Dubai news: The week's big headlines; Arabian Travel Market, Trump Tower, Chelsea FC and so much more
It's been another massive week of Dubai news.
We found out about a magical new opening coming soon to the UAE – Primark, of course. What else would it be?
In travel, both Emirates and flydubai have announced new daily routes to major destinations. And further plans have been revealed for what will eventually be the world's largest capacity airport have been revealed.
Oh, and another Dubai Metro station has just changed its name.
And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
It's going to be a lot to take in, so maybe it's best you read this all while you lie down on the sofa.
The major Dubai news you may have missed this week
Emirates announces new route to Hangzhou
Emirates Boeing 777 flights have just got a major upgrade (Credit: Emirates)
The world's largest international airline has launched a brand new daily non-stop route.
Flying out of Dubai International Airport, the new Emirates service will travel to Hangzhou – one of China's biggest cities.
The airline's latest expansion makes it the fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
UAE Exchange Metro Station changes name to Life Pharmacy Metro Station
(Credit: Supplied)
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday May 5, that the UAE Exchange Metro Station has been given a brand-new title.
Under a new ten-year agreement, the station will now be known as Life Pharmacy Metro Station.
Located in Jebel Ali Industrial Area, the station is the last stop on the red line route in the direction of Jebel Ali.
Curious about which Dubai Metro stations have been renamed so far? We've got a full explanation here.
Primark is coming to Dubai
It's stormed the high streets of Ireland and the UK, and now Primark is coming to Dubai.
The legendary budget store has partnered with the Alshaya Group, a huge retail franchise operator to bring three stores to Dubai.
Set to arrive in the UAE in the first quarter of 2026, you'll soon be able to grab bargains at Primark stores in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif.
Disneyland is coming to the UAE
Disneyland Abu Dhabi artist design (Credit: Disney)
Not technically Dubai news but c'mon. It's Disneyland.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi, officially named Disney Theme Park Resort, is finally coming to the UAE. And we couldn't be more excited.
The park will be 'authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati', according to The Walt Disney Company CEO Robert A Iger.
Mickey Mouse, Marvel superheroes, and, of course, your favourite Disney princesses are all set to call Yas Island in Abu Dhabi home.
The landmark announcement of the latest Disney resort was made by leading entertainment developer Miral on Wednesday May 7.
It's the final weekend of Global Village this season
Credit: Global Village
Set to close its doors for the hot summer months on Sunday May 11, time is running out to visit the family-fun destination.
In its final days, kids under 12 will be granted free entry in addition to kids under the age of three, senior citizens and people of determination are allowed to enter for free.
The GDRFA has also been handing out free tickets for tourists arriving at DXB and the Hatta border crossing.
Chelsea FC and DAMAC are bringing flats to Dubai
(Credit: Supplied)
One of the world's biggest football clubs is set to bring a football-themed branded residence project to Dubai.
Chelsea FC, considered one of English football's 'big six', has teamed up with Dubai-based real estate company DAMAC to build a first-of-its-kind residential project.
First announced last week, plans for the Chelsea Residences by DAMAC have now been revealed.
Each of the 1,400+ flats included in the luxury project will come with seafront views and have Chelsea-branded amenities.
Al Maktoum International Airport construction phases revealed
The exterior of Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Coop Himmelb(l)au)
Al Maktoum International Airport will be constructed in three phases, it was revealed.
The first phase, set to be completed by 2032, will include an elaborate underground rail system, a new terminal, a new concourse, two new runways and an underground baggage handling system.
It was also revealed that the airport will eventually have a link with Etihad Rail once all phases have been completed.
Emirates staff get 22-week bonus
(Credit: Emirates)
Emirates Airline will award its employees with a bonus equivalent to 22 weeks' salary, it has been announced.
Following a year of 'record financial results', the Emirates Group has confirmed that staff will be rewarded with a hefty bonus in their upcoming pay packet.
Impressively, Emirates has committed big bonuses to its ever-growing workforce for three years running.
A 20-week bonus was awarded to employees in 2024, and in 2023, over 50,000 Emirates workers received a 24-week bonus.
DXB flight cancellations
The new intercity Dubai to Sharjah bus route (Credit: RTA)
Travellers flying out of Dubai International Airport could face disruption following the cancellation of multiple flights.
'Ongoing uncertainty' surrounding access to Pakistan's airspace and airports has meant that Dubai's biggest airlines have cancelled a number of commercial flights from DXB.
The closure of northern Pakistan airspace has meant that several key routes to the South Asian country have been affected since Tuesday May 6.
Pakistan Super League season moved to the UAE
The final matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season have been moved to the UAE (Credit: Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that the final matches of the 2025 PSL season will be played in the UAE.
The final eight matches of the Pakistan Super League were due to be played in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore but have now been rescheduled due to ongoing uncertainty in the region.
The PSL will share the updated schedule of matches, dates and UAE venues for the remainder of the 2025 season at a later date.
Four remaining league stage matches are scheduled to be played before the PSL enters its playoffs phase to decide the eventual champion.
BurJuman Mall announces new ticketless paid parking system
(Credit: BurJuman Mall)
One of Dubai's busiest malls has introduced a new ticketless paid parking system.
BurJuman Mall has become the latest in the city to adopt a ticketless system for parking, following the examples of Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif.
Several tech upgrades have been introduced at BurJuman Mall, one of the city's oldest malls, to make getting in and out smoother.
Gold Apple has finally arrived in Dubai
Mascara dried up? Lip oil running low? In need of a new glow-inducing serum or ten? A massive beauty supermarket just made its grand entrance in Dubai, and we can confirm it's a make-up buff's dream come true. No, really.
Gold Apple is essentially a one-stop shop for all things beauty and is home to over 1700 products, including make-up must-haves, viral fragrances, premium skincare and a bumper collection of affordable Korean beauty brands.
For the uninitiated, Gold Apple is a big beauty retailer originating in Russia and stocks a generous range of beauty products, ranging from luxe, high-end brands to more affordable offerings that still deliver on what they promise.
flydubai announces new daily route
flydubai will fly to 11 top summer destinations this year (Credit: flydubai)
flydubai has announced the launch of a new daily service to one of the biggest cities in South Asia.
Starting from Thursday May 15, the Dubai-based carrier will operate a daily service to Peshawar in Pakistan.
The new route from DXB allows travellers from the UAE and the rest of the GCC more options when flying to Pakistan.
Since 2010, when the carrier launched its first flights to Karachi, it has expanded its network in Pakistan to include Faisalabad, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Quetta and Sialkot.
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Get that sweet tooth satisfied
50 free things to do in Dubai
You won't believe what you can do
47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE
For you and the little ones
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