Category: What’s On

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has become the first Emirati brand to secure a spot among the world’s 100 most valuable brands, highlighting its expanding global footprint and brand strength. The Brand Finance annual league table shows ADNOC’s brand value climbed 11 per cent year-on-year to US$21.13 billion for 2026, marking growth of more than 350 per cent since 2017 and placing it ahead of a number of international energy majors. The valuation cements the group’s status as the

Jewellery manufacturers, designers and traders from across three continents are set to converge in Sharjah as the Jewels of Emirates Show 2026 opens on 28 January at the Expo Centre Sharjah, positioning the emirate as a key meeting point for the regional and global jewellery trade at the start of the year.Organisers say the four-day exhibition will feature about 180 exhibitors representing the Middle East, Asia and Europe, reflecting the breadth of supply chains that now underpin the international jewellery

For many expats, family law in Dubai becomes relevant not because it was carefully planned, but because life circumstances change. Divorce, child-related matters, or financial arrangements often arise at a moment when emotions are already running high. On top of that, uncertainty appears because the local legal system works differently from what people are used to in their home countries.That is why the first and most important step is understanding how the process works. When a person sees a clear

Dubai authorities have unveiled a detailed model of the Emaar Properties Station on the future Blue Line of the Dubai Metro, setting out plans for what is expected to become the world’s tallest metro station when it opens in 2029. Rising 74 metres above ground, the structure is designed to serve as both a transport hub and a prominent architectural landmark along the expanding rail network.The model was presented as part of a broader update on the Blue Line, which

Dubai has opened its first Ramadan-themed market of 2026 with the launch of Ramadan Souq in Deira, positioning the initiative as both a cultural showcase and a seasonal retail platform ahead of the fasting month expected to begin on February 19, based on astronomical calculations.The market, located at the Grand Souq in Deira, began welcoming visitors this week and will run until February 15, operating daily from 10am to 10pm. Organisers describe the souq as a curated space bringing together

Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 has transformed Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah into a focal point for entertainment-led retail, drawing families and tourists with a blend of live performances, promotional campaigns and prize-driven shopping incentives that underline the emirate’s strategy of linking leisure with commerce. Running until 1 February, the festival’s programme at Mercato reflects a broader push by Dubai’s retail sector to sustain footfall through experiential attractions alongside discounts and raffles.At the heart of the activity is Mercato, styled after

 Quiet weather patterns are holding across much of the UAE, with forecasters pointing to generally settled conditions through the coming days and a slim chance of light rainfall in isolated pockets. Authorities say the outlook favours outdoor plans, while advising residents and marine users to stay alert to short-lived changes driven by cloud build-up and shifts in humidity.Early-day conditions are expected to remain stable across inland areas and along the coast, with light winds and mostly clear skies. Meteorological data

Families heading to Global Village are being welcomed by a child-focused programme that blends large-scale play, character encounters and evening spectacle, as Wonderers’ Kids Fest runs from January 9 through February 15 with access included in the venue’s entry ticket. Operating daily between 4pm and 10pm, the festival has been positioned as a centrepiece of the winter calendar for households seeking structured, screen-free entertainment alongside the destination’s broader cultural and retail offerings.A playful season for young visitors is how organisers

Dubai’s offshore sailing calendar moves into gear this weekend as Dubai International Marine Club stages the third leg of the Dubai 43-foot Sailing Race, marking the first competitive fixture of the club’s 2026 season and signalling an early test of crews ahead of a packed winter programme.The race, hosted at Dubai Marine, is expected to draw a broad cross-section of established teams and newer entrants, underlining the continued appeal of the one-design 43-foot class that has become a mainstay of

Dubai World Trade Centre has confirmed plans to host 71 events during the first half of 2026, underscoring the emirate’s position as a regional hub for global exhibitions, conferences and large-scale trade gatherings.The schedule reflects a familiar rhythm for the venue, with activity slowing during Ramadan before resuming after Eid. According to the centre, the post-Eid calendar will open with the Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technologies Conference and Exhibition in March, followed by Middle East Energy in April, two of

Yas Marina Circuit will stage the opening rounds of the new Emirates Drift Championship season this weekend, drawing leading regional drivers to Abu Dhabi for tightly fought door-to-door battles that organisers say will push technical precision and crowd engagement to a higher level. The championship’s return to the capital’s flagship motorsport venue signals a renewed focus on competitive depth, youth participation and international exposure for a discipline that has grown steadily across the Gulf.The opening event at Yas Marina Circuit

Dubai’s metro and tram network will operate around the clock over the New Year period as authorities move to manage heavy holiday demand and ensure safe, continuous mobility across the city during one of its busiest travel windows.Services on the Red and Green Metro lines will begin at 5.00 a. m. on December 31 and continue without interruption until 11.59 p. m. on Thursday, January 1, providing nearly two full days of continuous operations. The Dubai Tram will follow an

