Starting from 17 November, residents and visitors to Barsha Heights, formerly known as Tecom, will have to pay for parking. The zone is now considered as zone “A” which, according to the parking system, will be chargeable at a fee of Dhs 4 per hour
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that parking will be free in all public spaces except multi-storey car parks on Sunday 18 November to mark Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday. Parking charges will resume as usual on Monday
The biggest music streaming subscription service in the world, Spotify, has officially launched in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Music lovers can listen to their favourite songs for free forever, or alternatively can upgrade to
The UAE Embassy in Jakarta has warned residents travelling to Thailand not to use E-cigarettes when in the country. A tweet from the UAE Embassy states that Thai authorities prohibit the possession and smoking of electronic cigarettes of all kinds
The curtains are up on the latest man-made island, as Bluewaters is now open to the public. The brand new location is expected to be one of the most buzzing destinations within Dubai featuring residences, hotels, restaurants and
The UAE has claimed the second spot of the worlds safest countries. Based on data from the World Economic Fund, the World Risk Report - major natural disaster statistics, the NHS Fit for Travel website - health risk statistics, and the Foreign
It is never a dull week in Dubai with lots of different things for everyone to get involved with and experience, meaning there really is no excuse for staying indoors. From art installations to science fairs, here's our
Celebrating its first birthday today, the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed over 1 million visitors in its first year since its opening on 11 November 2017, establishing it very quickly as a world leading cultural destination.
The UAE Passport has now jumped up yet another spot worldwide. Ranked as the 3rd best in the world, the UAE passport allows holders to enter 113 countries visa-free and 50 countries with visas issued on arrival. This leaves just 35 countries
One of Dubai’s most popular beachfront hotspots, JBR is hosting a second edition of its biggest event. #WOWJBR is returning, bigger and better. For 20 weeks, the event will host a number of live bands, parades, and roaming performers.
Last week, the first ever completely Emirati-made satellite, Khalifa Sat was launched. Taking off into space from Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan, the satellite’s purpose is to capture images of Earth from space. Khalifa Sat has now issued
We’re starting to think that Gordon Ramsay likes it here. The British chef is getting ready to open his second restaurant in the region, his famous Hell’s Kitchen. The restaurant will be located in Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
If you’re itching for the festive season and New Year’s Eve is your celebration of choice, you’re in great company. Dubai never does anything by halves so naturally, the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa are nothing short of epic
Today we see Emiratis and residents all over the UAE raising the flag to honour the country. National Flag Day is usually celebrated on 3 November, but this year it is celebrated on 1 November. The occasion is to mark the anniversary of
Hearts melted all over the UAE when a video posted by HRH Princess Haya bint Hussein went viral. The video features HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at an awards ceremony
As the first in the Arab region, Dubai is set to introduce a skin bank. Skin banks contain healthy skin that has been surgically removed and frozen for future use. It is one of the most valuable resources for skin grafting - particularly used
Global Village is back and better than ever! Our favourite multicultural festival park is reopening for its 23rd season. Global Village officially opens on Tuesday, 30 October, and will run for 159 days until 6 April 2019.
It certainly is getting a little cosy in here! Dubai Statistics Center (DSC) revealed yesterday that Dubai’s resident population grew by 232,400 to reach 3,136,400 at the end of the third quarter of 2018. The total population has experienced a growth
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially reached two million LinkedIn followers. His Highness is now the second most followed Global Political Leader and one
Dubai is getting a makeover! Brand Dubai and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have now launched the third phase of ‘Dubai Street Museum’ in the form of the Dubai Metro Murals Project. The project will see two international artists,
As Dubai residents, we have a habit of seeking out the extraordinary. To add to the list of epic things to do in the city, XDubai has now announced a new attraction - the XDubai Slingshot. Thrill seekers can experience an adrenaline-fuelled
As one of the largest malls in the world, Dubai Mall can hold a lot of people. What mall-goers frequently face, however, is a lack of parking spaces. The mall currently hold 9,500 parking spaces in its entirety and will now be getting an
Qasr Al Hosn is one of the oldest heritage sites in Abu Dhabi. It is made up of two iconic buildings, the Inner Fort, which was erected all the way back around 1795 and the Outer Palace, which was built in the 1940s. Not only is the building
The fitness challenge is back, and with it, the city goes wild with creative ways to respond to the call of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has just
Etihad Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) have signed a codeshare partnership agreement to provide their customers with seamless access to destinations in their respective networks. The partnership will bring convenience specially to
