US military says trucks carrying humanitarian assistance started moving ashore from a temporary pier in Gaza
mena3 hours ago
This is tourist season in the UAE. As holidaymakers flee cold climates to thaw their icy bones, the mild winter of Arabia is a huge draw. While a significant number of visitors are here to explore on their own, with their own pre-booked tours, those of us who live here often find ourselves the default tour guides for many visiting family members and friends. They arrive with lots of expectations, to experience the grandeur of the UAE that they have seen marketed abroad, and often want to do and see it all in too little time.
There is something absolutely magical about the weather in the UAE and the entire Arabian Gulf this time of year. What's not to love? The temperature is cooler, days shorter, and local farms and markets are bursting at the seams with fresh produce. Here are some 'foodie centric' things you can do along with your guests this winter.
Go organic market shopping
Instead of doing all your grocery shopping at the supermarket, load up your jute bags and head to the Ripe Market on Fridays (in Dubai) and Saturdays (Abu Dhabi). Enjoy a wide range of local, regional and (sometimes) organic produce, and purchase artisanal food and craft products made in the UAE. Raw veganists can find raw and vegan products from Coco Yogo, as well as freshly pressed detox juices from Essentially, at the Ripe Friday Market. Visitors may even be able to purchase a few foodie souvenirs to take back home. Go with an empty stomach, as you will have lots to munch on while shopping. It's also a great way to meet more food conscious people as well.
Dine alfresco
A humble meal turns into a magical affair the moment you take the food out of doors. Fresh air and great weather make eating out absolutely exciting this season. Try to double up on this experience. For example, you can book a session At The Top at Burj Khalifa to view Dubai from the highest altitude, walk around one of the world's largest malls (Dubai Mall), and dine outside and watch the dancing fountains in the evening, all in the same location. Restaurants at the mall and some in adjacent Souk Al Bahar have great views of the Burj Khalifa and the fountain, so just keep walking until you find one that suits you, if the ones closest are packed.
Cook outdoors
If you are a lover of nature like I am, this is the time to really live it up. While it will always be most practical to do meal prep indoors, get really adventurous and take the cooking outside. You can do the typical backyard barbecue or use an electric burner or cook in a pot on coals. For more advanced outdoor cooking, woodfire is the ultimate way to make meals, and this is the perfect time to go camping and cook by campfire. Camping in the desert is a traditional activity in the region. You could be a total hardcore adventure junkie, pitch a tent and pull an all-nighter, or you can simply do what most local families do - pull up by the roadside in a remote enough area and camp for a few hours. There are snakes and spiders and tiny foxes in the desert, so if you wish to camp all night, make sure you do your research and go with experienced campers.
Pit StopsThe streetside trend of food trucks, popular in the US, is fast becoming a draw here, with homegrown brands like Salt's burger truck, the Meylas kitchen truck serving Emirati food, and Moti Roti all jumping aboard the food truck bandwagon |
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