Dubai is known for its rapid pace of development and constant changes, making it challenging to keep track of everything. As we enter April 2025, a number of significant changes are rolling out across the city that residents and visitors should be aware of.
1. New Mega-Mall Opening in Nad Al Sheba
A massive new shopping destination, the Nad Al Sheba Mall, is set to open in April 2025. Spanning 500,000 square feet, the mall promises to become a key spot in the area, offering over 100 stores across categories like fitness, retail, entertainment, food and beverage, and healthcare. It will feature a rooftop gym, swimming pool, and padel courts, along with a modern design making it ideal for social outings and shopping sprees. The mall will serve the surrounding areas, including Meydan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Majan.
2. Dubai Fountain Show to Close for Renovation
The world’s largest performing fountain, the Dubai Fountain, will have its last performance on April 19, 2025, earlier than the previously announced May closure. After this final show, the fountain will undergo extensive renovations that will last for several months. The previous estimate for the upgrade was five months, but with the early shutdown, it’s uncertain whether it will be longer.
3. Parking Fees Set for Major Changes
Starting April 4, 2025, parking fees in Dubai will undergo a major revision. The Parkin parking operator has confirmed new tariffs, including a price increase for premium parking spaces near public transport hubs, business districts, and shopping centers, which will rise to Dhs 6 per hour. In contrast, regular parking rates will remain at Dh4 per hour. These changes, initially scheduled for March, have now been postponed until after Eid Al Fitr.
4. Name Change for Al Khail Metro Station
The Al Khail Metro Station has officially changed its name to the Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station. From April, new signage will be installed at all Dubai Metro stations to reflect this change. The updated name will appear on digital smart systems, public transport apps, and in audio announcements on trains and buses. This name change is part of a larger overhaul of station names scheduled to continue until the end of June.
5. Eid Al Fitr Celebrations in Dubai
April kicks off with the Eid Al Fitr long weekend, marking the end of Ramadan. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee is expected to announce whether Ramadan will last for 29 or 30 days, which will determine whether the public holiday will extend until April 1 or 2. During Eid Al Fitr, there will be plenty of activities in Dubai along with a shift in public transport timings to accommodate the celebrations.
