Oasisliving Magazine

December 2010

All about life & living in Al Ain

FREE EVERY MONTH

Issue No.2

Learn about

UAE National Attire

#FTU

$PNGPSU 'PPE from various nationalities

Cover story

Daytrips & Outdoor Fun

Interview

.VOB "M %IBIFSJ

Manager Of Education Center AWPR

‫ﻣﻊ‬ ‫ﻣﺪﻳﺮ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ وﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪا ﻓﻲ ﻣﺘﻨﺰه‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‬

1MVT 4PVL Unique Gift Finds

2

02 issue

0UBLISHING $IRECTOR %DITOR IN #HIEF

Percy Chang

CONTENT

!SSOCIATE %DITOR

Marlena Guzowski

December 2010

3TAFF 7RITER

Irene Shabaya #ONTRIBUTING 7RITERS

Andrew Madigan, Gary Tooth, Ginette Collin, Henry Castle, Jamie Hanson, Maura Madigan, Mike Selvon, Toni Noble, Tony Ashton

Interview Muna Al Dhaheri

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Cover story Daytrips & Outdoor Fun

10

Manager Of Education Center AWPR

%MIRATI #ONTRIBUTING !DVISOR

Reem Al Mansouri

Features The Mercure

#REATIVE $ESIGNER 0HOTOGRAPHER

Emran Yousof

Bridging The Gap

#ONTRIBUTING 0HOTOGRAPHERS

Julie Madgwick, Jomy John John, P.C.P

Best Comfort Food Planning A New Year's Eve

'ENERAL -ANAGER

Yahya Naif Kahel 0RINT 0RESS

48 52 56 70

In this issue...

Al Ghurair Printing & Publishing

Fragrance Of Arabia

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Oasis Living Magazine. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2010 by Oasis Living Magazine. Oasis Living Magazine and Al Swaida Advertising & Publicity accept no liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication. Any articles and/or images included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oasis Living Magazine and Al Swaida Advertising & Publicity but remain solely those of the author(s). Such publications have been included only for general reference and the purpose of fair review.

UAE National Attire Le Belvedere's Tajines Oasis Hospital Celebrating 50 Years

0UBLISHED BY

Oasis Living Magazine L.L.C 0ART OF

37 38 40 44

Plus...

Souk Unique Gift Finds

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Street Cats Who's Responsibilty

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7EBSITE

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Tel: +971 3 766 44 47 Fax: +971 3 751 73 17 Email: advertising@myoasisliving.com %DITORIAL

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‫اﻟﻤﻘﺎﻻت اﻟﺘﻲ‬ ‫ﺗﺤﺘﻮي ﻋﻠﻰ ﻫﺬا‬ ‫اﻟﺮﻣﺰ ﻣﺘﻮﻓﺮة‬ ‫ﻓﻲ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬ ‫واﻻﻧﺠﻠﻴﺰﻳﺔ‬

The articles that contain this icon are available in dual language Arabic & English.

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Tel: +971 3 766 44 47 Fax: +971 3 751 73 17 Email: info@myoasisliving.com

Eco-friendly Oasis Living magazine is printed with soya-based ink on 100% wood free recyclable paper.

Together for a better Al Ain

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

From the publisher Why does Al Ain need a magazine?

The reason could not be more apparent to Oasis Living as we continuously receive positive and encouraging feedback sent by people from all walks of life after the release of our premier issue in October. Not only Al Ain dwellers but also out-of-town visitors have enjoyed our magazine and expressed to us that “finally, Al Ain is on the map!”

The goal of creating a community magazine that is sentiment with substance is met; people are talking about our last cover story - Top Five – Al Ain, First of Its Kind that we revealed rarely publicized history of well-known icons in our city. Other articles became the highlight of discussions in classrooms as teachers utilized them to inspire students. In addition, we cannot be more delighted to learn that Al Ain based organizations introduced Oasis Living magazine as its own city ambassador at their corporate functions to foreign representatives.

What more is there about Al Ain? Standing on top of the Jebel Hafeet mountain, I am decompressed from the urban life and loving what is in front of me: a full panoramic view of the entire Al Ain and our neighbor Oman. I know in my heart that all of us working at Oasis Living have a genuine passion for Al Ain so there will never be a shortage of Al Ain stories for us to tell. We are simply tracing the footprints of humanity and the marks of the cultural heritage left by those who came before us. More to be discovered is the modern city life – such as what we have packed in this issue which I will let you read for yourself.

The month of December is special as we celebrate the nation’s 39th birthday, Christmas, and the eve before 2011.

I believe every one is here for a divine purpose, and as for Oasis Living, this purpose is to love and connect the Al Ain community.

Happy Holidays and God Bless,

Percy Chang Publishing Director

percy@myoasisliving.com

P.S. Before you turn the page to read on, I would like you to take a moment to feel the magazine paper and while you are at it, have a sniff too. Our magazine is free for our readers, but we do not sacrifice the quality or the environment. The magazine is printed on recyclable paper with soya ink (how I love soya...). We are very keen on being eco-friendly and welcome your full support for our initiative.

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You Requested 3FDJQF GPS 6NN "MJ Many people have asked me about the recipes for Umm Ali after reading the last issue. Being a lazy cook myself I didn't recognize the significance of providing recipes so thank you for your feedback.

Ingredients • 14 sheets fresh phyllo pastry or frozen, thawed (about 1/2 pound) • 1/2 cup whole blanched almonds (about 3 ounces) • 1/2 cup raisins • 3 cups milk (do not use low-fat or nonfat)

• • • • • •

1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons orange flower water 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios

0GVJQF Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven and preheat to 500°F. Stack 7 pastry sheets on each of 2 large baking sheets. Bake until top pastry sheets are dry and crisp but not brown, about 45 seconds. Working quickly, transfer top pastry sheets to another large baking sheet and cool (pastry may break). Repeat baking and removing top sheets from each stack every 45 seconds. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Arrange half of phyllo in bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish, breaking phyllo to fit into dish as necessary.

Reserve 2 tablespoons almonds and 2 tablespoons raisins. Sprinkle remaining almonds and raisins over pastry. Cover with remaining pastry, breaking into pieces and pressing to fit into dish. Combine milk, sugar and butter in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Remove pan from heat. Mix in cream and orange flower water. Pour milk mixture over phyllo (phyllo will shrink as it absorbs milk mixture). Sprinkle with cinnamon, then pistachios and reserved almonds and raisins.

Bake until pudding puffs and center is set, about 45 minutes or less. Serve hot.

We are thankful for the many emails sent by our readers to congratulate us on the premier issue of Oasis Living magazine! One email in particular touched our hearts, and we would love to share it with everyone.

To Oasis Living Team Even though I am not a resident of Al Ain, I'm lucky enough to have had the opportunity to read the premiere issue of Oasis Living. All I want to say is: congratulation on the first issue of such an informative, careful, tastefully put and interesting magazine. It is such a big difference between this and all the glossy, useless papers, which these days are available everywhere. Well done for the respect, and for taking care of the society where all your staff members live. The UAE culture is very well represented in this issue. It is a pleasure to read it, and suitable for all family members of different ages. No disturbing news, no disturbing photos, and no half dressed people. Thank you for creating such a nice magazine.

Now I will tell you the story of how I picked up this very first "Premier Issue": 3 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since we don't have many specialized hospitals for this disease, I came to Tawam Hospital in Al Ain for radiation treatment. I had to stay for one month in the hospital, or I would otherwise have had to travel every day for the whole month from Dubai to Al Ain - and believe me, I was very ill. I enjoyed every day of my being in such a wonderful city. I could feel the difference from the first moment of entering Al Ain. In Al Ain, there is a much healthier climate than in the big city of Dubai. The desert and the mountain bring fresh air to breathe. Every morning (it was August-Sept.)

I went outdoors to exercise and the lovely view of the Jebel Hafeet let me forget how sick I actually was.

During my stay, I fell completely in love with the "Garden City". I hired a taxi to do a lot of sightseeing, like the Palace Museum, which was the former home of our "Father of the Nation" (and was worth visiting twice).

I sat under a big tree, dreaming about the bygone era of this lovely place.

I am a UAE citizen by choice, and have never looked back. Your magazine makes me proud because you focused on my “favorite” - Sheikh Zayed, (may Allah rest his soul in peace) - he will always be in our hearts.

I even tried to convince my husband to find a small house where we could stay during holidays and weekends. In this case we were not very successful, since my husband is a typical Dubai-Emirati and was not really sure if this was an option for him. But I was thinking of my health at the time and what I could benefit from living in an almost pollutionfree environment.

This was 2 years ago. When I had my six monthly check-ups in Tawam hospital I tried to treat every trip to Al Ain as a "small celebration". Unfortunately, one of our most liked restaurants which had the lovely Islamic Name “Zam Zam” has disappeared due to heavy road works on the way to Al Ain. Nevertheless, we made regular visits to the Hilton Hotel for nice lunch breaks.

On Sunday the 17th was my last visit to Al Ain and so we went to the Hilton. My husband and I had our "routine lunch Buffet" and on the way out, we passed the concierge desk with some newspapers and "Oasis Living". Eager to read the promising titled magazine I took one copy with me. I began to read through the pages in the car on the way back to Dubai!!! Once again I wanted to be part of a wonderful place like the "Oasis of Al Ain" and its proud people who are taking care of the heritage of their forefathers.

May Allah bless you all and this wonderful place and thank you again for creating such a nice Magazine.

Sincerely, Alia Matuszcyk-AL Shamsi

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Useful Numbers in !L !IN Green

rah ubazza

M

in , Al A

Hospitals in Al Ain: /ASIS (OSPITAL Tel: +971 3 722 1251 !L !IN (OSPITAL Tel: +971 3 763 5888 4AWAM (OSPITAL Tel: +971 3 707 4100 !L .OOR (OSPITAL Tel. +971 3 766 7666 %MIRATES )NTERNATIONAL (OSPITAL Tel. +971 3 763 7777

Ambulance Civil Defense Police

.-# 3PECIALITY (OSPITAL Tel: +971 3 755 5999 Toll Free 800 662 3PECIALIZED -EDICAL #ARE (OSPITAL Tel. +971 3 755 2291

(OUR Pharmacies:

Al Ain Hospital Pharmacy

Tel: 03-7635888 Al Ain Pharmacy Al Ain Distribution Company

Tel: 03-7655120 Al Dewan Pharmacy

Toll Free: 800 9 008 03 7636000

Tel: 03-7556112

Electricity

Tel: 03-7655111

03 7641600 / 991

Water 03 763 8333

Al Noor Pharmacy Al Yahar Pharmacy

Tel: 03-7816141 New Al Ain Pharmacy

Tel: 03-7554440 6

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travel

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COVER STORY

It seems like forever, waiting for the weather to cool down – but we have ďŹ nally made it to this time of the year so get out of the air-conditioned rooms and enjoy the natural fresh breeze!

There are many places to take a daytrip to and enjoy some outdoor fun, right here in Al Ain. From your neighborhood parks and local cultural sights to a few not-too-far away luxurious getaways, we have them covered for you.

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0ACK YOUR BASKETS Here are the picnic venues‌ Al Ain is commonly referred to as the garden city of the U.A.E because of its luscious green parks. The city has taken a great effort in ensuring that they maintain greenery for the pleasure of the residents here. If you take a simple drive through town, you will notice mini gardens and major parks in every part of the city, even in the town center – all for the pleasure of offering a tranquil place, ideal for family outings.

