'Don’t be afraid to try new things'

FROM ROCKCLIMBING and wakeboarding to racecar driving and capoiera, Punam Verma is testing her fears and pushing her limits to discover Dubai.

You'll see her dashing from the beach and then maybe to the art gallery before finishing off with a coffee at her favourite cafe as she brings Dubai residents and visitors snippets of life around Dubai as host of Out and About, a new weekly show on Dubai One.

Recommended For You

US plans to scrutinize 5 years of social media history of tourist visa applicants

SentinelOne and Rilian partner to scale AI-driven cybersecurity across the Middle East

ILT20: MI Emirates outplay Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Is Gen-Z 'entitled'? Why short-term work culture demands upfront pay

Foundation to frontier: BNW Developments leading the next wave of UAE luxury real estate

 

Punam said wether you are new to Dubai, like herself, or you've have been in the city for many years, there is so much to uncover that many were unaware of and the show will change that.

"People say you should do all these things before you're 40," she said. "We're doing about 12 activities a week. The more we uncover, the more we find. There are a lot of passionate people here. There's so much going on."

Punam said it was important to take advantage of the range of activities available in Dubai as the city provided a melting pot for the world's culture, sports and activities.

This could mean changing your approach to leisure time.

"You have to try everything," she said. "Don't stick to your usual hobby. Don't be afraid to try new things. The more you try, it will help you figure out what you like."

For Punam, a Briton, the move and new job in Dubai challenged her by exposing her to activities she hadn't heard of, and their potential for associated injuries.

"The ones that I have enjoyed the most are the ones that I have the most fear of," she said. "Like car racing. You have to be in control of this car and it's going so fast. But once I got into it I loved it."

Another memorable sport for Punam was wakeboarding, to which she was gently introduced to by her coach with the knowledge he had broken his back during the sport.

"I had never even heard of wakeboarding," she said. "It is awesome. The fact that I stood on water for a little bit.

But Punam assured viewers that apart from a lot of stiff muscles, she hasn't been injured.

And if high octane experiences aren't your thing, the show also delves into little secrets around Dubai, such as unique services provided by hotels and also the art gallerys and cultural aspects of the city.

"My favourite place is the courtyard at Royal Mirage," she said. "You can have coffee sitting down outside and there's shiisha."Out and About is on Dubai One at 8pm on Friday and repeated on Saturday at 8pm.