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The What's Hot in UAE guide

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi don't do things quietly. About this section

Dubai and Abu Dhabi don't do things quietly. Pacha, Ushuaia, and Ministry of Sound have all planted flags here. Arena concerts sell out within hours. The dining scene holds its own against any city in the world. What's Hot in UAE covers all of it — bars, clubs, beach clubs, rooftop venues, live music, comedy nights, brunches, and the events worth clearing your calendar for. Updated regularly by people who have actually been to these places, not summarised from a press release.

305 stories in this category
A woman wearing a white hat and backpack stands in front of a pool with fountains, overlooking a skyline of modern skyscrapers and palm trees.
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Free Things to Do in the UAE: Walks, Shows & Cost Traps

I would start with an Al Fahidi walk, the free viewing areas at Dubai Mall, or a beach stroll—not a paid attraction described as a free day out. There is plenty worth doing without an admission ticket. But the twenty places and ideas below are not twenty universally free experiences: some have paid elements, two…

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A woman relaxes in a bathtub inside a luxurious bathroom with a large aquarium window featuring rays and fish. A man in a white bathrobe stands nearby, holding a drink.
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20 Luxury Hotels in the UAE: My Picks, Trade-offs and Booking Checks

I would choose the kind of break first and the hotel second. The UAE’s luxury hotels offer wildly different experiences: a city base, a beach-led family holiday and a private-pool desert escape are not substitutes just because all three have impressive lobbies. These are 20 addresses worth understanding, with the trade-offs I would use to…

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A large crowd at a festival is enjoying a water spray show on a stage, with many people raising their hands and wearing colorful attire under a cloudy sky.
Events & Entertainment

Upcoming Music Festivals in the UAE

The UAE has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for live music, fusing luxury venues with diverse line-ups that rival London, Seoul, and Miami. From beachside EDM blowouts to orchestral performances at the Emirates Palace, the country’s 2024–2025 calendar is bursting with options. Upcoming Music Festivals in the UAE don’t just showcase…

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Two men wearing sunglasses, one in a colorful patterned jacket and the other in a bright green hooded jacket, standing under a blue sky with clouds and a yellow backdrop, with the text 'ARTBAT' across the image.
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ARTBAT Live at HIVE

ARTBAT, the dynamic Ukrainian DJ duo, takes the stage at HIVE on June 7th. Renowned for their mesmerizing soundscapes and powerful performances, ARTBAT will (as usual) deliver an unforgettable experience that will keep us dancing all night long. ARTBAT live at Hive will be awesome. Event Details: Who is ARTBAT? ARTBAT, the amalgamation of the…

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A person wearing a shiny blue jacket with the word 'Royals' printed in white, holding up a peace sign against a solid blue background.
Concerts

Macklemore to Rock the Coca-Cola Arena

Dubai is gearing up for a sensational night of music and energy as Grammy-winning superstar Macklemore is set to take the stage at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena on October 4th. The much-anticipated Macklemore Dubai Show promises to be a dynamic event. Known for his eclectic mix of hip-hop and pop, Macklemore’s performance will captivate fans…

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Building known as The Ushuaïa Tower adorned with large, colorful flower sculptures on its exterior walls against a blue sky backdrop.
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The Unexpected Al Marjan Island: Ibiza-Inspired Hotel Plans for the UAE

Ibiza’s appetite for big music, bold design and long days by the water is heading for Ras Al Khaimah. The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences brings that hotel-and-music idea to the UAE’s northern coast, with a rooftop infinity pool, beach club and entertainment woven into the plans. First associated with the Ushuaïa Unexpected…

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A crowded nightclub with vibrant orange and blue stage lights illuminating the space, set against a night city skyline in the background.
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No Such Thing as a ‘Best DJ’

The Best DJ Myth persists because taste, context, and culture shape what feels “best.” From radio’s pioneers to today’s festivals, DJing keeps evolving, and so do arguments about who the greatest is. Music history, technology, personal preference, and global culture all prove there is no such thing as a single “best DJ.” The Evolution of…

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Crowded outdoor nightclub scene with people dancing under colorful stage lights and palm trees.
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Best Nightclubs in the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi Guide

My UAE nightclub shortlist starts with the music and the room—not an old door price. A Meydan club session, a rooftop night and a theatrical dinner need different plans. Choose the named event and current address before settling the table. The scene changes quickly, and a familiar brand in an old hotel does not make…

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A beachfront resort with rows of sun loungers and umbrellas on a sandy beach, set against a backdrop of rocky hills and a clear blue sky.
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10 Things to Do in Fujairah: My Picks, Day Trips and Booking Checks

For a first Fujairah day trip, I would choose either the fort-and-museum pairing or Al Bidya Mosque followed by the Al Aqah coast. Book a sea activity or beach pass before the drive. Do not try to squeeze the city, a mountain hike, a protected reserve and a resort afternoon into one frantic day. Honestly,…

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