Global Village Kicks Off 2026 with Spectacular January Line-Up of Entertainment and Cultural Experiences

UAE

Global Village Kicks Off 2026 with Spectacular January Line-Up of Entertainment and Cultural Experiences

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai , January 8 , 2026 : Global Village has ushered in the New Year with a vibrant calendar of events this January, offering visitors an exciting mix of live performances, family-friendly shows, cultural celebrations, and stunning visual spectacles. As one of Dubai’s leading multicultural destinations, Global Village continues to bring the world together through music, entertainment, cuisine, and immersive pavilion experiences.

Music lovers can look forward to a standout live concert by renowned Yemeni artist Hussein Moheb, who will take to the Main Stage on Friday, 10 January at 8 PM, performing popular hits including “Ensa” and “Sayed Al Ahbab.” Adding to the musical excitement, the internationally acclaimed Red Hot Chili Pipers will continue to entertain audiences until 1 February with their high-energy fusion of traditional Scottish bagpipes and modern rock and pop sounds, performing twice daily except Tuesdays. Meanwhile, the Girl Power Tribute Show on 25 January will celebrate legendary female artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Spice Girls, and Little Mix in a dynamic showcase of music and choreography.

Families and young visitors are also at the heart of January’s programming. The much-loved Baby Shark Live Show runs daily from 9 to 31 January, bringing colourful performances and interactive fun to both the Main Stage and Kids’ Theatre. Complementing this is the Wonderers Kids’ Fest, running from 9 January to 15 February, featuring daily interactive shows and activities designed to inspire creativity and imagination among children.

Cultural celebrations take centre stage with Kuwait National Day festivities at the Kuwait Pavilion from 29 January to 5 February. Guests can experience traditional music, Arabic calligraphy, authentic Qahwa, and live performances by the AlSheyyab Band, with five shows daily. Meanwhile, the Iran Pavilion offers visitors a journey through Persian heritage, showcasing skilled artisans, handcrafted souvenirs, traditional carpets, marquetry, and iconic Iranian flavours.

Adding to the excitement, Global Village will light up the skies with a 3,000-drone show on 9 January at 7:20 PM, marking the launch of Wonderers Kids’ Fest. Fireworks will dazzle visitors every Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday at 9:00 PM, with a special drone and fireworks display planned for 31 January in celebration of Kuwait National Day.

With 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, over 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining destinations, and hundreds of performers delivering thousands of shows, Global Village continues to offer a truly global experience. This January, guests are invited to immerse themselves in unforgettable performances, cultural discoveries, and world-class entertainment — making every visit a celebration of the world in one iconic destination.

UAE

Sharjah Public Libraries Concludes Centennial Celebrations with Theatre and Creative Workshops

News 4 weeks ago

Sharjah , January 8,2026 : Sharjah Public Libraries concluded their centennial celebrations with a diverse set of cultural and educational activities held at the Heart of Sharjah and Kshisha Park in Al Rahmaniyah. Organised under the theme “The Aesthetics of Literary Image and Sound,” the final events underscored the importance of reading and the evolving role of libraries in nurturing creativity, preserving heritage, and building a knowledge-based society.

The programme included a puppet theatre performance that took children on an engaging journey through the history of Sharjah Public Libraries, highlighting their transformation from traditional print collections to modern digital services. Interactive elements and a hands-on puppet-making workshop encouraged young participants to connect with cultural heritage while developing creative and artistic skills. Additional workshops in photography and visual composition enabled children to translate stories and poems into visual artworks using natural surroundings and creative materials.

These closing events marked the culmination of a year-long centennial programme structured around four main themes: literary beginnings, cultural civilisation, horizons of writers and poets, and cultural sustainability. Through lectures, workshops, literary events, heritage-focused activities, and community initiatives, Sharjah Public Libraries celebrated a century of cultural contribution and reaffirmed reading as a shared community practice linked to arts, heritage, and lifelong learning.

