January 30 to February 1
5 unmissable and new things to do in Dubai this weekend From sky-high brunches and rooftop sunsets to wellness resets, elevated dining and Wicked magic, these are the standout things to do in Dubai to book, see and experience this week. Join this beachfront wellness retreat in Dubai Image: Supplied On Saturday, January 31, Banyan Tree Dubai hosts the Samadhi Day Retreat, a one-day immersive wellness experience designed to help you reset and recharge by the sea. The day begins with a Vinyasa Flow and ice bath session, followed by breakfast at Tocha, full-day pool and beach access, and 20%
Read moreWhere to eat during MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants week in Abu Dhabi
Discover Abu Dhabi’s chef collaborations during MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants week, from Japanese-Jordanian omakase to Mediterranean menus Abu Dhabi is about to eat very, very well. The Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants returns to the capital this January and February, and it is bringing some serious culinary star power with it. Ahead of the MENA’S 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony on February 3, a week of dining events will roll out across the city, turning Abu Dhabi into a playground for food lovers who like their dinners memorable. From January 31 to February 5, expect collaborative menus, chef
Read morePrimark Dubai: first store opening date announced
The budget fashion store is making its long awaited Dubai debut in a matter of weeks Primark fans, get excited: the long-awaited Primark Dubai launch is finally here. Ok, well it’s still a few weeks away, but we do have the official opening dates. In a post shared on @primark.me the brand confirmed the first three locations – and they’re all important opening dates. The first Primark in Dubai will open at The Dubai Mall on March 26, marking the brands UAE debut. Thereafter, a further two stores will follow, with Primark opening at City Centre Mirdif in April and
Read moreDubai Marathon returns for its 25th year
Dubai Marathon celebrates 25 years with a sunrise race through the emirate’s most iconic landmarks One of the world’s fastest marathons is back. From PB-friendly roads to unbeatable city views, the Dubai Marathon returns before sunrise on February 1, 2026, when the city’s streets belong to runners. Car tyres give way to trainers and landmarks become markers as the Dubai Marathon celebrates its 25th edition. First staged in 1998, the race has grown into one of the region’s most established long-distance events, holding World Athletics Gold Label status and earning a global reputation for speed — all set against Dubai’s
Read moreAMARU gives a nightlife icon new purpose
Sponsored: Amaru, designed for long dinners and late nights Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene has a striking new addition. Amaru, a homegrown Latin American restaurant and bar, is now open at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, promising bold flavours, fiery cooking and high energy vibes. From the moment you arrive, Amaru feels like a journey rather than just a restaurant. The venue is made up of several connected spaces, each flowing naturally into the next, encouraging guests to explore as the evening unfolds. At the heart of it all is the main bar, designed as the central meeting point and the place
Read moreDubai is building the world’s first street lined with gold
If any city was going to build a street out of gold, it was always going to be Dubai The newly launched large-scale development designed to bring everything gold-related under one roof. A shiny new attraction The street will be built inside the Dubai Gold District and is expected to become a major draw. While full design details are still under wraps, the street will be developed in phases, with more information on its look and features to be revealed over time. Once complete, it’s tipped to be a new landmark in one of Dubai’s most historic trading areas. Why gold
Read moreDubai is building the world’s first street made of gold
If any city was going to build a street out of gold, it was always going to be Dubai The newly launched large-scale development designed to bring everything gold-related under one roof. A shiny new attraction The street will be built inside the Dubai Gold District and is expected to become a major draw. While full design details are still under wraps, the street will be developed in phases, with more information on its look and features to be revealed over time. Once complete, it’s tipped to be a new landmark in one of Dubai’s most historic trading areas. Why gold
Read moreMubadala Abu Dhabi Open is back this Saturday
Watch world-class tennis and enjoy a free family day out at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026 If your idea of a good day out involves elite sport, happy kids and plenty to do between matches, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026 is calling. The WTA 500 tournament returns to the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City from January 31 to February 7, and this year it leans hard into being one of the most family-friendly events on the Abu Dhabi calendar. Now in its fourth year, the tournament has become a highlight on the Women’s Tennis Association calendar.
Read moreSheikh Mohammed unveils Dhs100 billion DIFC expansion
The launch of the DIFC Zabeel District marks the largest expansion of a financial district in the region DIFC is set to undergo a huge transformation with the unveiling of DIFC Zabeel District, the second phase of the city’s financial centre. Launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on January 27, the Dhs100 billion project is the largest internal expansion of a financial centre in the region. Set to increase DIFC to a total built-up area of 17 million sq ft, DIFC Zabeel District looks to expand capacity to
Read moreLocation, Connectivity and Next Steps
There’s something enduringly romantic about the idea of rail travel. Getting your ticket punched and powering through grand panoramic vistas, the rhythmic sway of carriages gently rocking you towards your final destination. Maybe there’s ‘an incident’ and a moustached Belgian will have to eliminate potential culprits one-by-one, using wild leaps of deduction. It’s a first class way to travel, is what we’re saying, even if you’re in coach. And if you are curious about what the UAE’s own Etihad Rail project will mean for travel in the region *twiddles mustache*, you ‘ave come to ze right place. 3 of 12
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