Abu Dhabi has been ranked the happiest city in the world for 2025, according to the Time Out Index, which surveyed residents’ satisfaction with quality of life, community spirit, and personal fulfilment. Dubai ranked 16th among the top 20 happiest cities globally. Medellín, Cape Town, Mexico City, and Mumbai followed Abu Dhabi in the top […]
Car and motorcycle owners in Abu Dhabi with special number plates can now apply for newly designed ownership cards specifically for distinctive numbers. Announced by the Integrated Transport Centre, the cards feature modern designs and advanced technology to enhance user convenience and support digital transformation. Applications can be made at Customer Happiness Centres, with inquiries […]
Dubai authorities have seized 28 vehicles for multiple accumulated traffic violations, with some licences left unrenewed for years. Any vehicle with fines exceeding Dh6,000 faces impoundment. Earlier in 2025, 1,387 abandoned cars were impounded, and 6,187 warnings issued. Leaving dirty cars in public for long periods can result in a Dh500 fine and impoundment. Nationwide, […]
Dubai has announced that all visas issued from the emirate will feature the Global Village Season 30 logo, with arriving travellers also receiving an entry stamp bearing the same design. The initiative celebrates the 30th anniversary of the popular entertainment destination, which opens on October 15 at 6 p.m. The grand launch will include a […]
Dubai plans to cover 30% of the city with drone deliveries by 2026, expanding to 70% within five years. The initiative began in Dubai Silicon Oasis with six drones delivering medicines and parcels. The regulatory framework is fully established, and phase two will roll out before the Dubai Airshow 2025. The city is also preparing […]
Global Village in the UAE is set to launch its 30th season on October 15, offering visitors new attractions, immersive experiences, and upgraded facilities. Highlights include the Gardens of the World, a serene floral space for relaxation, and The Dragon Kingdom, an interactive adventure with 11 themed rooms. Wayfinding screens and S30 Passports enhance navigation […]
As flu season begins in the UAE, Dubai schools have issued guidelines urging parents to keep sick children at home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication. Vaccination is strongly recommended as the most effective protection against seasonal influenza. Schools emphasize preventive measures, including proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette, healthy nutrition, […]
UAE airports are pioneering a new era of travel where passengers can move from check-in to boarding using only facial recognition. Systems at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International and Dubai International’s Smart Corridor cut wait times to seconds, replacing passports and boarding passes. A SITA study shows nearly 80% of global travellers support digital passports, and […]
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced that updated excise tax rules on sugary drinks will take effect on January 1, 2026, in line with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards. The current flat 50 percent tax will be replaced with a tiered system, where drinks with higher sugar content will face higher taxes, while lower-sugar […]
Travel experts are urging UAE residents to book December holiday flights early, as fares are expected to rise 30–50% closer to peak travel dates like Eid Al Etihad, Christmas, and New Year. Routes such as Dubai–London could jump from Dh2,800 to over Dh4,000 by late November. Booking 6–8 weeks in advance ensures savings of 25–40%, […]