Breaking News
1 week ago
Travel searches have increased by over 40 per cent year-on-year for destinations trending on TikTok, according to new data from Expedia. The travel platform’s latest Air Hacks Report highlights five locations experiencing significant growth in search volume: Cape Town, South Africa (50 per cent increase); Tunis, Tunisia (65 per cent increase); Antalya, Turkey (45 per cent increase); Hanoi, Vietnam (40 per cent increase); and Malaga, Spain (40 per cent increase). Expedia has created a TikTok-inspired travel guide to help travellers convert “social media inspiration into actual trips,” the company stated in its announcement from Dubai. The guide promises “insider tips and booking hacks” alongside “exclusive recommendations” for each destination. “Turn those wanderlust vibes into reality with Expedia’s new TikTok-inspired travel guide,” the company’s statement reads. The report notes airfares have decreased 11 per cent year-on-year, with premium tickets down 2 per cent compared to 2023, creating what Expedia calls “an opportune time to ditch doomscrolling and start exploring.” TikTok’s hottest travel spots Each featured destination offers distinct experiences. Tunisia provides “affordability with convenience” at under six hours’ flight time from Dubai, while being “more budget-friendly than neighbouring destinations like Sicily and Greece.” Visitors can explore “the ancient ruins of Carthage, the historic Medina, […]
1 week ago
Dubai’s real estate market recorded substantial growth in the first quarter of 2025, with data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) showing a 29 per cent year-on-year increase in total sales value to AED114 billion. Sales volume rose by 23 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Property firm Allsopp & Allsopp reported even stronger figures, with a 58 per cent year-on-year increase in total sales transaction value for Q1 2025 and a 7 per cent rise in sales volume compared to Q4 2024. Dubai real estate growth “The 65 per cent year-on-year increase in villa and townhouse sales is a clear indication of strong investor confidence and a desire for long-term residential opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a strategic investment, this is the moment to take advantage of Dubai’s market,” Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp said. The rental market is showing signs of transformation amid the sales boom. The DLD reported an average sales price of AED2.7 million in Q1 2025, making homeownership increasingly accessible. This shift is reflected in a 9 per cent decline in rental contract renewals and a 19 per cent drop in new rental contracts. “While we don’t […]
1 week ago
The closing ceremony of the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup, held at Meydan Racecourse, set a new Guinness World Record for the largest flying LED screen formed by multirotor drones. The display used 5,983 drones and was witnessed by over 60,000 spectators. The show lasted around 20 minutes and included drone formations, lasers, lights and fireworks. It aimed to deliver a visual experience combining cultural themes and artistic presentations. Guinness World Record broken at Dubai World Cup closing ceremony The drones created 3D formations in the sky, including portraits of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Other formations included animated scenes of horses and the Dubai World Cup championship trophy. “Dubai Racing Club broke their own record attempted previously, with a total of 5,983 they have created the largest screen made of drones, with the ability to present videos and images, similar to a commercially available screen, this showcases the innovation and technology of drones,” Guinness World Records said. In 2023, the previous record was also set at the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony, using 4,000 drones. Also read: Watch: Dubai World Cup […]
1 week ago
A superb display of technological brilliance and artistry wowed a crowd of more than 65,000 during the closing ceremony of the Dubai World Cup 2025 at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday. Combining cutting-edge drone technology, lasers, lights, and an awe-inspiring fireworks display, the event set new benchmarks in visual entertainment, showcasing Dubai’s ability to push the boundaries of innovation. يا مرحبا بالخيل واللي مع الخيل أهل الشرف والمرجله والمعالي@RacingDubai pic.twitter.com/GAQEaewsrd — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 5, 2025 The nearly 20-minute show captivated the audience with breathtaking visuals, most notably the creation of the world’s largest flying LED screen formed by thousands of drones that created mammoth 3D sculptures in the sky. According to the Guinness World Records website, the largest flying LED screen formed by multirotor drones is 5,983 and was achieved by Dubai Racing Club on March 28, 2025. “Dubai Racing Club broke their own record attempted previously, with a total of 5,983 they have created the largest screen made of drones, with the ability to present videos and images, similar to a commercially available screen, this showcases the innovation and technology of drones. This was part of their closing ceremony of Dubai Racing festival,” Guinness stated. 3 […]
1 week ago
A two-year-old Pakistani boy drowned after falling into a bucket of water at his home in the Sedroh area of Old Ras Al Khaimah on Friday afternoon. The toddler, identified as Abdullah Mohammed Mohammed Ali, reportedly climbed into a bucket used for washing clothes and drowned. He was rushed to Saqr Government Hospital, where medical staff attempted CPR, but he could not be revived. Doctors said he had suffered brain damage.Police confirmed that the incident occurred in the family’s kitchen and ruled out foul play, calling it a tragic accident. The boy’s father, Mohammed Mohammed Ali, told Gulf News that the incident happened during Friday prayers. He was at the mosque, while his wife was occupied with preparing lunch and household chores. The child wandered into the kitchen, where the bucket was kept, and fell in unnoticed. Devastated by the loss, the father said the family—both in the UAE and in Pakistan—was heartbroken. Abdullah was the youngest of five siblings. The others include three boys aged 15, 12, and 10, and a seven-year-old girl. The child’s body was handed over to the family for burial. Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have urged parents to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure the […]
2 weeks ago
