Hatta Resort in Dubai will resume operations on September 28th with updated facilities and new activities

As autumn approaches, residents and visitors to the United Arab Emirates are preparing to take advantage of the cooler weather in the country, as a number of popular outdoor attractions prepare to reopen their doors for the new season.

During the summer period, many outdoor venues temporarily close or reduce their activities, forcing residents to turn to numerous indoor attractions in the UAE, such as Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, The Green Planet, and Aya Universe.

However, as temperatures begin to drop, the country's outdoor sites are getting ready to welcome visitors again, offering a variety of entertainment: from seasonal markets and wildlife events to gardens, leisure spots, restaurants, and family activities.

Global Village in Dubai has announced that its 31st season will officially open on October 14, 2026, at 18:00, marking the return of one of the emirate's most popular seasonal attractions. The new season, which will run until May 2027 under the theme 'A More Wonderful World,' will maintain a combination of multicultural pavilions, international cuisine, shops, live performances, and rides.

Furthermore, several new elements are planned for the upcoming season designed to provide guests with additional reasons to visit and experience this place anew. It is worth noting that Global Village concluded its 30th anniversary season on May 31, 2026, after a three-week extension related to the Eid al-Adha holidays.

Dubai Safari Park will officially resume operations on October 12 as part of the new season, inviting visitors back to explore wildlife-focused areas and conservation initiatives. The park will launch a new brand platform called 'Live More Wild Life,' developing its environmental protection efforts following the success of its seventh season.

Among the new experiences is the Royal Safari Experience, a four-hour private guided tour designed for groups of up to 10 people. This premium experience includes private guided tours, reserved seating, and VIP-level service, offering guests a more exclusive way to explore the park.

Dubai Miracle Garden is also preparing to welcome visitors for its 15th season in October, although the exact opening date has not yet been announced. For this season in October, events such as Pop-Up Market in Bloom and Kids Activity Corner are already scheduled, with more experiences expected throughout the season.

The world's largest natural flower garden concluded its previous season on May 31, 2026, after which it was temporarily closed for the summer for improvements and preparation for the new season. In the last month of the season, UAE residents could access it at a reduced price of 30 dirhams, including VAT, by presenting a valid Emirates ID, and children under 12 continued to enjoy free entry.

Liwa International Festival will return to Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, this winter. According to the festival's website, it will take place from December 11, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Known as the 'Desert Main Stage,' the festival is held at the foot of Tal Morib, one of the highest dunes in the UAE, and has become one of the country's most popular winter attractions, attracting over 700,000 visitors last season.

Since its founding in 2001, the festival has attracted guests from all over the UAE, offering a mix of traditional cultural experiences, desert adventures, motorsport events, and family activities, suitable for visitors of all ages.

Dubai Crocodile Park, catering to families and wildlife enthusiasts, is preparing to resume operations on September 15 as part of the new season; tickets are already available for booking on its website. The park, home to about 250 Nile crocodiles, offers a wildlife-focused experience, including a Natural History Museum, an African lake aquarium, and a savanna-inspired landscape, as well as a souvenir shop and several dining options.

The Minister of Tourism of the United Arab Emirates announced that the country's tourism sector is preparing for a significant upturn over the next few months.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Tuk Al Marri, noted that despite difficulties, it was possible to successfully navigate the complex situation, and now the sector is ready for the next month.

He emphasized that hotel operators played a significant role in maintaining the health of the sector, as they managed to preserve employment levels and refrained from increasing booking prices.

Furthermore, Al Marri mentioned that over the past two months, the Gulf countries jointly accelerated the process of digital transformation. He added that the collective results achieved in the Gulf region are being studied by global businesses.

These statements were made by the minister during a panel session at the Arabian Travel Market—a global travel and tourism event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre over four days.

Earlier, the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al Budaiwi, reported that in 2025, the Gulf countries welcomed 75 million tourists, representing a 4.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, while domestic tourism in the Gulf countries reached 20 million.

The airline Wizz Air has announced the resumption of flights to the United Arab Emirates. After suspending operations of its subsidiary in Abu Dhabi, the airline will begin operating weekly flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

According to a Wizz Air announcement on the social network Instagram, the airline is restoring service on routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Amman, planning 12 destinations and 49 weekly flights.

Previously, Wizz Air suspended its operations in Abu Dhabi on September 1, 2025. The reason for this decision was the termination of the joint venture due to the geopolitical situation, regulatory complexities, and intense competition.