Ever the optimist, I probably say that most Januarys as we usher in a new year. But this year is going to be particularly special.
As I've mentioned many times before, I'm getting married this year. After nearly two years of planning, I couldn't be more excited to have the stress melt away and embrace all of the magic and madness that will come with having 60 of our nearest and dearest all together.
Before that, I'm also celebrating a milestone birthday, turning the big 3-0 in February. Of all the advice I've received about it, the piece that sticks with me the most is that your thirties are for worrying less and enjoying more. I'm making it my 10-year mission to focus on the meaningful, and not to sweat the small stuff.
Speaking of birthdays, I'm not the only one with a big birthday in 2024. This year, What's On celebrates 45 years of bringing you boredom-busting news, entertainment, reviews and more from the UAE. It's incredible to think that 15 years before I was born, What's On began captivating readers, providing an essential outlet for residents to discover what was happening as the country began its dazzling transformation. And we've got so much in store for you, our brilliant readers, this year. We'll regularly be reflecting on some of our best bits from across the last almost half century, plus plenty of celebrations along the way. It starts this issue, with a preview of two dozen epic events, attractions, hotels, and experiences all landing in the emirates in the next twelve months, which you can find from p17. Trust us – you won't want to miss a minute of it.
Enjoy the issue,
Alice Holtham Group Editor | 
