Author: Monica Bonalto

Emirates Skywards is the free loyalty programme shared by Emirates and flydubai. Members earn two different balances: Skywards Miles, which can be spent on rewards, and Tier Miles, which determine Blue, Silver, Gold or Platinum status. You can earn through flights and partners, then redeem for Emirates, flydubai and partner-airline flights, upgrades, Cash+Miles and selected hotel, retail or lifestyle rewards. The programme has no single honest “AED value per Mile”. Value changes by route, cabin, date, reward availability, taxes and the redemption chosen. Check the live Emirates Miles Calculator and compare it with the cash price before transferring points or…

Hiking trails UAE easy access reward spontaneous adventurers with spectacular coastal boardwalks, dramatic mountain routes, and peaceful wadi walks. This comprehensive guide covers the UAE’s most accessible trails using recent local knowledge and insider tips. Every recommended route offers straightforward parking, clear waymarking, family-friendly gradients, and realistic timings perfect for cooler months. Hiking in the UAE can feel like a secret escape if you know where to go, and I’ve found the best ones are the short drives that don’t demand a full day commitment. There’s this trail near Hatta I keep returning to — barely 30 minutes from Dubai,…

For venue guides, nightlife spots and things to do beyond the concerts, check our full Abu Dhabi guide.

To check a UAE visa, use the authority that issued it—not the emirate where you happen to be standing. Use GDRFA Dubai for a Dubai-issued entry permit or residence file. Use ICP for visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah. Choose the inquiry that matches your question: an application-status check shows whether a pending request is progressing, while a file-validity check shows details for an issued entry permit or residence file. The official fields, links and contact numbers below were verified on 29 July 2026. Which UAE visa checker should you use?…

The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Dubai tickets are now officially available, marking the return of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries to the UAE. This iconic showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium promises to be a landmark moment in cricket history. With a capacity of 25,000, the stadium is expected to be at full capacity, with fans from across the world flying in to witness a battle that transcends sport. Tickets are available through PlatinumList, offering fans multiple ways to enjoy this unmissable event. General entry starts at AED 50 for Dubai-based group stage matches, and AED 40 for…

Are Delivery Apps Quietly Taxing You? Ask any regular Talabat, Deliveroo or Careem NOW user in Dubai to compare a receipt from a night out with a receipt from the same meal delivered, and the gap is usually bigger than they expect. The dish itself often costs the same. The final bill rarely does. Between delivery fees, service charges, small-basket surcharges and menu prices that quietly run higher on the app than in the restaurant, convenience in the UAE comes with a real, calculable premium. This isn’t a UAE-only phenomenon. Versions of this same complaint have gone viral on social…

How to get your Emirates ID faster is the goal for every resident in 2025. You want a clean plan. You want zero drama, and you want a card that arrives without delays. This guide gives you the steps that work right now. I tested each step against current rules and service updates. I also added the small moves that shave days off the wait. The fast answer: who truly gets 24 hours ICP runs an urgent track called Fawri. ICP issues cards in 24 hours through Fawri. Nationals and GCC nationals use it for first issue, renewal, and replacement.…

If you love house music that actually smiles back at you, this is your weekend sorted. Defected is rolling into Dubai with a lineup built for good-energy dancers: Purple Disco Machine headlines alongside DiOSA and Kori Hall. Sea breeze, skyline glow, disco glitter — job done. Purple Disco Machine Brings the Glitter to Dubai’s Bohemia Beach Club Defected at Bohemia — Purple Disco Machine, DiOSA & Kori HallSaturday 8 November • from 5pm • Bohemia Beach Club, FIVE Palm Jumeirah If you love house music that actually smiles back at you, this is your weekend sorted. Defected is rolling into…

Hugel Live at Pure Pacha is officially happening at FIVE Luxe JBR on Friday 14th November, bringing Ibiza’s legendary club brand and France’s hottest DJ to our doorstep. The producer behind “Morenita” and countless summer anthems transforms JBR into a Latin house paradise for one unforgettable night. This collaboration between Pure Pacha’s iconic cherry logo and Hugel’s infectious beats creates the kind of magic that turns ordinary Friday evenings into legendary stories. For Dubai’s party scene, Hugel Live at Pure Pacha represents a seismic shift towards sophisticated Latin house experiences. Why Hugel Makes Dubai Dance French producer Hugel crafted his…

Key Facts Headliner: Macy GrayVenue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, DubaiDate: 29 August 2025 — this event has already taken place The Macy Gray – On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour is set to light up Dubai in spectacular fashion, celebrating not just an album, but an enduring legacy. On 29 August 2025, Coca-Cola Arena will welcome the GRAMMY®-winning soul icon as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2025, marking 25 years since she redefined modern soul with her debut On How Life Is. Macy Gray live in Dubai is a winner in our books for a possible best concert of…