We have good news for tourists and visitors. The new Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme will come into effect on 18 November, allowing tourists to claim refunds for the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on their purchases made from 18 November
Dubai residents witnessed a spectacular event on Saturday evening to mark exactly 2 years to the day to the official start of Expo 2020. The event held at Downtown Dubai came to a close with a fantastic light show at The Dubai Fountain and on
It seems like yesterday when Dubai dwelled into celebrations as it won the bid to host Expo 2020. And today, we are just two years away from the actual event which is scheduled to start on 20 October, 2020 and will be held for nearly six months
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun fitting all its cabs with surveillance cameras. The initiative, dubbed Al Yamama Initiative, will help maintain Dubai as the smartest and happiest city in the world. This aim is to ensure the
The iconic wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which closed temporarily in May this year for a complete refurbishment, is set to reopen this weekend on Friday, 19 October. So what’s new? The hotel has undergone a modern makeover inspired by the sea
It’s probably not news to you that there are quite a lot of people living in Dubai. However, the actual figures are monumental. In a report this month, it has been estimated that there are approximately 3.1 million people living in the Emirate
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be displaying a model of a driverless taxi at the Gitex Technology Week that begins on Sunday, 14 October. The RTA will start the test run of the first driverless taxi, designed in partnership with Dubai
New Year's Eve celebrations in Downtown Dubai will once again feature a spectacular firework display on the iconic Burj Khalifa. Back by popular demand, the firework display on the world’s tallest building is part of the New Year’s Eve Gala
Emirates Airlines has confirmed on Sunday that it has already stopped taking bookings of some of its flights between April and May next year when Dubai International airport (DXB) will shut down the southern runway for upgrade works.
It was only two months ago that the summer shopping festival, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), came to an end and we already have another extravaganza to look forward to, as the dates of the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) have been confirmed
Being pregnant and delivering a baby has always been a special occasion in the Emirates, as it is worldwide. Starting from pregnancy the mother is encouraged to have rest and eat healthy foods whenever possible, even during the trying times
In honour of the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly referred as Mahatma (great soul) Gandhi, the iconic Burj Khalifa lit up with his pictures, some of his inspiring quotes and the tri-colour of the Indian flag in the
A new luxury beachfront neighbourhood project named Marsa Meydan has been unveiled at Cityscape Global. The new development will be located on Jebel Ali’s beachfront will feature four hotels, schools, community centres, cinemas, restaurants
August is always one of the busiest months at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and this year was no different. With 8.37 million passengers passing through the airport in August 2018, DXB has broken all its own previous records and all records
Emirates Airline has made its inflight entertainment system ‘ice’ even more exciting as customers can now choose from over 1,000 movies, in addition to 3,500 channels of on demand entertainment to pass their time on the flight.
Flydubai cargo division will now be offering live animal transport across its network. You can easily book a ticket for your pet on a Flydubai cargo flight which will follow IATA Live Animals Regulations ensuring animal safety.
The Emirati passport has been ranked as the eight most powerful passport in the world. The passport climbed up one spot in the global ranking of passports in a matter of just 15 days after the UAE government signed the visa-waiver agreement
Dubai is very well known for its reputation of surprising its residents and visitors, with new concepts consistently opening. The latest addition to the leisure scene is Dubai's first floating swimming pool, just 50 metres offshore in the
A video has gone viral depicting a female pilot from Dubai. The pilot is none other than Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum of Dubai’s ruling family, who can be seen addressing passengers via the aircraft’s speaker system.
Half of the iconic Burj Khalifa’s lights were switched off to show support for the United Nation’s campaign on gender equality, ‘HeForShe’. Visitors and residents in Downtown Dubai were surprised to see the top half of the world's tallest
Good news for disappointed fans of the beach club El Chiringuito, which closed down last week. A new beach club called Playa Nomade, is set to open in its place next month on Friday, 5 October at Rixos The Palm. As the weather starts
The nation’s resident animal whisperer, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has done it again. Yesterday, HH Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, posted a video to his social media
The Dubai Metro is introducing new members to its fleet. 50 new carriages will be added to the metro after its new design proved a success. The carriages were tested on a 500 metre track in Poland and went off without a hitch.
UAE retailers will now be subject to a VAT refund scheme for tourists. Following the introduction of the 5 per cent Value Added Tax on goods and services, retail outlets are being asked to sign up for an online scheme.
