The UAE has topped TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ranked as the No 1 attraction in the Middle East and eighth in the world.
Known for its striking white marble domes, intricate floral mosaics and reflective pools, the mosque welcomes millions of visitors each year. Guided tours offer insight into Islamic architecture and traditions, making it both a cultural and architectural highlight of the capital.
Dubai also dominated the list with a range of attractions. Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, remains a major draw with its observation decks offering panoramic views of the emirate and beyond. Nearby, Dubai Mall combines retail with entertainment, housing an Olympic-sized ice rink, a large aquarium and an underwater zoo. The adjacent Dubai Fountain – although currently closed for renovation – is known for putting on daily choreographed water shows set to music, drawing large crowds in the evenings.
Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm, earned recognition for its record-breaking water slides, lazy river and interactive dolphin experiences. Aura Skypool, billed as the world’s highest 360º infinity pool, gives visitors an elevated view of Dubai’s skyline.
Other Dubai favourites on the list include the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, one of the most photographed hotels in the world; Miracle Garden, with its themed floral displays and sculptures; and Global Village, a seasonal destination featuring pavilions from countries around the world.
In Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World’s high-speed rides, including the Formula Rossa roller coaster, secured it a place among the region’s best.
The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews over a 12-month period, highlighting attractions that consistently deliver positive visitor experiences.
In January, Dubai was the only Middle Eastern city to make TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Destinations list for 2025, placing third globally behind London and Bali.
TripAdvisor described Dubai as a place that “mixes modern culture with history”, from shopping and entertainment to exploring souqs along Dubai Creek. The emirate also ranked seventh in both the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers and the Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years categories.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
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Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
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Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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Infiniti QX80 specs
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