Latest from Time Out Abu Dhabi
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
There's going to be a Spartan Race at Al Ain Zoo and it looks epic
Get ready to channel your inner warrior – Spartan Race is returning to the UAE and this time it's going wild. On October 11 and 12, 2025, the action-packed Spartan Trifecta Weekend lands at Al Ain Zoo, bringing mud, muscle and adrenaline to one of the region's most unexpected venues. That's right – your next obstacle could come with a side of zebra spotting or a giraffe in the background. The two-day event is no ordinary race. It's a full Trifecta weekend, meaning you can complete all three of Spartan's signature races – Sprint, Super and Beast – in one go. Conquer all three and you'll earn the elite Trifecta medal (plus serious bragging rights). Here's what to expect: Sprint (5K, 20 obstacles): A fast, fierce challenge – great for beginners or anyone short on time. A fast, fierce challenge – great for beginners or anyone short on time. Super (10K, 25 obstacles): A middleweight test of endurance, strength and grit. A middleweight test of endurance, strength and grit. Beast (21K, 30 obstacles): Spartan's most brutal course, designed to push even the fittest competitors to their limits. Spartan's most brutal course, designed to push even the fittest competitors to their limits. Kids' Races (1–3K): Little Spartans aren't left out, with age-appropriate courses for kids 4 to 14. This is the first time Spartan is setting its obstacle course inside a zoo, so expect a completely unique course layout that winds through the animal exhibits, natural trails and garden landscapes of Al Ain Zoo. The race blends world-class sport with wild scenery – and it's designed to be just as memorable for spectators as it is for athletes. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event builds on the UAE's growing reputation as a global hub for obstacle racing. With the annual Spartan World Championship already a highlight of the capital's sporting calendar, this new event in Al Ain adds yet another must-do weekend to the UAE's race season. If you're not racing, go cheer on the athletes, bring the kids, or just soak in the zoo-meets-obstacle energy. If you are racing, it's time to start training, folks! From Dhs236. Ail Ain Zoo. Oct 11-12. 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The Open Masters Games is coming to Abu Dhabi, here's how you can enter
Ready, set, go! Abu Dhabi is getting ready to welcome one of the world's biggest sporting events and you don't have to be a pro – or under 30 – to take part. The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi is landing in the capital from February 6 to 16, 2026, bringing with it more than 25,000 athletes from around the globe. This is the first time the event is being held in the Middle East and it's all about celebrating sport, competition and community – regardless of your age. Inspired by the World Masters Games (think Olympics for the over-30s), the Open Masters Games takes things a step further by opening its doors to just about everyone, from retired pros and weekend warriors to fitness enthusiasts and curious first-timers. What to expect Over 33 sports will take place at venues across Abu Dhabi – including iconic locations like Zayed Sports City – with 29 official sports and four traditional competitions featuring falconry, camel racing, dhow sailing and endurance horse racing. Got a competitive streak? There's plenty to dive into – athletics, cycling, basketball, judo, tennis, rugby (open to 27+), swimming (25+) and more. Want to just soak up the vibes? Every venue is free to enter for spectators, so bring your flags, energy and plenty of cheer. Who can join? Anyone aged 30 and above can register (25+ for swimming and endurance racing, 27+ for rugby). The event also champions inclusivity, with 18 sports open to para athletes and people of determination. This isn't about medals or country rankings. There are no national delegations – just people competing for the love of the game and maybe a personal best or two. What's the cost? Registration is Dhs275 for UAE residents and Dhs550 for international participants. Even better, 90 percent of your fee is returned as credit for hotels, meals and exclusive Abu Dhabi experiences when you check in at the Athlete Welcome Centre. You've got until December 31 to sign up – or until slots fill up – so don't wait too long if you're thinking of joining the action. Want to volunteer? Not competing? You can still be part of the Games. Organisers are calling on 20,000 volunteers to help run everything from logistics and catering to medical services and sports management. It's open to everyone – students, professionals, sports fans – and you'll be part of something big, while helping promote active, healthy lifestyles across all ages. From Dhs275. Various locations. February 6 to 16, 2026. You might also like… Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Air Arabia has launched more flights between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan
If you've got friends, family, or business in Pakistan, getting there just got a whole lot easier. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has expanded its operations to Faisalabad and Multan, doubling flight frequencies and stepping up service just in time for late summer travel. Flights to Multan have jumped from two to five per week, with daily services kicking off in September. Meanwhile, Faisalabad now sees four weekly flights – up from two – giving travellers more flexibility and choice. This expansion is part of a broader push by the low-cost carrier to deepen ties between the UAE and Pakistan, a key growth market for the airline. It's also a response to increasing demand for affordable, reliable connections between the two countries – especially for the large Pakistani expat community in the UAE. The news comes hot on the heels of Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's new direct route to Sialkot, further expanding its reach across Pakistan. And the growth won't stop there. The airline plans to add two new aircraft to its fleet by the end of the year, setting the stage for even more routes and increased capacity across key markets. Whether you're heading home, visiting loved ones, or exploring Pakistan's vibrant cities, you've now got more options than ever to fly smart, easy and affordably. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier
Time Out Abu Dhabi
3 days ago
- Science
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the best spots to watch the Perseids meteor shower in the UAE
One of the most popular annual stargazing events is returning later this month, and we're already looking out the binoculars to make the most of it. An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet. Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies. But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13. This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers. (Credit: CanvaPro) And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye. For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12. The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it. If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below. The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found around a one and a half hour drive from Abu Dhabi. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Abu Dhabi, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat Island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just two-and-a-half hours away from the city of Abu Dhabi, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. 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
