Sophie Prideaux

Dubai

Digital Editor at Condé Nast Traveller (Middle East)

Digital Editor at Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. Former young journalist of the year, now old. All views are my own.

Articles

UAE flights to India and Pakistan disrupted - what you need to know

1 week ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad and Flydubai, have cancelled flights to Pakistan and parts of Northern India amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Pakistan's airspace was closed on Thursday morning as drone and missile fire continued, causing several cancellations and delays across the Middle East, Asia and Europe as airlines re-route. Emirates cancellationsEmirates is suspending all Pakistan flights until at least 10 May, it said in a statement on Thursday.
May the fourth be with you: What is Star Wars Day and how did it start?

1 week ago | thenationalnews.com | David Tusing |Sophie Prideaux

A child wearing a Chewbacca mask attends a Star Wars exhibition in Chile, on the eve of May 4th, known as Star Wars Day. AP A child wearing a Chewbacca mask attends a Star Wars exhibition in Chile, on the eve of May 4th, known as Star Wars Day. APMay the fourth be with you: What is Star Wars Day and how did it start? It's a play on one of the franchise's most famous phrases, but its origins date back far, far away from social media
This is when Global Village will close for summer 2025

1 week ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Dubai's ever-popular Global Village only has a few more weeks before closing for the summer season. The family-friendly attraction, known for its multi-cultural pavillions, street food and regular live performances, will officially end its 29th season in May. When does Global Village close? Global Village will close its doors for the summer season on Sunday, 11 May.
Inside Condé Nast Traveller Middle East's ATM party

2 weeks ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

As the region’s travel industry converges in Dubai for the annual Arabian Travel Market, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East celebrated with a glittering party at The Guild. Held in partnership with Aroya Cruises, Voyage After Dark gathered high-profile figures from the travel, luxury and hospitality industries to celebrate connection through travel.
Jumeirah announces a new luxury hotel at Dubai's La Mer South

2 weeks ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Fresh from the opening of Dubai's newest luxury hotel, Marsa Al Arab, Jumeirah has announced plans to open a five-star hotel at La Mer South. Jumeirah Asora Bay is scheduled to open in 2029, and will feature 103 rooms and suites along with 20 villas. Set on the upcoming La Mer South peninsula, the property will be surrounded by verdant gardens and winding paths, with wraparound balconies designed to take in views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
The 11 flight routes launching from Dubai this summer

2 weeks ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

If you are planning a summer getaway, Flydubai has just announced its seasonal routes for 2025 – and there are plenty of direct flights to Europe's top destinations, from Greek islands and Italian hotspots to Turkey's glittering riviera. This year, Dubai's low-cost operator will launch 11 routes for the summer, including two new destinations – Al Alamein on Egypt's evolving north coast and Antalya in Turkey.
This is when Global Village will close for 2025

1 month ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Dubai's ever-popular Global Village only has a few more weeks before closing for the summer season. The family-friendly attraction, known for its multi-cultural pavillions, street food and regular live performances, will officially end its 29th season on Sunday, 11 May. Why is Global Village closing? As an outdoor attraction, Global Village closes each year over the hot summer months.
Why Saudi Arabia is suspending short-term visas for 14 countries

1 month ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Saudi Arabia is temporarily suspending visas for visitors from 14 countries during the upcoming Hajj season in a bid to prevent overcrowding. The kingdom will temporarily pause the insurance of new short-term visas, including single and multiple entry business visit visas, e-tourist visas, Umrah visas and family visit visas. Here's everything you need to know about Saudi's visa suspension. Why is Saudi Arabia temporarily suspending visas?
First In: Hawar Resort by Mantis, Bahrain

1 month ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Why book? For a private-island experience 30 minutes off the coast of Bahrain, surrounded by patchwork blue waters, UNESCO-recognised wildlife and an all-encompassing feeling of peace. Set the sceneOne hour after landing at the airport in capital Manama, we’re already at the other end of tiny Bahrain, ready to board for the 30-minute boat ride across to Hawar Island. As we approach, I spot the outline of a galloping horse on the horizon, then another and another.
16 unwritten rules to know before visiting Dubai

1 month ago | cntravellerme.com | Sophie Prideaux

Dubai is a welcoming city. It has, after all, gladly received upwards of 85 per cent of its population from overseas with open arms. The metropolis that has risen from the sands of the desert spans just 35 square kilometres (for now), but within its gilded confines, you’ll find a city with many sides, created by people from many places, who each bring a piece of culture from their homeland. But for all its hospitality, many visitors to the city still arrive with some common misconceptions.