HONOR Continues Expanding Its UAE Retail Footprint with Upcoming

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai , january 7 , 2026 : Dubai, HONOR, a leading global AI device ecosystem company, has
announced the upcoming opening of its new HONOR Experience Store at BurJuman Mall Dubai, further
strengthening the brand’s retail presence in Dubai and bringing its immersive AI Smart Living experience
closer to consumers.
Located at Level 2, Lobby A, BurJuman Mall, the new store will officially open its doors on 9 January,
offering customers an interactive space to explore HONOR’s latest innovations across smartphones,
laptops, tablets, wearables, and AI-powered IoT devices. Designed as a next-generation retail
destination, the HONOR Experience Store invites consumers to engage with technology through hands-
on discovery, live demonstrations, and personalized in-store experiences.
Building on the momentum of HONOR’s recent flagship retail expansion in the UAE, the BurJuman store
reflects the brand’s continued investment in experiential retail and its long-term commitment to delivering
accessible, human-centric AI technology to consumers across the UAE
A New Destination for AI Smart Living
The HONOR Experience Store at BurJuman has been designed as an immersive AI Smart Living hub,
showcasing how intelligent technology can seamlessly integrate into everyday life. From productivity-
focused devices to connected lifestyle solutions, the store highlights HONOR’s expanding ecosystem and
its vision for AI that enhances creativity, convenience, and connectivity.
Customers will be able to explore HONOR’s latest flagship smartphones alongside a wide range of
ecosystem products, supported by in-store experts who offer guided demonstrations and tailored
recommendations.
Strengthening HONOR’s Retail Presence in Dubai
The BurJuman opening marks another milestone in HONOR’s UAE retail expansion strategy, following
the successful launch of its flagship experience locations and reflecting growing consumer demand for
hands-on brand engagement.
By bringing its AI Smart Living concept to BurJuman Mall – one of Dubai’s established shopping
destinations – HONOR continues to deepen its connection with local consumers and reinforce its position
as a trusted innovation brand in the UAE.
Opening Weekend Experiences and Exclusive Offers
To celebrate the opening, HONOR will roll out a series of opening-weekend promotions and in-store
engagement activities from 9 to 11 January, designed to reward early visitors and create excitement
around the new retail destination.

UAE

ATM unveils groundbreaking 2026 conference programme, setting a newbenchmark for strategic insight across global travel and tourism

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai , January 7 , 2026 : Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced its comprehensive conference programme for ATM 2026, revealing a multi-stage agenda designed to shape the future of the global travel and tourism industry. The event will take place from May 4 to 7, 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.”

The conference will feature three key stages – the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and the newly rebranded Experience Stage, formerly the Business Events Stage under IBTM @ ATM. Across four days, global thought leaders, policymakers, innovators and industry practitioners will share data-driven insights and practical strategies to support sustainable growth, resilience and innovation across the travel and tourism sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, said the 2026 programme has been carefully curated to provide strategic, industry-led insights that empower decision-makers to act with confidence and make smarter, more sustainable choices.

The Global Stage will serve as ATM’s main strategic forum, addressing the major forces transforming international travel. Sessions will cover topics including sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, transport and mobility, accommodation, luxury travel, destination development, investment and emerging global trends. Research-led discussions will feature new insights from organisations such as Tourism Economics, Euromonitor and GSIQ. The final day will host the Women in Travel Forum, focusing on equity, leadership, accessibility and inclusive tourism design.

Reflecting the growing importance of technology, the Future Stage will sit at the heart of the Tech and Innovation Hub, coinciding with the full debut of ATM Travel Tech as a co-located show. Sessions will explore AI, automation, data and digital transformation, fintech, robotics, immersive technologies and next-generation travel platforms, highlighting how innovation is reshaping the travel ecosystem.

New for 2026, the Experience Stage will focus on business events, corporate travel and experiential design, highlighting the Middle East’s rising profile as a global meetings and events hub. Supported by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the programme will examine leadership, event technology, innovative formats and sustainable, inclusive event strategies.