'REEN -UBAZZARAH LOCATED IN *EBEL (AFEET $ISTRICT This is a park to marvel at, conveniently positioned at the base of Jebel Hafeet mountain. One can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain scenery and the hot springs form little streams that are noticeable in the park. Perfect for barbecues with loved ones. Entrance is free of charge and parking space is widely available for all.

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One can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains' scenery and the hot springs form little streams that are noticeable in the park.

COVER STORY

!L *AHILI 0ARK LOCATED IN THE !L *AHILI $ISTRICT The park is adjacent to the Jahili fort and offers residents a place to bring their young ones out to play; youngsters can enjoy playing on the swings and picnics are allowed. Nonetheless, the park has strict regulations, namely, no barbequing, cycling or pets are allowed in the vicinity. The park remains open at all times and is free to the general public.

4OWAYYA 0ARK LOCATED IN 4OWAYYA $ISTRICT

The park is spread across a large area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The unlimited play areas for kids and picnicking spots make it an ideal location among many families and friends. The park is open to the general public free of charge.

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!L 7ADI 0ARK LOCATED IN THE !FLAJ (AZZAdA $ISTRICT The park is ideal for an array of activities having a tennis court, basketball court and cycling area. A running track is also in the area for athletes; this is the ideal park for someone who wants to engage in intense outdoor activities. The park is free of charge and remains open throughout the day.

"ALADIYA 0ARK LOCATED IN THE !L -UTAREDH $ISTRICT The park offers a tranquil environment for relaxation and meditation. It has numerous park benches located around the park to enjoy the beautiful landscaping of trees and colorful array of flowers. It’s a quiet, relaxing park which doesn’t include a play area for children. The park is free of charge.

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COVER STORY

Cultural Sights Al Ain was indeed one of the catalysts for the formation of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E). The city bears a lot of cultural inuence and even though we are in the modern era, a lot has remained preserved. Take sometime off and see the city's unique heritage sights listed below – they tell the story of Al Ain during the pre-oil era and highlight the livelihood of the Bedouin people.

!L !IN /ASIS LOCATED IN !L -UTAWAdA $ISTRICT Common among local and international tourists, this is merely a large date farm oasis located in the town center. All the plantations in the oasis are walled off and irrigated by a ‘falaj’; an ancient irrigation system of narrow waterways that was first used as early as 1000BC. Entrance is free of charge for the general public and the park opens as early as 6.00 a.m, closing at 5.30 p.m. Tourists can either take a stroll through the leafy palm trees or drive through with their cars. Note that private cars are allowed into the garden but not taxis.

!L !IN .ATIONAL -USEUM LOCATED IN !L -UTAWAdA $ISTRICT Al Ain National Museum is one of the oldest museums in the U.A.E. The museum was founded in 1969, two years prior to the formation of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E). The forty one year old structure holds dear memories of the Bedouin’s existence prior to the discovery of oil and eminent archaeological findings common to Arabs. The entry charges are: adults 3 AED and children under the age of ten 1 AED.

5IF IPVST PG PQFSBUJPO BSF BT GPMMPXT UÊ Saturdays to Thursdays: 8.00 am – 7.30 pm UÊ Fridays: 3.00 pm – 7.30 pm UÊ Mondays – closed

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3HEIKH :AYED 0ALACE -USEUM LOCATED IN THE !L *AHILI $ISTRICT Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum was previously the palace of the former president Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace). Originally built in 1937, it was opened to the public and converted into a museum in 2001. The museum houses several portraits of the royal family as well as a family tree depicting the Sheikh’s lineage.

Other attractions in the museum are courts with each housing a different majlis where dignitaries from far and wide would meet. Also a notable item on display was the Sheikh’s Land Rover which he used to visit the Bedouin communities.

&OUSZ JT GSFF PG DIBSHF BOE UIF IPVST PG PQFSBUJPO BSF BT GPMMPXT UÊ Saturdays to Thursdays: 8.30 am – 7.30 pm UÊ Fridays, 3.00 pm – 7.30 pm UÊ Mondays – closed

!L *AHILI &ORT LOCATED IN !L *AHILI $ISTRICT Al Jahili Fort remains one of the most eminent historical forts in the U.A.E. Not far away from the city, the fort is superbly landscaped with the exterior well maintained while the interior has a mini library for visitors as well as intriguing pictures of Al Ain’s past. It was built in 1891 to serve as a defensive base for the city as well as a residence for the local governor.

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5IF IPVST PG PQFSBUJPO BSF BT GPMMPXT UÊ Saturdays to Thursdays: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm UÊ Fridays 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm UÊ Mondays – closed

COVER STORY

(ILI !RCHAEOLOGICAL 0ARK LOCATED IN (ILI $ISTRICT Hili Archaeological Park boasts the U.A.E’s largest Bronze Age complex dating back to the third millennium BC. The park is landscaped to give easy access of the archaeological findings to the public. Other remains on public display are primarily the settlements, tombs and an ancient falaj, dating back to the Iron Age. The park remains free of charge to the public and can be accessed daily from 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.

%ASTERN &ORT LOCATED IN -UTAWAdA $ISTRICT

3OUK LOCATED IN THE 4OWN #ENTER

The Eastern Fort or otherwise known as Sultan Fort was built in 1910 and is within the environs of the Al Ain National Museum. Its three corner towers were used to defend the oasis against intruders from neighboring Bedouin communities. In addition to this, the towers also served as a storage quarter for wheat and dates.

Though we prefer to go to the malls to catch a glimpse of the latest trends, the souk can also be a valuable place to buy unique items such as clothes, frankincense or jewellery. Why not trade a day at the mall for a walk around the souk. Be sure to be there in the early morning for better deals and to avoid the heat.

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For scenery lovers *EBEL (AFEET LOCATED IN *EBEL (AFEET $ISTRICT The Jebel Hafeet mountain remains a well-known landmark throughout the area’s history and is a contemporary tourist attraction. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jebel Hafeet. Once at the peak, you can have a glimpse of the city. The best time to get a perfect view at the top is towards sunset or after dark when the city lights up spectacularly.

!L !IN 7ILDLIFE 0ARK 2ESORT !702 LOCATED IN *EBEL (AFEET $ISTRICT

The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) currently houses over four thousand species of exotic reptiles, birds and mammals collected from around the world and is an ideal family favorite among residents here. AWPR remains open throughout the week from 9.00am till 8.00pm. The prices are: children 5 dirhams and adults 15 dirhams.

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For action lovers

!L !IN 0AINT "ALL LOCATED IN +HATM AL 3HIKLA 2OAD Paintball is an exciting adrenaline kicking sport that combines tag, hide and seek and capture the flag to create an engaging activity. Each player is equipped with a paint ball marker that shoots paint balls.

The objective of the game is to eliminate your opponents by tagging them with the paint ball and attempting to win the war. It’s indeed one of the most thrilling outdoor activities. Why not take up the challenge and experience the fun? Al Ain paint ball timings are as follows: Every day from: 4 pm to 12 am.

Package prices vary with the amount of paintballs per game. The basic package begins at 75 dirhams.

#AMEL 2ACING Not exactly what comes to mind for a daytrip but it is a favorite sport which expresses the Arab culture. It was the original sport of the Bedouin people. Camel races were held informally at weddings or other festivals but to date they have grown with popularity. Employing over nine thousand employees tending over fourteen thousand camels, the activity is now a major industry of its own. You can take the day off and drive out to the Al Ain or Al Maqam camel race tracks (early morning is recommendable for most matches). Most camel racetracks are free of charge to the public.

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COVER STORY

$ESERT 3AFARI Desert safaris offer a splendid chance to live the desert experience. A typical Arabian welcome awaits you at our Bedouin campsite followed by a camel ride. Then go ‘Dune bashing’ - a thrilling four-wheel-drive bash against sand dunes amidst shrieks of laughter and heaps of joy. With family and friends, it can be a wonderful experience. Net Tours (03 7687400) is located at the Hilton Al Ain and offers pick up and drop off points for Al Ain residents.

$HOW #RUISE $INNER Ideal for romantics, you can awaken your senses as you cruise gently along the ports of the Abu Dhabi Corniche or Dubai Creek on board a traditional dhow. You will also get to taste seafood cuisines as you revel in the traditional charm of the Arabian dhow cruises in modern comfort. Net Tours (03 7687400) which is located at the Hilton Al Ain, offers pick up and drop off points for Al Ain residents.

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Luxurious Getaways Take some time off and spoil yourself by visiting one of these grand resorts that are out of this world; just be prepared to spend a hefty lot for the treat.

*UMEIRAH "AB !L 3HAMS $ESERT 2ESORT 3PA $UBAI Bab Al Shams, translated from Arabic literally means ‘Gateway to the Sun.’ The resort was structured to imitate a rural Arabian village in the heart of the desert around an oasis. It’s artistically crafted to blend in with the exterior of the rolling sand dunes and unique desert atmosphere. Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is located in the midst of the desert, near Dubai International Endurance City. It offers a tranquil place for local and international tourists to see the serene beauty of the desert, promoting the country’s rich heritage. The interior design consists of shaded courtyards, walkways and water features providing cool shelter while maintaining an inviting ambience.

!L -AHA $ESERT 2ESORT AND 3PA $UBAI Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is tucked away within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). The resort is surrounded by some of the regions most spectacular landscapes in the Arabian Gulf. This small, ultra luxurious resort is spread across vast dunes, reflecting similar styles as the Bedouin encampments. The resort mirrors old-styled Arabian architecture and boasts the largest private collection of original Arabian antiques and artworks in the Gulf. In addition to this, Al Maha remains an important repository for over two thousand historic and rare pieces of artwork, weaponry, and traditional jewelry and Bedouin handicrafts. A visit can guarantee one with optional wildlife activities, desert safaris, guided nature walks, traditional falconry displays, archery, as well as camel and horse safaris.

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COVER STORY

Where Do People Go In Al Ain? Liz Spencer,

Brian Borgford,

Beverley Klootwyk,

British

Canadian

South African

Liz's favorite is the Al Ain Wildlife Park and resort (AWPR).

Her must see animals at the zoo are the giraffes as she finds them, “elegant.�

Brian likes cycling and frequently cycles to the top of Jebel Hafeet, taking him roughly 50 minutes. The exercise routine allows him to enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

Beverley enjoys driving out to the desert for a safari as the sand dunes of Al Ain are fabulous for this.

Tell us on our Facebook where you take your daytrip in Al Ain and get a chance to win exciting vouchers!

Neville, South African

Neville's family favorite is the Jahili and Wadi park where he takes the children out to play.

Visit our website: www.myoasisliving.com

Face Treatment Body Treatment HAIR SERVICES nail grooming hand & foot spa

Tel: 971 3 7626393 Fax: 971 3 7550128 www.radiance-uae.com info@radiance-uae.com Find us on Facebook: Radiance Spa for Men 23

From our Reader

TEXT Catherine O’Connor

T

he incessant chirping of the swallows is accompanied with the intermittent “pop” of a baseball finding its home in the catcher’s mitt. Outrageous humidity makes every breath labored as the sun fries everything in its path. Sweat trickles down the back of my neck as I stop to admire beautiful gardens of yellow, orange, purple, white, pink and red flowers. Vines cling tenaciously to the fencing that surrounds the ball field. I am wilting and fading much faster under this glare than they are.