A dramatic concept video portraying a proposed “Dubai Air Hotel” by Emirates has ignited global attention, depicting a full-scale Airbus A380 mounted atop a 580-metre, 125-storey tower in Dubai. The vision, priced at an estimated $3 billion, imagines an aviation-themed landmark that would combine ultra-luxury hospitality with a striking architectural statement, reinforcing the city’s reputation for headline-grabbing development.The footage shows the double-deck superjumbo positioned like a crown at the summit of a needle-slim skyscraper, its fuselage transformed into suites, lounges

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened an eight-kilometre alternative road that gives direct access to tourist camps in the Al Awir area, easing movement for visitors and service providers and diverting heavy seasonal traffic away from internal desert tracks.The new corridor connects Al Awir Road with clusters of licensed camps, reducing travel time and improving safety during peak desert activity periods. Officials said the alignment was designed to accommodate buses, four-wheel drives and logistics vehicles while maintaining clear separation

Expo City Dubai has rolled out a structured graduate development initiative aimed at preparing UAE nationals for long-term careers in real estate, urban development and city management, as the post-Expo district accelerates its transition into a permanent business, residential and innovation hub.The programme, branded Exposure, sits within Expo City Dubai’s Real Estate and Development division and targets fresh Emirati graduates at the start of their professional lives. Designed as a two-year pathway, it combines on-the-job placements, structured learning and mentorship

Mall of the Emirates has embarked on a $1.36bn expansion programme that will add 20,000 square metres of retail space, introduce about 100 new stores, and significantly broaden its dining and entertainment offering, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global retail and lifestyle hub.The project, announced by owner and operator Majid Al Futtaim, represents one of the most substantial investments in the mall since it opened in 2005. Once completed, the expansion is designed to strengthen the centre’s focus on

Dubai is preparing to expand its seasonal cultural calendar with a large-scale Ramadan Souq planned for 2026, an initiative expected to transform Souq Al Ras in Deira into a focal point for heritage retail, family entertainment and night-time tourism during the holy month. City officials and organisers say the project is designed to blend commerce, culture and community, reinforcing Deira’s position as a historic trading hub while aligning with broader tourism and placemaking strategies.Ramadan Souq 2026 is scheduled to take

Nikken Sekkei has unveiled an architectural vision for Trump Tower Dubai that signals a renewed push to blend global branding with locally grounded urban design, positioning the project as a high-profile addition to the city’s luxury real-estate landscape. The proposal introduces a vertically articulated tower intended to integrate hospitality, branded residences and curated public spaces, reflecting Dubai’s continued appeal to international developers and design houses.The Japanese firm, known for large-scale urban projects across Asia, the Middle East and North America,

Falcon Racing will begin tomorrow at the Liwa International Festival 2026, bringing together elite falconers, heritage practitioners and spectators in the Empty Quarter’s oasis region for one of the Gulf’s most closely watched traditional sporting events. Organised under the festival’s heritage and cultural programme, the competition is expected to draw participants from across the UAE and neighbouring countries, reinforcing Liwa’s standing as a focal point for desert sports and falconry traditions.The event will feature trained falcons competing in speed and

Mercato has opened its doors to a season of themed festivities with the unveiling of its Winter Spectacular, positioning the Jumeirah-based shopping mall as a key seasonal attraction during the December holiday period. Running from 11 to 25 December 2025, the programme transforms the Italian-style mall into a winter village designed to draw families, residents and visitors seeking an immersive festive experience that blends retail, entertainment and community engagement.The Winter Spectacular centres on an Italian-inspired setting, with the mall’s interiors

Paramount Skydance’s decision to bring three Gulf sovereign wealth funds into its $108 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery has highlighted a rare convergence of interests among Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, as the states accelerate efforts to secure influence across the global entertainment industry.Paramount said the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding Company and the Qatar Investment Authority have agreed to support the proposed takeover, a move that significantly strengthens the financing base of a

Abu Dhabi’s drive to deepen its role as a global financial and technology destination accelerated with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and cross-border payments firm YeePay announcing the establishment of YeePay’s regional headquarters and technology hub in the emirate. The collaboration, unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, positions the new base to serve the Middle East and Africa while bolstering digital payment links between the UAE, China and other international markets.The announcement underlines Abu Dhabi’s strategy to

