UAE News

UAE issues travel guidelines for Emiratis going to perform Umrah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has issued travel guidelines for Emiratis going to perform Umrah. Pilgrims have been urged to register on Nusuk, Saudi Arabia's electronic platform, to apply for Umrah permissions and check travel instructions if any. The app was launched in November 2022 to provide services to local an...

Khufu Pyramid Closed For Restoration Starting June

By Belal Nawar The Great Pyramid of Giza Facts - Khufu Pyramid History - Khufu Pyramid Facts The Khufu pyramid will be closed to visitors to undergo restoration and maintenance beginning in June, as decided by the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ Board of Directors. While the pyramid of Khufu will be closed, the Pyramid of Menkaure will be accessible from the inside so people can still visit the Great Pyramids of Giza. The decision comes as part...

The "world's longest" bus trip will take 56 days to cross Europe

Indian shipping company Adventures Overland is about to launch what is being touted as "the world's longest bus trip." Departing in August, the 56-day journey, available for up to 30 passengers, will travel through 22 countries, taking travelers from Turkey's largest city, through the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Western Europe, to the capital of the United Kingdom. A ferry crossing in the Gulf of Finland, a visit to the North Cape, the northernmost point of continental Europe, and a cruise along the Norwegian fjords. These are the highlights of the 12,000-kilometer journey.

Should Russia and Belarus participate in the 2024 Olympic Games?

Over 230,000 iftar meals distributed among visitors to Prophet's Mosque

Saudi Gazette reportMADINAH — More than 230,000 iftar meals have been distributed to the visitors of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.The Iftar meals included 87,805 meals served inside the Prophet's Mosque, and 142,351 meals served at its outdoor squares.The Director of the Department of Iftar Services for Fasting People at the Prophet’s Mosque, Walid Al-Jihani, has revealed that the number of iftar sofra inside the mosque is nearly 3,035, of...

The spectacular photos of the Ski Jumping World Cup

The countdown to the final weekend of the Ski Jumping World Cup has begun, with the traditional qualifying round being held on the ski jump Letalnica HS240 in Planica, Slovenia.

Magical places you should see once in your life

2023 Easter Jeep Safari Sees Electrified Cherokee Restomod Among 7 Concepts

An overlanding Grand Wagoneer, a Scrambler 392 Hemi, and a tricked-out Gladiator join several electrified Wrangler concepts at Moab.

20 things you probably didn't know about... Germany!

Ramadan and cultural activities, Iftars and more: How to spend your weekend in UAE

The country is abuzz with activity in the evenings throughout the Holy Month

China's "water tower" sees improving water conservation capacity

This photo taken on June 28, 2020 shows the Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration/Handout via Xinhua) XINING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Qinghai Province has seen an improving water conservation capacity thanks to continued efforts in ecological protection. Qinghai is home to the Sanjiangyuan area, known as China's "water tower," where the rivers of Yangtze,...

Traversing the Himalayas in search of the yeti

“Look at the footprints,” says Sonam, my guide in remote eastern Bhutan. “That’s the best way of working out if a yeti is following you,” he continues, with all the air of someone experienced in such matters. “If the yeti is following you, then the footprints will make it look like it’s running away from you. But, if it is running away from you, th...

Luxury RV Maker Bowlus Goes All-Electric

The company introduced its first electric camping trailer last year.

The best US National Parks with photos you won't believe!

Saudi bus crash: 18 Bangladeshis among 22 Umrah pilgrims killed in accident

Of the 47 passengers that were travelling on the bus, 35 were reportedly Bangladeshi migrant workers

Balearic-inspired beach club Tago Mago replaces Il Faro on The Palm

From the team behind Kyma and Twiggy, Tago Mago is now open… It was a sad day when beloved Italian restaurant Il Faro closed its doors. The breezy restaurant and bar, set across a two-storey lighthouse at Azure Residences, was a staple on the Palm’s dining circuit thanks to its stellar brunch and ladies’ night […]

Funny photos people have taken with statues

Restoring Ties & Boosting Tourism: Egypt To Grant Iranians Visas On Arrival In Sinai

By Belal Nawar According to Egyptian tourism ministry officials, Egypt will soon permit Iranian tourists traveling in tour groups to obtain visas upon arrival in the southern part of the Sinai peninsula. The country also aims to facilitate access to other regions of the nation in the future. Tourism Minister Ahmad Issa said that “we will evaluate the experience of their arrival in South Sinai as a first step, and building on that, we’ll...

Beirut's controversial $122m airport terminal deal cancelled after just three days

Just three days after the deal was announced, Lebanon's government on Thursday agreed to cancel a $122 million contract to build a new airport terminal following public outcry. “Although the project of constructing the new terminal for travellers is of great importance, in the wake of the legal controversy taking place in the country … I announce c...

When is Easter 2023 and why do Christians mark Good Friday?

