IN THE SPOTLIGHT
"NOTHING GREAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT PASSION"
MARCEL PROUST
REOPENING OF GLOBAL VILLAGE
Season 29 of Global Village in Dubai opened on 16 October 2024 and will run until 11 May 2025. This year's edition brings a host of new features and improvements, including
A new culinary area with 11 restaurants, offering a diversity of cuisines.
Three new cultural pavilions in addition to the existing 27, showcasing even more international cultures.
The Floating Market, Railway Market, and Fiesta Street redesigned with modern concepts, creating ‘Instagrammable’ spaces.
Once again, Global Village promises an experience rich in entertainment, gastronomy, shopping and cultural events.
EXPO CITY DUBAI, A NEW CHAPTER
Expo City Dubai, the legacy of Expo 2020 and COP 28, is being transformed into a global hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) with an investment of 2.44 billion euros. Spanning 3.5 km², the project will house event venues, residences and offices in five integrated districts, with the aim of becoming the largest indoor event and exhibition venue in the Middle East.
Close to Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali Port, Expo City will become a hub for global commerce. With a target of carbon neutrality by 2050, the city embodies the future of the Emirates.
AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT: THE FUTURE LARGEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD
Dubai continues to make history with the development of Al Maktoum International Airport, destined to become one of the largest in the world. The first phase, valued at $34.8 billion, is due for completion in 10 years and will comprise five runways and 400 gates covering an area of 70 km². With a capacity of over 260 million passengers a year. It will begin to play a major role for passengers in the 2030s, and will incorporate innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous transport. The airport will be a major player in the air transport sector, supporting trade, tourism and business in the Emirates. A true gateway to the future of aviation.
NEW AIR LINKS
The Emirates are consolidating their connectivity with Europe thanks to the opening of new air routes. Emirates, Etihad and Air France are strengthening their flights to French destinations such as Paris, Nice and Lyon.
These new routes will enable travellers to reach the Emirates more easily, with more flexible options and improved comfort, for a getaway to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the other emirates.
This initiative is part of the Emirates' tourism strategy to attract a growing number of visitors, offering them a unique experience at the heart of the luxury, modernity and traditions of this Gulf region.
NEW GALLERIES AT THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, symbol of the encounter between art and world culture, continues to seduce with the opening of new galleries dedicated to Post-Impressionism.
Since 16 October 2024, the museum has been presenting ‘Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances’, a major exhibition in collaboration with the Musée d'Orsay.
Works by masters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin are on show in this new temporary collection, offering a unique immersion in one of the most influential periods in the history of art. The exhibition explores how these artists pushed the boundaries of Impressionism to capture reality beyond appearances. Until February 2025, visitors can discover these masterpieces in a setting that blends tradition and innovation, reinforcing the Louvre Abu Dhabi's status as a global cultural benchmark.
NATIONAL DAY ON 2 DECEMBER 2024
National Day, marking the unification of the Emirates in 1971, will be celebrated with some impressive events.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are staging magnificent fireworks displays, with iconic venues including Al Seef, La Mer Beach, and Al Maryah Island. In Abu Dhabi, a spectacular air show on the Corniche will feature military aircraft to celebrate the unity of the Emirates. In addition, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba will offer an immersion in Emirati culture, with parades, traditional dance performances and drone shows lighting up the sky. A national festival that promises to be memorable, where tradition and modernity meet to celebrate the union of the seven emirates.
F1 GRAND PRIX ABU DHABI 2024
On 8 December 2024, all eyes will be on the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi as it hosts one of the most eagerly awaited events in the world of sport: the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race, the final round of the Formula 1 championship, marks the end of the season and promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. It takes place largely at night, offering a breathtaking visual spectacle with the cars racing at high speed under the twinkling lights of the circuit and the surrounding skyscrapers.
This year, it could still affect the final positions if the gaps between the top 4 drivers remain tight, and create a final surprise for the manufacturers' standings.
FLYING CABS : THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
Dubai is preparing to introduce a revolution in urban mobility: flying cabs. Announced as a flagship project in the Dubai 2040 strategy, these autonomous air cabs promise to radically change the way residents and visitors get around the city.
These flying cabs are due to begin commercial flights in 2026, with the first trials in 2025. With a capacity of 4 passengers plus the pilot, these electric vehicles are intended for short journeys, notably between Dubai International Airport and the city's main districts.
To facilitate the growth of this new mode of transport, Dubai will set up a network of “vertiports”, platforms specially designed to accommodate flying cabs.
FLAG DAY: A CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL UNITY
Every year on November 3rd, the United Arab Emirates celebrates Flag Day, a day dedicated to the national flag and the values of unity that define the country. Launched in 2013, this day has taken on a special meaning in the hearts of Emiratis and residents alike, symbolizing attachment and loyalty to the values of peace, solidarity and prosperity.
The day also marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's accession to power in 2004.
