Category: What’s On

Al Habtoor Polo and Jehangiri Polo have secured places in the final of the fourth Dubai Polo Challenge Cup after winning their respective qualifying matches at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club in Dubai, setting up a decisive clash in one of the region’s prominent mid-handicap tournaments. The competition, staged at the sprawling polo grounds on the outskirts of Dubai, features four teams with handicap ratings ranging from eight to ten goals. Organisers describe the event as an important fixture

Dubai’s flagship horse-racing spectacle will go ahead as planned despite geopolitical tensions linked to attacks involving Iran, ensuring that the Dubai World Cup meeting remains one of the most lucrative and closely watched fixtures on the global racing calendar. Organisers have confirmed preparations for the 2026 Dubai World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse are continuing, with the event retaining its reputation as the richest evening in the sport. The meeting features nine elite races and a total prize purse of about

Dubai has retained its position as the world’s cleanest city for a sixth consecutive year, strengthening the emirate’s global reputation for urban management and environmental standards as international rankings continue to highlight its sustained focus on municipal services, waste management and public hygiene. Recognition comes through the Global Power City Index, an annual assessment issued by the Institute for Urban Strategies at Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation. The index evaluates leading metropolitan centres on their ability to attract people, capital and enterprise,

Abu Dhabi will host the 2026 Modon World Triathlon Championship Series event on 28 and 29 March as scheduled, organisers confirmed, reinforcing the emirate’s growing status as a global hub for endurance sport and international competition. Officials from Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the governing body World Triathlon said preparations for the season-opening race are progressing as planned, with elite athletes from across the world expected to compete on Hudayriyat Island, a purpose-built sports and leisure destination on the capital’s coastline.

Travellers navigating uncertain flight schedules through Dubai are being offered a new support system as visa consultancy firm Visa Services launches a Safe Travel Concierge programme designed to help passengers identify operating flights, manage visa requirements and arrange accommodation during complex travel itineraries. The service, announced by the Dubai-based company, aims to assist passengers departing from or arriving in the emirate who face sudden changes to travel plans or difficulty securing confirmed routes. Aviation disruptions, shifting visa rules and high passenger

Tourism activity across the United Arab Emirates is continuing under established regulatory frameworks as authorities monitor developments linked to wider regional security concerns. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said hotels, resorts, cultural landmarks, shopping centres and other visitor attractions remain open and are receiving guests as normal, while relevant authorities maintain oversight of evolving conditions. Officials indicated that tourism establishments across the federation are operating according to directives issued by national and local authorities. The ministry noted that government bodies

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a nationwide alert after fraudulent emails began circulating that falsely claim to request emergency registration details from residents, prompting officials to warn the public against sharing personal information through unofficial channels. The Ministry of Interior said the messages impersonate government communication and urge recipients to provide sensitive details under the pretext of registering for emergency alerts or civil protection programmes. Officials stressed that such requests are part of a phishing attempt designed to

Light rainfall and a dip in temperatures are expected across parts of the UAE early next week, as forecasters point to unstable weather conditions developing over the country. Authorities have advised residents and mariners to monitor updates, with maritime activity set to be affected by rougher seas in the Arabian Gulf by nightfall. The National Center of Meteorology has indicated that cloud cover will increase over coastal and northern areas, bringing scattered showers and a noticeable fall in daytime temperatures. Maximum

How the UAE Education System Works: Regulators, Curricula, Inspections and School Types The United Arab Emirates is home to one of the most diverse and rapidly expanding education sectors in the world. With over 600 private schools spread across seven emirates, families relocating to the country are met with a system that can feel overwhelming at first glance. Multiple regulators, 17 different curricula, and three distinct school models all coexist under a unified national framework, but each emirate operates with its

Dubai authorities have revived and significantly expanded a Ramadan initiative aimed at encouraging children to attend mosque prayers, rolling it out to more than 300 mosques across the emirate as part of a broader push to deepen community engagement during the holy month. The programme, known as Ayal Al-Freej, invites children aged between six and 12 to collect special Ramadan “passports” that are stamped each time they attend Taraweeh prayers. Organisers say the scheme is designed to foster consistent prayer habits

Dubai has outlined the next phase of a Dh690 million overhaul of Hessa Street, setting out plans to ease persistent congestion along one of the city’s busiest east–west corridors and shorten daily travel times for thousands of motorists. Officials said the upgraded stretch will introduce additional lanes, new signal-controlled junctions and grade-separated interchanges designed to improve traffic flow between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The corridor links major residential districts, including Al Barsha and Dubai Sports City, and serves

  Dubai will host the 25th Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 12 to 14, drawing global aviation industry leaders, suppliers and innovators to one of the sector’s most influential business platforms. The three-day event is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries and over 7,000 professionals, including 120 hosted buyers, making it a pivotal gathering for decision-makers shaping the future of airport operations and technologies. Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh

Rolling road closures are under way across Al Dhafra as the UAE Tour begins its latest edition, with authorities in Abu Dhabi implementing phased traffic diversions to accommodate the opening stage of the WorldTour cycling race. Organisers confirmed that the first stage, set against the sweeping desert highways of the Al Dhafra region, will see intermittent road blocks along key routes from morning until late afternoon, depending on the progress of the peloton. Police patrols and traffic marshals have been deployed

Fireworks will illuminate parts of Dubai each evening during Ramadan, with organisers confirming a month-long programme across Al Seef, Dubai Creek waterfront and Global Village from 19 February to 19 March. Displays are scheduled daily at 9:30pm along Al Seef and the Dubai Creek waterfront, offering residents and visitors a waterfront spectacle shortly after iftar. At Global Village, fireworks are planned every Friday and Saturday at about 10:30pm over the same period. Organisers have indicated that timings remain subject to change

