Dubai is a great destination for an awesome vacation not only because it has extravagant hotels, malls and restaurants but also because it offers the best festivals in the region.
Just when the famous Dubai Shopping Festival ended, the Dubai Food Festival started, calling foodies from around the world to enjoy a whole new level of culinary experience. The festival offers a variety of events held at different locations. More than 700 restaurants in Dubai are participating in the festival.
“The event offers delicious events for foodies, where we encouraged restaurants to create a special set of menus and challenged the chefs to be creative and serve food throughout the festival time,” said Saeed Al-Falasi, Director Strategic Alliances at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. “The event is a result of the cooperation between the private and government sectors to make Dubai the ultimate travel destination; we are always looking for creative ways to enhance the number of visitors to Dubai,” he added.
“We support different sectors and the food and restaurant sectors are huge in Dubai; we wanted to support it like we supported the shopping and retail sector in the Dubai Shopping Festival,” Al-Falasi said.
The first Dubai Food Festival offers a flavor for every taste, targeting residents and locals first to show them what they have been missing. The 23-day festival started on Feb. 21 and will end on March 15. It witnesses the launching of family-oriented events, such as the Dubai Food Carnival and The Big Grill, which showcases the rich culture and cuisines of the southern Indian state of Kerala at the Grand Kerala Festival, as well as the South American nation of Peru in The Taste of Peru Festival.
Dubai-based malls are also participating in the culinary event, following creative ideas to showcase their restaurants. “We have strategic partners, such as Deira City Center, Mirdif City Center, Mall of Emirates and Mercato, who are all offering shoppers a weekly draw to win prizes,” said Khalid Al-Najjad, Senior Media and Public Relations Officer at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
The Dubai Mall was the most creative of the lot in its activities. “The mall managed to change the look of casual dining and turn it to fine dining experience for all the restaurants facing the Dubai fountain, only on Mondays. They call it The White Mondays,” said Al-Falasi. “The view is amazing due to the water front promenade, which looks like you are in a movie, where all the tables look alike and the dancing fountain provides live entertainment for diners,” he added.
The Dubai Food Festival also brings under one umbrella business events, including Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show, and the Global Restaurant Investment Forum. The annual event also includes different booths from different countries around the world where they are showcasing their cuisines, looking to spread the culture. Gulfood features more than 20,000 brands, 4,500 exhibitors, 120 country pavilions and 80,000 visitors.
One of the most exciting events that took place on Feb. 28 was the Big Grill that was held at The Emirates Golf Club. The weather was perfect where families enjoyed an outdoor event filled with music, food and laughter. Children were able to have fun at the children's corner while parents enjoyed their day listening to live music and eating some of the finest BBQ that was prepared by around 60 chefs. "We created different food stations that allows visitors to taste different kinds of meat cuts and enjoy our house specialty sauces and marinating, starting with the high street grill, which is a typical American BBQ with ribs, hot dogs, drumsticks and so on,” said Chef Jeffery Brothers. “The grill next door offers cuisine that is within our reach, such as Arabic and Indian cuisines, and of course, the famous shawarma. Then comes the most important part that is the Master Grill, which is created to showcase different meats that people don’t usually order in restaurants; it’s a great opportunity for them to taste it here,” he added.
The Grill also hosted a cooking competition inviting people to compete with each other for flavors and tastes. “We asked our social media followers to submit their recipes on Facebook and we chose five of them to compete with each other in a live cooking contest,” said Chef Brothers. “They are regular aspiring chefs who offered live entertainment to people and celebrated food with their families,” he added.
“Each festival has a message; the summer festival says that Dubai is a capital of tourism for summer vacation, the shopping festival says that Dubai is the region’s shopping capital destination, and now, the food festival says that Dubai offers a huge variety of local and internationally celebrated restaurants,” said Naser Hakim, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment media center manager. “We wanted to highlight the different varieties of restaurants, where people can spend anywhere between 10 Dh to 1000 Dh. We encourage people to go outside the box and experience different tastes and different cuisines in Dubai,” he added.
Another first for Dubai is the Beach Canteen, which was held between Feb. 28 until March 1 on the Kite Beach, Sunset Beach and Jumeirah Beach. “This event was held especially for beach lovers who enjoyed a variety of food on the beach. The casual setting is a great touch that makes you feel like you left the city and you are in a different place enjoying international cuisine,” said Al-Najjad. The Beach Canteen featured eight restaurants at Kite Beach, four restaurants at Sunset Beach and four restaurants at Jumeirah Beach, all of which offer a creative dining experience featuring food outlets operating out of refurbished cargo containers located along a vast stretch of beach,” he added.
Global Village is an annual event held in the winter season in Dubai. Every year, different booths from various countries come all the way from across the world to showcase their merchandise, culture and food to the visitors. “During the Dubai Food Festival, the Village came under this umbrella and offered casual and fast food from different countries all in one location,” said Hakim.