In the distant shade children twirl on the merry-go-round as a fatigued father patiently reaches out to give spin after spin. Two older men sit complacently in the shade. Mini towels draped on their shoulders soak up the moisture as they concentrate on the board game they are playing. A cigarette dangles loosely from aged parched lips, forgotten about until a long ash falls on the board.

Above my head a wide eyed raven laughs raucously at me. As I glance up at him he is startled and takes wing only to settle several trees over with his companions.

Joggers, people stretching, newspaper readers, runners, all exist together but do not see each other. A lone man sits on a cement bench, tucking his cane in beside him. He taps his legs and arms for a second and struggles to his feet to continue his journey.

I walk on a path where long branches balance overhead. Looking up I see a thick canopy of rubber leaves obscuring the bright blue sky that is dotted with fluffy white clouds. I look down the hill to my right where I see two paths running parallel to a stream. Water tumbles and swirls over invisible pebbles and eventually disappears as it flows quickly around a bend.

Strike one….I am back at the ball field. Strike two….the umpire adjusts his mask and crouches low.

The pitcher winds up…releases…. and……SLAM…. an infield fly easily caught by the short stop! I gingerly lower myself onto the five plank wooden bench. I have sat on wooden benches before that were this hot, but only in a sauna. The unrelenting sun sucks out any drop of life-giving moisture from my body. The bottle of water I have disappears fast.

A flicker of color catches my eye.

Butterflies skim by…vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows challenge the flowers to outdo them. A grey bobtailed cat lies patiently in the cool shade of a small tree waiting for the blistering heat to pass. The cat is smarter than I am. I call out to it…”here kitty, kitty, kitty”… but by now he is deep in his siesta and only hears the pitter patter of little mice feet in his dreams.

The ball game is over! One more trek around the park before heading home.

The old men are still immersed in their board game and do not even glance up as I slow my gait to take a peek while passing. More families are here now, playing catch, badminton and flying kites with their children. Runners fly by me on the path in their haste to “get fit”.

An older couple walks slowly hand-inhand, watching and remembering the way it used to be. Butterfly nets are put to use as children race to and fro trying to outdo one another. A man sleeps behind the hedge.

As I end my sojourn to the park and head home I pause for a final look and… the swallows sing on.

Submit your articles to: editor@myoasisliving.com

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COVER STORY

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.FSDVSF (SBOE +FCFM )BGFFU )PUFM -BXSFODF T -PVOHF +27(/,(5 1,*+7 ¹ Every Sunday: 50% Discount on all the beverages (Hotel’s ID to be present)

/$',(6 1,*+7 Every Thursday: Ladies step in & get a complimentary cocktail.

)JMUPO "M "JO %FDFNCFS OE %TC\KNKCP 3QQN RCTV[ Celebrate with a Brazilian pool party in the pool garden

5IFNF /JHIUT BU -F #FMWFEFSF $6,$1 1,*+7 Every Wednesday.

25,(17$/ 1,*+7 ¹ Every Thursday. % % 4 1,*+7 Every Friday 6($ )22' /81&+ %8))(7 Every Friday @ 12:30pm – 4:00pm

%FDFNCFS UI &JTKUVOCU 7TGG /KIJVKPI

Every Friday @ 12:30pm – 4:00pm

%FDFNCFS UI &QQMKG %CMG

$ISJTUNBT $FMFCSBUJPO &+5,670$6œ &$52/ Hotel’s Lobby @ 7:30pm

The messiest event of the year. Kids up to 12 years get a chance to bake their own cookies to bring home. From 2pm to 4pm in Old Majilis

%FDFNCFS UI &JTKUVOCU 0CTMGV %TWPEJ The annual Christmas Market brunch in Flavours restaurant with turkey and all the rest. From 12.30 to 4pm

/FX :FBST &WF $FMFCSBUJPO 'KPG KP )NCXQWTU QT &CUC 5QOCPC RCTV[ KP 3CEQÂśU CPF RQQN ICTFGP &CUC 5QOCPC offers a grand ďŹ ve course set dinner to round off the year

)NCXQWTU is serving up a Gala dinner buffet with live back ground music 3CEQÂśU is celebrating in big style with Mixolydian band and special food offers.

3QQN *CTFGP Put your sweater on; The coolest pool party of the year is taking place in the pool garden.

For dining guests in Casa and Flavours free entrance to the pool party!

For more information about the events during Festive Season, please call 03 – 706 7006

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&EFO 3PDL 3FTUBVSBOU

The annual Christmas tree lighting in Palm Court. Traditional Christmas carols with seasonal refreshments and a visit from a very special friend bringing gifts for the kids. Starts at 6pm.

(POOL SIDE) with Live Entertainment

% % 4 %8))(7

18th – 25th December 2010.

&+5,670$6 &5$&.(5 /81&+(6 Le Belvedere Restaurant @ 12:30pm – 3:30pm 4th – 24th December / Saturday - Thursday

)(67,9( ',1,1* Le Belvedere Restaurant @ 7:30pm – 10:30pm 30th November – 24th December 2010.

)(67,9( )5,'$< /81&+ :,7+ 6$17$ Le Belvedere Restaurant @ 12:30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00pm.

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st December 2010.

$ISJTUNBT 1BSUZ /JHIUT Party the night away with our Band.

Bar opens from 5:00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01:00am

&+5,670$6 '$< /81&+ Golden Falcon Ballroom @ 12:30pm.

Enjoy Unlimited House Beverages, Live Entertainment with our SAHARA BAND Children under 10 years of age Eat Free.

Free Face Painting Gift from Santa Claus for Children ho ho ho ho!

/FX :FBS T &WF *$/$ ',11(5 :,7+ 63(&,$/ 3$57< Welcome 2011 in ďŹ ne style with Wonderful Gala Dinner Buffet with Live Band & many more Surprises.

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%FDFNCFS UI Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put our hands together and start building.

Winter campaign â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elite Gifts for Luxury Shoppingâ&#x20AC;? will continue till 31st December 2010. It is a great opportunity for Al Ain residents to enjoy the best shopping bonanza of the year and to win a luxurious car BMW 2011 at Al Ain Mall. Shoppers can also win weekly prizes worth AED5,000, in addition to luxurious stay at Mercure Grand Hotel plus thousands of gifts in weekly draws against a scanty spend of DHs. 200 in any of Al Ain Mall outlets during this 60 days long campaign. Experience the charm of shopping at Al Ain Mall with exciting shows & endless entertainment events:

YES! Create your own gingerbread house with icing and candy decorations. A day ďŹ lled with food, beverages, carols, and a cheerful visit from Santa Claus.

Venue: Ballroom Time: 4.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.00pm Price: AED55 net/per house Advance reservation is required.

UI /PWFNCFS UP UI %FDFNCFS

*OUFSDPOUJOFOUBM )PUFM %FDFNCFS UI Let our festive season begin!!!

Come and join us in turning the lights of our Christmas tree on. A special evening for the whole family to enjoy the music of our carolers. A day to gather in our garden and enjoy the weather and celebrations. You can either bring your picnics with you or order our picnic package 24 hours ahead for AED35 net. Beverages to be purchased from the bar.

Venue: InterContinental Garden Time: 5.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7.00pm

"3"#&426& Christmas Eve Dinner - DECEMBER 24, 2010 - Enjoy a night of traditional and seafood Christmas dinner, all for AED200++ per person.

Ice Skating show

OE UP SE %FDFNCFS National Day Special Events

&JTKUVOCU 'C[ /WPEJ DECEMBER 25, 2010 - Enjoy a buffet brunch with kids' entertainment and Santa Claus visit, for AED130++ per person.

1GY <GCTÂśU (XG DECEMBER 31, 2010 - Celebrate New Year's Eve at Arabesque with a grand buffet dinner, along with an Arabic band, all for AED200++ per person.

1GY <GCTÂśU 'C[ %TWPEJ JANUARY 1, 2011 - Celebrate your new year with a Brunch at Arabesque, for AED130++ per person.

-6$& &JTKUVOCU (XG 'KPPGT DECEMBER 24, 2010 - Celebrate the blissful night at Luce with our set menu dinner, for AED160++ per person.

&JTKUVOCU 'C[ DECEMBER 25, 2010 - Enjoy an a la carte dinner on the 25th of December and bask into the Christmas oriented ambiance.

1GY <GCTÂśU (XG 'KPPGT DECEMBER 31, 2010 - Say your last farewells to 2010 at Luce. Enjoy a night of music, food and free ďŹ&#x201A;ow of selected beverages, with live entertainment - all for AED380++. Advance ticket purchase is required, available at F&B ofďŹ ce. Entrance fee + unlimited selected drinks for AED240++

1(: <($5Âś6 (9( 63(&,$/ 2))(5 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve dinner at Luce plus a standard room, only for AED999++!!!* *Terms and conditions apply. Advance booking is required. Starts at 8.00pm

)034& +0$,&: 16# '(&(0%(5

"M +JNJ .BMM TU ° UI %FDFNCFS National Day Celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Heritage Village experience and many other attractions for families. Explore the Word of local ďŹ&#x201A;avors cooked at our Heritage Village, enjoy traditional music, Arabian hospitality, henna painting, real falcons and much more!

&WFSZ XFFLFOE JO %FDFNCFS number activities for children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FREE face painters, meet and greet mascots and much more! Friday Souq, twice a month on Friday - a ďŹ&#x201A;ea market or swap-meet, a type of an outdoor bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered.

For exact date of each Friday Souq, more information or application forms, please visit our website www.aljimimall.com or visit our information desk.

TU ° TU %FDFNCFS Festive Days at Al Jimi Mall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; entertainment activities for children and parents! The fun experience that you cannot miss!

Celebrate this Christmas Eve with our special menu.

'(&(0%(5 Christmas lunch set menu for AED115++ including 1 drink.

'(&(0%(5 Celebrate it the British way! Feel the essence of Britain and enjoy Boxing Day specials.

'(&(0%(5 Brilliant Choices to end your year!!!

Free entrance to the bar Celebrate New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve in a very special British Ambiance.

Enjoy a set menu, for AED150++ For an additional AED130++, you can get a pass of unlimited selected drink at Luce

5&" -06/(& InterContinentalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special! Like every year pamper yourself, family and friends with our Christmas goodies. We can make your Christmas a special one with our minced pies and turkey take-away menu.

#BXBEJ .BMM /BUJPOBM %BZ $FMFCSBUJPO 2nd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4th of December 2010

-JWF .VTJD ! #BXBEJ .BMM December 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 2011 Duo musicians play a live music every day except Tuesdays

$ISJTUNBT : From 5th of December 2010 till 10th of January 2011 Make sure to visit Bawadi Mall to take your memorable photos with the largest Christmas tree in the city.

27

Listing of Community Organizations !CTIVITIES IN !L !IN

Al Ain Alliance Francaise www.af-alain.org Ketty Laurent 050 601 8430 French Film Night (with English subtitles) every second Thursday at the Alliance Francaise near the airport.

Al Ain Choral Society Rehearsals every Sunday from 7.30pm - 9.00pm in the music room of Al Ain English Speaking School. The Choral Society Christmas Dinner and Concert will be held on Friday 17th December from 6.00pm. As well as carols and Christmas songs by the Al Ain Choral Society and the choir from Al Ain English Speaking School, there are also songs where the audience is invited to join in.

