2 November 20260211 ShareShopping|Food & DrinkM&S is opening its largest Foodhall outside the UK at Dubai Festival City this December. The 15,327 sq ft store will stock more than 3,500 M&S products and 500 locally sourced items, bringing the brand's full food range to the UAE for the first time. Expect a patisserie, sushi counter, rotisserie chicken, pizza oven and even a Fruit Butcher. No exact opening date has been announced yet.
2 November 20260211 ShareHuman Interest|Health|BusinessDubai baker Maryam Al Sadiq has built a cake business while undergoing treatment for cancer, including several relapses. She started Unknown Treats after leaving her corporate job, faced repeated setbacks and eventually launched her mini Bundt cakes on delivery platforms this year. Her family and friends helped keep the dream alive through hospital stays and treatment. It's a story about finding something to look forward to, even on difficult days.
2 November 20260211 ShareHousing|BusinessMore Dubai homebuyers are paying cash as mortgage borrowing becomes more expensive. Betterhomes says cash purchases accounted for 44% of its residential sales in the third quarter, up from 36% in the second. Mortgages still financed 56% of its transactions, so borrowing remains important. Anyone planning to buy should check their current mortgage eligibility before deciding what they can afford.
2 November 20260211 ShareCommunity|Government|EducationUAE Flag Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, 3 November, with the national flag traditionally raised at 11am across schools, offices and government buildings. Residents are welcome to take part, but it isn't a public holiday. Schools and workplaces are expected to operate normally, subject to their own arrangements. If your child's school is organising a special ceremony, check its instructions for the day.
2 November 20260211 ShareCommunity|ShoppingDubai's Festival of Lights begins today and runs until 12 November, bringing Diwali celebrations, shopping offers, music and family activities across the city. Most activities are free. Noor: Festival of Lights returns to Al Seef on 7 and 8 November, while BurJuman is already running free evening workshops and performances. Diwali itself falls on Sunday, 8 November, so there's plenty happening before the main celebration.
2 November 20260211 ShareHealthNMC Healthcare is offering 50% off prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and ultrasound services for men aged 40 and above throughout November. The offer also includes a complimentary consultation to discuss the results. Participating facilities are listed across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. Screening isn't automatically necessary for everyone, so discuss whether it's appropriate with your doctor before booking.
2 November 20260211 ShareTransport|BusinessADIPEC starts at ADNEC today, and Abu Dhabi motorists face four days of extra traffic restrictions. Parking at the exhibition centre is limited to permit holders, while trucks face round-the-clock restrictions on Abu Dhabi Island until 5 November. Labour buses have restrictions from 6.30am to 8pm. Free park-and-ride shuttles are available for exhibition visitors, with departures every 20 minutes.
2 November 20260211 ShareTravelFlying to Saudi Arabia or connecting through a UAE airport today? Etihad has cancelled its Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh and Dammam, plus selected Jeddah services, through 5 November. flydubai and Air Arabia also have cancellations affecting several routes, including other international destinations. Check your exact flight number directly with the airline before leaving home. A confirmed booking does not necessarily mean the flight is operating.
1 November 20260111 ShareHealth|CommunitySeha has launched a year-long campaign encouraging more women in the UAE to donate blood. Since 2020, 8,599 Emirati women have registered as donors, contributing 4,022 donations. Generally, eligible donors must be aged 18 to 65, weigh at least 50kg, be in good health and hold an Emirates ID. Blood donations support emergency treatment, surgery and patients whose care cannot wait.
1 November 20260111 ShareTransport|Crime & SafetyDubai Police issued 48,950 fines for driving vehicles with expired registration in the first 10 months of 2026. The penalty is Dh500, four black points and seven days of vehicle impoundment. Police are reminding drivers that registration renewals also help ensure their cars receive essential safety checks. If your renewal date is approaching, check your insurance and inspection requirements before it slips past.