ISSEI is now open at Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills
The restaurant will return for a new season of Nikkei dishes and creative cocktails. Nikkei cuisine may date back over 100 years, but the hype around it is (still) unwavering.…
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Samia Qaiyum
173 posts
Samia Qaiyum is a travel and culture writer based in Dubai. A textbook third culture kid with a perpetual thirst for adventure, she has lived in five countries and traveled to 34 others, racking up all sorts of weird and wonderful experiences along the way.
Meet MEI, the newest arrival at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
A brainchild of SHI Hospitality Group, the refined Asian eatery will make its debut this September. This September, a new chapter in luxury dining is coming to Jumeirah Mina Al…
A beloved Beirut export will debut at One Central
Em Sherif Deli will serve fast-casual Lebanese cuisine at the business hub come September. Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Al Khobar, or Kuwait City, the name Em Sherif…
Izu Ani is bringing a new Japanese concept to DIFC
The kaiseki and omakase experience will open its doors at Four Seasons Hotel this September. There’s a new Japanese eatery in the works, Kigo, and behind it is the man…
Dhai Dubai’s return is confirmed
Spotlighting Emirati Artists, the light art exhibition will take over Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City Dubai from 12 to 18 November. Tradition meets modernity as Expo City Dubai and…
A celebration of Creole flavours is heading to La Mar
The Noche Criolla series will take over the Peruvian Restaurant every second Thursday of the month. The vibrancy of Peru’s culinary scene is arguably the country’s biggest draw, but to…
This new afterparty is Dubai’s best-kept secret
The Naughty Noodles Brunch After Party takes over the speakeasy-style Jade lounge bar inside Maiden Shanghai every Saturday. A world away from the flapper dresses and kicky dance moves of…
A first look at REWIND Fest 2026
A night of sonic nostalgia awaits as the ultimate 80s and 90s music festival returns to Bla Bla Dubai on 7 February 2026. Brush off your combat boots, millennials; it’s…
Maroon 5 will headline Atlantis, The Palm’s New Year’s Eve Gala
Themed ‘Winter Wonderland’, the epic celebration will ring in 2026 with fireworks, a lavish buffet spread, and a setlist of the band’s biggest hits. Atlantis, The Palm is on a…
Discover: the best things to do in August
All the events worth catching in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month. 1 August: Revisit the ClassicsDubai The Summer of Classics festival continues at Cinema Akil throughout the month of…
Discover Julith: A new coffee concept now open in Dubai
Julith brings together a roastery, brew lounge, concept store, and social hub under one roof. In a city like Dubai, where coffee is so much more than a morning ritual, news…
What to expect at the Open Fire Food Festival
Inspired by Steve Harvey’s passion for fire-grilled food, the two-day event will take over Etihad Park in November. Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is set to heat up – quite literally…
Planning your summer break? We’ve got you covered
Spanning multiple destinations across the Mediterranean, Flydubai’s summer schedule will launch on 4 June. Nothing says summer travel quite like the Mediterranean — with everything from idyllic beaches, secret coves,…
Taama is redefining plant-forward dining in Dubai
Hidden within the walls of Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, this homegrown concept approaches food as both a science and art form. Mindful eating has a new address in Dubai – meet…
Alserkal Art Week 2025 will respond to the here and now
Themed A Wild Stitch, the event will reaffirm its role in shaping bold conversations from the region through exhibitions, talks, public artworks and more. The season of art is upon…
Soho Beach Yas Island’s launch date has been announced
The beach destination will open its doors at Yas Beach on Friday, 4 April. Back on our radars after what felt like an eternity, Soho Beach Yas Island now has…
Five holiday destinations perfect for an Eid getaway
Find space, solitude, culture and adventure at our picks of where to go for Eid. While the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday boils down to sighting the crescent moon, it seems…
A first look at the recently launched FLØR
Located at The Ritz-Carlton in DIFC, the intimately sized restaurant is rooted in refined, yet approachable European cuisine. The name Timofey Sulima brings with it a certain cachet — at…
Secret Parties has launched two new events at Gallery 7/40
Both The Brunch Club and Medusa Any new concept by Secret Parties will inevitably end up on our radars and, now, the hospitality group has launched two new Saturday events…
Itameshi-style pizza has arrived in Dubai
Chef Akmal Anuar is at the helm of the NYC-inspired Pizzeria Funkcoolio. It’s no surprise that Osteria Funkcoolio launched with fanfare at Port De La Mer last year, and chef…
A first look at the achingly cool Mama Shelter Dubai
Design-led bedrooms, four al fresco pools, an extensive coworking space, and an intimate cinema—it’s all here. The city has (finally) made room for Mama. After years of news around Mama…
The essential guide to the best iftars in Abu Dhabi
Based in the capital? Start here to sift through the multitude of dining options this Ramadan. Ramadan is on the horizon, bringing with it the inevitable question: what are the…
The Ramadan programming at Alserkal Avenue has been revealed
Entitled Interrupting Patterns, it’s inviting audiences to collectively sit with the interruption of time itself. Ramadan is now days away, calling for a reflective, more mindful approach to daily life…
Tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are now on sale
The 2025 edition of the season finale will run from 4 to 7 December at Yas Marina Circuit. Between its spectacular setting and all the high-octane action, the Etihad Airways…
The OFFLIMITS line-up has officially dropped
Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs, OneRepublic — some of the biggest names in music will take the stage at Etihad Park on 26 April. OffLimits promised, and OffLimits delivered — we…
Ramadan will happen within the lush surroundings of Janat al Bahar this year
Iftar and suhoor will be served with a side of nature and tranquillity at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Dubai may have entered the final phase of winter, but Ramadan will still…
Majlis by the Sea has been reimagined for Ramadan 2025
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi will host thousands of diners on the water’s edge during the holy month. Few concepts are as sacred in Middle Eastern culture as the…
A new podcast celebrating Dubai has launched
Hosted by Kate Garraway, DXB Unheard uncovers the untold stories of those who have left an indelible mark on the city. “What is the city but the people? True, the…
Elevated Emirati cuisine has a new address in Dubai
Culture and culinary craftsmanship come together at homegrown restaurant Gerbou. The diversity of Dubai’s dining scene may be unparalleled, but it’s not everyday that we get to eat like locals.…
Access elevated Valentine’s Day celebrations at this urban resort
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers are gearing up to go big for Valentine’s Day. Ray’s Grill, Ray’s Bar, and Nahaam Brunch 2.0 are all participating, so there’s something for everyone.…