For further information please call Geraldine Kershaw on 050 5639719.

Al Ain Hash House Harriers Run and walk (roughly for forty five minutes/or an hour) every Monday in different places around Al Ain. In the summer at 6.00 pm and winter at 5.15 pm you can contact: Georges Marble 0506230411 or 03 7688866.

Al Ain Netball Club Nicola - 050 3349757 www.al.ain.netball@gmail.com The Ladies Netball Club plays on Sunday and Tuesday 7pm - 9pm at the Al Ain Hilton. Sundays is netball training and fitness led by an ex UK National League player and coach and Tuesday is league night, come down and get straight into game play on Tuesday nights. A squad of 10 serious, competitive players travel to Dubai every Wednesday to play in the Dubai League.

Al Ain Soccer Eyad 050 783 1660 Youth group ( 4 to 18 years old) practice is held on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm until 7.30 pm at the Rugby Club. Adult group (18 years and above) practice is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 pm to 9.30 pm at the Rugby Club.

Al Ain Toastmasters club Shannon Glasgow 050-663-2550 shannonglasgow@yahoo.com The Al Ain Toastmasters Club, founded in 2001, strives to help members develop their public speaking, evaluation and leadership skills in a friendly supportive environment.

Meetings start at 7:30 pm at Tawam Hospital on the 1st + 3rd Tuesdays of the month.

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Al Ain Vipers Youth Hockey Club The Vipers are members of the UAE Minor Ice Hockey Association and play in tournaments in Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as participate in tournaments abroad.

The group is made up of boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18 with more than 15 nationalities represented.

All players are welcome regardless of ability or previous experience. Training takes place at Hili Fun City and the Al Ain Mall.

To register or get more details about practice schedule, go to www.alainvipers.com or contact Tim or Alex on 050 330 1065

Animal Welfare Al Ain info@animalwelfarealain.com www.animalwelfarealain.com -Non profit organization, run by volunteers dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in Al Ain.

Brazilian Jiujutsu Vandi Vaz 0501259713 Children and adult practice on : Sundays and Tuesdays from 5.00 pm until 6.00 pm Located in the Al Ain Club in the Al Zaher area near the fire station.

Emirates Natural History Group Walter Carnerstetter 050 783 0380 or email cramerwa@hotmail.com -Meets every second and fourth Tuesday at the Intercontinental Hotel -Sign up for free mailing list and receive weekly activity notices at www.enhg.org

Living Water at the Al Ain Evangelical Church 03 722 3337 www.aaec.ae -Library open to everyone in the community & free of charge -Open Fridays 10:30 a.m to 1: 30 p.m

UAE offroaders www.uaeoffroaders.com Every week we run trips for all levels of drivers in various locations, including Al Ain, Al Saad, Sweihan, Al Khazna and Al Khatim. Our club is free to join, so sign up today and let the fun begin!

THE SCENE travel

Wednesday, 10th November 2010 Al Ain Pal Al alac alac ace Mu ace Muse Muse seum seum um, m, Oasi Oasi Oa sis s Ho Hosp Hosp spit ital it tal al’s al’ l’’s s5 50t 0th 0t h Anni Anni An nive vers ve rsar rs ary ar y Ce Cele Cel llebr leb le ebr brat brat atio tio ion. ion n.. n Friends, business partners and former doctors who served the hospital came together for the hospitals 50th anniversary celebration.

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Proud doctors of Oasis Hospital.

Oasis Hospital President and CEO, David Printy and Deputy Chief of Mission from the American Embassy, Douglas Greene.

Oasis Hospital President and CEO, David Printy presents Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the first ever Arabic edition of The Oasis, the memoirs of the late Gertrude Dyck.

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Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Oasis Hospital President and CEO, David Printy.

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Ladies catching up.

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Representatives from the Armed Forces.

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Left to right: Nancy Kennedy, Marilyn Liddle and Dr Kathleen Kennedy Quadro engage with a young girl.

Little girl enjoying herself during the celebrations.

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Upclose With

‫ﻣﻊ‬

Muna Al Dhaheri

W

orking within the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) environs as the Education Center’s Manager, Muna Al Dhaheri’s job seems attractive and out of the ordinary. Many of us would feel privileged to work in her position but for Muna, it keeps her grounded on her feet and adds a speck of excitement. She enjoys her job as it gives her an opportunity to travel and meet with people from all walks of life. One may think that she planned for this job, but interestingly enough she simply stumbled upon it. She had visited the zoo earlier and was in complete awe. A few days later she saw an

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‫وﻟﻰ أن ﻋﻤﻞ ﻣﻨﻰ اﻟﻈﺎﻫﺮي ﺷﻴﻖ ﺟﺪا‬1‫ﻳﺒﺪو ﻣﻦ اﻟﻮﻫﻠﺔ ا‬ ‫وﺧﺎرج ﻋﻦ اﻟﻤﺄﻟﻮف ﻛﻮﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﺸﻐﻞ ﻣﻨﺼﺐ ﻣﺪﻳﺮ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ‬ ‫ وﻗﺪ‬،‫اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ وﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪا ﻓﻲ ﻣﺘﻨﺰه اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﻳﺮﻏﺐ اﻟﻜﺜﻴﺮون اﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬا اﻟﻤﺠﺎل ﻟﻜﻨﻬﻢ ﻻ ﻳﺪرﻛﻮن‬ ‫ أﻣﺎ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻓﻘﺪ اﺟﺘﺎزت ﻫﺬا اﻻﻣﺘﺤﺎن اﻟﺼﻌﺐ‬.‫ﻣﺪى ﺻﻌﻮﺑﺘﻪ‬ ‫وﻫﻲ ﻻ ﺗﺰال واﻗﻔﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻗﺪﻣﻴﻬﺎ وﻓﻲ ﻗﻤﺔ ﻋﻄﺎﺋﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻓﻜﺎر اﻟﻤﺒﺪﻋﺔ واﻟﺨﻼﻗﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺘﻨﺰه‬1‫اﺑﺘﻜﺎر اﻟﻤﺰﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ ا‬ ‫ دﻋﻮﻧﺎ ﻧﺘﻌﺮف ﻋﻦ ﻛﺜﺐ إﻟﻰ ﻣﻨﻰ وﻛﻴﻒ‬.‫وﻣﻦ ﺣﻮﻟﻬﺎ‬ .‫وﺻﻠﺖ إﻟﻰ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺘﻨﺰه اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‬ ‫داء ﻫﺬه‬Q ‫ﻗﺪ ﻳﻌﺘﻘﺪ اﻟﺒﻌﺾ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺧﻄﻄﺖ ﻣﺴﺒﻘﺎ‬ ‫ ﻟﻜﻦ اﻟﻘﺪر وﺣﺪه ﻫﻮ اﻟﺬي ﻟﻌﺐ دوره وﻗﺎدﻫﺎ إﻟﻰ‬،‫اﻟﻤﻬﻤﺔ‬

INTERVIEW

advertisement in the local daily for a marketing officer at the zoo and applied; that was eight years ago.

A typical day for Muna begins at 5.30 a.m, when she takes time to prepare her children for school and meet other family needs. By 7.30 a.m, she is in the office and ready to work. She enjoys the idea of working at the Education Center because learning, for Muna, has always been a fascinating and entertaining experience. Her first job was working at the debt collection sector for the Al Ain Water and Electricity department. She worked there for nine years before moving to AWPR. She always saw herself working as a teacher or at a public administration department.

Muna cherishes her upbringing and reminisces about being the first child in the neighborhood to own a bicycle, “I must have been in grade three,” she laughs.

She was a trendsetter and confesses to assuming the leadership position for groups of kids during play. Her family was very much open in her upbringing. They valued the need for openness and were seemingly relaxed.

They gave her the opportunity to pursue her educational dreams in life and were very encouraging. She notes that the timing proved beneficial because the society was encouraging to young ladies, pushing for equal development. The ruler and former President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul in peace) would offer grants to families that would allow their girls to study. It was a positive step to ensure that young females would not be neglected. The only regret Muna may have is that she would have loved to study abroad, in the United States of America but that was a step her family wasn’t willing to take for their youngest.

She would like to be remembered as a key figure for establishing the education center at AWPR and ensuring that high standards of operation are met. In the years to come, she sees the center succeeding and becoming the core of learning about wildlife conservation techniques, for the Middle Eastern region.

Looking back over the years, Muna is happy with all of her achievements but there is just one lingering. In the near future she hopes to grace the Forbes list as one of the wealthiest people! This may seem like a daunting task but with her optimistic approach to life anything is possible.

