Sale branding. The timing places the promotion directly alongside the Eid break, when family spending, visitor traffic and mall footfall

Mohammad Yahya’s PFL MENA debut ended in frustration at Coca-Cola Arena as Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi edged the Dubai-based fighter by split decision in the featherweight tournament headliner, while 18-year-old Zamzam Al Hammadi gave the home crowd a lift with a unanimous decision victory in her women’s strawweight amateur showcase.The mixed results at PFL MENA 9: Pride of Arabia on Sunday night underlined both the opportunity and pressure facing UAE fighters as the Professional Fighters League opened its 2026 regional season

Ras Al Khaimah’s first university research and innovation awards have drawn 189 submissions, giving the emirate a new platform to connect student ideas with national priorities in technology, sustainability, healthcare and advanced industry.The inaugural RAK Award for Excellence in University Research and Innovation 2026, organised by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, brought together entries from 20 universities across the UAE. Of those, 94 projects from 12 universities were shortlisted for final evaluation, underscoring the widening role of campuses

Tourists arriving in the UAE can now open a digital bank account within minutes under a new Tourist Identity system linking immigration records, biometric verification and mobile banking.The initiative, launched by the Central Bank of the UAE, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, gives non-resident visitors a verified digital identity after arrival. That identity can be used through ADCB’s mobile app to open an account, activate a digital debit card and

Dubai Maritime City has opened Maritime Business Centre 2, an AED160 million commercial tower designed to add premium office capacity to DP World’s maritime, logistics and trade ecosystem at a time of sustained demand for Grade A workspace across the emirate.The new tower, located in the Commercial District of Dubai Maritime City, was completed in 20 months and had secured leasing commitments for 78 per cent of its space before opening. The development adds 125 waterfront office units ranging from

Dubai motorists will pay 5 per cent value-added tax on public parking and Salik toll services from June 1, 2026, in a shift that will raise daily transport costs while accelerating the emirate’s move towards digital payments.Parkin Company PJSC, Dubai’s main paid parking operator, will apply VAT across its services, including on-street parking, off-street parking, seasonal cards, permits and reservation services. Salik Company PJSC will apply the same tax rate to toll gate usage fees and tag activation charges from

Dubai will host the fifth Middle Eastern Alliance for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Congress on 4 and 5 June 2026, bringing more than 500 participants from over 15 countries to the InterContinental Dubai Festival City for a two-day programme focused on evidence-based nutrition support, patient safety and multidisciplinary care.The congress, known as MEAPEN 2026, will be held at Al Ras Hall and is expected to feature more than 70 speakers across 17 scientific sessions. Its agenda will centre on enteral

Dubai has unveiled the Museum of Digital Art at DIFC Zabeel District, positioning the planned five-floor institution as the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.Launched by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the project brings together Dubai Culture and Dubai International Financial Centre in a cultural partnership designed to expand the city’s role in immersive media, artificial intelligence, interactive exhibitions and creative research.MODA will be developed within

Dubai will mark Eid Al Adha with a 10-day programme of leisure, hotel, dining and family experiences from 22 to 31 May, positioning the holiday as a major citywide driver for tourism, hospitality and retail activity.The programme forms part of the Season of Wulfa, a Dubai calendar built around community, family bonds and shared cultural occasions. It also aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family, giving the campaign a wider social theme beyond commercial offers. Residents, visitors and families

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed 80 per cent of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, advancing a major part of the Al Shindagha Corridor programme designed to cut journey times from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.Spanning 1,650 metres, the tunnel extends from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street. It will carry three lanes in each direction and handle up to 12,000 vehicles

Dubai Opera will host MODANSE on 17 May 2026, bringing a one-night ballet programme built around the meeting point of classical dance, couture and the life of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.The performance, scheduled to begin at 8pm, will be staged in the Main Auditorium, with doors opening at 7.30pm. Tickets start from AED395, and the event is being presented by M Premiere and MuzArts as a third-party venue hire rather than a Dubai Opera-produced show.The evening is led by Svetlana

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Roads and Transport Authority have opened applications for artists, designers and architects to transform more than 40 road tunnels across the emirate into public art landmarks, widening the city’s effort to embed culture into everyday urban movement.The Dubai Tunnels Initiative is inviting Emirati and UAE-based creative professionals to submit proposals from 11 May to 15 June 2026. The programme seeks original works that can turn high-traffic infrastructure into durable visual landmarks while reflecting

Dubai is positioning itself as a citywide stage for blockchain and Web3 activity as MENA Blockchain Week opens a decentralised programme designed to connect founders, investors, institutions, regulators and technology communities across multiple venues.MENA Blockchain Week, known as MENABCW, has been launched as a seven-day initiative running from 18 to 24 May 2026, with Dubai serving not as a single conference location but as the broader venue. The event is organised by SkyNet X Solutions, a Dubai-based strategy and events