Taste of Peru was one of the most entertaining events at Souk Madinat Jumeirah that was held between Feb. 26 and March 1. The event allowed people to learn more about the South American Country, from its clothing and traditions to food and music. The event was organized by the Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in Dubai. It had live music entertainment and authentic Peruvian dishes were served to the visitors. The event not only attracted foodies but also fashionistas because it included a fashion show showcasing works by Peruvian fashion designers.
Locals and residents who attended the festival were excited to try different cuisines and learn about them. “I was very excited to see how restaurants started to add different kinds of dishes to their menus; it made me want to visit different restaurants to sample their dishes,” said Mariam Khalil, one of the event’s visitors. “It is a great idea to involve the whole family in a number of events knowing that festivals and events set Dubai aside from other cities in the country,” she added.
The food festival is a great opportunity for the whole family to join in a fun meal, according to Mohammed Salah, one of the attendees of the event. “The grill was so much fun where we gathered with friends and family for a great outdoor experience,” he said. “Knowing that most Dubai activities happen indoors, it was a great change to enjoy the weather and the sun with tens of people who enjoyed a family oriented event,” he added.
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Dubai food festival: A flavor for every taste
Dubai food festival: A flavor for every taste
Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives
- There are activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation
AL-BAHA: People seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives are flocking to tourist farms in Al-Baha region.
The centers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural experiences and recreational activities, where visitors can spend their time picking fruit, helping with crop harvesting or learning about organic farming techniques.
There are also activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation, enabling guests to experience the beauty of the starry night skies.
The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, said agritourism was becoming increasingly important in the region as it created jobs, boosted the local economy and helped diversify the tourism sector.
Virtual, AI-powered Saudi travel companion impresses visitors at travel exhibition in London
- The new app, called SARA, offers users insights and advice about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions in a natural and seamless conversational style
RIYADH: The Saudi Tourism Authority unveiled the beta version of SARA, its new travel companion app for visitors to the Kingdom, at the World Travel Market exhibition in London this week.
It allows users to interact with a digital female guide, powered by AI, who is deeply knowledgeable about Saudi Arabia and offers insights and advice about the country’s tourist destinations, historical landmarks, archaeological sites, cultural diversity, international events, and anything else a visitor might be interested in.
SARA was on show in the Visit Saudi pavilion at the World Travel Market, which began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday. Officials said she interacted directly with attendees, who were captivated by her engaging stories about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions and experiences, and the extensive information she was able to provide.
The app reflects the nation’s progressive approach to smart tourism, they added, and leverages the latest developments in AI so that it can respond to questions, understand visitor needs, and offer personalized information and suggestions in a natural and seamless conversational style.
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka
- New visa rules have made it easier than ever for Gulf tourists to visit the island nation
TORONTO: Sri Lanka has long been a favored destination for visitors from the Gulf. Easy access, budget-friendly offerings, and diverse experiences – from cultural and historic landmarks to idyllic beach resorts and scenic treks – make it an ideal getaway destination. And now, there’s one more reason for Saudis to take a trip to the island nation. Last month, the Sri Lankan government announced that residents of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and 31 other countries can now visit without a visa.
The capital, Colombo, is probably the most popular destination in Sri Lanka, along with Kandy and Ella, but the less-frequented areas in the central and southern regions of the country are well worth considering.
My Sri Lanka trip started in Hatton, in the Nuwara Eliya region. Often called “Little England,” the region is a reminder of the country’s former colonial rule, with Tudor-style architecture and sprawling tea estates named after their former British proprietors.
The central province is home to Sri Lanka’s renowned tea highlands. Tea is an integral part of the island’s history and culture — as its former name, Ceylon, suggests.
My encounter with Ceylon tea starts at the Dunkeld Tea Factory, owned by The Dilmah Group, a family-run business that has become a global name. The tea is single-origin — meaning it is picked, cultivated, and packed from the lush, rolling terraces of the region. The tour takes guests through the history of Ceylon tea, which actually began with coffee plantations in the 18th century. But leaf disease devastated those plantations, leading to the demise of the short-lived coffee industry in Sri Lanka. In 1867, James Taylor, a Scottish man, planted the first tea clearing in Kandy. By the late 19th century, the country had become one of the largest tea producers in the world. Guests are also invited to a tea-tasting experience, including the Orange Pekoe, the robust tea blend that is a specialty of the region.
I stayed at Summerville, one of the five palatial bungalows once home to English plantation owners which have now been refurbished into boutique properties by the Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel under the Resplendent Ceylon Group. Perched at nearly 4,000 feet and set across 2,000 hectares, the bungalows are perfect for those seeking a slow, luxurious vacation. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the emerald hilltops from various vantage points or unwind in the several tranquil lounge spaces scattered throughout the bungalows. Or — with a private chef and butler on hand — choose to indulge in a five-course dinner that features the likes of a Yatawatte tea-infused roasted chicken or the Earl Gray fondant.
The tea trails, ranging from four to 15 kilometers long, connect the various bungalows, offering scenic hikes through the valleys. For those seeking adventure, the newly-inaugurated Pekoe Trail (a 300-km route with 22 phases) allows tourists to explore the rich biodiversity of the area. This trail can be experienced on foot or by rail.