Muna urges other young Emiratis aspiring to be like

‫ ﻓﻤﻨﺬ ﺛﻤﺎن ﺳﻨﻮات ﻗﺎﻣﺖ ﻣﻨﻰ ﺑﺰﻳﺎرة ﺣﺪﻳﻘﺔ‬.‫ﻫﺬا اﻟﻤﻜﺎن‬ ‫ﺣﻴﻮان اﻟﻌﻴﻦ اﻟﻤﻌﺮوﻓﺔ ﺑﻬﺬا اﻻﺳﻢ آﻧﺬاك وﺑﻌﺪ ﻣﺮور أﻳﺎم‬ ‫ﻗﻠﻴﻠﺔ رأت إﻋﻼﻧﺎ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺼﺤﺎﻓﺔ اﻟﻤﺤﻠﻴﺔ اﻟﻴﻮﻣﻴﺔ ﻋﻦ وﻇﻴﻔﺔ‬ ‫ وﻣﺎ‬،‫ﺷﺎﻏﺮة ﻟﻤﻨﺼﺐ ﻣﺪﻳﺮ ﺗﺴﻮﻳﻖ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﻘﺔ ﻧﻔﺴﻬﺎ‬ ‫ وﻣﻊ‬.‫ﻛﺎن ﻣﻨﻬﺎ إﻻ أن ﻗﺪﻣﺖ ﻃﻠﺒﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﻮﻇﻴﻒ وﺗﻢ ﻗﺒﻮﻟﻬﺎ‬ ‫دارﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﻘﺔ ﺟﺎء اﻟﻴﻮم‬Q‫اﻟﺘﻐﻴﺮات اﻟﻠﻮﺟﺴﺘﻴﺔ وا‬ ‫اﻟﺬي اﻧﺘﻘﻠﺖ ﻓﻴﻪ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻣﻦ ﻣﻮﻗﻌﻬﺎ ﻛﻤﺪﻳﺮة ﺗﺴﻮﻳﻖ‬ ‫ وﻣﻨﺬ ذﻟﻚ‬،‘‫ﻟﺘﺸﻐﻞ ﻣﻨﺼﺒﺎ آﺧﺮ وﻫﻮ ﻣﺪﻳﺮ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ‬ ‫اﻟﻮﻗﺖ ﻟﻢ ﺗﺸﻌﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ ﺑﺄي ﻧﺪم أو أﺳﻒ ﻋﻠﻰ اﺧﺘﻴﺎرﻫﺎ‬ ‫وﻗﺎت ﺧﻼل ﻋﻤﻠﻬﺎ‬1‫ وﺗﻌﺘﺒﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﻤﻀﻲ أﺟﻤﻞ ا‬.‫ﻫﺬا‬ ‫ﻛﻮﻧﻪ ﻳﺘﻴﺢ ﻟﻬﺎ ﻓﺮﺻﺔ اﻟﺴﻔﺮ واﻟﺘﻌﺮف ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻨﺎس واﻟﺤﻴﺎة‬ .‫ﻣﻦ ﻛﻞ ﺟﻮاﻧﺒﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﻳﺒﺪأ ﻧﻬﺎر ﻣﻨﻰ اﻟﻈﺎﻫﺮي ﻣﻨﺬ اﻟﺴﺎﻋﺔ اﻟﺨﺎﻣﺴﺔ واﻟﻨﺼﻒ‬ ‫ﺳﺮة وﺗﺠﻬﻴﺮ‬1‫ﺻﺒﺎﺣﺎ ﻟﺘﺒﺎﺷﺮ ﻓﻮرا ﻓﻲ ﺗﻠﺒﻴﺔ اﺣﺘﻴﺎﺟﺎت ا‬ ‫ وﺗﺘﻮﺟﻪ ﺑﻌﺪﻫﺎ إﻟﻰ ﻣﻨﺰﻟﻬﺎ‬.‫أﺑﻨﺎءﻫﺎ ﻟﻠﺬﻫﺎب إﻟﻰ اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﻘﺔ ﻣﻌﻠﻨﺔ ﺑﺪاﻳﺔ ﺗﺠﺮﺑﺔ ﺟﺪﻳﺪة ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﺎل‬ ‫ وﺗﺮى ﻣﻨﻰ أن ﻣﺠﺎل اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ أﻣﺮ ﻣﻤﺘﻊ ﻟﻠﻐﺎﻳﺔ‬.‫اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ‬ ‫ﺑﺤﻴﺚ ﻳﻜﺘﺴﺐ ﻓﻴﻪ اﻟﻤﺮء اﻟﻜﺜﻴﺮ ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﺠﺎرب اﻟﻤﺴﻠﻴﺔ‬ ‫ ﻟﻘﺪ ﺑﺪأت ﻣﻨﻰ ﻣﺸﻮارﻫﺎ اﻟﻤﻬﻨﻲ ﻓﻲ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ‬.‫واﻟﺮاﺋﻌﺔ‬ ‫ﻛﻬﺮﺑﺎء وﻣﻴﺎه اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﺣﻴﺚ ﻋﻤﻠﺖ ﻫﻨﺎك ﻟﻤﺪة ﺗﺴﻊ ﺳﻨﻮات‬ ‫ اﻟﻤﻜﺎن اﻟﺬي‬،‫اﻧﺘﻘﻠﺖ ﺑﻌﺪﻫﺎ إﻟﻰ ﻣﺘﻨﺰه اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‬ ‫وﺟﺪت ﻓﻴﻪ ﻧﻔﺴﻬﺎ وﺣﻘﻘﺖ ﻣﺎ ﻛﺎﻧﺖ داﺋﻤﺎ ﺗﻄﻤﺢ إﻟﻴﻪ وﻫﻮ‬ .‫دارة اﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ‬Q‫اﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﻛﻤﺪ ّرﺳﺔ أو ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﺎل ا‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻰ ﺗﺘﺤﺪث ﻋﻦ ﻧﻔﺴﻬﺎ ﺳﺎﺧﺮة وﻫﻲ ﺗﺴﺘﻌﺮض ﺷﺮﻳﻂ‬ ‫ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻬﺎ وﺗﺴﺘﻌﻴﺪ ذﻛﺮﻳﺎت اﻟﻤﺎﺿﻲ ﻛﻮﻧﻬﺎ اﻟﻄﻔﻠﺔ‬ ‫وﻟﻰ ﻣﻦ أﺑﻨﺎء ﺣ ّﻴﻬﺎ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻤﻜﻨﺖ ﻣﻦ اﻣﺘﻼك دراﺟﺔ‬1‫ا‬ ‫« ﻻ ﺑﺪ أﻧﻨﻲ ﻛﻨﺖ وﻗﺘﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ‬:‫ وﺗﺒﺘﺴﻢ ﻗﺎﺋﻠﺔ‬،‫ﻫﻮاﺋﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﻮر واﻟﻘﻴﺎدة‬1‫ وﻳﺒﺪو أن اﺳﺘﻼم زﻣﺎم ا‬.«‫اﻟﺼﻒ اﻟﺜﺎﻟﺚ‬ ‫ وﻛﺎن أول ﻣﻦ‬،‫ﻛﺎن ﻳﺮاﻓﻘﻬﺎ ﻣﻨﺬ ﻧﻌﻮﻣﺔ أﻇﻔﺎرﻫﺎ‬ ‫اﺳﺘﺪرك ذﻟﻚ ﻋﺎﺋﻠﺘﻬﺎ اﻟﺘﻲ ﻋﻤﻠﺖ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺛﻘﻞ ﺷﺨﺼﻴﺘﻬﺎ‬ ‫وﻣﻨﺤﻬﺎ اﻟﻔﺮﺻﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻖ ذاﺗﻬﺎ وأﺣﻼﻣﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ‬ ‫ وﺗﺸﻴﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ أن ﺗﻠﻚ‬.‫وأﺻﺒﺤﺖ ﺑﺬﻟﻚ ﻣﺼﺪر ﺗﺸﺠﻴﻊ ﻟﻬﺎ‬ ‫ن اﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ آﻧﺬاك ﻛﺎن ﻣﺸﺠﻌﺎ‬1 ‫اﻟﻔﺘﺮة ﻛﺎﻧﺖ واﻋﺪة ﺟﺪا‬ ‫ ﺑﻌﺠﻠﺔ اﻟﺘﻄﻮر ﻟﻠﺘﺴﺎوي‬j‫وﺣﺎﺿﻨﺎ ﻟﻤﺒﺎدرات اﻟﻔﺘﻴﺎت داﻓﻌ‬ ‫ﻛﻤﺎ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﺆﻛﺪ أن‬. ‫ﺑﻴﻦ اﻟﺮﺟﻞ واﻟﻤﺮأة ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ‬ ‫ﻣﻔﻬﻮم اﻟﻤﺼﺪاﻗﻴﺔ واﻟﺸﻔﺎﻓﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺘﻌﺎﻣﻞ آﻧﺬاك ﺟﺎء‬ ‫ﻣﺘﺰاﻣﻨﺎ ﻣﻊ اﻟﻘﺮار اﻟﺬي اﺗﺨﺬه اﻟﻤﻐﻔﻮر ﻟﻪ اﻟﺸﻴﺦ زاﻳﺪ‬ ‫ ﻓﻲ دﻋﻢ اﻟﻌﺎﺋﻼت وﻣﻨﺢ‬m‫ﺑﻦ ﺳﻠﻄﺎن آل ﻧﻬﻴﺎن رﺣﻤﻪ ا‬ ‫اﻟﺘﺴﻬﻴﻼت ﻟﻼﻫﺘﻤﺎم ﺑﺎﻟﻔﺘﻴﺎت اﻟﺸﺎﺑﺎت ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ‬ ‫ﻣﺮ اﻟﻮﺣﻴﺪ اﻟﺬي ﺗﺄﺳﻒ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻋﻠﻰ‬1‫ ﻟﻜﻦ ا‬.‫وﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻬﻦ‬ ‫ﻋﺪم ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻘﻪ ﻓﻲ ذﻟﻚ اﻟﻮﻗﺖ ﻫﻮ ﻋﺪم ﺗﻤﻜﻨﻬﺎ ﻣﻦ‬ 33

‫اﻟﺴﻔﺮ ﻟﻠﺪراﺳﺔ ﺧﺎرج اﻟﺒﻼد ﻣﺜﻞ اﻟﻮﻻﻳﺎت‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪة ا‪1‬ﻣﻴﺮﻛﻴﺔ ﺑﺴﺒﺐ رﻓﺾ أﻫﻠﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﻟﺘﻠﻚ اﻟﻔﻜﺮة‪.‬ﻋﻠﻰ ﻛﻞ ﺣﺎل ﺗﺄﻣﻞ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫أن ﺗﺬﻛﺮﻫﺎ ﺻﻔﺤﺎت اﻟﺘﺎرﻳﺦ ﺑﺄﻧﻬﺎ اﻟﻤﺮأة‬ ‫اﻟﺴﺒﺎﻗﺔ ﺑﺈﻧﺸﺎء ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺘﻨﺰه‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ واﻟﺘﻲ ﻋﻤﻠﺖ ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ اﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ اﻟﻤﺜﺎﻟﻴﺔ ‪Q‬ﻧﺠﺎز ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﻤﻞ‪.‬‬ ‫وﺗﺘﻮﻗﻊ أﻧﻪ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺴﻨﻮات اﻟﻘﺎدﻣﺔ ﺳﻴﺤﻘﻖ‬ ‫ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ ﻧﺠﺎﺣﺎت ﻋﺪة ﻟﻴﺼﺒﺢ ﻣﻨﺒﻌ‪j‬‬ ‫ﻟﻠﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺸﺮق ا‪1‬وﺳﻂ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﺠﺎل اﻟﺤﻔﺎظ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺤﻴﺎة اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫وﺑﺎﻟﻨﻈﺮ إﻟﻰ اﻟﻮراء‪ ،‬ﺗﺸﻌﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ ﺑﺎﻟﺮﺿﺎ‬ ‫اﻟﺘﺎم ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺎ ﺣﻘﻘﺘﻪ ﻣﻦ اﻧﺠﺎزات‪،‬‬ ‫وﻳﺮاودﻫﺎ أﻣﻞ ﻣﻦ ﺣﻴﻦ ‪q‬ﺧﺮ ﻓﻲ أن ﺗﺠﺪ‬ ‫اﺳﻤﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺴﻨﻴﻦ اﻟﻘﺎدﻣﺔ ﻣﺪرﺟﺎ ﺿﻤﻦ‬ ‫ﻻﺋﺤﺔ أﻗﻮى ﺳﻴﺪات اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﻠﺔ‬ ‫ﻓﻮرﺑﺰ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻤﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻫﺬا اﻻﻣﺮ ﻳﺒﺪو ﺣﻠﻤﺎ‬ ‫ﻟﻠﺒﻌﺾ‪ ،‬ﻟﻜﻦ إذا ﻣﺎ ﻧﻈﺮﻧﺎ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻈﺎر ﻣﻨﻰ‪ ،‬ﻧﺮى أن اﻟﺘﻔﺎؤل ﻫﻮ ﻣﻦ أﻫﻢ‬ ‫اﻟﺮﻛﺎﺋﺰ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺠﻌﻠﻨﺎ ﻧﺘﻄﻠﻊ داﺋﻤﺎ إﻟﻰ‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ أﻓﻀﻞ واﻟﺴﻌﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻘﻪ‪.‬‬ ‫وﺗﺪﻋﻮ ﻣﻨﻰ ﺷﻘﻴﻘﺎﺗﻬﺎ اﻻﻣﺎرﺗﻴﺎت إﻟﻰ‬ ‫ﺣﺬو ﺣﺬوﻫﺎ آﻣﻠﺔ ﻓﻲ أن ﺗﻜﻮن ﻣﺼﺪر‬ ‫إﻟﻬﺎم ﻟﻬﻦ وﺗﻘﻮل« ﺛﻘﻮا ﺑﺄﻧﻔﺴﻜﻦ«‬ ‫وﺗﻀﻴﻒ‪ «:‬إذا ﻣﺎ وﺛﻘﺘﻦ ﺑﺄﻧﻔﺴﻜﻦ‪ ،‬ﻛﻞ‬ ‫ﺷﻲء ﻣﻦ ﺣﻮﻟﻜﻦ ﺳﻴﺼﺒﺢ ﻣﺴﺨّ ًﺮا‬ ‫وﺳﻴﺘﺤﻘﻖ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻄﻤﺤﻦ إﻟﻴﻪ«‪ .‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﻌﺘﻘﺪ‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻰ أن اﻟﻤﺮأة ا‪Q‬ﻣﺎراﺗﻴﺔ ﻗﺎدرة ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻖ ﻛﻞ ﺷﻲء ﺗﻄﻤﺢ إﻟﻴﻪ ﺷﺮط‬ ‫أن ﺗﺤﺪد ا‪1‬ﻫﺪاف اﻟﻤﺮاد إﻧﺠﺎزﻫﺎ‪ ،‬ﻓﻀﻼ‬ ‫ﻋﻦ أن ﻳﻜﻮن ﻣﺤﻮر اﻫﺘﻤﺎﻣﻬﺎ اﻟﻌﻤﻞ‬ ‫واﻟﺪراﺳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺣﺪ ﻗﻮﻟﻬﺎ‪.‬‬