Across all stages, ATM 2026 will introduce more interactive formats, including roundtables, Lunch ‘n Learn sessions, Meet the Speaker opportunities and real-time session translation via Vox Technologies, encouraging deeper engagement and knowledge exchange.

The expanded programme reinforces ATM’s position as a leading regional and global knowledge platform for the travel and tourism industry.

AMA Kicks off the Year with Nissan Offers 1

Al Masaood Automobiles launches New Year Nissan offers across Abu Dhabi

News 4 weeks ago

Abudhabi , January 7, 2026 : Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised Nissan distributor in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra Region, has launched a New Year campaign featuring limited-time offers across its Nissan new car range and services, giving customers a strong start to 2026.

The promotion includes competitive pricing and savings on popular Nissan sedans, SUVs and performance models. Highlights include the Nissan Z from AED 2,435 per month, savings of up to AED 9,000 on the Altima, up to AED 7,500 on the KICKS, and up to AED 7,000 on the Magnite. SUV offers include savings of up to AED 20,000 on the Patrol, up to AED 14,500 on the X-TERRA, and up to AED 23,000 on the X-Trail. All offers are available for a limited time and subject to stock availability and terms and conditions.

Bachir Gemayel, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Masaood Automobiles, said the campaign is designed to help customers make confident decisions at the start of the year, supported by strong value, comprehensive warranty coverage and aftersales benefits.

All vehicles included in the campaign come with a five-year warranty and Nissan Roadside Assistance. In addition, existing Nissan owners can benefit from a service promotion running until 24 January 2026, where customers spending AED 1,000 or more at Nissan Abu Dhabi service centres will be entered into a draw to win a Nissan Magnite or complimentary service packages.

The campaign reinforces Al Masaood Automobiles’ focus on delivering value across both vehicle purchases and aftersales support throughout the ownership journey.

UAE

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 unveils first speaker lineup

News 4 weeks ago

Sharjah , January 7 , 2026 : The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has announced the first group of speakers for its 9th edition, featuring global founders, CEOs, investors, creatives and thought leaders from across multiple industries. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF 2026 will take place from January 31 to February 1 at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and emerging talent from around the world.

The initial lineup reflects SEF’s cross-sector focus, with speakers from foodtech, sports, lifestyle, technology, health and sustainability sharing practical insights on building, scaling and sustaining businesses in a rapidly changing economy. Sheraa CEO H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi said the festival aims to break down silos and equip founders with the knowledge and perspectives needed to build competitive, responsible and adaptable ventures.

Notable speakers include four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who will highlight environmental and social initiatives; entrepreneur and disability rights advocate Ghanim Al-Muftah; and Heather Hasson, Co-CEO of FIGS and the first female co-chief executive to take a company public on the New York Stock Exchange. Also featured are Shahzad Younas, founder of Muzz; Hamad Al Hajri, co-founder and CEO of Qatar’s “super app” Snoonu; Bioniq founder Vadim Fedotov; and Emirati racing pioneer Amna Al Qubaisi.

The program will also spotlight innovation and wellbeing, with speakers such as ŌURA CEO Tom Hale, Calo founder Ahmed Al Rawi, Friends That Invest founder Simran Kaur, mental health advocate Kareem Esmail, and communications leader Souad Al Serkal.

With an expected audience of 14,000, SEF 2026 aims to serve as a major platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and inspiration across the global entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Dubai RTA Completes Traffic Expansion Works on AlWarqa’a 1 Street in Both Directions from SheikhMohammed Bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Road

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai, January 7, 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed traffic
expansion works on Al Warqa’a 1 Street, covering a total length of 7 km in both directions, from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Road. The scope of works included the conversion of four roundabouts into smart signalised intersections, contributing to an improvement in traffic flow of up to 30%. These efforts reflect
RTA’s standing commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the local road network, supporting smoother daily mobility, and improving residents’ quality of life.
The traffic expansion works also included an integrated package of solutions, comprising the construction of advanced stormwater drainage networks with a total length of 6,600 linear metres, the
installation of 324 lighting poles equipped with modern street-lighting systems, and the provision of 111 new parking spaces. In addition, pedestrian pathways were developed across a total area of 41,000
square metres, contributing to improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for all road users.
Hamad Al Shehhi, Director of Roads at Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said, “This project builds on works completed by RTA in June 2025, which included the construction of direct entry and exit points to Al Warqa’a from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to facilitate smoother access to and from the area. It also encompassed traffic improvement works on 13th Street in Al Warqa’a 1, extending approximately 8 km in both directions, to serve Al Warqa’a residents and school users, as part of the project to develop the internal road network in the area.

