MAGNAV Emirates

Michelle Clark

Fujairah Kite Surfing Surge

Fujairah Kite Surfing Surge

Fujairah Kite Surfing Surge By Desk Reporter Fujairah’s coastline is alive with excitement in 2025, as kite surfing becomes a cornerstone of the UAE’s recreational scene. The first Fujairah Kite Surf Open, held at Snoopy Island’s turquoise waters, drew athletes from across the Gulf, with Emirati champion Salem Al Marri earning third place on a board adorned with UAE flag colors. The event, supported by the UAE Sports Council, highlighted Fujairah’s ideal winds and stunning landscapes, cementing its reputation as a water sports destination. Local academies like Fujairah Surf Academy are thriving, with Emirati and expat youth mastering the sport under expert guidance. New eco-friendly beach clubs, powered by solar energy, reflect Fujairah’s commitment to sustainable adventure. The emirate’s investment in sports infrastructure is fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts, blending thrill with environmental stewardship. Fujairah’s rise as a recreational hub showcases the UAE’s ability to transform its natural assets into global attractions.

UAE Tourism Smashes Records

UAE Tourism Smashes Records AED 228.5 Billion in Spending and 925,000 Jobs in 2025

UAE Tourism Smashes Records AED 228.5 Billion in Spending and 925,000 Jobs in 2025 By Desk Reporter The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that in 2025, UAE travel and tourism will support 925,000 jobs, an increase of 26,400 roles over 2024, and drive visitor spending to AED 228.5 billion ($62.2 billion), up 37% from 2019 levels. Travel & tourism’s contribution is forecast to reach AED 267.5 billion, equating to nearly 13% of GDP. Domestic spend is set to top AED 60 billion, a 47% rise over pre‑pandemic figures. These gains reflect the success of Tourism Strategy 2031, visa facilitation, global connectivity, and high-end infrastructure across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Abu Dhabi, hotels generated AED 2.3 billion in Q1 2025, up 18% year-on-year, with the sector supporting 255,000 local jobs in the emirate alone. Efforts to increase Emirati participation and tourist diversification continue apace. With major attractions, Disney Resort, teamLab Phenomena, new rides in Yas Waterworld, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World expansions, the Emirates is redefining destination appeal regionally and globally. The UAE’s tourism story in 2025 is one of economic success, social opportunity, and strategic vision as it cements its role as one of the world’s most powerful travel hubs.

Rediscovering the UAE Beyond Icons and Into the Soul

Rediscovering the UAE Beyond Icons and Into the Soul

Rediscovering the UAE Beyond Icons and Into the Soul By Desk Reporter The UAE has long been associated with luxury travel, boasting global icons like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. But beyond the glittering skyline lies a treasure trove of lesser-known experiences that reveal the country’s rich history and natural beauty. From the rugged mountains of Hatta to the coral reefs of Fujairah, tourists are seeking slower, more meaningful ways to explore. The rise of eco-lodges, agri-tourism, and heritage trails has shifted travel trends toward sustainability and authenticity. Government initiatives aim to attract 40 million hotel guests by 2030, reflecting this growing interest. New frontiers are also opening up. The UAE Space Agency’s collaboration with commercial partners is laying the foundation for space tourism in the next decade. Meanwhile, projects like the Al Shindagha Museum and Qasr Al Watan are offering immersive, interactive experiences that preserve the Emirates’ legacy for future generations. Whether you’re wandering ancient forts in Al Ain or stargazing in the Liwa Desert, the UAE invites travelers to connect, not just consume. Tourism here is no longer just about what you see, it’s about what you feel and remember.

luxury meets ambition

Luxury Meets Ambition How the UAE Masters Modern Living

Luxury Meets Ambition How the UAE Masters Modern Living By Desk Reporter In the UAE, ambition doesn’t come at the cost of well-being. Life here moves fast, but it’s never without elegance and ease. Across the Emirates, professionals are redefining what balance looks like, spending weekdays in high-rise offices and weekends in beachside resorts or tranquil desert escapes. The UAE government’s progressive policies, such as the new Monday to Friday workweek, have aligned public and private sectors with global markets. This enables smoother international collaboration while giving residents more meaningful weekend time. It’s a lifestyle where success is measured not just by career growth but by quality of life. Wellness is now part of daily life. From sunrise yoga sessions on Dubai’s rooftops to retreats in Ras Al Khaimah that blend nature with mindfulness, health has become a priority, not a luxury. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UAE’s wellness tourism market is expected to grow annually by 6.8%, reflecting a strong public interest in mental and physical well-being. As skyscrapers light up the skyline, they also symbolize how the UAE merges drive with self-care, proving that here, ambition and serenity complement each other.

Creative Awakening Art

The UAE’s Creative Awakening Art with a Global Pulse

The UAE’s Creative Awakening Art with a Global Pulse By Desk Reporter The arts scene in the UAE has transformed from niche to international, attracting creatives from every corner of the globe. Once considered a commercial capital, the Emirates are now carving out a reputation for culture. Events like Art Dubai, which hosted over 100 galleries from 40 countries in 2024, are turning the spotlight onto both established and emerging voices in visual arts. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Biennial, known for its intellectual depth, continues to earn global praise for championing non-Western perspectives in contemporary art. The growth extends to music, film, and digital media. Platforms like the Dubai International Film Festival and Abu Dhabi’s warehouse421 have given local storytellers a place to shine. Indie filmmakers now explore bold themes, often blending Arabic narrative with global cinematic styles. Virtual galleries and NFT exhibitions are also growing in popularity, making the Emirates a unique blend of ancient storytelling and modern platforms. As creative freedom grows, so does the UAE’s cultural footprint. It is proving to be not just a marketplace but a maker of meaning.