Lifestyle

Christmas and New Year's Eve meals and parties for under Dh500 in Abu Dhabi

While staying at home is a valid choice during the busy (and oft expensive) festive season, those who want to eat out are spoilt for choices that won't break the bank. Plenty of restaurants in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are serving relatively affordable Christmas and New Year's Eve meals to end the year on a high note. Here are some to check out in t...

PM Kakar set to begin two-day visit to Kuwait today

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar will reach Kuwait today on a two-day visit following his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).During the visit, the caretaker premier is slated to engage in meetings with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al Jaber Al Sabah and Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah.A number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) spanning key sectors such as manpower, information technology,...

Unraveling tragedy: Germanwings Flight 9525

On March 24, 2015, a flight departed Barcelona without reaching its scheduled destination. Instead, the aircraft was involved in a devastating crash in the French Alps, killing everyone on board. Germanwings Flight 9525 was one of the most tragic incidents in air travel history. However, it wasn't until the cause of the crash was uncovered that the true gravity of this catastrophe came to light. What initially seemed like a dreadful accident turned out to be a horrific crime of epic proportions. Click on the gallery to learn the details of what happened on that fateful day.

The wonderful wetlands of the United States

America's wetlands, bogs, swamps, and marshes usually get a bad rap. They've been associated with humid, mosquito-infested, alligator-haunted areas of horrors for a large portion of history, and some today still hold that misconception. In truth, the wetlands of the United States, and the world at large, are some of the most beautiful, fascinating, and important ecosystems there are. More than where to find mosquitos and scary reptiles, they are also home to innumerable species of birds, butterflies, and fish. And to put aesthetics aside altogether, wetlands are also some of the hardest-working ecosystems in the world. They filter our air, fortify our coastlines, and blunt the damage that violent storms can bring. Intrigued? Then click on to take a look at some of America's most magnificent wetlands.

Extraordinary underground hotels you can spend the night in

We take a tour of the world's most incredible hotels and places to stay that are hiding underground.

9 exciting new hotels opening in Dubai in 2024

Pack your bags for a staycation of dreams… From Dubai’s first Dorchester hotel to the world’s tallest hotel, a fitness-focused hotel to one with a floating nightclub, there are some exciting new hotels to have on your radar in Dubai next year… SEE ALSO: 55 new bars, restaurants and beach clubs opening soon in Dubai […]

From Titanic to Brokeback Mountain: the loveliest movie couples

The loveliest picturesque towns in France

Stunning natural wonders you’ll want to add to your bucket list

From a multi-coloured canyon to a colossal glacier floating on tranquil teal waters, these are the world's most picturesque natural wonders.

Signs of an unhealthy soul tie

Have you ever felt like your soul is connected to someone else's? Met another person and felt your very beings were intertwined in some way? If so, you may have experienced a soul tie: a strong and intimate soul connection that binds two people together on all levels. But while soul ties can sometimes result in fruitful and nurturing relationships, they often bring about relationships that are too intense and ultimately go south. Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn about the signs of an unhealthy soul tie and how to break it.

The most beautiful travel destinations in Australia

Private Hajj operators granted equal quotas

Saudi Arabia has approved Pakistan's appeal to grant all private Hajj tour operators an equal quota for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, anticipated to occur between June 26 and July 1, 2024.This year, Saudi Arabia has restored Pakistan's pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and lifted the previous age limit of 65 years for pilgrimage.About 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to partake in Hajj under the government scheme, while an...

Sunset Hospitality to open beach club, restaurants and spa in Tilal Al Ghaf

The brand continues its Dubai domination… Residents of Tilal Al Ghaf will soon have no reason to leave, as a string of luxe new leisure facilities are being added to the neighbourhood. Sunset Hospitality, the operators behind show-stopping venues such as Aura Skypool, Drift Beach Club, Sushisamba, Signor Sassi and Mott 32, are set to […]

Global Spotlight: Riyadh Named Host City for World Expo 2030

By Ghalia Taman The Saudi capital Riyadh won the bid to host the World Expo 2030 on Tuesday, dominating a competitive race against cities like Italy’s Rome and South Korea’s Busan. The major decision was made by the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris which is made up of 182 member countries and Saudi Arabia managed to nab 119 of the 165 votes in its favor. This is considered a major victory for the crown prince of the Kingdom,...

The BBC: a tale of nostalgia and 100 glorious years of Auntie in photos

The most dangerous cities in America

Choosing a place to settle involves considering various factors; safety is paramount for families. But perceptions of crime can sometimes be disconnected from reality. Many crimes go unreported, affecting the accuracy of available data. Employment rates also contribute to a location's crime rate. The FBI's crime classification distinguishes between violent and property crimes, with the latter being more common. In 2019, there were 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared to 379.4 violent crimes. The introduction of the National Incident-Based Reporting System in 1988 has expanded the scope of crime data, offering details like the time, location, and weapons used. It also includes demographic information about victims and offenders. Mass shootings remain a grave concern, with hundreds of casualties over the years. In this gallery, we explore the most dangerous cities in the US in 2023 (so far), focusing on violent crimes. Click on to discover them.