Abu Dhabi has officially been ranked as the safest city in the world. The data was gathered by ‘Numbeo,' a crowd-sourced global database of reported consumer prices, perceived crime rates, quality of health care and other statistics.
August month is recorded to be one of the busiest month of the year so far at Dubai International Airports with more than 3.8 million travellers using the facility. According to an official at General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners
A new VAT refund system for tourists will be implemented by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) from the beginning of November at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The FTA plans to gradually implement the scheme at 12 exit points in the UAE.
Wild Dubai, a Discovery Channel documentary is all set to reveal a different side to Dubai. The documentary will look into the less talked about side of Dubai- it’s wildlife, and is said to have explored how Dubai is a natural home
Are you over 18? Well, that’s all it takes to become a ‘Face of Expo 2020 Dubai.’ The House of Volunteers is looking for 30,000 volunteers to partake in the Expo 2020 experience. Candidates need only apply via the website: volunteers.ae and require
On the occasion of the Al Hajri New Year, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Presdient of the UAE, , the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force has sent out congratulatory messages to the Kings
Dubai Police always pulls out all the stops to help citizens. American tourist, Diane Marie Irwin had a nightmare of an experience when she lost her purse during her visit to the city - complete with all her travel documents!
It’s been an award-winning week for Emirates as they celebrated a double win at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards. The airline took home the awards for ‘Best Business Airline’ and ‘Best Airline – Long-Haul Holiday’. The winners were
The number 9 holds huge significance for The Dubai Metro. Although it was officially opened to the public on 10 September the first ride was on 9 September 2009 (9/9/09) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Hello comedy fans, we have got exciting news for you yet again. The award-winning celebrity comedian Trevor Noah is coming back to the UAE again for one night only. This time around, the South African comic will perform in Abu Dhabi at
Are you planning your child’s birthday party? We have got a special offer just for Connector’s readers. You can celebrate your little one’s birthday with 15 of their frends at Splash ‘n’ Party for just Dhs 99 per child. To take advantage of this
It has officially been announced that private sectors holidays next week will commence on Thursday. All private sector employees will have the day off on Thursday 13 September with work resuming on Sunday. If you work Saturdays
The UAE is a dream country for many to find a job and earn a tax-free salary. However one report has revealed that it is not only jobs that people are after in the country, the UAE now ranks in the top 10 countries globally for online searches of
Al Hijri New Year is expected to fall on Tuesday, 11 September. However, the government has announced that Tuesday will remain a normal working day, and the holiday for the Islamic New Year will fall on Thursday, 13 September for public sector
Dubai: Do you remember 30X30 fitness challenge from last year initiated by none other than Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. We all know how passionate Crown Prince is about fitness. Taking its passion to
The Emirati weddings for the Bedouin families were modest, yet generous gatherings popular with many. Guests were welcomed; many after traveling days - thus the standard three day of hosting turned into three days of parties.
A 45-year-old Lebanese national, Antoine Labaki, became a millionaire overnight after he was announced as the winner of the $1 million Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire jackpot on Tuesday. The winner has been buying the tickets for the past
Dubai Government has found out that most of the residency law violators seeking amnesty services entered the country on visit and tourist visas, and overstayed in the country violating the rules as they failed to find a job and did not have money
In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate all Emirati women. From doctors, pilots, CEOs and everything in between, Emirati women are pioneering the UAE’s evolution. Here are just some of those women whose
The summer is about to get over and with it starts peak season of tourism when people from across the world visit our city to admire its magnificent buildings, beaches, creeks, malls and a lot more as we have it all here.
Since opening in the 1960s, Dubai International Airport has welcomed a huge number of passengers. Just how huge is that number? 1 billion. DXB Airport is set to welcome its one billionth passenger this year - a huge milestone for one of the
After completing his third mountain climb this year, Ahmed Zein Al Yafei has flown the flag for the Year of Zayed. Al Yafei reached new heights by climbing the highest peak in Europe - Mount Elbrus. The airport security officer
The Dubai Police received an unexpected, but incredibly exciting, call during the Eid Al Adha break. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, called Dubai Police to wish them a “Blessed Eid".
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces spent Eid Al Adha with UAE President His Highess Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his French home.