In its latest update on its official website, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) confirmed that the Wage Protection System (WPS) for domestic workers is the official electronic system adopted by the Ministry. It enables employers to pay the wages of their domestic workers through banks, exchange houses, and financial institutions approved and authorised by the Central Bank of the UAE to provide wage payment services. According to Article 15 of Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 concerning domestic workers, employers are required to pay the monthly wage in UAE dirhams within a period not exceeding 10 working days from the due date. Key benefits of the WPS: Methods of wage payment under the WPS: MOHRE has specified the available wage payment methods for domestic workers as follows: Documents for registration: The Ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring that all employers are aware of their obligation to register in the Wage Protection System and process domestic workers’ wages through the system. To that end, MOHRE sends regular notifications to employers as reminders. Administrative penalties are enforced against employers who fail to comply with Ministerial Resolution No. (675) of 2022 and Executive Regulation No. (106) of 2022, both of […]
2 weeks ago
Qatar’s ‘Hit Show’ triumphed in the 2025 Dubai World Cup’s main event at Meydan, the pinnacle of global horse racing. In the $12m Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup, Hit Show, owned by Wathnan Racing, ridden by Florent Geroux and trained by Brad Cox, prevailed over eight top competitors in 2.035 minutes, earning $6.96m with a 0.64-length victory. The American horse Mixto, owned by Calumet Farm, came in second place, ridden by jockey Frankie Dettori and trained by Doug O’Neill, and received a cash prize of $2.4m, while the Japanese horse Forever Young, owned by Susumu Fujita, came in third place, ridden by Ryusei Sakai and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, and collected $1.2m. The Saudi horse Walk of Stars, owned by Athbah Racing, came in fourth place Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Japan’s Danon Decile was crowned champion of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic race for purebred thoroughbreds of the first category. Ridden by Keita Tosaki, Danon Decile, owned by Danox Co. and trained by Shogo Yasuda, won the $6m Longines Dubai Sheema Classic over 2,410m, defeating eight other elite international horses. Danon Decile recorded a time of 2:27:05 minutes, to top the round and win the first-place prize of $3.48m. Dubai Turf Japan’s Soul […]
2 weeks ago
The UAE has maintained its rising performance in the global competitiveness race during the first quarter of 2025 by achieving advanced positions in many relevant international and regional indicators and reports. The achieved results signified the effectiveness and efficiency of the comprehensive development strategy pursued by the UAE, and the leadership of its experience in managing government work based on efficiency, proactive planning, and readiness to deal with various changes and challenges. The UAE has been ranked number one globally for the fourth consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for the year 2024-2025, surpassing many advanced economies. UAE competitiveness The UAE was also recognised as the world’s best destination for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among 56 economies surveyed in this year’s report. The UAE ranked first among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators, evaluating the institutional frameworks that support entrepreneurship, based on expert assessments. The country outperformed globally in areas including: The UAE has secured 10th place globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2025. The UAE’s Nation Brand also witnessed a significant increase in its value to $1.223tn dollars in 2025. The Global Soft Power Index, published by Brand Finance, evaluates 193 […]
2 weeks ago
The UAE has announced major new tax rules as it looks to lure investment and boost the economy. As part of its continuous efforts to enhance the investment environment in the UAE, the Ministry of Finance has announced the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 on Qualifying Investment Funds and Qualifying Limited Partnerships for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, which replaces the provisions of Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023. The new decision aims to attract more investments and promote the growth of the national economy. UAE tax rule changes Among the most significant provisions of the new decision is the introduction of a favourable tax treatment, ensuring that investors deriving income from a Qualifying Investment Fund will not be subject to UAE Corporate Tax on the income derived through the fund, provided that the real estate asset threshold (10 per cent) or the diversity of ownership conditions are not breached. Additionally, the new decision offers greater flexibility, granting QIFs a grace period even after the first two years of establishment. This grace period allows them to remedy any breaches of the diversity of ownership requirements, provided such breaches do not […]
2 weeks ago
Meydan Racecourse will host Saturday the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup 2025, with the participation of 102 horses from 13 countries, competing in nine races with a total prize pool of $30.5m, including $12m for the main ninth race, the Dubai World Cup. Meydan Racecourse opens its doors at 2.30pm, with the first race, the Group 1 “Dubai Kahayla Classic”, starting at 4.35pm, while the main race, the Dubai World Cup, will be held at 9.30pm. All eyes will be on the main race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), amid fierce competition between 11 elite thoroughbred horses (Group 1). Dubai World Cup 2025 The global elite is represented by the Japanese horse “Ushba Tesoro”, and the top contender “Forever Young”, the 2024 UAE Derby champion, and the 2025 Saudi Cup winner. Competing for the title are also Imperial Emperor, Walk of Stars, Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, Rattle N Roll, Mixto, El Maracolo, Katona, and Heat Show. The evening begins with the first race, the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for pure-bred Arabian horses, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), with a prize pool of $1m and the participation of 15 horses. The second race, the […]
Flip through our magazines online and read amazing content.