‫وﻛﺎن ﻟﻠﻤﻐﻔﻮر ﻟﻪ اﻟﺸﻴﺦ زاﻳﺪ‬ ‫ﺑﻦ ﺳﻠﻄﺎن آل ﻧﻬﻴﺎن رﺣﻤﻪ‬ ‫ا' اﻟﻴﺪ اﻟﺒﻴﻀﺎء ﻓﻲ ﺗﻘﺪﻳﻢ‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻄﺎﻳﺎ ووﺿﻊ اﻟﺘﺴﻬﻴﻼت‬ ‫واﻟﻤﻨﺢ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻔﺴﺢ اﻟﻤﺠﺎل‬ ‫أﻣﺎم اﻟﻔﺘﻴﺎت ﻟﻠﺪراﺳﺔ ‪.‬‬ ‫وﺑﺬﻟﻚ اﻋﺘﺒﺮت ﺑﻤﺜﺎﺑﺔ ﺧﻄﻮة‬ ‫إﻳﺠﺎﺑﻴﺔ ﻟﻼﻫﺘﻤﺎم ﺑﺎﻟﻔﺘﻴﺎت‬ ‫اﻟﺸﺎﺑﺎت ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ ‪.‬‬

‫وﺑﻤﺎ أﻧﻬﺎ ﻣﻮاﻃﻨﺔ إﻣﺎراﺗﻴﺔ وﻣﻦ ﻣﻮاﻟﻴﺪ‬ ‫وﺳﻜﺎن ﻣﺪﻳﻨﺔ اﻟﻌﻴﻦ‪ ،‬ﺗﺮى ﻣﻨﻰ أن‬ ‫إﻋﺠﺎﺑﻬﺎ ﺑﺘﻠﻚ اﻟﻤﺪﻳﻨﺔ ﻛﺒﻴﺮ ﺟﺪا ﻟﺪرﺟﺔ‬ ‫أﻧﻬﺎ ﻟﻦ ﺗﻘﺎﻳﻀﻬﺎ ﺑﺄي ﻣﺪﻳﻨﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ‪.‬‬ ‫وﺗﻌ ّﺒﺮ ﻋﻦ ذﻟﻚ ﺑﻘﻮﻟﻬﺎ‪ «:‬اﻧﻬﺎ ﻣﺪﻳﻨﺔ‬ ‫ﻫﺎدﺋﺔ وآﻣﻨﺔ وﻫﻲ ﻣﺘﻤﻴﺰة ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬا‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺠﺎل ﻋﻦ ﺑﻘﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺪن ﻓﻲ اﻻﻣﺎرات‪ ،‬وأﻧﺎ‬ ‫أﺣﺒﻬﺎ ﻛﻤﺎ ﻫﻲ«‪ .‬وﻋﻮدة إﻟﻰ ذﻛﺮﻳﺎﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫أﻳﺎم اﻟﺪراﺳﺔ‪ ،‬ﻓﺈﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﻌﺘﺒﺮ أﻧﻬﺎ ﻛﺎﻧﺖ‬ ‫‪34‬‬

INTERVIEW

her to, “believe in themselves,” further adding that, “if you do, everything around you will conspire to get you what you want.” She believes that the Emirati woman can be anything she wants to be once she sets her goals. In addition to this, she must be centered on her work and studies.

An Al Ain native, Muna admires the city and says she would not trade it for the world. “It’s very much peaceful and quite unlike the other cities in the U.A.E and I like it that way.” With regards to her schooling, her family was very much open and encouraged her to pursue her educational goals. In her early years she attended public school and later enrolled at the United Arab Emirates University for higher learning, pursuing a degree in Public Administration. During her initial time in primary and secondary school, she admired her teachers for they were a source of inspiration and were always cheering her to work hard and be different.

She is married to a loving husband of fourteen years and they are blessed with five children, the youngest being three and the oldest thirteen years old. Her children would probably compliment her on being an adorable mother but she instills in them the importance of hard work. She states that the world has changed and they need to be more assertive as nothing comes easy. Her friends would probably say she takes life too seriously but remains a genuine friend. When it comes to being a boss, Muna is relaxed but maintains that she does have her barriers when it comes down to making sure that all work is done to perfection.

Juggling a full time career and meeting home needs is not all simple for Muna but she tries her best. Other activities that keep her busy includes running a small business, called Rubaina, with a partner. It is a small, vending machine business where she distributes hot drinks and snacks. She also takes some time off and reads children’s books to ensure the content is suitable for local organizations, before they are displayed for reading. On a personal level, Muna enjoys reading an array of literature, with the exception of history.

In her final words, Muna says that today’s media is responsible for the misconceptions that visitors may have of the Arab culture. As visitors come into Al Ain, she urges them to keep an open mind and observe the true authenticity of the Arab way of life.

‫أﻳﺎﻣﺎ راﺋﻌﺔ وﻣﻤﻴﺰة إذ أن أﺳﺮﺗﻬﺎ ﻛﺎﻧﺖ ﻣﻨﻔﺘﺤﺔ ﺗﻤﺎﻣﺎ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬا اﻟﻤﺠﺎل وﻛﺎﻧﺖ ﺗﺸﺠﻌﻬﺎ داﺋﻤﺎ ﻟﺒﻠﻮغ أﻫﺪاﻓﻬﺎ‬ ‫وﻟﻰ ﺑﻤﺪرﺳﺔ‬1‫ اﻟﺘﺤﻘﺖ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻨﻴﻨﻬﺎ ا‬.‫ﻓﻲ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ‬ ‫ﻣﺎرات اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ‬Q‫ﺣﻜﻮﻣﻴﺔ ﻟﺘﺘﺴﺠﻞ ﻻﺣﻘﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ا‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪة ﻟﻠﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻲ وﺗﺤﺼﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺷﻬﺎدة ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺸﻜﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ ﻣﻌﻠﻤﻴﻬﺎ ﺧﻼل اﻟﻤﺮاﺣﻞ‬.‫دارة اﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ‬Q‫ا‬ ‫ﻋﺪادﻳﺔ واﻟﺜﺎﻧﻮﻳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ دﻋﻤﻬﻢ وﺗﺸﺠﻴﻌﻬﻢ ﻟﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ‬Q‫ا‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻤﻞ اﻟﺠﺎد واﻟﺘﻤﻴﺰ وﺗﻌﺘﺒﺮ أﻧﻬﻢ ﻛﺎﻧﻮا ﻣﺼﺪر إﻟﻬﺎم‬ .‫ﻟﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻤﻴﻊ اﻟﻤﺠﺎﻻت‬ ‫أﻣﺎ ﻋﻦ ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻬﺎ اﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ ﻓﻤﻨﻰ ﻣﺘﺰوﺟﺔ ﻣﻨﺬ أرﺑﻌﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﺤﺐ وﻗﺪ أﺛﻤﺮ زواﺟﻬﺎ ﻋﻦ وﻻدة‬ ‫ ﻣﻦ زوج‬j‫ﻋﺸﺮة ﻋﺎﻣ‬ ّ ‫ﺧﻤﺴﺔ أوﻻد أﻛﺒﺮﻫﻢ ﻳﺒﻠﻎ ﺛﻼﺛﺔ ﻋﺸﺮة ﻋﺎﻣﺎ وأﺻﻐﺮﻫﻢ‬ ‫ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺜﻨﻲ ﻋﻠﻴﻬﺎ أﺑﻨﺎؤﻫﺎ ﻛﻮﻧﻬﺎ‬w‫ وﻛﺜﻴﺮ‬.‫ﺛﻼث ﺳﻨﻮات‬ ‫م ﺑﺸﻜﻞ‬1‫ وﺑﺪورﻫﺎ ﺗﻌﻤﻞ ا‬.‫ ﻣﺤﺒﻮﺑﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﺠﻤﻴﻊ‬j‫أﻣ‬ ‫ن‬1 ‫دؤوب ﻋﻠﻰ ﺣﺚ أوﻻدﻫﺎ ﻟﺒﺬل اﻟﺠﻬﻮد واﻟﻌﻤﻞ اﻟﺠﺎد‬ ‫اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻢ ﺑﻨﻈﺮﻫﺎ ﻗﺪ ﺗﻐﻴﺮت ﻣﻌﻄﻴﺎﺗﻪ ﻛﻤﺎ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﺪﻋﻮﻫﻢ‬ ‫ن اﻟﺤﻴﺎة ﻻ ﺗﻬﺐ أﺷﻴﺎءﻫﺎ‬1 ‫إﻟﻰ أن ﻳﻜﻮﻧﻮا أﻗﻮﻳﺎء أﻛﺜﺮ‬ ‫ وﻳﻌﺘﺒﺮ أﺻﺪﻗﺎؤﻫﺎ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﻌﻴﺶ ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻬﺎ‬.‫ﺑﺴﻬﻮﻟﺔ‬ ‫ﺑﺠﺪﻳﺔ ﺻﺮﻓﺔ إﻻ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺗﺒﻘﻰ ﻓﻲ أﻋﻴﻨﻬﻢ ﺗﻠﻚ اﻟﺼﺪﻳﻘﺔ‬ ‫ ﺗﺸﻌﺮ‬،‫ وﺑﻤﺎ أﻧﻬﺎ أﺻﺒﺤﺖ ﻣﺪﻳﺮة‬.‫اﻟﺼﺎدﻗﺔ اﻟﻤﺨﻠﺼﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻰ أﻧﻬﺎ ﺣﻘﻘﺖ ﻣﺎ ﻛﺎﻧﺖ ﺗﻄﻤﺢ إﻟﻴﻪ وﻫﻲ راﺿﻴﺔ ﺗﻤﺎﻣﺎ‬ ‫ ﻟﻜﻨﻬﺎ ﺗﺆﻛﺪ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﻘﺎﺑﻞ أﻧﻬﺎ ﻻ ﺑﺪ ﻣﻦ‬،‫ﻋﻦ إﻧﺠﺎزاﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﻣﻮاﺟﻬﺔ ﺑﻌﺾ اﻟﻌﻘﺒﺎت ﻣﻦ أﺟﻞ ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻖ ﻋﻤﻠﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ‬ .‫أﻛﻤﻞ وﺟﻪ‬ ،‫ﻣﺮ اﻟﺴﻬﻞ‬1‫إن ﺗﻘﺎذف ﻋﺪة ﻛﺮات دﻓﻌﺔ واﺣﺪة ﻟﻴﺲ ﺑﺎ‬ ‫ﻟﻜﻦ ﻣﻨﻰ اﺳﺘﻄﺎﻋﺖ وﺑﺒﺮاﻋﺔ أن ﺗﺤﻘﻖ اﻟﺘﻮازن ﺑﻴﻦ‬ ‫ وﻫﻲ ﺗﺴﻌﻰ ﺟﺎﻫﺪة‬،‫ﺣﻴﺎﺗﻬﺎ اﻟﻤﻬﻨﻴﺔ واﻟﻤﻨﺰﻟﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ آن‬ ‫ واﻟﺠﺪﻳﺮ ﺑﺎﻟﺬﻛﺮ أن ﻧﺸﺎط ﻣﻨﻰ ﻳﺘﻌﺪى‬.‫ﻓﻲ ﺗﺤﻘﻴﻖ ذﻟﻚ‬ ‫ﻋﻤﺎل‬1‫ﺳﺮﻳﺔ ﻟﻴﺼﻞ إﻟﻰ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ا‬1‫ﺟﻮاﻧﺐ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ واﻟﺤﻴﺎة ا‬ Robaina ‫ ﻓﻬﻲ ﺷﺮﻳﻜﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺸﺮوع ﺗﺠﺎري ﻳﺪﻋﻰ‬.‫اﻟﺘﺠﺎرﻳﺔ‬ ‫وﻫﻮ ﻋﺒﺎرة ﻋﻦ آﻟﺔ أوﺗﻮﻣﺎﺗﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﻟﺒﻴﻊ اﻟﻤﺸﺮوﺑﺎت اﻟﺴﺎﺧﻨﺔ‬ ‫ ﻻ ﺗﻨﺴﻰ‬،‫ﻋﻤﺎل‬1‫ وﻓﻲ زﺣﻤﺔ ﻫﺬه ا‬.‫واﻟﻮﺟﺒﺎت اﻟﺴﺮﻳﻌﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻰ أن ﺗﻨﺘﻬﺰ ﺑﻌﺾ اﻟﻮﻗﺖ ﻟﻤﺮاﺟﻌﺔ اﻟﻜﺘﺐ اﻟﺘﻲ ﻳﻘﺮأﻫﺎ‬ ‫أوﻻدﻫﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﺄﻛﺪ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺪى اﻧﺴﺠﺎﻣﻬﺎ ﻣﻊ اﻟﺘﻌﺎﻟﻴﻢ اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻴﺔ‬ ‫ وﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺼﻌﻴﺪ اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻲ‬.‫ﺧﻼﻗﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻌﻬﺎ اﻟﻤﺤﻠﻲ‬1‫وا‬ .‫دب‬1‫ﺗﺴﺘﻤﻊ ﻣﻨﻰ ﺑﻘﺮاءة ﻛﺘﺐ ا‬ ‫ ﺗﺸﻴﺮ ﻣﻨﻰ إﻟﻰ أن اﻟﻮﺳﺎﺋﻞ‬،‫وﻓﻲ ﺧﺘﺎم ﺣﺪﻳﺜﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﻓﻜﺎر اﻟﻤﻐﻠﻮﻃﺔ‬1‫اﻻﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ ﻣﺴﺆوﻟﺔ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ ﻣﺒﺎﺷﺮ ﻋﻦ ا‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺼﻞ إﻟﻰ ﻣﺴﺎﻣﻊ اﻟﺰوار واﻟﻀﻴﻮف ﻋﻦ اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ وﺗﺪﻋﻮﻫﻢ إﻟﻰ ﺗﺤﻜﻴﻢ اﻟﻌﻘﻞ واﻟﺘﺄﻛﺪ ﻣﻦ ﺻﺤﺔ‬ .‫اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت اﻟﺘﻲ ﻗﺪ ﺗﺼﻠﻬﻢ ﻣﻦ ﻫﻨﺎ وﻫﻨﺎك‬ 35