For those of us who are back at work today, don’t be down! There’s more holidays just around the corner, if you’re feeling a bit “where did those three days go?” The below dates are subject to moon sighting and can alter closer
Emirates is introducing a new range of toys to entertain its little guests. The new list includes top favourites: Lewis the Lion, Peek U the Panda, Ernie the Penguin, and Savanna the Elephant. The new toys will be on board all flights and
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has just announced the private sector holidays for next week. Eid Al Adha will see that private sector employees will have Monday (20 August) - Wednesday (22 August) off for the celebration
Bound to cause some confusion on your travels, the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Metro station has a new name! The station will be renamed Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro station from 1 September.
Emirates has announced special fares to over 70 global destinations for a limited time only on bookings made by 20 August for travel between 1 September and 31 March next year. Offers include, Economy Class seats to Beirut
Public sector employees in the UAE will get a week-long holiday this Eid Al Adha, as announced by the UAE government. The holiday will begin on Sunday, 19 August and work will resume on Sunday, 26 August. So in effect, the public sector
The Perseid Meteor Shower will be visible from tonight until tomorrow (12 - 13 August) During its peak, there are likely to be between 50-100 meteors per hour, making the annual August Perseid Meteor Shower a highlight in the Northern Hemisphere.
Dubai does not do anything by halves and pushing the envelope is just part of everyday life. If you’ve lived in the region for a while, it’s perfectly natural to start taking some of its elaborate features for granted. In all honesty
Yesterday marked the 52nd anniversary of the start of Sheikh Zayed’s rule over Abu Dhabi. The founding father of the UAE assumed his role as leader of Abu Dhabi on 6 August, 1966 - making the date a very special one for residents and nationals alike
Social media can be a wonderful way of keeping up-to-date with friends and family all over the world. But, we’ve all heard the stories of what happens when the platforms are used wrongly. There are laws of social media use in the UAE
With temperature touching the high 40s, summer is taking its toll on everybody. However, the clock is ticking on hot and humid days as UAE astrologers have brought good news, predicting that the end of the super hot season is less than three weeks
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced its plans to launch a smart time management system at exhibitions, conferences and malls to reduce the times commuters spend in long queues waiting for taxis.
Russian tourists in the first half of this year increased by a staggerring 74% compared to last year which went towards Dubai's first half tourism numbers of 8.1 million international overnight tourists from January to June, representing
As of today, Emirates Skywards is flydubai’s official loyalty programme. Passengers can now earn points when they travel in the form of Skywards Miles and Tier Miles when travelling on either Emirates and flydubai. Members of flydubai’s
Though arranged marriages are still widely popular in the Emirates, many future couples handle the information gathering on a prospective life partner themselves, while they share their days at work or university.
Earlier this month, it was announced that The St. Regis, W Dubai Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai at Al Habtoor City will no longer be operated by Marriott. As today is the end of the contract between Marriott and Al Habtoor Group
Tourists who are planning to visit the UAE later this year can get the 5% tax paid on their shopping refunded at the airport. The UAE Cabinet has announced its plan to implement the value added tax (VAT) refund system for tourists.
In its latest stratgic move, fly Dubai, the low-cost airline, has announced its plan to move the operating base of 10 flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 from 2 December this year. The desitnations affected are fly Dubai’s flights
Five times a day can seem like a lot, but I will ask this in response; how many times a day do you take a little break, a re-direction, a moment of distance from the grind or wish you had one? As for Muslims, the required prayer in Islam is
You will see henna designs this month on the majority of Muslimas around Eid Al Fitr,.
The balance between being spoiled in a big, modern city like Dubai and then the discipline, modesty and submission found in a religion can be two directions some people have trouble connecting.
The camel, is still very precious to the Emirati, though mainly those of Bedouin heritage.
Let me set the scene: Water splashes just a bit outside the ghusul bowl of the Arabic coffee setting and yet another smart phone has been lost to the battle between technology and culture.
Are you dreaming to being transported to Bali, sipping a drink overlooking azure waters in a laid back setting? If yes, then the newly opened Azure Beach
At least 50 flights at Dubai International airport are delayed on Thursday morning. Thick fog in Dubai on Thursday morning has
Dubai Tour started this week and has taken over Dubai roads as cyclists give it their all in this huge competition. The Tour was granted a special visit
Next time you’re travelling, skip the line, and be sure to use the brand new smart gates now at arrivals in Dubai International Airport.
Did someone say free? That’s right! With flydubai airlines you’ll be able to get a ticket for your children without any extra expense.
In the Emirates, most Emirati men have just one wife, but roughly a quarter will be known for having a second wife.
