ABOUT
Hi, I’m Nada, licensed guide, cultural enthusiast, and your personal walking Wikipedia for all things UAE. I’ve called this region home for over 30 years, back when one mall ruled them all and you didn’t need Google Maps to get around. With an MBA from IE Business School and a background in corporate consulting, I’ve always been obsessed with people, places, and the stories that shape them. Now, I spend my days guiding curious travelers through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah and my nights wondering if it’s socially acceptable to have kunafeh twice in one week. I can’t wait to help you create those meaningful memories, ones you’ll carry with you long after your suitcase is unpacked. Let’s wander together.
One of my favorite travel quotes of all time, and a big reason why I do what I do:
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
So… why the UAE?
Every time I travel, I’m on a mission to see cities like a local. Not necessarily skipping the Louvre but I do want to know where Parisians picnic on Saturdays and where they get their macaron fix (P.S. it’s Pierre Hermé, thank me later).
Having studied abroad, I’ve played host to countless friends and classmates visiting the UAE. Our conversations usually kick off with wide-eyed wonder about the Burj Khalifa and "that sail-shaped 7-star hotel." And honestly? After 30+ years here, I still catch myself gawking at them too. Some things just don’t get old.
Same goes for the food. I’m a big—BIG—foodie. And the culinary scenes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and yes, even under-the-radar Sharjah, are an absolute feast. From Michelin-star menus to humble street snacks that will ruin you for life (in the best way), there’s no shortage of flavor. We’re a country of diners and dreamers and if there’s a table, we’ll find a reason to sit at it.
If it’s your first time here, I’m guessing a few of these are already scribbled on your must-see list:
Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
Burj Al Arab
The Palm Islands / Atlantis Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
All iconic. All worth seeing.
But beyond the glitz, there’s a quieter magic. One you’ll find at an incense-scented souk in Old Dubai, in Sharjah’s winding heritage lanes, or while gazing up at the intricate domes of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, bathed in golden light. If we slow down just a little, we uncover moments that feel like they were made just for us.
“But… do I really need a guide?”
Let’s be real: the phrase “guided tour” doesn’t always spark joy. Most people picture a group of jet-lagged travelers chasing a flag through a checklist of landmarks on a tight schedule.
I feel you. I’ve been there.
But Wander with Nada? It's not that kind of tour.
No flags, no scripts, and definitely no rushing. Just small group tours with big heart. Immersive, conversational, and led with curiosity (and probably a fact or two you’ll want to write down for later). Whether we’re exploring Dubai’s buzzing souks, admiring Abu Dhabi’s architectural marvels, or getting lost in the charm of Sharjah’s museums and mosques, it’s all about connection.
Because travel should feel like discovering the world with a new friend, one who knows where the good stories (and the good kunafeh) are hiding.
What else?
I know many visitors only have a few days to soak in the UAE and I believe in making every minute count (without turning it into a sprint). From the moment you book to the moment you head home, I’m here with real-deal recommendations, local insights, and practical magic.
Can’t decide between hotel neighborhoods? Overwhelmed by restaurant choices? Drowning in a sea of desert safari brochures? I’ve got you. I’ll narrow it down, pull a few strings, and make your plans feel less like a puzzle and more like a vacation.
In short, I’ll help you turn your UAE trip into a practically perfect vacation in every way.