‘Arjwan’ is a vibrantly blue flower that blooms against all odds in the harsh heat of a Mediterranean desert. This rare, beautiful bloom has been a part of Emirati culture for centuries, and has even been used for topical medicine.

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Inspired by this desert beauty is an authentically Emirati restaurant by the same name, located inside the very pristine property of Sheraton Sharjah. I was in awe with the place as soon as I stepped in. From deep, dark woods to the aqua-blue upholstery befitting the Arjwan bloom, the ambiance here is delightfully astute and Arabesque.

Logma, the contemporary Emirati restaurant chain, has made its mark in the Dubai foodie scene for its exceptionally good Chai Karak and Logma Fries. I’ve made pit-stops for this enticing combo right after work on several occasions, and as back at Logma last week to try out their Iftar spread.

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Unlike most places, Logma does not have a set Iftar menu. Great news I’d say! More variety to pick from, and their menu has a whole lineup of brand new dishes to try.

I broke my fasting with a handful of dates, followed by a steaming hot, frothy glass of Chai Karak. My friend went for the Iced Chai Karak; the same hit of chai but decadently cold and perfect for this summer season.

Aseelah is Dubai’s newest Emirati fine-dining restaurant, and is located in one of the city’s oldest hotel establishments; Radisson Blue – Deira, Dubai. With dazzling gilded interiors paying homage to the intricate architecture of the region, the restaurant is a spacious, welcoming abode for diners who are eager to get a taste of both traditional and contemporary Emirati cuisine.

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My family and I dined at Aseelah a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say I was blown away by the talent of Chef Rabeh Adel Amer. My palette preference lean towards spicy, robust combinations, and I have often found regional dishes to be a little bland for my liking. Not the case here at all! 

Siraj, the authentically Emirati restaurant with a contemporary twist, is the latest addition to the list of dining places at Souk Al Bahar (Downtown Dubai). I’ve passed its premises on a number of occasions, and the stunning interiors make me take a second peek every time.

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The restaurant interiors pay tribute to the UAE, with seven distinct arches representing each Emirate. A flock of golden horses are suspended in mid-air, and the artistic vibes of Siraj is all at once Arabesque yet stylishly new-age. The most striking feature of the restaurant is the cursive calligraphy, flowing across the walls and the bar-stools. These are stanzas of poetry that were composed by the ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed himself.

The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and living in Dubai we are spoilt for choice with some of the finest global cuisines. Yet local Emirati cuisine tends to get overshadowed. As an expat, I’ve devoured a number of delicious ‘mandis’, but my visit to Seven Sands restaurant this week has opened up a whole new world of Emirati cuisine to me.

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Located on The Beach (JBR, Dubai Marina) with stunning views of the sea, we would have never found this gorgeous gem of a place had we not been invited to try it out (for easy reference, Seven Sands restaurant is right across the road from Amwaj Rotana).

From the outside, Seven Sands looks like a black box, and even the entrance is around the corner. However, on stepping inside, I was mesmerized by the stunning decor. The interior design at Seven Sands restaurant pays homage to the glorious heritage of the Emirates, and has been blinged up with the tasteful panache that has put this region on the global map.

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We all have a favorite color, but it turns out that color is far from child’s play. Fatima Al Shirawi has it down to a science.

Fatima Al Shirawi is an Emirati entrepreneur, and a qualified Color Psychologist. She is the face behind the phenomenal brand The Gracious F, and I had the pleasure of meeting her this weekend to gain a better insight into her colorful world.

Fatima Al Shirawi

2nd December is seven sleeps away. I collated a few fashionable options in my earlier post, and wanted to share some more inspirations with you before the countdown begins.

Valleydez boutique has once again caught my eye with their on-trend, stylish creativity.

If you are anything like me and enjoy curating things that are a bit ‘out of the box’, you have to morph into a Valleydez girl right now! They have some really quirky ideas for UAE National Day.

The car plate inspired clutches have been making their rounds. Valleydez has personalized these plates for UAE National Day.

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