With Easter Sunday around the corner, there is plenty to learn about the holiday celebrated by Christians around the world. While countries and churches have unique ways of commemorating the festival, for many, the celebrations extend beyond Easter Sunday and stretch to Pentecost Sunday. It's a time for family, remembrance and gift-giving, as well ...

British Airways launches visual guide for autism-friendly flying

British Airways has created a Visual Guide to Flying for customers with autism, making it the first airline in the UK to produce such a guide. Produced in partnership with Learning Rose — an organisation that develops support material for people with autism — it is endorsed by the National Autistic Society and is available to customers through the ...

11 cool things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: Mar 31 to Apr 2

Wishing you all the coolest of weekends… We like our weekends, like we like our coffee — chilled, strong and topped with plenty of FOAMO (fear of actually missing out). This our guide to your weekend. Friday, March 31 Chaps and chops Beard looking a bit weird? Quiff a bit squiffy? One of the region’s […]

Discovering Japan: the Nara deer park

What could be more pleasant and relaxing than strolling placidly through a public park surrounded by 1,200 deer in a state of semi-freedom? You will find this and much more in the deer park at Nara, one of the most famous and popular in Japan. Established in 1880, this park is a true oasis for deer, which were considered sacred in Japan until 1637, and still held in the highest esteem as a mythical and noble animal. The park is completely free and open every day of the year-a must-see for tourists who happen to be on this side of the Japanese island.

Etihad Airways, China Southern Airlines to explore greater cooperation following MoU signing

ABU DHABI, 30th March, 2023 (WAM) -- Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines are set to explore deeper and broader cooperation opportunities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience.Following Etihad’s move to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which is also China Southern Airlines' hub, the MoU provides scope for expansion of the current codeshare co-operation and...

Biden to pick Kurdish-American diplomat as ambassador to Egypt

US President Joe Biden intends to nominate Iraqi-born career diplomat Herro Mustafa Garg as the next ambassador to Egypt. Ms Mustafa Garg is a Middle East expert whose previous briefs covered Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan. If confirmed, she will succeed Jonathan Cohen as head of the large US diplomatic mission in Cairo. Mr Cohen left the Egyptian c...

Emirates and United activate codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity to the US

Emirates customers to have access to more than 150 US cities through Chicago, Houston and San Francisco

14 stunning facts about the war in Ukraine

Taunts, fouls and $250,000 in fines: Is there a point to Dillon Brooks, NBA's new bad boy?

From Titanic to Brokeback Mountain: the loveliest movie couples

$3.5 million plan to relocate Pablo Escobar's hippos moves forward

The fate of 70 hippos that bred from animals that belonged to Colombian drug baron Pablo Escobar was looking a little brighter on Thursday, with many of the animals due to be relocated to sanctuaries abroad. The problem authorities are still grappling with is the estimated $3.5 million cost of relocating the semi-aquatic mammals, which can live for...

Why Ramadan is just the ticket for Yas Island stay and play packages

Enjoy a free iftar… In case you’re uncertain about whether or not you’re a Yas Island vacation type of person, we’ve put together a Buzzfeed-style quiz that should be able to help. Do you like top drawer, great value hotels? Michelin Guide restaurants? How about the rib cage-rattling, pupil-dilating, adrenalin-spiking fandango of record-breaking rollercoasters? World class […]

Out of the box: some of the world's strangest and most unique hotels

Today, we bring you a selection of the world's strangest and most unusual hotels, where your experience is sure to be unforgettable.From dog-shaped hotels in the United States of America, where the corridors look like the belly of an animal, to hotels built entirely of ice, these hotels offer a one-of-a-kind experience.But it is not only the architecture that is extravagant: robots will welcome guests in some of these hotels, performing tasks such as checking in, assisting with luggage and even room service.Get ready to admire amazing structures and immerse yourself in a futuristic world where technology and creativity come together to create truly unique hotels.

South Africa welcomes 1st group of Chinese tourists since COVID-19 outbreak

A sky wheel is seen at sunset at V&A Waterfront, a popular beach-side tourism attraction, in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran) South Africa's tourism authority on Wednesday welcomed the first group of tourists from China since the outbreak of COVID-19. JOHANNESBURG, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's tourism authority on Wednesday welcomed the first group of tourists from China since the outbreak of COVID-19. A...

Want to learn how to sail? Check out these affordable lessons for beginners

A brilliant entry level, no-experience-needed sailing adventure aimed at teaching you the nuts and bolts of coastal sailing… There’s something liberating about the thought of learning how to sail in Dubai: Taking to the high seas with the wind whipping through your hair, the land at your back, and your (crew)mates frantically trying to remember […]

Dubai South hosts Emirati Human Resources Development Council Workshop

DUBAI, 30th March, 2023 (WAM) – Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development in Dubai, hosted an Emirati Human Resources Development Council Workshop in partnership with the Dubai Free Zones Council. The workshop was designed to brief Freezone companies in Dubai South on a specially designed programme by the Emirati Human Resources Development Council to strengthen partnerships, identify employment needs, and develop tailored...

