A week in review: Here are the top stories from Dubai this week
Here’s your must-read guide to the city’s biggest news stories…
In a fast paced city like Dubai, it can be hard to keep up with all the city’s happenings. Which is why we’re bringing you the week in review: a short, digestible overview of the weeks biggest news announcements, trending stories and top happenings.
From the announcement that the Red Hot Chilli Peppers will perform at UFC 242 this year to a Dubai restaurants banned from using petals, we’ve rounded up the Dubai news you need to know about this week.
Restaurants in Dubai can no longer use flowers or petals in dishes
Restaurants in Dubai can no longer use flowers or petals to garnish or complete their dishes, according to a circular issued by Dubai Municipality. The ban comes into affect immediately, and also applies to beverages. According to an article by Gulf News, a circular was issued to restaurants that stated the use of flowers, roses or its petals as decoration or as an ingredient in meals will no longer be allowed. The decision comes from the National Committee for Food Safety who want to ensure that the food provided by food establishments is of high standards and safe for consumption.
Calorie counts won’t be displayed on menus in Dubai anytime soon
In May 2019, Dubai Municipality announced that restaurant across the city would be required to display the calorie count of all dishes by January 2020. However, a Dubai Municipality official confirmed to Gulf News that establishments will in fact have two years to implement the change. The news was confirmed by Khalid Mohammad Sherif Al Awadhi, CEO of the environment, health and safety control sector at Dubai Municipality who stated that the decision to postpone the time frame was to “allow enough time for the industry to prepare itself.”
Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranked among the safest cities in the world
As if we didn’t know already, the United Arab Emirates is one of the safest places to live. And it’s been proven, in a new study conducted by global research website, Numbeo. The annual study has already placed Abu Dhabi in the top spot for Safest City in the World twice, and its yet to be beat. Dubai is also in the top ten safest cities, moving up from 11th last year, to 6th in 2019. Numbeo collect data from around the world, factoring in perception of its website visitors by 69,756 people in 5,220 cities.
Recharge your nol card at one of Dubai’s new solar-powered machines
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have made it easier for customers to recharge their nol card with the addition of 100 new stations. RTA announced that the decision for the machines to run on solar power was to help in their efforts to be more sustainable. nol cards are used to pay for RTA services in Dubai such as the metro, tram, water buses, paid parking zones and even taxis. Cards need a minimum balance of Dhs7.50 at all times, so it’s important to have plenty of recharging stations around.
You can now get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on a seaplane
Seawings are offering a 45-minute flight from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Not only will you be able to travel to the capital in style, you’ll get to experience some incredible views and see the UAE from a whole new perspective, 1,500 feet above the ground. Each 45 minute tour that you book also includes tickets to Ferrari World theme park so you can continue the thrill on arrival.
RTA opens new project to ease traffic between Dubai and Sharjah
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opened the new Tripoli Street Improvement project on Wednesday July 24. The Tripoli Street Improvement Project aims to enhance Dubai’s traffic system by improving the link between Dubai and Sharjah, bettering the flow of traffic and making access easier to Al Warqaa and Mirdif districts.
You can now check-in for flights at The Dubai Mall
If you dread the queues at Dubai Airport for check-in and baggage drop, there’s a new way to do it that’ll help you avoid the queues. DUBZ, an arm of dnata travel, has opened a new check-in station at The Dubai Mall, outside the dnata store on the lower ground level of the mall to allow give passengers another convenient option for check-in. The service is available to passengers of nine airlines: flydubai, SAUDIA, flynas, China Southern, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, SaudiGulf, Royal Jordanian, and Ethiopian Airlines, and is priced at Dhs99 inclusive of one piece of checked luggage.
Confirmed: Red Hot Chili Peppers to play in Abu Dhabi for UFC 242
It’s already set to be a massive year for music in the capital, with artists including Eminem, The Killers and Travis Scott all confirmed to perform. And after some speculation, it’s been confirmed that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are coming to Abu Dhabi this September as part of the week-long Abu Dhabi Showdown week, which will lead up to the UFC 242 fight. The gig will take place on September 4 at the currently under construction UFC arena (called The Arena), which is being built on Yas Island.
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