The next leg of my trip was drastically different. As we were making our way down from the central region to Sri Lanka’s southern tip, the hilltops, winding roads, and cool weather gave way to palm trees, speedy tuk-tuks, and tropical weather.
In the Hambantota district, the biggest draw is undoubtedly Yala National Park, the second largest national park of the country, and the one with the highest density of leopards. An early morning or afternoon game drive provides ample opportunities to spot wildlife, including the elusive leopard, sloth bears, and elephants.
After the adrenaline rush of a wildlife safari, I head to our ‘glamping’ lodge — the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, another one of Resplendent Ceylon’s properties. The luxury camp is unfenced and wildlife will often wander into the premises from the park, giving guests a sometimes-gleeful, sometimes-terrifying experience.
The lodge itself is an architectural delight, focusing on sustainable design and the use of organic materials, including bamboo. It includes 28 “cocoons” or pods scattered throughout the jungle wilderness. The interiors feature rustic touches like cooper hardware, a leopard-claw bathtub, and vintage leather furniture.
It’s also here that the jungle meets the Indian Ocean. As I wandered along the rugged coastline or enjoyed a sundowner, I was once again reminded of the serenity that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Saudi Arabia’s recreational spaces ready for holiday season
AL-BAHA: Saudi authorities have announced extensive preparations of public recreational facilities ahead of the school holiday season.
The Al-Baha municipality has readied 142 parks and recreational areas, along with municipal squares, public spaces and streets, to welcome visitors and tourists.
According to regional secretary, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sawat, these facilities span more than 4,188,559.98 million square meters and feature amenities including children’s playgrounds, green spaces, shade structures, lighting, sidewalks, seating areas and parking, and facilities for activities such as walking and cycling.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Municipality has completed the preparation of 979 parks and public squares, 18 public recreational parks, 14 waterfront areas and 213 walking tracks.
The facilities are timely as moderate weather conditions and school breaks attract more outdoor activity.
The municipality emphasized its commitment to regular maintenance of these facilities, considering them vital breathing spaces for citizens and residents.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla: A dreamy home away from home
- The gated resort is an ideal place from which to explore the ancient desert oasis
ALULA: Roughly half an hour’s drive from AlUla’s Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Cloud7 Residence is the largest hotel in the area, boasting 301 modern bungalows. Each unit is thoughtfully designed, featuring individual private terraces from which guests can enjoy awe-inspiring views of AlUla’s stunning landscapes — mountains and lush greenery.
Cloud7’s decor blends the ancient with the trendy. Coupled with the traditional Saudi hospitality on offer, this is a truly nice place to stay. It’s the chillest hotel/resort I’ve been to in ages.
The beds are comfortable and the rooms are well-equipped, including plenty of places to plug in your devices. There are eco-friendly products provided, including chewable toothpaste that comes in tiny pills in a glass jar, and which activates once you have some water in your mouth.
The fridge comes stocked with complimentary sodas and plenty of water bottles at the ready — also useful for feeding into the coffee machine.
The main mode of transportation in the grounds, whether taking your luggage to your room, going to breakfast or to relax by the pool, or heading to your next activity, is a buggy. There was usually one right outside my door each time I emerged from my bungalow, but if there isn’t, you can simply call for one.
The residence is an ideal base for both short- and long-term stays, designed to accommodate the needs of leisure seekers, adventure enthusiasts and business travelers alike in its secure, gated space.
As part of the residence’s commitment to honoring local heritage, a series of murals created by local artists adorn the walls. Artists including Hanan Sami and Maram AlSelayem brought their individual styles to the project, creating pieces that highlight AlUla’s natural beauty and heritage. The venue’s community and culture manager, Fahad Alfaqir, said the artists who painted the murals are all from AlUla, as he is, and that they depicted local plants and flowers to decorate the spaces and used inscriptions from indigenous languages.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla’s dining experiences range from gourmet meals to relaxed, family-friendly options. Charcood, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers a selection of smoky, charcoal-grilled dishes crafted by Chef Jaume Puigdengolas. Open for breakfast, dinner, and light bites, it was my go-to place to start the day.
For those who prefer a more casual atmosphere, Off-Road Café serves lunch, dinner and light snacks in a laidback setting, perfect for watching live sports or movies on large screens. Guests can enjoy playing pool, darts and foosball, or indulge in some shisha outside.
For those seeking a relaxing time away from being away, the Pool Lounge offers casual dining with comfortable beanbags and a curated menu of international flavors, all presented poolside. It was perhaps my favorite spot to sit and literally reflect while the serene water reminds you to stay centered.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla is also in a prime location for exploring AlUla’s many historical sites. Visitors can easily reach attractions like the ancient city of Dadan, Jabal Ikmah’s rock inscriptions and — my favorite — Old Town. You can book guided tours, but the hotel also provides car and bike rentals.
Cloud7 Residence AlUla is more than just somewhere to stay; it’s an invitation to connect with the timeless beauty of AlUla — a place which makes you feel so big and so small all at once.
