Chantal Stambouli

Christmas festivities are in full swing across the Holy Land, filling streets, churches, and public squares with light, music, and a spirit of shared joy.

The end-of-year festivities have officially begun in Tel Aviv, and this year they come with a twist few would have predicted.

The United Arab Emirates has officially launched its winter tourism season, a period spanning from mid-December through April, during which the country leverages its mild climate and diverse geography to attract both local and international visitors. 

Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality brand under Dubai Holding, has announced a partnership adding one of the world’s most celebrated sailing superyachts – The Maltese Falcon – to its elite Jumeirah Privé collection.

Israel was approved on Thursday to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, prompting Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to withdraw and pushing the event into one of the most divisive moments in its history.

UAE residents are gearing up for a long weekend as the country marks its 54th National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. The annual celebration commemorates the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six emirates united to form a single nation. 

Maison Margiela has always rewritten the rules of fashion. Now, the house known for its exposed seams, décortiqué tailoring, and poetic deconstruction is applying that same rebellious vocabulary to an entirely new arena: architecture.

The world’s tallest hotel has officially opened its doors in Dubai. Ciel Dubai Marina, standing at an impressive 377 metres, has overtaken the Gevora Hotel (356 metres), also located in Dubai, to claim the global title.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the lifestyle platform ‘Yalla’ has unveiled its much-anticipated list of top restaurants in Abu Dhabi for celebrating Christmas Eve (December 24) and enjoying a festive lunch on Christmas Day (December 25), and the lineup is nothing short of mouth-watering.