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The What's Hot in UAE guide

Living in the UAE

The practical side of life in the UAE, covered properly. About this section

The practical side of life in the UAE, covered properly. Visas, housing, transport, utilities, public holidays, banking, and the everyday questions that residents actually need answered — written clearly, updated when the rules change. Whether you just landed or you've been here for years and something has shifted, this is the section that cuts through the confusion and gives you what you need to know. Essential UAE Guides Practical, in-depth guides for living, working and getting around the Emirates: Nol Card Guide: Types, Top-Up, Balance Check, Renewal and More Dubai Metro Blue Line: 14 New Stations Revealed – Launching 2029 Etihad Rail Full List Of Stations Emirates First Class A380 2026 Ticket Prices Explained UAE Salary Protection Insurance: The Expat's Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience Why the UAE Has Become One of the World's Best Places to Buy Bitcoin From Classrooms to Crypto: How UAE Schools are Teaching AI and Bitcoin for Global Leadership The Luxury Watch Market in 2026: What the Bubble, the Crash, and the Recovery Mean for Buyers in Dubai UAE Unveiled: The Definitive Guide to Lifestyle, Money & Tech for Thriving in the Emirates How to Live the Dubai High Life for Less (Luxury on a Budget Guide) Workcations In The UAE: A New Way to Work Burnout Treatment in the UAE: Your Complete Recovery Plan UAE History and Transformation: From Pearl Diving to Global Powerhouse Mina Zayed Fish Market: Discover Abu Dhabi's Heritage Amazon Digital Arabic Library: Unlocking a Universe of Arabic Literature Online

157 stories in this category
DALL·E 2025 03 18 17.58.21   A cinematic, ultra realistic image of an exclusive VIP crypto investor gathering in Dubai. The scene takes place in a luxurious private lounge with mo
Living in the UAE

Crypto & NFT Investment Circles in the UAE: How They Work (2026)

Dubai has quietly become one of the world’s crypto capitals, and with that has come a culture of private crypto and NFT investment circles — communities where residents pool knowledge, deal flow and sometimes capital around digital assets. Here is how these circles work in the UAE, the regulation that governs them, and the risks…

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A woman in a white blouse sits at a desk in front of a laptop, with various jewelry and perfume bottles scattered on the desk, against a backdrop of a city skyline at sunset.
Living in the UAE

How to Launch a Side Hustle in the UAE That Actually Makes Money

If you’re looking to launch a side hustle, the UAE is one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world. This makes it the perfect place to start a profitable side hustle. Whether you’re looking to monetize your social media presence, start an online store, or break into the influencer economy, there are countless opportunities.…

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A twilight sky over the ocean with the moon and a few stars visible, along with a silhouette of a lifeguard tower on the right side of the image.
Living in the UAE

Why Planetary Alignments Fascinate Us — And What They Really Mean

Planetary alignments capture our imagination because they represent a rare intersection of celestial precision and human curiosity. Whether sparked by astrology, mythology or astronomy, these events turn our gaze skyward, prompting questions that have echoed through millennia. In this article, we unravel the mechanics, significance and cultural resonance of planetary alignments, offering a comprehensive, enduring…

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People seated on sofas in a desert area at sunset, facing a large reflective structure that mirrors the surrounding landscape, including cars and mountains.
Events & Entertainment

Pop-Up Culture: Why Temporary Spaces are the UAE’s New Trend

The UAE is at the forefront of embracing innovation. The rise of pop-up culture is a testament to this dynamic energy. Temporary shops, galleries, and cafés are redefining the cultural landscape. They offer exciting and unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. From bustling pop-up markets to serene desert cafés, these short-lived spaces have become…

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Two silhouetted figures stand in a surreal, illuminated landscape featuring cascading vertical light strands and a surrounding glow of purple and pink hues, resembling a magical forest.
GOING OUT

The UAE’s Best Kept Secrets: Unique Experiences Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots

