The United Arab Emirates as a country was founded today, 2 December, exactly 50 years ago, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm-al-Quwain joined forces. Ras-al-Khaimah, the 7th emirate making up… Continue reading
“Adventures will change you. They’ll saturate you with a fresh view of life. They’ll take every foundation you ever stood on and shake them until they crack. Adventures will tear away layer after… Continue reading
I snap out of my daydream only when the plump form of an older woman in a black abaya swishes past me, stops abruptly and turns to face me. A flood of Arabic spills from her… Continue reading
Omani Halwa is a sticky, gelatinous sweet that, although it has become a symbol of Omani hospitality, is just as popular here in the UAE. It is served at all sorts of social… Continue reading
Growing up, the only thing I knew about dates, was that they came in hard compressed bricks that didn’t excite me at all. Later, as a grown up, I discovered fresh dates, and suddenly my… Continue reading
A Filipino staff member at the hotel, also on his way down to the foyer, spotted my Carrefour shopping bags, and asked, “You go Carrefour Madam?” “No, I’m actually going to Spinneys.” “You a Christian Madam?”… Continue reading