The flag of the Emirates, with its emblematic colors of red, green, white and black, is flown throughout the country on this day: on official buildings, schools, businesses and even homes. Each color carries a strong meaning, inspired by the culture and history of the region: red for bravery, green for fertility, white for neutrality and black for a wealth of natural resources.
Flag Day festivities are marked by ceremonies and gatherings across the country. Events are organized in public institutions and community spaces to remind people of the importance of national unity and to strengthen the ties that unite all residents of the United Arab Emirates.
DUBAI: THE WORLD'S NUMBER ONE DESTINATION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2024
Dubai continues to impress the world by once again establishing itself as the world's number one tourist destination in the first half of 2024. This recognition highlights the success of the emirate's ambition to become a global benchmark for travel, escape and unique experiences.
Dubai's ranking as the world's leading destination for the first half of 2024 was determined by ForwardKeys and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which provide a clear insight into global tourism trends.
Dubai's appeal lies in its balance between modernity and authentic culture. From iconic skyscrapers to traditional souks and exclusive desert escapes, the city offers a rich and varied travel experience to suit every visitor's taste. What's more, its efforts to guarantee quality service and a personalised customer experience help to make every visit unique.
This new title of ‘World's Leading Destination’ is much more than mere recognition: it confirms Dubai's irresistible appeal on the international tourism scene and paves the way for promising prospects for the future. With ambitious projects such as the expansion of Al Maktoum airport, designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers, Dubai is committed to offering even more opportunities for discovery and comfort for its visitors.
DISCOVER THE DSF DRONE SHOW 2024 AT JBR
A MUST-SEE LIGHT SHOW IN DUBAI
The DSF Drone Show returns for the 2024 edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, transforming the skies over Jumeirah Beach Residence and Bluewaters Island into a spectacular light stage. Running from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, the show promises magical evenings as 1,000 drones light up the skies twice a day, at 8pm and 10pm.
This year, the show is divided into two main themes:
From 6 to 26 December: A retrospective of 30 years of the DSF, with figures and animations representing the key moments of this emblematic festival.
From 27 December to 12 January: A fusion of tradition and modernity, celebrating the Emirates' rich heritage and futuristic vision, accompanied by an immersive soundtrack.
Highlights :
On 13 December, two shows combining drones and pyrotechnics will be held at 8pm and 10pm, with parachute stunts over JBR for the first. This show will be repeated on 11 January, bringing the festival to a close in style.
Don't miss this celebration of light and creativity that embodies the innovative and festive spirit of Dubai.
AIN DUBAI: THE LONG-AWAITED REOPENING
Closed for more than two years, Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel, reopened its doors on 26 December 2024. Located on Blue Waters Island, this impressive structure stands 250 meters high and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai and its surroundings.
Ain Dubai features 48 air-conditioned glass capsules designed to accommodate up to 1,750 people simultaneously. Each rotation lasts around 38 minutes, providing a glimpse of iconic landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa. The wheel, made of ultra-high-strength steel, weighs more than 9,000 tonnes, making it a remarkable feat of engineering.
The prolonged closure of Ain Dubai was mainly due to maintenance work required to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure. Extensive technical inspections and improvements were carried out to ensure an optimal visitor experience. This period was also used to modernize certain operational aspects and enhance the service offering.
DUBAI MARATHON 2025: A SPORTING EVENT IN THE URBAN DESERT
The Dubai Marathon returns for its 2025 edition on Sunday 12 January, promising an unrivalled sporting and festive experience. Considered to be one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, it attracts renowned professional athletes, passionate amateurs and spectators from the four corners of the globe every year.
The course will start opposite Madinat Jumeirah in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab and finish on Umm Suqeim Street at the Dubai Police Academy. Runners will mainly take King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Jumeirah Street.
Categories for all levels: 4 races are on offer.
- -Elite Marathon: 6 am
- General Marathon: 7.00 am
- 10km Race: 8.15 am
- 4km Fun Run: 10.30 am
The Dubai Marathon is not just a sporting competition, it's also a celebration of human diversity and determination. Whether you're a runner or just a spectator, the dynamic atmosphere, spectacular setting and warm Emirati welcome make it an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this flagship event in Dubai's sporting calendar.
A NEW STEP TOWARDS THE STARS: THE LAUNCH OF THE EMIRATE'S MOHAMED BIN ZAYED SATELLITE
Tonight, Tuesday 14 January 2025, the United Arab Emirates will take another step forward in their space adventure with the launch of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Sat satellite, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The United Arab Emirates is thus pursuing its ambitions in space.
The satellite, billed as the most technologically advanced in the region, is designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth, to be used in areas such as natural resource management and environmental monitoring. This launch reinforces the Emirates' position as a key player in the global space industry.
This launch is part of a series of initiatives aimed at positioning the Emirates as a major player in the global space industry. After missions such as the Hope probe to Mars or advanced telecommunications satellites, the Emirates are demonstrating their desire to actively contribute to the scientific and technological challenges of the 21stᵉ century.