Families are being invited to a vibrant seasonal celebration as Town Centre Jumeirah prepares to unveil “Magical Moments”, a three-day programme designed to turn the community mall into a festive showcase from 5 to 7 December. The event is positioned as an immersive experience aimed at drawing families, children, and neighbourhood visitors into an atmosphere of creative play, entertainment, and traditional holiday indulgence.Organisers have outlined a schedule that places family interaction at the heart of the festivities, with the mall

The Central Bank of the UAE confirmed that the Digital Dirham — its central-bank-issued digital currency — is poised for phased rollout, following the nation’s first government-level payment settled in Digital Dirham. The transaction, processed in under two minutes via the mBridge multi-CBDC platform, involved the Ministry of Finance and the Dubai Department of Finance, underscoring readiness of infrastructure and institutional coordination.This marks a transition from pilot tests to operational use. The CBUAE’s July policy paper outlined the phased

Crowds are heading to Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah as one of Dubai’s most anticipated seasonal attractions opens its doors for the Christmas Market 2025, offering a mix of entertainment, dining and festive installations through December. The annual celebration has grown into a prominent feature of the city’s winter calendar, drawing families, tourists and residents to its waterfront setting with activities designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors.A towering Christmas tree measuring about 36 feet forms the centrepiece

Dubai has unveiled a major overhaul of bereavement services, aiming to simplify and digitise all procedures linked to the death of a family member, the Dubai Health Authority said. The move is part of the government’s wider City Makers initiative and is designed to offer faster, more humane support during what officials described as one of the most difficult periods for families.Under the new system, named Jabr, each bereavement case will be managed by a dedicated Government Service

A fully digital escrow service for vehicle ownership transfers has been introduced through a partnership between SlashData and the Integrated Transport Centre, marking a significant shift in how transactions between buyers and sellers are executed in the UAE. The rollout of the platform known as Shary signals an effort to reduce paperwork, lift administrative burdens, and strengthen confidence in a market where used-car transactions continue to expand.Officials involved in the project described Shary as the first government-backed digital escrow mechanism

Iraq’s Oil Ministry has launched a formal process to invite a handful of major US oil companies to directly negotiate the takeover of the 75 percent stake in the West Qurna-2 oil field — currently held by Lukoil — following international sanctions imposed on the Russian company. The ministry’s announcement emphasises that transferring control to a US operator would support global market stability while preserving Iraq’s vital oil output and revenues.The ministry has refrained from naming specific firms or stipulating

Colife, a property management firm operating in Dubai, is advertising that apartments under its portfolio are leased out in an average span of 12 days, claiming landlords using its services earn 20–25 per cent more income compared to traditional rental routes. The company markets this as a “no downtime, no extra fees” model, promising direct bookings, continuous tenant flow, and full-service property management — from marketing and check-in to cleaning, maintenance and financial reporting.Since its launch in 2018, Colife has

Prepare for an evening where history comes to life. This December, the iconic Dubai Opera will become the epicenter of the musical universe as it hosts a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of talent. The legendary tenors José Carreras and Plácido Domingo will reunite for the “Stars of the Century” gala — a performance destined to be remembered for years to come.Scheduled for December 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM, this spectacular event marks the pinnacle of Dubai Opera’s tenth anniversary festivities. Joining these giants

City streets that normally teem with early-morning traffic transformed into vast running lanes as the seventh edition of the event drew a record turnout. More than 307,000 participants took part in the event, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 278,000. The highly inclusive free event offers both 5 km and 10 km distances and is open to people of all ages and fitness levels.The race commenced early at 06:30 on the prominent thoroughfare adjacent to the major landmark, and included

The U. S. Commerce Department has authorised the export of advanced artificial-intelligence semiconductors to two Middle Eastern firms, granting licences for each to procure up to 35,000 units of Nvidia’s Blackwell chips. The approvals apply to G42 of the United Arab Emirates and Humain of Saudi Arabia, representing a significant shift in America’s technology-export policy.The licences impose stringent conditions: both companies must adhere to rigorous security and reporting protocols, as stipulated by the Bureau of Industry and Security. Each

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has marked its 25th year, standing today as one of the world’s top 20 stock markets by market value. Founded in 2000 with just 12 listed companies, the exchange now hosts more than 200 securities, carries a market capitalisation in excess of AED 3 trillion and counts 1.2 million investors drawn from over 200 nationalities.This milestone comes as the ADX embarks on an upgraded platform designed to support the emirate’s ambition to become a

Abu Dhabi based investment firm Lunate has escalated its global ambitions after deploying roughly US$13.5 billion and signalling plans to raise even larger funds for 2026 launches. Founded in 2023 and backed by the emirate’s investment ecosystem, Lunate raised about US$17 billion in 2024 for its flagship funds and has invested around 80 per cent of that amount, according to individuals familiar with its operations. The firm now aims to raise significantly more for its next fund cycle, underscoring its