My first ever trip to Oman and stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Oman is a fascinating country of endless green forests, domes and minarets, rich culture, stunning natural scenery, and heartwarming hospitality. Only an hour’s flight from Dubai, I was amazed to discover its storybook scenery and its beehive-like medinas (cities).

Strolling through the Nizwa souqs and forts, soaking in the sunshine & fiery sunsets at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, hiking Wadi Al Masdara with the best guide, munching on the real deal Oman chips, and best part yet, meeting the kindest people.

A practically perfect vacation in every way. Here are my 2 fils on the trip.

Travel, FoodNada BadranMarch 30, 2023Travel Guide, Oman, Nizwa, Anantara Al Jabal Al AkhdarComment

How to Get Luxury for Less in Dubai

Living in Dubai can be expensive, there’s no doubt about that. So I know how awesome it can be to find great discounts and bargains whether for shopping, dining, or anything really! That’s why I’ve searched high and low for the best Dubai deals. Find out how to get luxury for less at many of Dubai’s restaurants, spas, hotels, bars, movie theaters and more.

5 awesome things to do in Dubai this weekend - July 8 to 10, 2021

Looking for awesome, fun things to do in Dubai this weekend? Well, whether it’s putting on your skates and channeling your inner Britney or learning to padel, here are some ideas to add to your list of things to do. Click to find out where you can wander off to!

The best things to do in Sharjah

Looking for the best things to do in Sharjah? I’ve rounded up a few great ideas to add to your list for the foodies, architecture and art enthusiasts, and for those who just want a change of weather, quite literally. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but what I hope is a useful starting point! Even UAE old-timers will find something new to add to their to-do list, between the city’s essential museums, an ever-changing inventory of the best arts and culture scene, and even some off-the-beaten path secrets.

Mirzam Chocolate Factory

If you’ve ever read ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl or watched the movie Willy Wonka, you’ve probably dreamed of setting foot inside a chocolate factory one day.

Well, Mirzam Chocolate Factory in Dubai’s Al Quoz is offering the golden tickets to visit their factory, showing you everything there is to see about chocolate making from bean to bar.

The venue is a one-stop shop for many things. It’s a café with a small batch bakery, a shop where you can buy all sorts of different flavored chocolate, and a factory where you can see every stage of the chocolate making process from roasting the cocoa beans into making the beautifully wrapped chocolate bars.

Birthday Freebies and Offers in Dubai

Celebrating your birthday in Dubai? Well, while we may not be blowing out candles the way we used to before (secretly super glad that’s on pause with hopefully no return in sight), there are plenty of ways to have a great time with friends and family. Some which involve birthday freebies and offers that you can indulge in, especially tasty ones, from wonderful restaurants and attractions who want to spoil you on your big day!

Here’s a list of venues who I’ve contacted that reportedly offer birthday perks, with promised offers exclusive on the date and others valid within a certain time period.

Rumba

Rumba at the Palm Jumeirah’s Vista Mare is a place that effortlessly transports you from Dubai to one of the most incredible destinations of all time, Cuba, set in the 50’s. It’s a mix of tropical paradise and charming nostalgia with photos of Havana’s colorful homes, salsa clubs, cigars, and vintage American cars.

Travel, FoodNada BadranJune 10, 2021Travel Guide, Dubai, Rumba, Cuba, Havana, Club Vista Mare, Palm JumeirahComment

The best cafés in Dubai to try right now

Dubai’s got an endless list of coffee shops all over the city, as well as java-pouring cafés and restaurants. Even in the summertime, Dubai-ans continue to consume copious amounts of coffee to get their days rolling, perhaps switching to iced versions instead of hot. So I wanted to share the best spots to get your caffeine jolt and delicious bites, that are not the usual suspects - read Starbucks. Whether you’re after a place to catch up with friends or to just disconnect and read, these are some of the newer and fantastic spots worth visiting. Shout-out to Ishita for the awesome intel.

Auckland's Best Bites

One of the few silver linings of 2020 and the pandemic was the fact that I was stranded abroad in New Zealand for 6 entire months. Based in Auckland, I had the incredible fortune of wandering about once lockdown was lifted and enjoying the many fabulous restaurants the city has in store. Entrusted with a sacred list of must-eat-at venues from trusted F&B connoisseur friend Martin and former wanderer Fergus, resident Kiwis, I was absolutely bedazzled with the culinary scene in Auckland and variety of options. Here are all my favorites.

Za'atar Rolls Recipe

One of many things I would suggest a tourist try when visiting the UAE or any Middle Eastern country for that matter, is za’atar. It’s something that’s generally not on their radar and is perhaps less famous than hummus or falafel, both of which have earned prominent roles on the world’s food stage despite the scary variants that have popped up such as dark chocolate mint dessert hummus which I’m happy to read described by journalist Kareem Shaheen ‘are equivalent of dousing a tender Kobe steak with ketchup.’

So what is za’atar? Read more to find out.

FoodNada BadranApril 26, 2021Dubai, UAE, Palestine, Za'atar, Za'atar Rolls, Palestine on a Plate, Joudie Kalla, RecipeComment