The UAE celebrates its National Day collectively for two days from the 2nd of December. It commemorates the 1971 ending of a treaty signed with the UK in 1892 and the decision of seven separate sheikdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Ras Al Kaimah to unify forming the present country also in the same year. The National Day celebrated in all the emirates usually starts on the final day of November if there is a long weekend involved. The lead up to the big day is celebrated with a series of free public events such as hot air balloon rides, concerts by khaleeji performers, falconry competitions, regattas, carnivals, art shows and night markets. On the day itself residents across …

If you are looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year 2014, why not head over to paradise in the Maldives? No matter which of the excellent Maldives luxury resorts you choose to stay at, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable auld lang syne. Collapse into an elite Maldives villa after partying into the New Year, where you’ll be well pampered and spoiled at the Baros Maldives. All of the hotels dotting this charming tropical archipelago have a grand itinerary prepared to give all guests an utterly unforgettable party beach December 31st. The rarity of this once-annual event means that all New Year celebrations can be quite pricey, but you will be treated to perks such as a grand gala dinner and free flowing champagne to toast good …

Christmas in Maldives is truly a joyous one. Maldives luxury resorts celebrate it best but for a more intimate and sublime celebration, choose a Maldives villa such as the Baros Maldives. The whole archipelago clothes itself in Christmas attire for this glorious festival in colourful strings of fairy lights, tinsel, various baubles and decorations. The streets are busy as natives go out to buy gifts for their loved ones to gift to one another on Christmas day. Embellished pine branches and Christmas fir trees decorate households during this time of the year which is usually filled with much joy and laughter. Another popular activity that goes on at this time is the purchasing of new cloths for going to midnight mass on Christmas day. Many families go out and …

Sri Lanka is a great tourist destination. This is because this little island is full of surprises that can capture the imagination of anyone who visits this charming locality, whether it’s for the first time, or if you are a regular visitor. If you are not sure about making Sri Lanka a choice of destination for travel, think again. This tear-shaped “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, as it is popularly known as, is a beautiful, serene and adventurous place all in one go. It can hold your interest forever and transport you to another place and dimension. A fact that makes Sri Lanka such a versatile place is its tropical climate. You can experience different climates in different cities that are just a few hours …

The Dubai Air Show has been proven to be an amazing success as it was hosted even in 2011 and drew in a crowd of over 50,000 trade visitors. There were 960 exhibitors at the previous show and media personnel from across the world flew into Dubai to witness the event. The features of this year’s event are bound to attract a lot of people as there will be a Future’s Day showcasing colleges and academic institutions where you can pursue a career in aviation. Prominent aviation institutes will come in on the last day of the event and discuss career paths available and inspire young people to join the industry. Another spectacular feature of the 2013 show is the Green Project. A separate section …

Kuwait is one of the many upcoming nations in the Middle East that comes alive with activity at several times during the year. With an array of shows and exhibitions lined up for the eager tourist, it really comes as no surprise that visitors fall in love with this place. One event that comes out as a favourite for many is the Autumn Consumer Festival. It is an exhibition designed to showcase the latest trends in everything that a shopaholic loves and ensures that the fair is jam packed from the day it starts to the day it is wrapped up. The Middle Eastern reputation of being a ‘Shopaholic’s Paradise’ is reinstated at this vibrant festival in Kuwait. Here you can find a range of …