Wed, September 9 2026

4 months ago

Oman Launches Dh5.3b Tourism Complex In Muscat Hills

Oman has signed an agreement to develop a major mountain tourism project in Muscat with investments estimated at around Dh5.3 billion (RO558 million), as the Sultanate continues efforts to expand its tourism sector and attract long-term investment. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed the deal for the integrated tourism complex “Rawasi”, which will be developed in the Jabal Bousher heights in Muscat Governorate, according to the Oman News Agency. The project will cover an area of nearly 993,000 square metres and is scheduled to be carried out over four phases across a 15-year period. Authorities said the development will include tourism, hospitality and residential components aimed at strengthening Muscat’s tourism infrastructure and supporting the growth of the local economy. The project is also expected to attract domestic and foreign investment as Oman continues to diversify its economy and position itself as a regional tourism destination. Located in the mountainous area of Jabal Bousher, the development is expected to combine residential and leisure facilities with hospitality offerings designed to capitalise on the area’s elevated terrain and natural landscape.

4 months ago

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum Named Among World’s Most Beautiful Museums For 2026

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum has landed on a prestigious global architecture list, earning recognition as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums for 2026 by Prix Versailles. The honour places the UAE’s national museum among just seven museums worldwide selected this year and makes it the only institution from the Middle East to feature on the list. Presented annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Prix Versailles celebrates standout architecture and design across sectors including museums, airports, hotels and campuses. The museum category, introduced in 2024, spotlights institutions that combine striking aesthetics with cultural impact, innovation and sustainability. For Abu Dhabi, the recognition is another major boost for the emirate’s growing cultural ambitions as Saadiyat Island continues to evolve into one of the region’s biggest arts and heritage hubs. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning British architect Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum is instantly recognisable for its five soaring steel towers inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight — a tribute to the UAE’s long-standing falconry traditions. The towers are not just symbolic. Rising 123 metres above Saadiyat Cultural District, they also function as thermal chimneys designed to naturally cool the building by regulating airflow, part of […]

4 months ago

UAE: Sharjah To Open Women-Only Beach Park In Dibba Al Hisn

Sharjah is set to inaugurate a women-only beach park in Dibba Al Hisn this week, the first in a series of dedicated coastal spaces designed to offer privacy and high-quality amenities for women across the emirate’s eastern region. The project, overseen by the Sharjah Public Works Department, covers a total area of 6,350 square metres and is part of a directive by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish three fully serviced ladies-only beaches, with similar developments underway in Kalba and Khorfakkan. Ali bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the department, said the initiative reaffirms Sharjah’s commitment to creating inclusive recreational environments tailored to community needs while respecting cultural considerations and enhancing quality of life. Al Suwaidi added that the Dibba Al Hisn beach has been developed as a “model project”, featuring a fully enclosed layout to ensure complete privacy. The site is surrounded by a three-metre-high perimeter fence and includes a 200-metre rock breakwater and protective barrier to shield the beach from external visibility and mitigate the impact of waves. The beachfront is supported by a two-wing facility that includes a fitness centre, a creative activity hall, a café, […]

6 months ago

Dubai Miracle Garden Brings Back Free Entry For UAE Families

Dubai Miracle Garden has resumed its complimentary entry offer for UAE resident families following the Eid Al Fitr break, allowing more visitors to plan outings before the end of the season. The popular attraction announced that families can enter for free by presenting a valid Emirates ID, with the offer running until March 31. However, the last free entry is at 6pm each day. Visitors are encouraged to use Gate 3, which has been designated as a dedicated access point for families availing the free entry offer, helping ease movement and reduce waiting times. The Dubai Miracle Garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm. Children aged 12 and below will continue to receive free entry for the rest of the season, regardless of residency status. “This initiative is designed to provide a relaxed, welcoming environment where families can explore the garden’s stunning floral displays at their own pace and comfort,” the popular attraction stated. For those not using the free entry offer, discounted resident tickets are available at Dh52.50, inclusive of VAT, upon showing a valid Emirates ID at Gates 1 and 2. Dubai Miracle Garden remains one of the UAE’s most visited outdoor attractions during the cooler months, […]

6 months ago

Aquarabia: Middle East’s Largest Water Park Opens Soft Launch in Qiddiya

 Aquarabia, the largest water park in the Middle East and the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, has welcomed in Qiddiya a select group of guests as part of its soft launch phase, which began on March 20. The trial phase offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to experience the destination for the first time and explore its innovative entertainment concepts. During the soft launch, Aquarabia is operating at full capacity, with all rides and attractions available, alongside fully managed queue systems and operational facilities, ensuring a comprehensive experience that reflects the park’s readiness. Visitors to Six Flags Qiddiya during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday will be automatically entered into a special draw to win exclusive preview access to Aquarabia, without the need for prior registration or additional fees, simply by visiting the park between March 20 and 28. Winners will gain early access to Aquarabia ahead of its public opening, placing them among the first to explore one of the world’s most prominent water parks. The soft launch marks a major step in the development of Qiddiya City’s entertainment ecosystem, complementing Six Flags Qiddiya, which welcomed its first visitors in December 2025. The official opening date and full ticket details […]

6 months ago

Bahraini Rapper Flipperachi Cancels India Shows Amid Middle East Tensions

Bahraini rapper Flipperachi has cancelled his scheduled performances in India due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and Bahrain, organisers confirmed. The artist had been set to make his India debut with a concert in Mumbai on March 13. The event, organised by Eva Live and Zee Live, was scheduled to take place at Phoenix Marketcity as part of his growing international tour. Flipperachi gained popularity in India after his track FA9LA featured in the spy film Dhurandhar. Organisers also confirmed that the rapper will not perform at the UN40 Festival, scheduled for March 14 and 15. In a statement shared online, the event organisers said Flipperachi would be unable to travel because of the current regional situation. They added that although the artist will be missed from the lineup, the festival will continue with other performances and planned experiences.