Al Shehhi added: “RTA is firmly committed to developing integrated infrastructure encompassing road networks, street lighting, and stormwater drainage systems, in line with Dubai’s population and
urban growth targets. These efforts respond to residents’ aspirations for an advanced urban environment and support Dubai’s vision as a smart and prosperous city that places quality of life and residents’ happiness at the forefront of its priorities.” “The development projects currently being implemented by RTA in Al Warqa’a area include upgrading the internal road networks in Al Warqa’a 3 and Al Warqa’a 4. The scope of works involves road
paving, the construction of pedestrian pathways and pavements, and provision of parking spaces, in addition to development of cycling tracks. These projects aim to enhance connectivity with
cycling routes in neighbouring areas and support alternative and
sustainable mobility options.”

RTA held an interactive session last October with residents an visitors of Mirdif and Al Warqa’a to brief the public on the latest developments of Dubai Metro Blue Line project within their residential areas. The session also reviewed RTA initiatives to develop and enhance the road network, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve residents’ satisfaction and facilitate daily mobility. The session discussed several key topics, most notably the traffic diversions scheduled to be implemented in Al Warqa’a and Mirdif during the various phases of the project. This approach reflects RTA’s commitment to direct engagement with citizens, residents, and visitors across Dubai by keeping them informed of project updates, listening to their feedback and needs, and transforming them into practical solutions that contribute to improving the quality
of life.

71 Events at DWTC in H1 2026 Drive Growth Across Business, Trade and Global Investment

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai,January 5, 2026: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has unveiled its H1 2026 events calendar, featuring 71 international exhibitions and conferences set to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for business, trade and investment.

Spanning the first half of the year, the diverse calendar brings together global industry leaders, investors and innovators across sectors including healthcare, food and beverage, energy, tourism, technology, mobility, security, manufacturing and culture. Several large-scale and co-located events will take place across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), activating the city and amplifying economic impact.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said the H1 line-up reflects DWTC’s role as a key driver of business tourism and economic growth in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. “Our world-class exhibitions and conferences act as strategic drivers for business tourism, international investment and cross-sector collaboration. By hosting select mega events across DWTC and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are doubling the city’s capacity to host global events, enabling further growth across industries and enhancing our contribution to the local economy,” Julfar said.

Strong Start to the Year with Global Mega Events

The year begins with Intersec (12–14 January), the region’s leading platform for security, safety and fire protection, running alongside Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. These will be followed by FESPA Middle East (13–15 January), catering to the specialty printing and signage industry.

January also sees the return of World of Coffee Dubai (18–20 January) and AEEDC Dubai (19–21 January), the world’s largest annual dental conference and exhibition. The month concludes with Gulfood (26–30 January), the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, co-hosted at DWTC and DEC and marking the first mega event to be staged at the expanded DEC.

Healthcare, Aviation and Industrial Focus in February

February will spotlight healthcare, aviation and logistics with events including Aircraft Interiors Middle East, MRO Middle East, Breakbulk Middle East, and World Shisha Show (4–5 February). The Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition (4–8 February) will also bring global collectors to the city. Healthcare takes centre stage with World Health Expo – WHX (9–12 February), formerly Arab Health, celebrating over 50 years of industry leadership, alongside WHX Labs (10–13 February), previously Medlab Middle East.

