There is something quietly magical about pulling off the E11 into Umm Al Quwain and swapping the desert highway for the sound of rushing water and kids’ laughter. Without the crowds and skyscraper drama of its big-city neighbours, Dreamland Aqua Park feels like a throwback to a classic beachside waterpark holiday – only with the bonus of very modern money-saving weekday offers. This is the place UAE residents whisper about when planning an easy, affordable escape: a full day

If you have ever wandered through Ras Al Khaimah’s fabled ghost village at Al Jazeera Al Hamra in daylight and felt a shiver of intrigue, this is your chance to experience it in a completely different light. This Friday, the abandoned fort at the heart of the historic village will glow with hundreds of candles as a live classical ensemble turns the once-defensive stronghold into the emirate’s most atmospheric open‑air concert hall. Set between coral-stone walls and under an i

Verdict: Casablanca Beach Club at Atlantis The Palm delivers on its hype as Dubai's premier seaside escape, blending luxury, flavor-packed dining, and vibrant energy into an unforgettable day out. The Good From the moment you step onto the soft sands of Palm Jumeirah, Casablanca Beach Club wraps you in a world of polished elegance inspired by the Paris-born fashion brand's French-Moroccan roots. The setting is pure Instagram magic: two sparkling pools flanked by ten private c

Verdict Buy. If you enjoy epic sci‑fi, big‑screen spectacle and the evolving saga of Pandora, Avatar: Fire and Ash is the premium holiday cinema outing in the UAE. Pass only if the franchise’s long runtimes and earnest environmental messaging have never worked for you; this third chapter doubles down on both. The Good Avatar: Fire and Ash arrives exactly as promised: a darker, more confrontational chapter that still finds room for awe. Cameron once again delivers a level of v

Imagine stepping out of your car into a sea of golden dunes, where the wind whispers secrets from 200,000 years ago. That's Al Faya for you, Sharjah's freshly minted UNESCO World Heritage site that's turning the emirate into a time-traveler's paradise. Tucked away near the rugged Faya mountains, this isn't your typical beach getaway or mall marathon; it's a portal to humanity's earliest days in the desert, where ancient nomads turned arid sands into home. As the only site fro

On weekend nights in Al Quoz, when most of the city is chasing skyline views and rooftop reservations, a quieter story unfolds between industrial facades and metal shutters. String lights flicker on over concrete courtyards, speakers hum to life, and a trickle of people turn down side streets more often used by delivery trucks than art lovers. By 9 pm, what looks like an ordinary warehouse block has softened into a kind of secret night garden, where food stalls, art installat

Festive Beachfront Bliss: Christmas Eve Dinner and Staycation at InterContinental Fujairah Resort Nestled along the pristine shores of Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah, InterContinental Fujairah Resort emerges as the ultimate festive haven this holiday season. Imagine trading the chill of winter for the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean, where turquoise waters meet snow-dusted palm trees and the air hums with holiday magic. For those seeking a beachfront staycation infused with Chris

Every winter, the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region turns into a glowing arena of roar, sand and starlight. The Liwa International Festival, set around the towering Tal Moreeb dune, brings together drifting engines, heritage tents, family funfairs and late-night skies you simply cannot see from the city. For three weeks, this remote corner of Abu Dhabi becomes the UAE’s ultimate winter escape for petrolheads, culture seekers and camping lovers. If you have ever want

There is a new kind of beach weekend quietly taking shape in Umm Al Quwain – and it has little to do with glossy resorts or choreographed brunches. Here, the coastline unravels into glassy creeks, salt-tolerant mangroves and sandy inlets that feel a world away from the city. It is the low-key, bring-your-own-cooler counterpart to the UAE’s big-name beach clubs – and it is fast becoming the off-duty choice for residents in the know. Less than an hour and a half from Dubai or A

If you think you know the UAE’s food festival scene, Ajman in December might just surprise you. Compact, coastal and quietly confident, the emirate is setting up one of the country’s most atmospheric winter experiences: the Ajman Food Festival 2025, a waterfront street food and live music celebration that turns cool evenings into a gourmet night-out by the sea. Running from 25 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the festival unfolds across Ajman’s Heritage District and its sceni

