Al Wathba Date Festival puts the spotlight on the UAE’s most iconic fruit with auctions, beauty contests and cooking battles The Al Wathba Date Festival returns this month, bringing farmers, food lovers and heritage fans back to the desert for ten days dedicated to the UAE’s most storied fruit. Now in its third edition, the festival runs from January 15 to 24, 2026, in the Al Wathba region of Abu Dhabi. It forms part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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And the Dubai Burger Championship crown goes to… From international ones to local favourites, Dubai’s burger scene just got a serious upgrade. Here’s who took home the crown. The Dubai Burger Championship ran from January 8 to 11, 2026, bringing some of the world’s most creative, juicy, and drool-worthy burgers right to Dubai’s Media City Ampitheatre. This four-day festival of flavour gathered the best local and international burger makers under one roof to compete and the public’s taste buds were the real winners. Visitors had the chance to try everything from sustainable gourmet creations to over-the-top viral sensations, all in

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The increase of two lanes to four is set to double capacity and ease traffic flow at one of the city’s key intersections If you’ve lived in Dubai for more than a week, you’re likely to have sat in Hessa Street traffic. But congestion on Hessa is set to be alleviated as the first phase of the Hessa Street development project is now open. In phase one, Hessa Street has been widened from two lanes to four in the direction from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road, doubling the capacity for those heading from Al Khail to SZR. In

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 Looking for things to do in Dubai this weekend? We’ve got you covered The first official week of the year is done, so it’s time to kick back and start the weekend the right way. From fun-filled events and live entertainment to great food, family-friendly plans and things to do outdoors, here are the best things to do in Dubai from Friday, January 9 to Sunday, January 11. Anirudh Ravichander brings his live show to Dubai Image: World Expo Dubai website After selling out arenas across the globe, acclaimed composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander is set to take over Dubai

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Need to use the Palm Monorail? The Palm Monorail has been temporarily taken out of operation, as confirmed in a story shared on the line’s official Instagram account, @palmmonorail. The suspension is due to ongoing maintenance works, and services will remain paused until further notice. In the update, the operator advised passengers that the monorail will not be running while maintenance is carried out, adding that updates will be shared once operations are ready to resume. With the monorail currently offline, commuters and visitors are encouraged to rely on taxis and buses to reach destinations across Palm Jumeirah. At present,

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Explore Emirati crafts, food, music, and culture at the Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi Step into Abu Dhabi’s past at the Al Hosn Festival, where Emirati traditions come alive at the city’s oldest fortress, Qasr Al Hosn. From January 17, the festival invites visitors to explore the heritage that still shapes life today. Walking through the festival, visitors can explore souks filled with traditional crafts, from weaving and pottery to intricate calligraphy. Children can join workshops designed to introduce them to cultural practices, while adults can watch live demonstrations and learn more about Emirati values and customs. Music and

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All the Abu Dhabi concerts and shows worth booking this January, from pop legends to family shows here’s the complete guide This is your all-access pass to the biggest gigs, must-see shows and performances worth planning your month around. From legendary voices and stadium singalongs to ballet, comedy and family favourites, Abu Dhabi concerts cover every mood this January. It’s all here in one place, from intimate stages to arena-sized nights. Here’s your guide to the Abu Dhabi concerts and live shows setting Abu Dhabi’s January off on a high note. Diana Ross and Seal – January 9 Image: supplied Two

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If Global Village hasn’t made it onto your plans yet this season, now’s the time to fix that Dubai’s much-loved outdoor attraction has confirmed that Season 30 will officially wrap up on May 10, 2026, giving visitors just a few more months to soak up everything before it closes for the summer. The destination will then return later in the year for Season 31 (dates still to be announced). And trust us, there’s plenty worth seeing before the gates close. What was new at Global Village this season? Season 30 has delivered some of the biggest updates yet, with fresh

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As an expat, when I’m looking for home comforts, I often find it in food and therefore I’m always searching for new places to visit when I’m missing home. I found this comfort in Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen. The spot Sitting pretty in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen is exactly where you want to be when you’re after relaxed vibes with a side of great views. Overlooking the waterways, with the Burj Al Arab peeking out in the background, it feels casual and welcoming, whether you’re popping in after a wander around the Souk or settling in for

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