Inside The House of Aphrodite – Ploom and Zenon’s immersive NYE takeover
Sponsored: A one-night-only collision of music, dining and digital art, The House of Aphrodite saw Ploom and Zenon deliver one of Dubai’s most polished New Year’s Eve parties… On December 31, Zenon pressed pause on business as usual. In its place came The House of Aphrodite, a New Year’s Eve takeover powered by premium lifestyle brand Ploom that turned the Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai venue into a slick, design-led celebration to ring in 2026. The event transformed Zenon through a blend of lighting, visuals and immersive storytelling inspired by Greek mythology, but with a modern, tech-forward edge. Rather than leaning into theatrics for
Read moreTikTok star Crazy Auntie Ann to perform in Dubai this month
She’s swapping TikTok and her kitchen for the chance to DJ in Dubai Dubai is known for attracting some incredible performers and recognisable faces and there’s a new star on her way to DJ in Dubai this January. Coming to Barasti Beach is TikTok star Crazy Auntie Ann, as she swaps here kitchen for the stage and makes her first international debut. On January 9, the star will DJ on the Barasti stage and it’s free entry for those who want to attend. Her Dubai performance promises the unmistakable mix she’s known for online: classic house favourites, lively crowd momentum,
Read more15 Dubai trends everyone will be obsessed with in 2026
Dubai trends to watch as the city welcomes 2026 By the end of 2025, we’d collectively lived through matcha in everything, a pistachio-chocolate phase, Pilates becoming a personality trait, and a few love-hate relationships with whatever trend came next. Heading into 2026, Dubai is doing what it always does best – staying one step ahead in lifestyle, wellness, food, and real estate. Here are the Dubai trends you’ll be spotting across the city this year. Food If 2025 tasted of matcha – finding its way into puddings, cakes, coffees, and causing both love and eye-rolls – 2026 is taking a
Read moreThe biggest sporting events in the UAE in 2026
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a premier women’s professional tennis tournament held in the capital, attracting top WTA players from around the world. Beyond the on-court action, the tournament offers fans a full sporting experience with fan zones, interactive activities, and exclusive hospitality, cementing its place as a highlight on the international tennis calendar and a celebration of world-class sport in the UAE. The field is shaping up with defending champion Belinda Bencic returning to chase another title alongside rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala, one of Asia’s most exciting young talents confirmed to compete. Tickets can be purchased here.
Read moreTaqa and Ewec finalise $1bn financing for Al-Dhafra gas plant
Al-Dhafra open-cycle gas turbine plant will deliver 1GW in capacity to power AI data centres Subscribe to read the full article Become a MEED subscriber for unlimited access to: Exclusive news, comment and analysis on the MENA region An unrivalled 20-year old archive Exclusive announcements on project news, bids, awards and updates The latest Industry data and competitor insights SUBSCRIBE To MEED REGISTER to unlock sample content Source link
Read moreThe Dubai trends everyone will be obsessed with in 2026
Dubai trends to watch as the city welcomes 2026 By the end of 2025, we’d collectively lived through matcha in everything, a pistachio-chocolate phase, Pilates becoming a personality trait, and a few love-hate relationships with whatever trend came next. Heading into 2026, Dubai is doing what it always does best – staying one step ahead in lifestyle, wellness, food, and real estate. Here are the Dubai trends you’ll be spotting across the city this year. Food If 2025 tasted of matcha – finding its way into puddings, cakes, coffees, and causing both love and eye-rolls – 2026 is taking a
Read moreLooking for free family events? Sunday Funday is back at Yas Bay
Yas Bay hosts free family events every Sunday with music bingo, games and prizes The first Sunday of the new year deserves better than scrolling on the couch. Free family events and Yas Bay Waterfront agrees. This January, it is bringing back Sunday Funday, and it is exactly the kind of low effort, high reward plan parents love and kids actually get excited about. Set against the water at Etihad Arena Plaza, Sunday Funday turns the late afternoon into a playful, slightly chaotic, very joyful family hangout. There will be music bingo, games and dancing. Abu Dhabi favourites Dylan and
Read moreThis cool winter pop-up returns with a futuristic glow-up
Street food, emerging designers, live beats and immersive experiences Love the foodie pop-ups in Dubai? Everyone’s favourite e& MOTB (Market Outside The Box) has returned for a new edition running for a limited time only until January 11, 2026. The experience is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The 13th edition is taking place at the iconic Dubai Design District (d3) Waterfront with a redesigned layout, immersive futuristic activations, food and beverage offerings, shopping opportunities, and plenty of fun entertainment. The best news? It’s free entry. Here’s everything you need to know about e& MOTB Dining and retail As with
Read moreJetour leads the desert experience at Liwa International Festival
Sponsored: An edition packed with thrilling adventures, timeless traditions and activities for all ages in the heart of the desert Liwa Festival is one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual events, known for blending adrenaline, culture, and family-friendly fun. Each year, it draws thousands of visitors seeking a unique mix of heritage, motorsport, and entertainment, all set against the golden dunes of Al Dhafra. This year, the festival delivered an exceptional programme of cultural showcases, high-energy competitions, nightly performances, and family-friendly attractions, celebrating the UAE’s deep connection to its desert traditions. And Jetour was front and centre of the action
Read moreSpa review: The Spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The Spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a decadent escape that leaves skin glowing and the mind blissfully quiet in a truly iconic setting A spa day seems like an ideal way to start a new year and The Spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the place to be. The Emirates Palace is woven into the fabric of Abu Dhabi. Grand, unmistakable and quietly confident, it has hosted presidents, royalty and milestone moments for years. If Abu Dhabi had a crown jewel, it would be the Emirates Palace. Dripping in gold and grandeur, it’s where luxury is a way
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