More than 4,300 Indian women apply for Hajj without a male guardian

More than 4,300 Indian women pilgrims will perform Hajj without a "Mahram" male companion this year, the largest number since reforms were introduced last year. Saudi Arabia announced last October that women over 45 are no longer required to travel to the country to perform pilgrimage with a male guardian — a blood relative with whom marriage is no...

Pallas cat, one of the world's rarest and most fascinating felines

The Pallas cat, also known as Manul, is one of the rarest and most fascinating feline species on the planet. This animal is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and lives in hard-to-reach habitats. Despite its beauty and charm, the Pallas cat is endangered due to habitat loss and indiscriminate hunting. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this unique species, from its diet to its conservation status. Browse the photo gallery to learn more about this rare feline species and visit our portal to discover many interesting facts about the animal world.

Emirates airline boosts efforts to help passengers with disabilities

Emirates airline has trained tens of thousands of staff to help passengers with disabilities such as autism enjoy a stress-free journey. The Dubai-based carrier on Thursday announced it also implemented additional measures to help passengers during the flight. It comes ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In the UAE, people with autism a...

No more appointments: UAE residents can soon apply for Schengen visas online

Travelling to 27 EU countries likely to get hassle-free, and residents will not have to submit passports to agencies

Can you find the hidden objects in these pictures?

Take a close look at the following images. Can you spot the five objects hidden in each of these crowded scenes?

Looking At Utopic Arabia: The Account Capturing Dubai With CGI Magic

By Rana Attia The art of CGI has been reshaping the art industry in more ways than one. From creating future-esque cities, aging and de-aging in the entertainment industry to creating wanderlust pieces. In the Middle East, particularly, there have copious accounts on social media that are bringing that vision to life; making you feel like you’ve hopped on a plane the minute you’ve scrolled through their feed. But one account stood out to us,...

MoFAIC urges UAE citizens to follow travel instructions before travelling for Umrah

ABU DHABI, 30th March, 2023 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) highlighted the importance of prior planning before travelling to perform Umrah during the Holy Month of Ramadan, calling on UAE citizens to register on the "Nusuk" application to apply for Umrah permissions and view travel instructions.The Ministry also urged Emirati citizens wishing to travel to register on the “Tawajudi” app, as well as...

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Business Bay are now ready for buyers

Kappa Acca Real Estate LLC, a real estate development subsidiary of Khamas Group, has recently signed an agreement with Marriott International to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Business Bay to the country. Located in the Dubai Water Canal district, The Residences offer stunning views of the glittering Dubai skyline and are conveniently situated next to Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai International...

Win! A one-night stay at NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Brimming with energy and chic touches of local character, discover the newly opened NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Enjoy a one-night stay inclusive of dinner at Maiora, where an abundance of dishes from around the world are served and breakfast at Revo café, a chic urban hangout where chefs craft creative and healthy dishes. Terms […]

Umrah reservations for the last 10 days of Ramadan are now available

Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the opening of Umrah reservations for the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan.The reservations are available for Umrah through the Nusuk app, and Tawakkalna app, the ministry stated on its official Twitter account. Pilgrims must perform Umrah sticking to the time and date specified in the permit in the Nusuk app.

Spain hit by numerous fires, photos

In recent days Spain has been hit by numerous fires that have forced the evacuation of more than 1,500 people. More than 4,000 hectares of land have been affected by the flames. This year's fire season in Spain started early due to drought and high temperatures.

Royal Commission for AlUla Says Old Town's Artworks Being Studied

The Royal Commission for AlUla has announced that it started studying and reviewing artworks in the Old City, which was selected as one of the best tourist villages in the world for 2022. RCU said it is conducting a study and restoration work with a group of experts, intending to reveal the details and architecture of the town. Studies included the discovery of murals with geometric ornaments and other images highlighting various elements of...

More than 24,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff complete training on hidden disabilities ahead of World Autism Day

With concerted efforts to further enhance support services for travellers with hidden disabilities including Autism, Emirates has rolled out specialised training to more than 24,000 global cabin crew and ground staff, collaborated with Dubai Airport on a useful travel planner and autism friendly route to make the pre-boarding experience more seamless, and implemented additional thoughtful measures to ensure passenger comfort onboard. More than...

The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Nile River Cruise In Egypt

By Belal Nawar Just imagine yourself cruising through the Nile River, spending days between the country’s Ancient sights scattered around Luxor and Aswan. In Victorian times, a Nile cruise was one of the popular ways to see some of Egypt’s most outstanding Ancient temples. Currently, there are many agencies that offer these types of Nile cruises, allowing guests to take in the beauty of the Nile while enjoying picturesque views of Ancient...

The latest incredible feat of tightrope walker Philippe Petit at National Building Museum in Washington, photos

Philippe Petit, the world-famous French tightrope walker, performed during his show "Wonder on the Wire", at National Building Museum in Washington, U.S. Petit, best known for his walk among the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, performed on a wire, more than 15 meters high, above the Great Hall of the National Building Museum.