Manjula S. Dadallage captures a vibrant sunset scene at a Dubai beach, where silhouettes of people playing volleyball and enjoying the evening create a striking contrast against the glowing sky and calm shoreline.

UAE seen through the eyes of Gulf News readers

From deserts and sunsets to skylines and wildlife, readers showcase the UAE’s diversity

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival in the United Arab Emirates. The visit marks the first stop of PM Modi’s multi-nation diplomatic tour, underscoring continued high-level engagement between the two nations.

UAE President hosts Indian PM Modi in Abu Dhabi

From magical theme parks and immersive entertainment venues to world-class museums and ultra-luxury island resorts, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a spectacular new era of attractions. The capital’s ambitious pipeline includes projects from global giants such as Disney, Guggenheim, and Sphere, alongside futuristic leisure destinations designed to boost tourism, culture, and family entertainment. Together, these developments promise to transform Abu Dhabi into one of the world’s most exciting visitor destinations.

Abu Dhabi mega projects: Disney, Guggenheim, Sphere

Talks between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Abu Dhabi on May 15 are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional security.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit comes as the UAE and India continue to deepen their strategic and economic partnership. Above, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his landmark 2015 UAE visit, welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi (then Crown Prince).

Indian PM Modi’s landmark UAE visits: A visual timeline

Flame trees in full bloom frame the iconic Dubai Frame, blending nature with city skyline beauty.

Dubai flame trees bloom in fiery summer colours

The United Arab Emirates celebrates, on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the 50th anniversary of the unification of its Armed Forces, reflecting on five decades of achievements and heroism in defending sovereignty and safeguarding national gains.

UAE marks 50 years of Armed Forces unification

Areej al-Saafin, who lost her eye as a result of an Israeli military strike, holds a piece of wood charcoal as she prepares to draw on the wall of her home in the Bureij Palestinian refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Gaza artist overcomes trauma through drawing

BJP workers celebrate the party's lead during the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections in Kolkata on Monday, May 4, 2026.

India erupts in celebration after assembly poll results

Construction work in full swing at Dubai Metro Blue Line in International City.

Look: Dubai begins Blue Line tunnel excavation

A helmeted participant looks on as others cook lemang, a traditional glutinous rice dish stuffed into bamboo tubes and filled with coconut milk which are then placed over an open fire, during a mass cooking event in Blang Pidie, Indonesia's Aceh province.

Around the world: Offbeat photos of the week

A woman wearing a traditional Sorb outfit (R) manouvers a so-called "Spreewaldkahn" barge carrying tourists along a canal in the Spreewald region in Luebbenau, eastern Germany, as in background can be seen a boat of the postal service.

129-year-old boat mail route in Germany’s Spreewald

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they arrive at the White House.

In Pictures: King Charles III’s state visit to the US

China’s top automakers unveil cutting-edge models and technology at the Beijing Auto Show, highlighting advances in intelligent driving, ultrafast charging, and electric vehicles. More than 1,450 vehicles are on display, including 181 global debuts. Above, a musician plays next to a Dreame Nebula Next 01 concept car at the Beijing Auto Show in Beijing.

China automakers unveil future at Beijing auto show

Afghan visitors enjoy rolling down a steep and sandy mountainside on a weekend at the Sayad area of Reg-e-Rawan in Kapisa province.

Daring Afghans find respite on steep mountain slopes

Visitors explore the vibrant displays at Keukenhof, the world-famous flower garden in Lisse.

‘Amazing’ tulips in bloom draw crowds to Keukenhof

Visitors throng the Global Village on the first weekend of reopening

See: Huge crowds at Global Village on opening weekend

Rising sand and endless sky over the dunes of Maleha in Sharjah, captured beautifully by Lisa Singh.

Vibrant UAE views captured by our readers

Polling for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began across all 234 constituencies on April 23 (Thursday). Amid tight security measures, many A-list film stars, actors, directors, and other technicians cast their votes at polling booths across the state.

Rajinikanth, Kamal, Ajith, Dhanush cast votes

Schools across the UAE reopened on April 20, welcoming students back to classrooms after weeks of distance learning triggered by regional tensions. Campuses implemented strict safety measures, while school buses resumed service and traffic plans were rolled out nationwide. Above, students return to GEMS Metropole School in Motor City, Dubai, as campuses reopen across the UAE for in-person learning.

UAE schools reopen, students return with smiles

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