Beyond the UAE’s renowned landmarks and luxury attractions lies a rich mix of hidden gems offering unique entertainment experiences. For those eager to venture off the beaten path, the following venues provide immersive adventures that delve deep into the nation’s innovative spirit and ultimately, the UAE’s best kept secrets. Some of these secrets I only…

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A desk setup with a notebook displaying the words 'WORK FROM HOME' next to a pen, a keyboard, a small plant, a pair of glasses, a smartphone, and a cup of coffee.
Living in the UAE

Dubai Wants You To Work From Home To Cut Traffic

The Dubai Government has unveiled a forward-thinking initiative to tackle one of the emirate’s most pressing issues: traffic congestion. By embracing flexible working hours and remote work policies, Dubai aims to reduce peak-hour traffic and improve mobility across the city. This decision follows surveys conducted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai…

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A vibrant nighttime scene at Global Village, featuring large illuminated letters spelling '#Globalvillage' in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery. In the background, a bustling fairground with brightly lit buildings is visible, including a sign for 'Mission Speed Stunt Show.' Fireworks explode in the night sky, adding a festive ambiance.
GOING OUT

Global Village Dubai: Complete Guide (Season 30 Recap + Season 31 Preview)

Global Village Dubai: Everything You Need to Know Global Village Dubai is the world’s largest tourism, leisure, entertainment and shopping destination — a sprawling open-air cultural extravaganza that runs every year from October to May. Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the park hosts over 90 countries across massive pavilions, each showcasing food, souvenirs,…

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Skyline of a city with tall skyscrapers during sunset, viewed from the water with the wake of a boat visible in the foreground.
Living in the UAE

Dubai Property Market 2026: Prices, Trends & Where It’s Heading

Dubai’s property market has spent the past few years as one of the world’s great growth stories, and in 2026 that story is entering a new, more grown-up chapter. After a red-hot run, the market has shifted from breakneck boom to something steadier and more selective. Here is an honest, up-to-date read on where prices…

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A black Mercedes-Benz SUV driving down a palm-lined street at sunset, with blurred motion indicating speed.
Living in the UAE

Dubai’s New Silent Traffic Radars

Dubai’s traffic management is evolving with the introduction of new silent traffic radars. These advanced systems are set to enhance road safety and efficiency. Based on the latest reports, here’s what you need to know about Dubai’s New Silent Traffic Radars. For a complete practical guide to life in the Emirates, explore our full Living…

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A large gray recycling bin with a green top, labeled "Tadweer Recyclables" in both Arabic and English, situated on a street with parked cars and buildings in the background.
Living in the UAE

Abu Dhabi introduces SMART Bins.

Abu Dhabi is taking a significant step towards advanced waste management with the introduction of smart bins. These high-tech bins, developed by Tadweer Group, are currently under trial and promise to revolutionise how waste is collected and managed in the city. Abu Dhabi introduces SMART Bins designed for the future of waste management. For a…

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The Museum of the Future, a torus-shaped building with Arabic inscriptions, adjacent to twin skyscrapers in a modern cityscape under a clear blue sky.
GOING OUT

Hidden gems in Dubai — 10 places locals love in 2026

Hidden gems in Dubai reward curious travellers and locals alike. Hidden gems in Dubai also reward patience and timing. This is a human, on‑the‑ground guide. I walk these lanes. I ride these abras. I wait for these sunsets. I crowd‑dodge these markets. I test these routes with a Nol card and a water bottle. I…

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Nighttime view of a modern cityscape featuring brightly lit skyscrapers, with a prominent tall tower in the center, surrounded by illuminated roads and buildings.
Living in the UAE

UAE: The Best Place to Live on Earth

Ask anyone who has spent time in the United Arab Emirates what makes it special, and you’ll hear the same themes repeated: safety, opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and a lifestyle unmatched anywhere else. It’s why the UAE has become the Best Place to Live for millions of people from every corner of the globe. This isn’t…

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