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
Saudi adventurer triumphant after crossing the Empty Quarter
- Badr Al-Shaibani wants to champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure meet
JEDDAH: Badr Al-Shaibani, a Saudi Arabia adventurer and entrepreneur, has successfully completed a 600 km solo crossing of the largest sand desert in the world.
Al-Shaibani departed from Umm Hadid on Dec. 15, the site of a famous meteorite impact, where he set up his first camp. He walked for over 14 days and completed the journey on Dec. 29 at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake — one of the Empty Quarter’s natural wonders.
Speaking to Arab News after completing his adventure, 45-year-old Al-Shaibani said: “Crossing the Empty Quarter on foot is one of the most thrilling adventures I have ever done. It is a really special experience.
“I am so proud to be the first Saudi to traverse such a vast distance on foot, and I hope this journey inspires young Saudis to explore the nature of our country and spotlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse potential as a truly unique global tourist destination.”
His journey began by heading toward Tawil Al-Khatam, a challenging 200 km stretch that he traversed in five days at an average pace of 40 km per day.
Later on, Al-Shaibani continued toward Umm Al-Qurun, covering 90 km, before completing another 45 km to Bayd Al-Laha.
Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life. It was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.
Badr Al-Shaibani, Saudi adventurer
The third and final leg led him to the Al-Qa’d region near the Sabkha salt flats through a 60 km route. His expedition concluded at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake after trekking an additional 160 km.
From battling the weather to navigating endless dunes, this adventure pushed Al-Shaibani to the limit both physically and mentally. “I discovered the beauty and harshness of the Empty Quarter’s untamed wilderness, where there is a constant challenge, but the rewards are incredible.”
Speaking of challenges he faced, he said: “The first two days, I faced strong storms and winds called savi, and after a while the sun was also strong. Other than that, I am used to walking on ice or climbing mountains, but walking and climbing the soft sand was a big challenge for me. I really faced difficulty climbing the sand because it takes a lot of effort.”
Being so far from civilization exposed him to new experiences. “During the day I could see with my eyes. During the night, the exploration changes,” he said.
“Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life, it was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.”
He was happy to complete the adventure not only to add it to his achievements but also to document and capture the majestic beauty of the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
“The Empty Quarter, with its distinctive natural heritage and captivating beauty, stands as one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable yet largely undiscovered treasures,” he said.
“This destination has the potential to become a major attraction for tourists from home and abroad, especially with initiatives that promote desert tourism and encourage the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique natural environment.”
Al-Shaibani told Arab News he wants to inspire young people and champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure converge.
Review: A visit to AlUla’s ancient kingdom ‘Wadi Al-Naam’
- Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location
The Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms is a thrilling treasure hunt and adventure experience in AlUla’s Wadi Al-Naam, also known as the Valley of the Ostriches.
Before the journey begins, participants are provided with helmets, gloves, and hiking sticks, and are treated to a short lesson about the valley by the tour guide.
During our visit, the guide did a wonderful job making the group feel comfortable and translating the lesson from Arabic to English.
Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location.
The buggy ride is a great chance to enjoy the iconic orange-hued rocks and mountains of AlUla.
At the first stop, participants can get a closer look at the fine details of inscriptions that tell the story of the Dadanites, the ancient residents of AlUla.
The 500-meter-long hike features various obstacles, like climbing up walls and steep steps, while offering breathtaking views of the unforgettable AlUla terrain.
Participants can choose between the Challenge Edition for adult adventurers or the Family Explorers version for a lighter experience. The treasure hunts are ideal for family or friend groups who want to get active during their trip to AlUla.
The quest concludes with a certificate of completion, refreshments, and a chance to interact with camels.
The best part of the experience is connecting with new individuals and putting your heads together to problem-solve as a team to win the quest.
Before going on this journey, please ensure you apply sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated as it will involve physical strength and energy to enjoy.
The Wadi Al-Naam Discovery tour costs SR200 ($53) per person and will be open until Feb. 27.
For more details, visit experiencealula.com.
UK, Omani princes launch journey across historic Arabian route
- Camel trek first taken by British diplomat Bertram Thomas in 1928 to be retrodden by team of six travellers
- Prince of Wales, crown prince of Oman sponsoring historic coastal journey
LONDON: A group of explorers, backed by royalty, is set to undertake a historic journey, retracing a route across the coast of Oman first trodden by a British diplomat almost a century ago.
The Jewel of Arabia expedition, supported by William, Prince of Wales and Omani Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham, will feature six travelers, led by Mark Evans, following in the footsteps of Bertram Thomas, who first made the journey over 42 days in 1928.
Thomas made the trek to document the area and local wildlife, and was congratulated on his achievement by King George V.
The new journey, featuring camels but also modern off-road vehicles, will “raise awareness among young people both in and outside of Oman of the value of Oman’s natural heritage and biodiversity as well as the environmental challenges the country and the wider world face,” The Telegraph reported.
It will also feature podcasts and radio interviews with local stations along the way, meetings with local children and an online tracker so people can view its progress in real time.
Prince William told the modern explorers at the Royal Geographical Society on Monday: “I wish I was able to join you, but will be following very closely.”
He added: “The expedition will walk in the footsteps of British explorer Bertram Thomas and take in the wonderful coastline of Oman.
“They will be able to take in the beauty of Oman, and also see the damage done by climate change.”
Prince William added: “The expedition will not only highlight Oman’s biodiversity and natural heritage, but also symbolize the enduring friendship between our two countries.”
The prince added to guests at the Royal Geographic Society that he would “try and make something happen” regarding a future visit to Oman, teasing: “We’re in the planning process.”
The trek will see daily starts around 5 a.m. local time, and will aim to cross 25-30 kilometers per day. The travelers will sleep under the night sky, surviving in the desert without tents.
Evans, 63, said: “The stars of the show will undoubtedly be the camels.”
He joked that the animals are now in a “camel boot camp” in Oman to prepare for the arduous trek.
Alongside Evans will be Nigel Harling, Ana-Maria Pavalache, Dhirka Al-Mawali, Ibrahim Al-Hasni and Amour Al-Wahibi, all of whom are experienced explorers.
Thomas’ original expedition came at a time when the region was considered one of the world’s most inhospitable, known as Rub Al-Khali, or the “empty quarter.”
He worked for the sultan of Oman, and became the first Westerner to make the journey along the coast, spending much of his spare time exploring the country, navigating harsh terrain and warring local tribes.
Upon completion, he received a congratulatory telegram from George V, and used the experience as the basis for a book, “Arabia Felix,” which contains a foreword by T.E. Lawrence.
Meanwhile, 2025 will also mark 225 years since the signing of a friendship treaty between Britain and Oman.
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.