Emirates Nature-WWF announces lineup of events open to civil society in COP28

ABU DHABI, 29th November, 2023 (WAM) -- Leading environmental charity Emirates Nature-WWF has announced a lineup of events and activations at COP28, designed to inspire and mobilise civil society to participate in nature conservation and citizen science and lead the change towards a sustainable future.The events and activations organised by Emirates Nature-WWF, in collaboration with esteemed partners, create opportunities for youth and the...

Quiz: Do you know where these monuments are?

Saudi Arabia Selected to Host World Expo in 2030

Riyadh has defeated Rome and Busan, the port city of South Korea, to host the 2030 World Expo, which is anticipated to bring 40 million visitors, as per an announcement.[1]The kingdom secured a majority of 119 votes out of 165. The proposal from Saudi Arabia to organize World Expo 2030 in Riya

Historical abodes: 15 of the UAE’s oldest hotels

Despite being one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, the UAE is relatively young and turns 52 on Saturday. Over the last five decades, the country has built a name for itself on the global tourism circuit and is famed for being home to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. From the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the only self-title...

Surprising facts you probably didn't know about America’s first ladies

To some degree, America's first ladies have always fascinated the masses, becoming role models, fashion icons, and even pop-culture sensations. And while many might have had their lives overshadowed by their partners, each of them have a unique story, filled with tragedy, joy, and often accomplishments unusual for women of their time. Want to discover some interesting facts of the small club of women who followed their husbands to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Check out this gallery.

Photos: Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors

Emirates advises passengers on how to beat the Christmas travel rush

Heading home for Christmas? Take note… In anticipation of another busy travel period over Christmas and New Year, Emirates airline have issued a warning to passengers travelling through Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the next few weeks. Passengers have been told to allow extra time in their journeys, arrive at least three hours […]

Banksy's £1m Brexit mural partly destroyed in building demolition

A building adorned with a £1 million Banksy mural has been demolished, sparking concerns about the artwork's fate. The mural, created in May 2017 after Britain's vote to leave the EU, depicted a worker removing a star from the EU flag. The demolition is part of a £25 million regeneration project to establish a cultural, educational and business sta...

Check out the best Christmas getaways in the US!

Exploring history's most lethal smog incidents

Smog is a term used to describe a combination of smoke and fog. Very specific weather conditions mixed with air pollution can form a deadly cocktail. The Industrial Revolution, with its factories and incinerators, kick-started these deadly incidents, but wildfires and other pollutants have also played a role in many of these smog events. In this gallery, we look back in history and bring you the deadliest smogs to date. Click on to discover them all.

Siranna: Hexagon-shaped luxury hotel plans unveiled in Neom

Plans for a new hexagon-shaped luxury hotel have been unveiled in Neom, Saudi Arabia. Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, the ultra-luxurious Siranna will be home to 65 rooms as well as 35 exclusive residences. Like hexagonal pillars rising from the water, the futuristic hotel promises to offer uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, while the tie...

Bizarre beach finds around the world you WON'T believe

A look at the strangest items found washed up on beaches around the world

The world's most expensive train journey for luxurious travel

Here’s our pick of the world’s best sleeper trains where you’ll embrace the journey as much as the destination.

True stories about ancient Rome you never learned about at school

From as early as the eighth century BCE, ancient Rome experienced remarkable growth, transforming from a small settlement into a vast empire that spanned across continental Europe, Britain, western Asia, and North Africa. The impact it left behind is far-reaching, encompassing the adoption of Romance languages, the development of the alphabet, and the creation of the calendar. Our perception of ancient Rome often revolves around emperors, gladiators, and awe-inspiring architecture. However, there are numerous aspects of this phenomenal empire that remain unfamiliar to us. If you're eager to discover about the wonders of ancient Rome, explore the gallery.

History's most famous typos and misspellings

We all make mistakes, including the misspelling of words. But while most of our typos and misspellings don't have serious consequences, sometimes missing or altering a letter or word can really mess things up. This has been the case in a number of occasions throughout history, and you'll get to know all about them in this gallery. Curious to find out what the most famous typos and misspellings in history are? Click on!

20 of the best beach bars to check out in Dubai

Toast to the sunset… There’s nothing quite like that feeling with the sand on your feet whilst taking in a stunning, Insta-worthy sunset. Dubai has a number of amazing beach bars giving you the chance to do just that. We’re not talking about just any old beach-side bar, however. We are talking about toes in […]

These are the coolest neighborhoods in the world

Time Out magazine recently published its list of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world. For the sixth year running, the magazine surveyed over 12,000 people in this year's shortlist, including city-dwellers and local experts. The best districts were rated based on fun, food, culture, and community. In this gallery you'll find a condensed version of the magazine's coveted list. Click on to see if you live in one of the world's coolest neighborhoods.