Facial Skin Care Body Skin Care LPG Cellulite Treatment Slimming & Toning nail care Hand & Foot spa hair services (bawadi only)

Bhs Bldg Upper Floor Muwaiijei, Al Ain Tel: 971 3 7555425

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Bawadi Mall, Souq Al Qaws Maziad, Al Ain Tel: 971 3 7840654 www.radiance-uae.com info@radiance-uae.com Find us on facebook: Radiance Beauty Center

travel

A

flower by any other name is still just a flower. Yes, this is true but that does not always apply to fragrances.

Perfumes and colognes are different when it comes down to the technical terminology. An eau de toilette is not the same as a perfume or an eau de parfum.

Many people make that mistake when buying and it can later give them a bit of trouble. You cannot expect or count on the sales clerk to know the differences either. It is not his or her job to make sure you are an informed customer. That is your job. With a little bit of reading you will know the facts.

There are three bottles standing on a department store counter arranged according to size. The tallest one is called an eau de toilette. It is often confused with being a perfume when in fact it is more like a body splash or similar in scent to a body lotion.

The second biggest is the eau de

Fragrance of

Arabia!

Text Reem Al Mansouri

parfum. The third bottle is quite a bit smaller than the other two and is a perfume. Now, on to the subtle, or not so fragrantly subtle, differences.

The eau de toilette is a less concentrated fragrance that typically contains 1-6% concentration of perfume. It is meant to be a light and short lasting fragrance, typically like a body splash or spray mist that is found in after-shower and body lotion products. The second bottle, the eau de parfum, is the most common type of fragrance.

Ever wonder what the exotic Arabic scents are called as well as what they are used for?

Reem, our Emirati advisor, explains the fragrances of Arabia in a nutshell.

“Oud” is to be placed into a “Medkhan” with burning charcoal underneath. It is used as incense due the nice aromatic smell it produces. Oud can be found in a lot of perfume shops like “Ajmal” or “Rasai” in Al Ain. People occasionally use it when guests come over for family gatherings or on special holidays like Eid. Pure and original Oud can be very expensive and cost thousands.

“Medkhan” is a red mixture of perfumes, musk and saffron. It is set aside for a period of time so that the saffron and musk absorb the perfumes.

In the old times, it was only used for brides for it was very expensive.

Presently it is available in most perfume shops.

It is more expensive than the eau de toilette and contains typically 7-15% perfume concentrate. The third and much smaller bottle is the actual perfume itself. It is also known as extract or ‘extrait’ perfume and is 1540% concentrate. It is the most expensive version of the three and lasts the longest. The extrait is typically used with an atomizer and/ or used very lightly on pulse points to minimize the overwhelming impact on the senses.

So there you go. You can now differentiate between the three types of “perfumes” that are on the market today. There is the eau de toilette, the eau de parfum and the actual, usually expensive, perfume. You should now be able to go to that fragrance counter and get exactly what you want without worrying about the differences between the three and why the smaller bottles cost so much more.

“Dhn Oud”

is originally brought from India.

It’s a very dark brown and heavy liquid. Even though you can find it in most perfume shops not all the shops have very good quality ones.

People usually buy a small amount due to the high price.

“Makhamriyah”is a traditional container into which the burning charcoal is placed before setting the Oud or other kind of incense above it. You can find it in any shape, size or color.

The above are the most essential fragrance in UAE traditions. Other perfumes are a mixture of French and Arabian perfumes. They do such mixtures as a new trend and are available in most perfumes in the UAE. Photographs are taken from Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Perfume

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Text Reem Al Mansouri

a- e3HIELAHf IS THE HEADSCARF b- e!BAYAf IS THE NAME OF THE OUTFIT c- 4HE WHITE ONE IS CALLED e'HITRAHf d- 4HIS IS CALLED e4ARBOSHAf LIKE A TIE 3OME MEN WEAR IT AND SOME DONdT DEPENDING ON THEIR PREFERENCE

38 3 8

e- 4HIS IS THE TRADITIONAL KIND OF e+ANDORAf OR DRESS f- e.AdAALf IS THE TRADITIONAL SANDAL

ttravel tr ra av vel

g- 4HIS IS CALLED e4AGIYAHf THE COMMONLY USED ONE BY %MIRATIS IS IN PLAIN WHITE OR A LIGHT COLOR 4HERE ARE ALSO ONES WITH COLOUR OR EMBRIODERY THAT ARE WORN BY OTHER NATIONALITIES h- 4HE RED ONE IS CALLED e3HMAAKHf DUE TO ITS THICK FABRIC IT IS MOSTLY USED FOR WINTER TIME OR BASED ON PERSONAL PREFERENCE 4HE BLACK ROBE IS e!AGALf 9OU CAN SEE TWO KINDS OF !AGALS THE PLAIN ROUND ONE AND THE ONE WITH A TASSEL IN THE BACK "OTH ARE CALLED !AGAL BUT THE SECOND ONE COULD BE CALLED !AGAL WITH 4ARBOSHA AS IN TASSEL i- 4HIS IS CALLED THE e"ESHTf AND IS USUALLY WORN ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND DURING FORMAL EVENTS 4HE GROOM HAS TO WEAR IT AT THE WEDDING AS PER TRADITION 9OU MAY ALSO SEE 3HEIKHS AND 6)0 PEOPLE WEAR THEM AT 5!% OFFICIAL DELEGATION EVENTS ABROAD TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY 4HE "ESHT HAS DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRICES AND ONE CAN COST THOUSANDS OF DIRHAMS IF THE GOLDEN EMBRIODERY IS MADE FROM REAL GOLD THREADS 4HEY COME IN DIFFERENT COLOURS SUCH AS BLACK BEIGE OR GREY 4HE MOST COMMON TRADITIONAL STYLE IS IN BLACK

j-k-l !LL THREE STYLES ARE MORE FASHIONABLE THAN TRADITIONAL m- 4HIS KIND OF +ANDORA IS NOT SEEN VERY OFTEN HERE IN THE %MIRATES AND IT IS MORE WORN BY THE /MANIS n 4HE HIGH NECK STYLE IS CALLED e+UWAITIYAHf AND IT IS ORIGINALLY FROM +UWAIT 3OME MEN HERE LIKE THIS STYLE FOR ITS FASHIONABLE LOOK o- 4HIS KIND OF e+HUMARf IS NOT A 5!% TRADITIONAL FACE COVER AND IT COMES FROM 9EMEN p- 4HIS IS e"URQAf AND IT IS THE 5!%dS TRADITIONAL FACE COVER q- 4HIS IS CALLED e.IQABf )TdS ORIGINALLY FROM +3!

BUT THERE ARE MANY HERE WHO WEAR IT r- 4HIS KIND OF FACE COVER ORIGINALLY COMES FROM 0AKISTAN AND !FGHANISTAN

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5SJFE 7CUVGF

Le Belvedere’s

4AJINES TEXT Andrew Madigan PHOTOS P.C.P

M

aryam El Yaakoubi, Executive Sous Chef at The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet, prepared a few special dishes for the Friday evening buffet at Le Belvedere, and she let me have an advanced tasting.

