Latest news with #Arabian


Listly
20 hours ago
- Listly
Sir Bani Yas Island: Top 05 Reasons to Head to Abu Dhabi's Desert Paradise This Year
As the main reason most tourists head to Sir Bani Yas Island in the first place, there's no denying the role that the isle's Arabian Wildlife Park has played in its popularity as a vacation heartland. Occupying an impressive 4000 acres, the wildlife sanctuary is home to a whopping 17,000 creatures, including giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs and Arabian oryxes. The free-roaming wildlife reserve is not only ideal for safari tours but hiking expeditions and falconry demonstrations, as the latter is a cultural practice with a centuries-long history.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai to see a rainy weekend
Jun 27, 2025 07:34 AM IST Mumbai: After a week of light drizzles and occasional showers, the city can gear up for a weekend of heavy rainfall as per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast on Thursday. The alert continues till June 30, barring Saturday when moderate rain is expected in isolated areas. (Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo) The weather station has signalled a yellow alert starting Friday warning citizens to be aware that the weather could cause minor disruptions. The alert continues till June 30, barring Saturday when moderate rain is expected in isolated areas. Similar alerts have been sounded for Palghar and Thane, while Raigad is under an orange alert. Following the intense humidity, a trough running across the northeast Arabian sea, South Gujarat and north Madhya Maharashtra will bring rain.


Listly
2 days ago
- Listly
How to Experience Luxury Tourism and Culture in Abu Dhabi - Indulge in Splendour!
Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, is popular for its heritage and modernity. While it is quieter than its more opulent neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi charms visitors with its understated elegance, world class infrastructure and cultural experiences. If you want to experience a location that is both luxurious and authentic, here's how to enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi. Stay in Iconic Luxury Hotels Begin your adventure in style by reserving a room at one of Abu Dhabi's best hotels. For ultimate luxury, stay in an Arabian palace style hotel with golden domes, marble hallways, and a beachfront. You can also choose grand hotels nestled among the dunes that provide five-star experiences, complete with private villas, desert safaris, and much more. Or consider Hotel Apartments in Abu Dhabi right in the heart of the city that offers deluxe rooms and modern amenities, such as Oaks Liwa Executive Suites. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and view its white marble, reflective pools, mosaics, and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. There's plenty to explore here, and you can also take free guided tours to learn about the Islamic traditions and symbolism behind the mosque. Fine Dining Abu Dhabi's food scene is diverse. Head to Li Beirut if you want to sample modern Lebanese food. Hakkasan in Emirates Palace serves great Cantonese cuisine which has won awards. For a truly local taste, Mezlai serves upscale Emirati dishes made with traditional ingredients like saffron, rose water and date syrup for a cultural journey through flavour. Head to Louvre Abu Dhabi Located on Saadiyat Island is the well-known museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi. It acts like a bridge between East and West. Its dome resembles a latticework of stars and gives off a 'rain of light' effect. Inside, the exhibits range from ancient to modern and encourage cross cultural dialogue. Beach and Yacht Life Abu Dhabi's coastline is all about luxury. Many of the top hotels like the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort have private beaches with turquoise waters and service with a smile. For a more exclusive experience charter a private yacht from Yas Marina and explore secluded islands, swim in calm waters and enjoy a gourmet meal on board with a sunset view. Desert Adventure in Style The Arabian desert is timeless. Ditch the tourist trails and book a private luxury desert safari. Ride in top end 4x4s, watch falconry displays, dine under the stars and stay overnight in a deluxe tent that combines Bedouin chic with modern comfort. These experiences connect you with the region's nomadic heritage in style. Enjoy Shopping and Spas For shopaholics, The Galleria Al Maryah Island is a fashion hub with flagship stores of Chanel, Dior and Cartier. Other top places to go shopping include the Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall where you pick up luxury items. Experience Cultural Festivals and Live Performances Abu Dhabi's cultural calendar is packed. Time your visit with the Abu Dhabi Festival which features international music, dance and art or Qasr Al Hosn Festival which celebrates Emirati heritage through performances, crafts and cuisine. The Cultural Foundation in downtown Abu Dhabi has art exhibitions, film screenings and traditional storytelling in a beautiful setting. Take Day Trips to Historical and Heritage Sites Step back in time with a day trip to Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Garden City'. Visit Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Oasis and traditional souks. Closer to the city Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace) gives you a glimpse into its beautiful interiors and curated exhibits. These heritage experiences will add depth to your luxury escape.


NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Global Drugs Production At 3,708 Tonnes, 34% Jump From 2022: UN
Cocaine production, seizures and use all hit record highs in 2023, the UN drug agency said on Thursday, with the illicit drug's market the world's fastest-growing. Illegal production jumped to 3,708 tonnes, nearly 34 per cent more than in 2022, and more than four times higher than 10 years earlier, when it was at a low, the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in its annual report. The current surge is mainly due to an increase in the size of the area under illicit coca bush cultivation in Colombia and updated yield data, it added. Global cocaine seizures, too, recorded a high of 2,275 tonnes, marking a 68 per cent rise in the four years to 2023. The number of cocaine users also grew to 25 million in 2023, up from 17 million ten years earlier. "Cocaine has become fashionable for the more affluent society," UNODC chief researcher Angela Me said, noting a "vicious cycle" of increased use and production. While Colombia remains the key producer, cocaine traffickers are breaking into new markets across Asia and Africa, according to the report, with organised crime groups from the Western Balkans increasing their influence. Captagon "A new era of global instability has intensified challenges in addressing the world drug problem, empowering organised crime groups and pushing drug use to historically high levels," UNODC noted. In 2023, six per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64 are estimated to have used a drug, compared to 5.2 per cent of the population in 2013. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug. Seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants also reached a record high in 2023, making up almost half of all global seizures of synthetic drugs, followed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, UNODC said. The fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad in Syria last December has "created uncertainty around the future of the captagon trade", UNODC added. Earlier this month, Syria said authorities had seized all production facilities of the illicit stimulant, which became Syria's largest export under Assad. "The latest seizure data from 2024 and 2025 confirm that captagon is continuing to flow -- primarily to countries of the Arabian peninsula -- possibly indicating the release of previously-accumulated stockpiles or continued production in different locations," UNODC said.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Global cocaine market hit new record highs: UNODC
Cocaine production, seizures and use all hit record highs in 2023, the UN drug agency said on Thursday, with the illicit drug's market the world's fastest-growing. Illegal production jumped to 3,708 tons, nearly 34 percent more than in 2022, and more than four times higher than 10 years earlier, when it was at a low, the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in its annual report. The current surge is mainly due to an increase in the size of the area under illicit coca bush cultivation in Colombia and updated yield data, it added. Global cocaine seizures, too, recorded a high of 2,275 tons, marking a 68 percent rise in the four years to 2023. The number of cocaine users also grew to 25 million in 2023, up from 17 million ten years earlier. "Cocaine has become fashionable for the more affluent society," UNODC chief researcher Angela Me said, noting a "vicious cycle" of increased use and production. While Colombia remains the key producer, cocaine traffickers are breaking into new markets across Asia and Africa, according to the report, with organised crime groups from the Western Balkans increasing their influence. - Captagon - "A new era of global instability has intensified challenges in addressing the world drug problem, empowering organised crime groups and pushing drug use to historically high levels," UNODC noted. In 2023, six percent of the population aged between 15 and 64 are estimated to have used a drug, compared to 5.2 percent of the population in 2013. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug. Seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants also reached a record high in 2023, making up almost half of all global seizures of synthetic drugs, followed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, UNODC said. The fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad in Syria last December has "created uncertainty around the future of the captagon trade", UNODC added. Earlier this month, Syria said authorities had seized all production facilities of the illicit stimulant, which became Syria's largest export under Assad. "The latest seizure data from 2024 and 2025 confirm that captagon is continuing to flow -- primarily to countries of the Arabian peninsula -- possibly indicating the release of previously-accumulated stockpiles or continued production in different locations," UNODC said.