This Himalayan lake has a dark history

There's a glacial lake in the Himalayas that conceals a sinister secret. In the 1940s, a disturbing discovery was made, yet it wasn't until the 21st century that the mystery was finally unraveled. Or was it? Click through the gallery to learn about the icy Skeleton Lake, and draw your own conclusions.

Texans, Jets and the other big disappointments of NFL Week 12

Divine deceptions: Christian hoaxes through the ages

History is rife with hoaxes, ranging from simple pranks to more elaborate schemes. Religion, especially Christianity, often adds an extra layer of intrigue: the mystical adds another dimension to everyday deceptions. Over the centuries, numerous Christian hoaxes have emerged to shape societal perceptions, leaving a monumental impact. Click through to discover the biggest Christian hoaxes of all time.

Leaked documents reveal Russian airlines are slowly collapsing

Today's best photos: From Notre-Dame's reconstruction to a falcon named Imp

More from The National: Tuesday's best photos: From winter in India to the Wonka premiere in the UK Monday's best photos: From a rainbow over Beirut to John Lennon's mosaic eye Sunday's best photos: From Thailand's annual Monkey Festival to bodyboarding in Hawaii Saturday's best photos: From free skating to candy canes Friday's best photos: From Bl...

The last unexplored places on Earth

We've been to the Moon, so surely we know every corner of our planet, right? Not quite. Many places on Earth remain largely unexplored. From unclimbed mountains, to the depths of the oceans and rainforests, there are still many ecosystems to be discovered. And not only are there unexplored places, there are also still uncontacted peoples out there! Earth is indeed a big place, and we've not seen it all. In this gallery, we've compiled a list of some of our planet's unexplored places. Click through and start your journey of discovery.

Mysteries of the Great Lakes shipwrecks

North America's five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—have been sailed upon since at least the 17th century. The lakes are notorious for brutally unpredictable weather, dangerous currents, and underwater hazards. Since the 1600s, over 6,000 vessels have fallen victim to this capricious and often treacherous environment, shipwrecks that have claimed as many as 30,000 lives. And while most of these wrecks are accounted for, the fate of others remain a complete mystery. So, what are the most infamous losses, and which lake can claim itself the "graveyard of ships"? Click through, set sail, and chart a course through the Great Lakes shipwrecks.

What to Expect at COP28 and Who is Attending?

The world eagerly awaits the arrival of COP28, where nations from across the globe will converge to address the pressing challenges and opportunities in the realm of climate change.Taking place at Dubai Expo City from November 30th to December 12th, COP28 will host around 70.000 people ant

The longest-named places on Earth

Do you know where Jászfelsőszentgyörgy is? Better question: can you pronounce it? This is a tiny village in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County, Hungary. And, believe it or not, it is probably one of the easier names to pronounce in this entire gallery. Why? Because it's the shortest! Ready for these tongue twisters? Check out the longest named places on earth! Click through.

The most beautiful streets in the world

Eerie abandoned ghost towns hidden in the world's deserts

Here are the world’s desert communities that have become eerie ghost towns and, interestingly, manmade attractions.

Secret Italy: 20 must-see places near Rome

10 Free Things at COP28 for UAE Residents to Check Out!

COP28 will host various free experiences for UAE residents at the Green Zone in Expo City Dubai.Read More: Pope Francis Cancels Trip to COP28 Due to Health Issues UAE residents will be able to visit the Green Zone from Dec. 3 to Dec. 12 and they will need a pass to do so, which will provide visitors

NEOM introduces Siranna: Exclusive oasis on Gulf of Aqaba

NEOM — The Board of Directors at NEOM introduced on Wednesday Siranna, an exclusive tourism escape set to redefine luxury living within the sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia.Nestled along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Siranna epitomizes elegance and innovation, offering a lifestyle without compromise.The ultra-luxurious destination will feature a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences, providing uninterrupted views of...

Beppu: the Japanese city built over hell itself!

Here's an unusual trip: a Japanese city that looks like it was built right above hell itself! Here visitors can see hot steam rising out of the soil and waters all over the town. But don't worry, lots of people come to Beppu to relax! Check out the gallery and see one of the most unique destinations in the world!

UAE residents hunt for last-minute travel deals as Union Day approaches

Searches for budget-friendly holidays have spiked on Skyscanner in the UAE as the long weekend for Union Day approaches, the travel agency platform’s data has revealed. The term “everywhere” is the top-searched destination among residents, as the tool allows users to find holiday spots ordered by cheapest price. India, the UK and the Philippines ar...

Boredom can actually be good for you