Khaleeji Bank has rolled out a Ramadan promotional campaign across six major shopping malls in Bahrain, aiming to deepen customer engagement and reinforce its retail banking footprint during one of the Kingdom’s busiest commercial seasons. The Islamic lender said the initiative, branded “Spin & Win”, will run throughout the holy month and offers visitors the chance to participate in an interactive draw featuring a range of prizes. The campaign is positioned as both a marketing drive and a community outreach effort,

Robertet Group has inaugurated its regional headquarters at Dubai Science Park, signalling a sharper strategic focus on the Gulf and wider Middle East as global demand rises for natural ingredients in fragrances and flavours. The new hub positions the French-headquartered group closer to customers across perfumery, food, beverage and wellness sectors, while strengthening its operational, commercial and regulatory capabilities in a region that has become a key growth engine for the natural raw materials industry. Company executives said the Dubai base

AGMC has initiated construction on a substantial newBMW Group retail and service complex in Ras Al Khor, signalling another phase of its expansion across the United Arab Emirates. The automotive dealer, a long-established importer of BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, brought together industry partners, executives and dignitaries for a ceremonial groundbreaking that underscores its growing role in the region’s premium automotive market. The forthcoming multi-brand facility – designed

Traffic on one of Dubai’s fastest-growing corridors eased on Saturday after the Roads and Transport Authority opened a new 600-metre bridge carrying four lanes at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the link road serving Arabian Ranches and neighbouring developments. The structure, brought into service on February 8, removes a major bottleneck on a route that funnels commuter, logistics and leisure traffic between residential districts, leisure destinations and the wider Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road network. RTA said the bridge

A sweeping showcase of colour, handwork and heritage brought Dubai Fashion Week to a close on Friday as designer Manish Malhotra presented a collection framed as a tribute to India’s artistic traditions, placing couture craft at the centre of the region’s fast-growing luxury calendar. Staged as the final show of the season, the presentation unfolded as a polished runway narrative that blended formal silhouettes with ornate surface detailing. Models walked in lehengas, sarees and tailored ensembles layered with intricate embroidery, metallic

Low-lying mist during early hours and spells of rain after dark are shaping daily life across the UAE, prompting safety advisories from the national forecaster as authorities and businesses adjust to more variable conditions. Motorists are being urged to slow down on highways vulnerable to sudden visibility drops, while marine operators are cautioned about shifting winds and choppy seas that can accompany unsettled weather. Data from National Center of Meteorology show a pattern of fog formation along coastal and inland plains

Sharjah Women’s Sports Club underlined their status as title contenders at the Arab Women Sports Tournament with a hard-fought victory over Al Wasl, prevailing in a charged all-Emirati encounter that set the tone for the volleyball competition at the eighth edition of the event. The result consolidated Sharjah’s position near the top of the standings and reinforced the growing depth of women’s volleyball across the UAE, where domestic clubs are increasingly matching continental benchmarks. The match, played in front of a

Dubai authorities have announced a series of temporary road closures to facilitate the UAE Tour Women cycling race, with restrictions scheduled on Friday afternoon across key corridors of the city. The Roads and Transport Authority said the measures are designed to ensure the safe passage of riders while minimising disruption to motorists, public transport users and businesses. According to the RTA, the race will run between 12.50pm and 4.30pm, during which rolling closures will be enforced along the race route. The

Dubai has unveiled plans to construct what officials describe as the world’s first villa assembled entirely by robots, marking a sharp acceleration in the city’s push to industrialise construction and reduce reliance on manual labour. The pilot project, scheduled to rise at Expo City Dubai, will test whether fully automated systems can deliver a complete residential unit from foundation to finish without on-site human builders. Authorities say robotic arms, autonomous vehicles and AI-guided systems will handle excavation, structural assembly, electrical and

Miral has confirmed plans to develop a Topgolf venue on Yas Island, adding another global leisure brand to Abu Dhabi’s flagship entertainment destination and reinforcing the emirate’s strategy of broadening year-round tourism beyond theme parks and seasonal events. The venue, to be known as Topgolf Yas Island, will be developed and operated by Miral under a licensing agreement with Topgolf International. It is expected to feature technology-enabled driving bays, food and beverage outlets, event spaces and coaching facilities, positioning it as

Souq Al Jubail welcomed more than 5.8 million shoppers during 2025, reinforcing its position as a central wholesale and retail marketplace and a critical node in Sharjah’s food supply chain. The footfall milestone reflects sustained demand across seafood, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetable categories, alongside complementary services that support traders, households and hospitality operators across the emirate. Located on the Sharjah waterfront, the souq operates as an integrated complex combining auction floors, temperature-controlled storage, logistics access and regulated trading spaces. Management

[caption id="attachment_112375" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Remember the moment, when you looked at photos online and tried to imagine how you could change your car. Then you ordered some parts and hoped you made the right call.[/caption] Many car modifications went wrong with that hope. Many drivers want a clearer plan before they spend money today. Shops also want fewer mix-ups when they order parts or start work. That’s why 3D tools are moving from “nice extra” to a normal part of the

Traffic across key commercial corridors in Dubai has slowed markedly as Gulfood 2026 opens its doors, prompting authorities to issue travel advisories and urging commuters to plan additional time for journeys near major exhibition hubs. The scale of the food and beverage show, running from January 26 to 30, has brought an exceptional influx of visitors, exhibitors and logistics traffic into the city during a working week already known for heavy movement. Organisers expect record attendance at the 30th edition of

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