Ramadan, Then Momentum Continues Post-Eid

During Ramadan, DWTC will host The Majlis (18 February – 19 March), welcoming guests for Iftar throughout the holy month. Following Eid Al Fitr, the calendar resumes with DUPHAT (24–26 March), Dubai Derma (31 March – 2 April) and Gulf Print & Gulf Pack. April features Middle East Energy, DOMOTEX Middle East, and a mix of lifestyle and creative exhibitions including World Art Dubai, Petworld Arabia, Middle East Coatings Show, and The Baby Expo.

Travel, Technology and Infrastructure Lead May and June

May is led by Arabian Travel Market (4–7 May), alongside major global platforms such as DIHAD, GISEC Global, GETEX Spring, Seamless Middle East, and Airport Show & Global Airport Leaders Forum. The first half of the year concludes in June with a strong focus on hospitality, design, mobility and public safety, including The Hotel Show, INDEX, CABSAT, Middle East Rail, MOVE Middle East, Solar & Storage Live, China Home Life, and the World Police Summit (23–25 June).

With its expansive and strategically curated calendar, DWTC continues to play a pivotal role in driving international business engagement, trade growth and global investment, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as one of the world’s leading destinations for major events.

Global Village Brings Back “The Wonderers’ Kids Fest” with Bigger Games and Family Fun

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai, UAE – January 5, 2026: Global Village, the region’s leading multicultural family destination for entertainment, shopping, dining and attractions, has announced the return of its popular family event, “The Wonderers’ Kids Fest,” promising bigger games and more outdoor fun for young visitors this season.

Running from Friday, January 9 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, the festival will take place daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering families 45 days of engaging activities designed especially for children aged 3 to 12. The event is included with the purchase of a Global Village entry ticket, allowing guests to enjoy all activities at no additional cost.

Located next to the Kids’ Theatre, The Wonderers’ Kids Fest features a dedicated outdoor space where children can participate in interactive and educational games while enjoying Dubai’s cooler winter weather. This year’s edition will officially open with a special drone show at 7:20 PM on Friday, January 9, setting the stage for weeks of family-friendly entertainment.

Young guests can once again enjoy the giant Snakes and Ladders game, a former Guinness World Record title holder, alongside popular attractions such as Giant Battleship, a life-sized 4 in a Row, and the much-loved Giant Stack’Em balancing game. The Stack’Em installation will be available in two different sizes to accommodate both younger and older children.

In addition to the large-scale games, the festival will feature a range of lively experiences including free face painting, balloon modelling, inflatable clown parades, and bubble blizzards. Families can also look forward to character meet-and-greet sessions with The Wonderers, Global Village’s mascots, as well as small giveaways for participating children.

With its mix of play, creativity and exploration, The Wonderers’ Kids Fest continues to be a seasonal highlight at Global Village, reinforcing the destination’s commitment to creating joyful experiences for families and delivering “A More Wonderful World” for guests of all ages.

Dubai RTA Completes 60% of Oud Maitha Road and AlAsayel Street Development Project

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai , January 4, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 60% of the Oud Maitha Road and Al Asayel Street Development Project, part of the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, the authority announced on January 4, 2026.

The project aims to enhance connectivity between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street, and includes the upgrade of four major intersections, the construction of bridges spanning 4.3 kilometres, and new roads extending 14 kilometres. Once completed, it is expected to serve more than 420,000 residents by 2030.

RTA said 70% of bridge works linking Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road towards Business Bay Crossing have been completed, with the section set to open in the first quarter of this year. About 60% of tunnel works connecting Dubai–Al Ain Road to Al Wasl Club Street have also been completed, while remaining road widening and bridge works are scheduled for opening in the third quarter.

According to RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer, the project will increase the capacity of Oud Maitha Road by 50%, from 10,400 to 15,600 vehicles per hour in both directions, and cut travel time from 20 minutes to just five minutes. The development supports key residential and service areas including Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Maitha, Umm Hurair and Al Wasl Club.

The project includes multiple new bridges, upgraded ramps, service roads and a vehicle tunnel designed to ease congestion, improve safety and accommodate Dubai’s growing population.