6 months ago

Global Village, Ain Dubai And Dubai Parks And Resorts To Remain Closed

Several major Dubai attractions will remain closed on March 9 as a precautionary safety measure in line with official guidance amid ongoing regional developments. In separate announcements, Global Village, Ain Dubai and Dubai Parks and Resorts confirmed that operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Organisers said the decision follows official guidance and comes as authorities continue to monitor the situation. Global Village closed until further notice Global Village announced that it will remain closed until further notice as a precautionary safety measure. Visitors have been advised to check the attraction’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates, including information on when it will reopen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Global Village القرية العالمية (@globalvillageuae) Ain Dubai temporarily closed Ain Dubai also confirmed a temporary closure as part of the precautionary measures. Guests with existing bookings or tickets are encouraged to check the official website for updates before planning their visit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ain Dubai (@aindxbofficial) Dubai Parks and Resorts closed today Dubai Parks and Resorts said its parks are currently closed as a precautionary measure following official guidance. Visitors […]

6 months ago

Saudi Entertainment Expo Returns To Riyadh For Eighth Year

The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo returns for its eighth year from May 19 to 21, bringing together top brands and underscoring the rapid transformation of the Kingdom’s cultural economy under Vision 2030. The SEA Expo, Saudi Light and Sound Expo, and the newly launched Middle East Museums and Heritage Expo, will take place together at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. A total of 500 exhibitors and 23,000 industry professionals will participate, according to organizers dmg events. Sarkis Kahwajian, associate vice president – entertainment portfolio at dmg events, said that bringing all the main exhibitors back “reflects the scale and maturity of the sectors being built in Saudi Arabia today.” “From entertainment destinations and live events to museums and heritage projects, the Kingdom is increasingly recognized as a global meeting point for these industries,” Kahwajian added. He said the gathering reflects the scale of opportunity as ongoing developments, heritage developments and live event programming drive demand across the Kingdom. The cultural sector is targeted to contribute 3 percent to the country’s gross domestic product by 2030 and create 346,000 jobs, Kahwajian added. Visits to entertainment events in Saudi Arabia reached 76.9 million in 2024, representing 6.8 percent annual growth. […]

6 months ago

Bahrain Prepares For ‘Best Of Happiness’ Gargee’an Bus Tour

The Ministry of Youth Affairs is set to launch the latest edition of its annual event, “Best of Happiness”, in collaboration with Gator Bahrain, on the evening of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, celebrating the traditional Gargee’an night with lively heritage-themed festivities and a renewed community spirit. This year’s edition comes with a fresh twist: a bus will tour all regions of the Kingdom of Bahrain in a single day. The journey starts in Muharraq Governorate, passes through the Capital and Northern Governorates, and concludes in the Southern Governorate, bringing the joy of Gargee’an to as many children and families as possible. Volunteers will accompany the bus, distributing Gargee’an treats and gifts in an atmosphere that reflects generosity and community solidarity. “Best of Happiness” holds a special place among children and youth, offering surprises, unique gifts, and a festive experience that blends tradition with modernity. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, in partnership with Gator Bahrain, aims to create an exceptional experience that connects younger generations to Bahrain’s cultural heritage and revives traditional customs in a contemporary way that resonates with today’s youth. To ensure smooth and well-organized celebrations, the Ministry has coordinated with relevant government entities. The initiative […]

6 months ago

Bahrain: Heritage Village Evenings Are Back This Ramadan

The Ministry of Information is bringing the magic of Heritage Village Evenings back this Ramadan with the festival’s second edition in 2026. This year, the celebrations will highlight Gerga’oon, an ancient Bahraini tradition, offering families and visitors a lively mix of cultural, heritage, and entertainment activities. For four nights, from Tuesday, March 3 to Friday, March 6, 2026, the Heritage Village will open daily from 9 pm to 1 am. Guests can explore village houses, enjoy Gerga’oon sweets, watch folk art performances, and take part in children’s activities, creating a rich cultural experience. Adding to the excitement, Baba Yassin, a beloved children’s character, will host interactive shows, while the festival’s highlights will also be featured on Bahrain TV’s Al-Sariya program. A carnival area with games and entertainment for all ages, along with restaurants and cafes serving traditional Ramadan foods and drinks, will add to the festive atmosphere. Over the years, the Heritage Village has become a popular cultural destination, attracting thousands of visitors to its festivals. Beyond Ramadan, it recently hosted the 5th Ayyad Bahrain festival in December 2025, celebrating national day, featuring music, heritage performances, craft workshops, and a traditional market. With Heritage Village Evenings, the Ministry hopes to […]

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