As an expat who was born and raised here in Abu Dhabi, I had the privilege of watching the city grow and learn the certain customs and traditions of this land while meeting a handful of local Emaratis who grew along with it but at the same time maintaining their humble roots.
Strewth! If you were a visitor to Australia, you’d be dining with a dingo, cooking with a kangaroo and waltzing with a wombat. But in Abu Dhabi, Emirati cultural experiences don’t seem to extend much further than the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
By Noura Abdullah Al Noaimi
As children, we have all dreamt about the euphoria of visiting beautiful remote islands….but little did the people of the UAE know that we had one floating on own waters!
Amongst the Gulf’s warm and saline waters is a small archipelago named Bu Tinah which is located 130km west of Abu Dhabi. Bu Tinah is home to numerous endangered species that inhabit this nirvana island. Within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve is the territory that covers an estimate of 4,000 square meters, all closed to visitors, fishing and collection of turtle eggs, as the area is under enforced patrol watch to stay protected as a private natural reserve.
When we started to put together the December issue it became quickly apparent there was no way to stem the outpouring of love, artistic expression and reminiscing of good times experienced in the UAE. So we succumbed totally and decided to dedicate the the whole magazine to the UAE’s 40th birthday.
By Justin Thomas
The Sheesha smoke is thick. Like mist rising over a primordial swamp, its movement is virtually imperceptible. This serene smoke-scape is a fragile thing, any illusion of solidity and permanence is shattered by energetic table staff delivering food, drinks and charcoal. Smoke swirls and dances in their wake, a visible reminder of the invisible world surrounding us. Unlike the mist from a swamp however, this smoke is aromatic; an airborne fruit salad with apple, grape, mint and lemon vying for olfactory preeminence. This fragrant smoker’s utopia at the heart of Marina mall, goes by the curious name of ‘Hard Walls’.
Age Capsuled: 22 Profession: Student Nationality: Syrian Your motto: Three things in life once gone never come back: Time, Words and Opportunity You most valued possession: My drawing bookWhere
By Alma Kadragic
City of Gold which opened the 2009 Dubai International Film Festival is usually considered to be the first full length Emirati narrative film. A highlight of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Film Festival last month was the world premiere of Sea Shadow, the first full length film by an Emirati produced by Image Nation which is part of the Abu Dhabi Media Company.
With the 5th installment of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival just about over, the stars were once again pampered at the VIP Lounge at ADFF, and the crew at Tactical Connections prepared a long list of top brands from the region that impressed the glitterati.
Always on the look out for interesting events I was intrigued when I heard of a group of kids popping up around the city, instruments in hand, performing classical concerts to the surprise of a delighted audience! I spoke to musician and conductor of Abu Dhabi Strings Orchestra, Emma Stansfield.