Emirates and flydubai are currently offering customers a huge expanse of travel opportunities with codeshare flights in 2018
With the new year, most of us in the modern world are starting a new calendar; the Gregorian calendar, however, to Muslims, our new year was just a bit earlier
Dubai International Airport continues to experience an increase of travelers reaching 7 million in recent months.
An Emirates Airlines boarding pass can get you farther than just past your gate!
2 December is the National Day of the United Arab Emirates. It is the anniversary of the nation we know today being formed, uniting the seven separate sheikhdoms.
We get this question almost daily at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
The elderly Emirati are the heads of our households.
Hajj is the name of the major pilgrimage in Islam, and is the last of the five basic pillars of the faith.
Quick facts about the city.
A peek into the past.
Dubai has a hot desert climate.
The numbers you should know in case of an emergency.
Contact details for embassies and consulates in Dubai and the UAE.
Here are a few things you need to be aware of when in Dubai.
In respect of the city's culture and beliefs.
A handy list of phrases that will help you learn a new language.
The UAE won the right to host the World Expo in Dubai in 2020. This will be the first time that the World Expo has been staged in the Middle East.
The local currency in Dubai is the Emirati dirham which is pegged to the US dollar.
Acclaimed theatre director Franco Dragone is involved.
It will be located close to the iconic Burj Al Arab.
A peek inside the family-friendly destination set to open on Yas Island.
A new outdoor destination is set to open within months in Dubai’s outskirts - Dubai Safari.
MGM Resorts International, which operates hotel brands such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage, has been picked to run a new resort in Dubai.
Maryam Island tops Omran Properties’ projects as its largest in Sharjah.
Al Khan Village Resort is part of the reconstruction of the traditional Al Khan fishing village.
Kalba Waterfront Mall will be located at the centre of the development area in the Kalba Eco-tourism Project in Sharjah, UAE.
Dubai adds Meydan One Mall in shopping and entertainment destinations in Dubai, to be operational by 2020.
Donald Trump Jr has launched the new Trump International Golf Club at the Damac Hills project in Dubai.
The ultimate family-fun hotel will open at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park destination.
Bulgari Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Dubai-based real estate development company Meraas Holding for a new hotel in Dubai set to open in 2017.
The first round of formal sales of apartments at Dubai’s next prestige project, The Royal Atlantis Residences on the Palm, starts on Saturday 28th January.
Nakheel is investing Dhs 150 million to bring 105 km of bicycle tracks to its communities across Dubai, with all routes linked to the Government’s Cycling Master Plan.
Nakheel and Centara Hotels and Resorts signed a joint venture agreement to create a 550-room, Dhs 500 million beachfront resort with waterpark on Deira Islands in Dubai.
Dubai’s Ruler H.H. Sheikh Mohammed announced the development of ‘Dubai Harbour’, a unique new waterfront destination that will feature the region’s largest marina.
The Tower, located in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour, is a glittering new icon which will define Dubai’s skyline.
Located on the Bluewaters Island complex in Dubai Marina, the Dubai Eye will stand at 210m high (689 ft), overtaking the new High Roller in Las Vegas which stands at 167.6m (550 ft) and makes it the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
The Rosemont Hotel & Residences, ZAS Group's project, will be Sheikh Zayed Road's latest tower featuring a rainforest-like landscapre and an artificial beach along Al Thanyah First (Tecom) in Dubai.
Due for completion in 2020, Meydan One plans to break five world records, with the world’s longest indoor ski slope at 1.2km, the world’s largest dancing fountain at 420m, the world’s tallest
Set for completion in 2017, at a cost of $136 million, the Museum of the Future will serve as a facility for trend forecasters, innovators and those simply curious about what society will look like in the decades to come.
Due for completion in December 2015, the $43.5 million Dubai Frame project, situated in Zabeel Park, will allow panoramic views of both Old Dubai and New Dubai.
Inspired by tales of Aladdin and Sindbad and resembling Aladdin’s magical lamp, the development will be made up of three towers comprising a hotel and two commercial buildings.
The world’s first Bugatti-styled homes are being launched by luxury real estate developer, DAMAC Properties, during the Cityscape Global exhibition in Dubai
Stella Maris Tower aims to become one of the most successful waterfront developments in the city, offering residents a lifestyle unlike any other.
Dubai Properties (DP) has announced that it will unveil its new luxurious development, 1/JBR, at Cityscape Global 2015, which will be held 8-10 September 2015, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.