Dubai's skyline is no stranger to spectacle, but tomorrow night, the city transforms into the epicenter of pre-Christmas pandemonium with Misfits Boxing's 'The Fight Before Christmas' at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Headlined by controversial influencer Andrew Tate challenging reigning Misfits Heavyweight Champion Chase DeMoor, this event promises raw energy, influencer bravado, and knockout drama just days before the holidays. Whether you're a boxing purist, a Tate de

Ever caught yourself scrolling through Dubai's glittering skyline, wondering, 'Where on earth do normal people actually live without selling a kidney?' You're not alone. In a city where superyachts dock next to skyscrapers that pierce the clouds, the quest for affordable digs feels like hunting unicorns in the desert. But fear not, fellow mortals—2025 delivers hidden havens where you snag stunning spaces, parks, and perks without the billionaire budget. We're diving deep into

If you’ve watched that slow-motion snap of the Dubai chocolate bar oozing neon-green pistachio cream and thought, “I need that in my life immediately,” welcome to the club. Dubai has gone fully, unapologetically feral for pistachio. From karak lattes to gelato mountains, every café, bakery, and concept store seems to be painting the city green. So if you’re obsessed with the TikTok-famous pistachio bar, here are ten desserts that take the craze and crank it right up. 1. The O

Stuck in endless JVC jams again? Dubai's roads are buzzing, but locals have cracked the code with clever exits, backroad gems and peak-hour dodges. Here's how to slash your commute by 20 minutes – no fluff, just fixes. Smart Exits from JVC: Pick the Winner Jumeirah Village Circle is traffic central, but the right gate changes everything. Head to Downtown or DIFC? Take the Al Khail Road (E44) exit – it's your fastest bet. Sharjah or Abu Dhabi bound? Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed R

Is it even a Dubai weekday if you haven’t circled a block in JLT five times, cursed at a Nissan Sunny double‑parked across two bays, and prayed the RTA inspector’s car doesn’t roll by in the next three minutes? Dubai’s parking situation has gone from mild inconvenience to full Greek tragedy, and if you hang out on r/UAE long enough, you’ll see the same plot twist every day: no spaces, higher tariffs, and yet another surprise fine. Welcome to the golden age of rage parking, wh

Abu Dhabi has long been defined by its waterfront skyline, serene mangroves and polished cultural landmarks. Step just beyond the city, however, and another identity comes into focus: a vast desert playground that is quietly becoming one of the world’s most compelling stages for endurance adventures. Here, rolling dunes, remote valleys and historic oases are being woven into a year-round calendar of events that test stamina, skill and mental grit. For travellers, that means a

Arrival and First Bites: Embracing Emirati Roots Stepping off the plane into Dubai's shimmering heat, I had visions of haute couture and high-rises. But my 48-hour adventure pivoted to something far more grounding: the soul-stirring world of traditional Emirati food. Away from the fashion frenzy, Dubai revealed its culinary heritage, rooted in Bedouin traditions and spiced with Persian, Indian, and African influences. This port city's history as a trading hub has woven a tape

A New High Point in Dubai Marina Some city addresses feel destined to become part of a skyline’s story. Ciel Dubai Marina is one of them – a slender glass tower rising 377 metres above the water, now recognised as the tallest hotel-only building on the planet. With 82 floors and more than 1,000 rooms and suites, it is less a place to sleep and more a vertical resort stacked with views, dining and indulgent spaces. Set beside the yacht-lined promenade of Dubai Marina and withi

A New Kind of Abu Dhabi Event Across Abu Dhabi, the city’s biggest matches, concerts, and festivals are starting to feel a little different. Beyond the headliners and fireworks, there is a quieter shift underway: events are becoming places where residents and visitors can give back, volunteer, and connect with the social causes shaping the emirate’s future. At the heart of this evolution is the partnership between the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and Ethara, one

When winter arrives in the UAE, it is less about snowdrifts and more about golden sunsets, cool evenings and a calendar full of outdoor experiences. From desert foothills and rugged mountains to glittering waterfronts and theme-park thrills, the season transforms Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hatta and Yas Island into a string of destinations worth exploring in a single, thoughtfully planned itinerary. Abu Dhabi: Waterfront Evenings and Desert Calm Abu Dhabi’s winter charm lies in the co