The Arabian Connect - Edition 6

Miguel Gomez
Aug 8
2 min read

Updated: Aug 29

The first half of the year has been exciting to say the least. Dubai recorded a 3% annual increase in international visitor numbers to 5.31 million in the first three months of 2025. Other Gulf cities - Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat - are recording similar growth as well.

We have put together some interesting updates from the region that visitors can look forward to - Enjoy!

Disney announces first Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi!

Set along the stunning waterfront, Disney Abu Dhabi could open between 2030 and 2033. The resort will feature groundbreaking technology, stunning design, and a breathtaking modern castle (reimagined for Abu Dhabi) - expected to be Disney’s most high-tech, interactive theme park to date. It promises to be a world-class destination, offering incredible entertainment, themed accommodations, and unique dining and shopping.

Zayed National Museum opening in 2025

The Museum will open in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District.

Dedicated to the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it will feature six permanent galleries as well as a temporary exhibition gallery, where visitors explore 300,000 years of human history.

It will also showcase artefacts from across the UAE.

UNTOLD Dubai announces second edition of music festival

The mega music festival has announced its second edition: November 6-9, at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

There will be at least 100 artists across the four-day festival, known for its multi-genre approach, catering to diverse musical tastes with three major headliners already announced: Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Steve Aoki.

New Banana Island Adventure Park in Doha

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has introduced the family-oriented leisure hub designed to offer an adrenaline-fueled experience combined with breathtaking views of the Doha skyline and Arabian Gulf.

Among the park’s signature attractions are Qatar’s longest zipline (275m), tallest outdoor rope course, a giant swing, human slingshot, free fall, and bouncing nets.

Rose season in Oman (April)

April is one of the most favorable months to visit Oman! Because it is in April that in the Hajar Mountains you can see a beautiful and fragrant picture - the blooming of the damask rose.

Guests have a unique opportunity to admire the delicate beauty of this flower on mountain plantations, enjoy the rose aroma and learn more about the production process of the famous rose water, which is made from these very petals that Omanis collect during the flowering season.