Inside our Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island staycation
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island proves luxury and conservation can coexist, with villas beside the sea and wildlife roaming the savannah The stay The journey begins at Jebel Dhanna Ferry Terminal, where a 30-minute boat ride carries you across to Sir Bani Yas Island. We left just before sunset, the mainland shrinking behind us, the sky turning syrupy gold. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island is a 30-minute ride away, but it feels further. The kind of further that resets your breathing. We split our weekend between Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort and Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort. One on the
Read moreNovikov Abu Dhabi: Mediterranean glamour with a must-try dessert
Novikov Abu Dhabi: A stylish Al Maryah restaurant serving fresh starters, comforting pasta and a chocolate fondant that steals show The Spot Image supplied Novikov Abu Dhabi sits right in the heart of ADGM, all polished floors and low lighting, with a terrace that looks out over Al Maryah’s glossy skyline. It feels grown up but not stiff. The kind of place where you could celebrate a deal, a birthday, or just the fact that it’s Thursday. Inside, the energy shifts as the night goes on. Early evening is all clinking glasses and quiet conversations. Later, the bar warms up,
Read moreActs of unity across Dubai
Across Dubai, acts of kindness and solidarity are everywhere. From businesses offering free services, restaurants serving free meals to wellness communities offering free sessions, these efforts showcase the resilience, generosity and unity that help define this nation’s community spirit. F&B Kind Pickl Homegrown business Pickl is known for its delicious burgers and bites. To lend a hand during challenging times, the popular homegrown burger brand invited its followers on social media to tag another local business so they could surprise them with some of their famous burgers. Their post states, ‘If you own a business in the UAE or know
Read moreUAE schools to extend distance learning for another two weeks
It was officially announced by the UAE Government Media Office The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council has announced the continuation of distance learning in schools and higher education institutions at the start of the third academic term. The announcement was made by the UAE Government Media Office on March 17, 2026. The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council announces the continuation of distance learning in schools and higher education institutions, as well as flexible remote work arrangements for caregivers among federal government employees. Any updates will be… pic.twitter.com/8c2tfjV7GD — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) March 16, 2026 It also announced
Read moreMohammed Bin Rashid Issues Law On Dubai Police Academy #Dubai
In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (7) of 2026 on Dubai Police Academy. The Law defines the Academy as a centre of excellence for policing, legal, and security education, with the objective of providing highly qualified personnel to police forces, security, and military entities. According to the Law, the Dubai Police Academy aims to provide high-quality, innovative education, support research and continuous development, and promote military discipline, accountability, and institutional
Read more30 brilliant UAE staycation deals to book right now
Discover wallet-friendly stays to suit all staycation styles If you’re looking for a reset closer to home, there are some brilliant UAE staycation deals taking places across the emirates. From beachfront retreats to off-grid escapes, here are 30 fantastic staycation deals in the UAE to take advantage of right now. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira At one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, UAE residents can stay, dine and relax with rates from Dhs1,320. That includes an overnight stay in one of the gorgeous guest rooms with up to 20% off, a delicious breakfast at The Bay, plus a relaxed late check-out, subject
Read moreUAE Ministry Of Finance Launches Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 Under The Theme ’Investing In People, Securing The Future’ #Dubai
The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme ‘Investing in People, Securing the Future’. The yearbook presents a human-centred vision that places individuals at the heart of development planning, reaffirming the strength of the UAE’s financial system and its continued ability to support national development efficiently despite global changes. The yearbook reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening financial transparency and inclusivity while highlighting the close integration between financial planning and the UAE’s national strategic priorities. It also outlines government spending tracks that prioritise people,
Read moreThings to do in Dubai over Eid Al Fitr 2026
The UAE will enjoy an Eid break from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, giving residents a four-day weekend. If you haven’t started planning yet, here’s a guide to help. And for the days you’d rather stay at home, we’ve included plenty of options for that, too. Alserkal Avenue is a haven for art lovers, home to many art galleries showcasing contemporary art. You can visit for the cool vibes alone, and for a fee, there’s Cinema Akil showcasing foreign films and The Junction, where theatre fans get together to watch plays put together by local actors. The
Read moreRTA announces free parking in Dubai for Eid Al Fitr 2026
The Roads and Transport Authority has also confirmed the adjusted timings for Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram There’s going to be three days of free parking in Dubai for Eid Al Fitr, authorities have announced. Ahead of the UAE long weekend, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that parking across the city will be free from Thursday March 19 until Saturday March 21. As per Gulf News, all public parking will be free from the first day of Eid, until the third day of Eid, except for multi-storey parking lots. Regular charges will resume from Sunday March 22.
Read moreDubai beaches are getting aquatic rescue robots
Dubai is taking beach safety to the next level with the rollout of a new beach safety system Dubai Municipality has announced the rollout of a new technology-driven safety system across its public beaches, combining advanced aquatic rescue robots with aerial water-rescue drones. At the heart of the system is a next-generation aquatic rescue robot designed to support lifeguard teams during emergencies. The remote-controlled device can travel at speeds up to five times faster than a lifeguard swimming to a rescue, and can operate within a one-kilometre line of sight. Built to perform even in challenging sea conditions, the robot
Read more
