Latest news with #AbuDhabiComedySeason
Time Out Abu Dhabi
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
New banking rule coming to the UAE: Banks to switch from OTPs to in-app authentication
Banks in the United Arab Emirates are phasing out one-time passwords sent via texts and email as early as this week. The shift in digital banking security will begin on Friday July 25 and is being gradually rolled out by the Central Bank of the UAE. Instead of those OTP texts and emails you get sent prior to making a big purchase, you'll soon need to authenticate transactions with greater security via your bank's mobile app. OTPs are security codes that are valid for only one login attempt or transaction and are typically used for digital payments – including online shopping or QR-code purchases when you're dining out. The switch will not happen overnight and is expected to be fully in place by all banks March 2026. A CBUAE spokesperson explained to Gulf News that customers will complete online transactions easily by selecting the Authentication via App feature. The spokesperson said: 'As per the directives issued by the UAE Central Bank, the practice of receiving OTPs via SMS or email will be phased out. 'Customers can now complete online transactions easily by selecting the 'Authentication via App' feature in their bank's smart application.' The switch from OTPs to in-app authentication should provide more security for payments in the UAE. Banks are urging customers to update their apps and start favouring in-app authentication instead. With more payments being made digitally in Abu Dhabi, even when you're out and about, the switch means you'll need to make sure your phone is charged at all times to authenticate those big bills. Many of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi will now ask you to pay after scanning a QR code. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Time Out Abu Dhabi
7 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The record was just broken for the most expensive home ever sold in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is no stranger to luxury real estate milestones, but this one just raised the bar. Again. A jaw-dropping Dhs400 million has just been paid for a beachfront mansion on Saadiyat Island – officially making it the most expensive home ever sold in the capital. The record-breaking property is part of Faya Al Saadiyat, an ultra-luxury development by Aldar and it's anything but ordinary. It has eight bedrooms, direct access to Saadiyat's pristine shoreline, a private car gallery, a golf simulator, an in-house cinema and wellness suites that could rival a five-star spa. Yeah, wow. Set within the award-winning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed studios 1508 London and Nordic Office Architects, this mansion blends minimalist elegance with full-blown extravagance. With Italian-made kitchens, custom joinery and uninterrupted 360-degree views of the sea and greenery – no detail has been spared. The sale reflects more than just luxury living; it's a clear sign that Abu Dhabi's high-end property market is on fire. With Saadiyat Island drawing buyers from around the world – Russia, France, the UK, China, the US – this beachside address has cemented itself as the city's most coveted postcode. In the first half of 2025 alone, Aldar saw Dhs5 billion in sales on Saadiyat, with expats making up a staggering 86 percent of buyers. Faya Al Saadiyat itself is an exclusive gated enclave of just 21 villas, two of which are eight-bedroom mansions like this one, with the rest ranging from six to seven bedrooms. So if you've got a few hundred million to spare and a soft spot for uninterrupted sea views, it's clear where the city's luxury compass is pointing: Saadiyat Island, again. More going on in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Time Out Abu Dhabi
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
How to stay safe on the roads during the dust warning in Abu Dhabi
If you've stepped outside today and noticed a hazy, sand-streaked skyline, you're not imagining things. The UAE is currently under a dust storm alert, with strong southeasterly winds whipping across parts of the country and reducing visibility on the roads. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an official weather warning for Wednesday July 16, as gusts of up to 40km/h stir up sand and dust from 8.45am to 5pm. Visibility in some coastal and inland areas could drop to under 2,000 metres, making driving tricky – and even dangerous. In response, Abu Dhabi Police have issued a firm reminder, saying: 'Due to low visibility caused by high winds and dust, we advise drivers to remain alert and reduce speed. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, please avoid using mobile phones or taking videos while driving.' So, what should you do? Whether you're heading out for work or planning a summer road trip, here's how to stay safe while navigating the dust. How to stay safe on the roads when it's dusty Stay focused on the road As ever, this isn't the time for car selfies or voice notes. Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road – visibility could change in seconds. Slow it down High winds and low visibility are a risky combo. Reduce your speed, leave extra space between you and the car ahead and be prepared for sudden stops or detours. No phones, no distractions Abu Dhabi Police are crystal clear: do not film the weather or use your phone behind the wheel. If you want to update your group chat, do it once you're safely parked. Avoid driving if you can Not essential? Stay indoors. Dust storms don't just affect the roads – they can also trigger allergies and irritate your lungs. If you're staying home, close windows and secure any loose items on your balcony. Keep an eye on the forecast Weather in the UAE can turn quickly, especially during the summer months. Follow your local emergency channels for real-time updates on dust conditions and road safety alerts. Don't underestimate the dust Even if it doesn't look dramatic, blowing dust can sneak up on you while driving. Treat today's weather like a proper hazard – because it is one. Things going on in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Time Out Abu Dhabi
15-07-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Everything you need to know about booking water taxis in Abu Dhabi
In case you didn't know, normal road taxis and (soon-to-be-operational) flying taxis aren't the only ways to get around in Abu Dhabi. Enter, taxis on water. Abu Dhabi Maritime launched water taxis connecting Yas Bay to Al Raha Beach and they're pretty handy. Here's how you can jump aboard: You can book your tickets online and pay in advance, making using the service pretty quick and easy. The Yas Island water taxi route runs between Al Bandar, Yas Bay and Yas Marina, and you can also book the Marsa Mina-Louvre Abu Dhabi line online, too. Online bookings can also be used on the ferry line between Al Dhanna and Dalma Island. Prices vary by line, but a one-way trip between Al Bandar and Yas Bay is Dhs10, and unlimited trips on the route is Dhs50 a day, while a one-way trip between Marsa Mina and Louvre Abu Dhabi is Dhs15, and a return trip is Dhs20. Return trips to Dalma Island will set you back Dhs20. You can book as a guest or log in via email, UAE pass, Facebook or Google. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Time Out Abu Dhabi
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Travis Scott is heading to Abu Dhabi for a massive concert
We all know that the Abu Dhabi concert list for 2025 just keeps getting better and better, but now we have yet another addition: none other than superstar Travis Scott. The artist is bringing his CIRCUS MAXIMUS WORLD TOUR to the UAE capital, on Saturday November 15, at Etihad Park. Promoted by Live Nation Middle East, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, the concert is part of a limited global run that only has six other dates confirmed worldwide. It starts on October 11 in Johannesburg, South Africa at FNB Stadium, before continuing in Delhi, India, Seoul, Korea, Sanya, Hainan, China, and Tokyo, Japan. So far, the North America, Europe, UK, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand legs of Travis' tour have sold 1.7 million tickets, making it the highest-grossing rap tour in history. Travis Scott in Abu Dhabi tickets Okay, so now you want tickets (would be rude not to). Get ready for Thursday 17 July at 12pm when Live Nation goes live with their pre-sale. Then you'll have another chance on Friday July 18 at 12pm when general sale kicks off. Good luck! Ticket price TBA. Sat Nov 15, Etihad Park, Yas Island. and More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
