Author: Zaheer Ghazi

Dubai’s summer temperatures can make long walks and outdoor adventures challenging for pets, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to spend the entire season indoors at home. Across the city, several cafés, creative spaces and pet-friendly venues welcome four-legged visitors, giving both pets and owners a chance to enjoy a change of scenery while staying out of the midday heat. Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly brunch, a relaxing coffee break or a pet-focused hangout, these venues offer a great way to spend quality time with your furry companion this summer. Note: Pet policies, operating hours and menu offerings…

Looking to beat Dubai’s summer heat while giving your body a recovery boost? Ice baths and cold plunge therapy have become increasingly popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers, with many spas and recovery centres across Dubai now offering dedicated cold therapy experiences. Whether you’re recovering after an intense workout, looking to reduce muscle soreness or simply curious about the growing wellness trend, Dubai offers everything from traditional ice baths and snow rooms to whole-body cryotherapy and luxury cold plunge rituals. Here’s a guide to some of the best ice bath and cold therapy experiences in the city. Note:…

A new month brings a fresh set of changes across the UAE. From updated government services and seasonal initiatives to shopping festivals, transport updates and new regulations, August has plenty in store for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re planning to travel, renew official documents, take advantage of seasonal offers or simply stay informed, here’s a roundup of some of the biggest developments to watch this August. Note: Some dates, offers and announcements may be updated during the month. Residents are encouraged to check the relevant government authority or service provider for the latest information. 1. Dubai Summer Surprises Continues…

If you’ve been trying to figure out which grade your child should enter in Dubai, you’re not alone. The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) just released detailed placement guidelines for Dubai school admissions, and honestly, it’s some of the clearest guidance parents have gotten on this in a while. Age, previous school records, and individual learning needs all factor into where a child lands, from Pre-KG or FS1 all the way through Grade 9 or Year 10. The guide also tackles something a lot of parents have been asking about lately: how the revised admission age cut-off actually plays…

There’s a specific kind of quiet you only get on a Dubai cycling track before sunrise. Just wheels on tarmac. The desert still holding onto the night’s cool air. A skyline that hasn’t quite woken up yet. It’s a different city entirely from the one stuck in Sheikh Zayed Road traffic a few hours later. Cycling has genuinely taken off here over the past decade, helped along by dedicated tracks that keep riders completely separated from vehicle traffic. Some cost nothing beyond your bike and a water bottle. Others come with a small entry fee, and honestly, they earn it.…

Ask anyone who’s moved into a new apartment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. They’ll tell you about the exact moment reality hit. Usually it’s somewhere between signing the tenancy contract and opening that first DEWA bill. The UAE rental market is fairly upfront about headline rent. What doesn’t get the same spotlight are the costs sitting quietly around it. Some are mandatory. Some you’ll forget about until the invoice lands in your inbox. All of them are worth knowing before you sign anything. Here are nine costs that regularly catch new renters completely off guard. 1. The Security Deposit Most…

Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Qatar Grand Prix remain on the calendar. However, a final decision on whether they go ahead as planned should come by mid-September. The update comes as Formula 1 continues to monitor the security situation in the Middle East following the cancellation of this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Speaking about the season finale, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the sport is preparing for all possible scenarios, with safety remaining the top priority. Why Are the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races Under Review? Earlier…

Planning a holiday but worried about your pet? Whether you’re travelling for a few days or several weeks, making the right arrangements for your furry companion is just as important as booking your flights. From professional pet boarding facilities and in-home pet sitting to trusted friends and family, UAE pet owners have several options to ensure their pets remain safe, comfortable and well cared for while they’re away. Here’s everything you need to know before travelling. What Are Your Options for Pet Care While Travelling? The best choice depends on your pet’s personality, health, age and daily routine. Also Read:…

Your commute is about to change. Maybe for the better. Dubai’s Metro network is heading into its biggest expansion yet, and if you live anywhere near Dubai Creek Harbour, Mirdif, or Jumeirah Village Circle, you’re going to want to keep reading. Two new lines are coming. The Blue Line is expected to launch in 2029, followed by the Gold Line in 2032. Together, they add 29 stations across areas that, until now, have relied entirely on cars, taxis, or a long walk to the nearest existing station. Did your neighbourhood make the list? Let’s find out. Why This Expansion Actually…

One visa. Twelve months. As many Umrah trips as you can fit in. That’s the shift Saudi Arabia just made, and for pilgrims who’ve dreaded the paperwork cycle of applying fresh before every single trip, this changes things considerably. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah rolled out a new multiple-entry Umrah visa designed to make religious travel genuinely flexible. UAE residents included. No more starting from scratch each time you want to perform Umrah. Here’s everything you need to know before you book anything. What This Visa Actually Does? The new visa runs for 365 days from the date it’s…