Author: Zaheer Ghazi

If you regularly commute between Dubai and Sharjah, there could be some welcome relief ahead. Sharjah’s Al Taawun Tunnel project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement around one of the busiest connections between the two emirates. The first phase of the project, including a 500-metre underground tunnel, is expected to open in November 2026, ahead of the next Sharjah International Book Fair. The project is designed to cut waiting times by up to 85%, while creating a more direct route between Al Taawun Street, Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai. Here’s what motorists need to know about the project, where…

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin Monday, February 8, based on current astronomical calculations. That’s the number residents and businesses alike should be working with, at least for now. Nothing’s official yet. It never is, this early. But the projections give a solid enough window to start planning around. Ramadan’s Expected Start Date The International Astronomical Centre has placed the Ramadan conjunction at Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 15:56 UTC. Crescent visibility gets assessed over the following two days, February 6 and February 7. Based on that calculation, the pre-calculated Hijri calendar lands on Monday, February 8 as the first…

Back-to-school season is almost here, which means Dubai’s roads are about to get much busier during the morning and afternoon rush. But parents and school staff navigating some of the city’s busiest school zones could have a smoother commute this year. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a series of road and traffic improvements around six school districts. The work took place during the summer break to minimise disruption when schools are in session. The upgrades cover Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City and Al Sufouh. They benefit more…

Dubai does luxury dining well. Everyone knows that. But sometimes all you actually want is a good croissant and a strong coffee. No tasting menu, no reservation drama, just butter and flour done right. Turns out, this city delivers on that front too, quietly, consistently, and with more range than you’d expect. How We Picked These These bakeries earned their spot through the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards, visited and tasted anonymously by our team. No sponsored placements, no favourites pulled from thin air. Just flaky croissants, solid bread, and the occasional showstopper dessert that made the cut on merit.…

Emirati Women’s Day falls on Friday, August 28, 2026, and venues across the UAE are marking the occasion with special dining experiences, limited-edition treats, cultural workshops and thoughtful gift ideas. From complimentary desserts and afternoon tea experiences in Dubai to an oud workshop and heritage-inspired celebrations in Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion. We’ve rounded up 10 Emirati Women’s Day offers and experiences across the UAE, including dates, prices, locations and booking details where available. Please note: Offers, prices and availability may change, so it’s best to check with the venue directly before visiting. 1.…

Four black points, wiped clean. Just for driving the way you should already be driving. The UAE’s Ministry of Interior is bringing back its “Day Without Accidents” campaign, and this year it’s tied directly to something every parent and commuter will notice, the first day back at school. Registration opens August 17. The actual campaign day lands on August 31, right as classrooms fill up and school traffic spikes across the country. Why Tie This To School Season? Makes sense when you think about it. August 31 marks the start of the new academic year, and that means more cars,…

Think of the music in a Dubai mall, a hotel lobby or your gym. Soon, businesses that play music commercially in the UAE will need to follow new licensing rules. But before you assume music is about to disappear from malls, hotels, restaurants and gyms across the country, that’s not quite what is happening. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is preparing to introduce a new licensing framework for businesses and organisations that use music publicly for commercial purposes. Fee collection should begin in December 2026. Establishments that want to keep using licensed music may then need the right…

The search for the next James Bond is entering one of its most closely watched stages, with Amazon MGM Studios continuing auditions for the actor who will inherit the iconic 007 role from Daniel Craig. After months of speculation, the studio has begun testing candidates, and recent reports suggest the casting process is becoming increasingly focused. While Amazon has not officially revealed a shortlist, several younger British and international actors have emerged as names to watch. The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are overseeing…

Ready for a night under the stars? One of the year’s most anticipated meteor showers is about to reach its peak, and skywatchers across the UAE have a particularly good reason to look up this August. The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of August 12–13, 2026, with the shower arriving under a New Moon. That means there will be very little moonlight competing with the meteors, creating excellent conditions for dark-sky viewing if the weather and visibility cooperate. The Perseids aren’t the only meteor shower active during the UAE summer. The Southern Delta Aquariids reached…

Losing your Emirates ID can be stressful, but replacing it is a straightforward process. Whether your card has been lost, stolen, damaged or needs to be replaced due to updated personal details, you can complete most of the application online through the UAEICP app or official ICP Smart Services. Since the Emirates ID is one of the UAE’s most important identification documents, it’s recommended to report the loss immediately and apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Here’s everything you need to know, including required documents, fees, the application process and how to track your new card. Note: Fees…