Mariyam is Moroccan, so she was eager for me to sample the traditional cuisine of her homeland.

The first tajine I tried was the Chicken with Lemon Confit. The chicken was lean, flavorful and supple.

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Having been to Morocco, and eaten my way through much of the national menu, I recognized the dishes immediately. Tajines were the focus of our meal. Chef Maryam prepared lamb, chicken and couscous tajines in addition to a selection of Moroccan salads. Tajine refers to both a North African stew that’s slow-cooked for hours and the clay, cone-shaped pot in which it’s cooked (similar to tandoori dishes, which are slowcooked in a clay tandoor).

I began with the giant platter of assorted salads. There were several variations on the green salad, including something quite similar to a typical Mediterranean salad, with

TRIED & TASTED travel

including something quite similar to a typical Mediterranean salad, with cucumber, capsicum, oil, vinegar, onion, tomato and lettuce. One of the salads featured tuna, another corn, another mushrooms. By far the most original and tasty, however, was the zaalouk. Grilled aubergine is the centerpiece of zaalouk, but the various ingredients were so well-orchestrated that one flavor didn’t predominate over the others. Tomato, garlic, oil and aubergine in perfect harmony, with dashes of cumin, paprika and parsley. It can be eaten on its own or, better yet, used as a dip for bread.

The first tajine I tried was the Chicken with Lemon Confit. The chicken was lean, flavorful and supple. Cooked with handfuls of large green olives, the meat was coated with a thin blanket of oil, providing a pleasant texture and consistency. The dish was peppered with small lemon wedges, which I ate whole. They were tart, as you’d expect, but with a vaguely sweet finish that brought an unexpected depth to the flavor.

I love couscous, but it can be as dry as the desert from which it originates, like eating a bowl of sand. Chef Maryam’s Couscous 7 Vegetables, however, was moist and delicate. The dish consisted of chick pea, carrot, marrow, onion, capsicum, squash, artichoke and presumably a vegetable or two I couldn’t identify. This was the most savory of the tajines, though the saltiness was correctly balanced against the sweet and acidic elements.

I finished with the lamb tajine. It was prepared with prunes and slivered almonds. The most basic and critical rule of cooking is to work with food that’s fresh and of high quality. This is so much more important than using nineteen obscure ingredients and cutting-edge culinary techniques.

Lamb, prune and almond: simple but perfect. There was nothing extraneous here; every ingredient

was necessary, each was cooked well, and they all complemented one another. The lamb was of the highest quality. It had enough fat to stay moist, tender and tasty, but not so much that it made you feel ill. The texture was pristine and, like a good beef bourguignon, the meat broke apart at the slightest touch of a fork.

The lamb was succulent and didn’t

have the gamey subtext that can turn people away. Despite its impeccable preparation, it was the candied prunes that really held the dish together.

They were sweet yet also savory and smoky, with a robust and complex body that blended quite well with the more subtle taste of almond. This stunning lamb tajine was a great way to finish our meal.

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Half a century ago, doctors Pat and Marian Kennedy made a journey to the United Arab Emirates to begin missionary work running a hospital, upon the request of the ruling Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (God rest his soul in peace). With limited available resources, they took it in stride to help the Bedouin community. Infant mortality, along with other curable diseases, was at a peak and something needed to be done.

Doctors Pat and Marian Kennedy served the hospital for fifteen long years and their presence is still felt amongst the local people who knew the hospital as the Kennedy Hospital. This year, the hospital is celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the second generation of doctor Kennedy - Kathleen and Nancy - flew in from the United States of America. Recalling how life once was, Nancy tells me that one of her dearest memories from her upbringing is playing barefooted in the desert. At times their mother would also take them to a nearby falaj where they would play; a refreshing feel it was, away from the heat. Their parents legacy left an impact on their lives and Kathleen says that, “my parents considered it a joy to help, where there were no other helpers. " From the moment they came here, they loved the people and I was raised in that way. I feel privileged to help others because of what I saw my parents doing for the people here.” Joining from the USA for the same occasion are Dr. Larry Liddle and his wife Marilyn, who served at the Oasis Hospital for thirty-two years. The couple is still upbeat about the hospital’s celebrations and they say that, “It is through the grace of God that the hospital continues its work.” They are thankful to God for bringing them to this nation and acknowledge that it is only through him they were able to meet the needs of the people here.

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OASIS HOSPITAL

TIME LINE OF THE HOSPITAL’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

•

1984 - construction begins on an entirely new 50-bed inpatient facility, which is the facility we see today.

•

1994 - the present Outpatient Facility is completed and opened for patient care. In 2008 the facility was renamed in honor of Dr. Larry Liddle (known as Dr. Fouad) and his wife Marilyn for their many years of faithful service. The Dr. Fouad Outpatient Clinics will eventually move to the new facility when it is completed in 2012.

2007 – Oasis Hospital was the first private hospital

•

November 1960 - Oasis Hospital opens in temporary facilities donated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in eternal peace). Dr. Pat and Dr. Marian Kennedy and their team began work, and they remained until 1975. The local people of Al Ain still affectionately know the hospital as the ‘Kennedy Hospital’.

•

1963 - Oasis Hospital moves to the first permanent building on the present site.

•

October 1963 - the palm branch patient rooms burn down after a cooking fire goes out of control. No one is injured. Temporary mud-block rooms are constructed to replace the rooms.

•

•

•

1964 - permanent inpatient rooms / X-ray facilities are completed, making it the first concrete block construction in Al Ain. The blocks were actually made here at the hospital.

•

1965 - 770 babies were born at Oasis Hospital in 1965, compared with just 67 in 1961. By 1975 the number of deliveries annually is nearly 2500! The population of Al Ain has surged dramatically since the beginning of modern health care introduced to the region by Oasis Hospital doctors and nurses. Today nearly 3500 babies are born at Oasis Hospital yearly.

•

•

in the Abu Dhabi emirate to receive Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA). They were successfully re-accredited in 2010 for another 3 years.

2008 - The birthing center at Oasis Hospital was renamed the Kennedy Center for New Life to honor the late doctors Pat and Marian Kennedy. Three of their children, two of whom are doctors themselves, came from the U.S. for the event. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the guest of honor for the dedication of the Kennedy Center for New Life.

In the years to come, they hope to also have an Emirati doctoral staff, tending to the community. Having started their operations with just the bare necessities and grown to their present status, perhaps we could learn a thing or two – It is their ability to meet the needs of the community, sticking to Christian work ethics and being modest and trustworthy that has given them success.

Oasis Hospital has been involved in a number of collaborative relationships:

1975 - Dr Larry Liddle and his wife Marilyn, a nurse, arrive at Oasis Hospital. Although they initially expected to fill in until other doctors came, they remained for 32 years, retiring in 2008. They left a deep impact on the hearts of the people they served for so long. They are still known by the local people as Dr. Fouad and Layla.

•

1976 - Dr. Daryl Erickson, first surgeon at Oasis Hospital,

•

arrives and spends the next 9 years serving the people of Al Ain. Although he was trained as a surgeon specializing in burn medicine, he quickly adapted to any type of surgery, including an emergency C-section during his first days at work! The surgical center at Oasis Hospital was recently renamed The Daryl Erickson Surgery Center in honor of his dedicated service.

•

• •

Oasis Hospital was the first hospital to implement the mandatory e-claim system for health insurance claims.

It served on the Academic and Healthcare Advisory Council (AHAC) for the past 10 years.

It served on the Policy Advisory Committee of the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) It has a cooperative exchange agreement with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing (U.S.A.) including the hosting of a Leadership and Management course offered by the university early in 2011.

It has a cooperative agreement with Scott & White University Medical Campus (Texas, U.S.A.).

43

$ISJTUNBT 5SFF )PMJEBZ 4QJSJU TEXT M. Selvon

E

very year, our senses are bombarded with the wonderful sights and sounds of the Christmas holiday season. For many people who celebrate this holiday the Christmas tree, majestically standing in a well chosen spot and decorated with loving care, is the main feature of the holiday decorations on this special day.

In addition to being the center of attention in happy holiday homes, Christmas trees also often adorn hotels and shopping malls, adding to the festive feeling of the season. The lighting of the Christmas tree is often a well-anticipated event that officially kicks off this season and marks the beginning of many holiday events that will be held throughout the month.

Interestingly, the history of the Christmas tree can actually be traced back to when prehistoric pagan practices became Christianized. In the pagan belief, the evergreen tree, which is what is used for the vast majority of Christmas trees, was used to symbolize the renewal of life.

There are many stories as to the origin of our modern day Christmas tree. The myths of the Medieval times referenced a miraculous “flowering” of evergreen trees during the season of this special day and the Germanic tribes believed the Patron trees to be sacred. Additionally, the evergreen tree is sometimes associated with the idea of the holy trinity, represented by the triangular shape.

However, it is the Germans who are credited with first bringing an evergreen tree inside the home and decorating it, essentially creating the first Christmas tree and launching a tradition that has become a favorite for many generations.

Of course, this all started back in the days before electricity was introduced. Today, we may shudder to think of how dangerous it was to place lit candles on a tree, but indeed, that is what they did. Small, delicate candles were lit and carefully placed on the boughs.

For over a hundred years now, the candles have been replaced with a myriad of choices in lights that adorn the trees. For some families, the choice of lighting for their tree harkens back to the type of lighting that was used on the tree when they were children. Others enjoy seeking out the latest advances in lighting, adding a bit of technological flair to the holiday with chasing, flashing and changing lights, all programmed and run by small computer chips.

44

The Christmas tree ornaments that a family chooses to use on their tree are also a very important component to the memories that will be created and cherished, especially by the children. While some families choose to bring a new theme to each new tree, others prefer the tradition of having the same ornaments featured on their tree from year to year.

Still others have a practice of purchasing one very special ornament for each child, every Christmas. By the time the child is grown, they have a small selection of treasured ornaments that will become the foundation for their own collection of Christmas holiday decorations.

The family Christmas tree will most likely continue to be the main focus of family traditions and one of the primary symbols of Christmas time, bringing with it a perpetuation of giving, awe, good will towards men and the creation of new memories to be treasured for a lifetime.

IT’S GINGERBREAD TIME!

Join us for a day of Christmas fun on the 11th of December at 4pm in the Ishbilia Ballroom.

You can decorate your own gingerbread house, sing along to your favourite carols with our choir, enjoy special Christmas treats and have a chat with Santa... all for AED55 per house.

For more information, please call +971-3-7 686 686 intercontinental.com

S

o the holidays have managed to sneak up on me again.

This happens every year.

Seems like we’re just back from summer vacation and suddenly it’s Christmas. I had plenty of warning, I know, especially considering Ace Hardware had their Halloween masks and Christmas crackers displayed simultaneously.

Strange, considering I’m a huge planner. I map out trips several months in advance, even choosing what clothes to pack. You’d think I’d have Christmas and New Year’s sorted in plenty of time: gifts bought, dinners arranged, guests invited. However, I’m sadly unprepared once again.

It’s hard to rally because it just doesn’t feel like the holiday season.

My lagging holiday spirit is nothing new though. This will be my third Christmas in Al Ain, but I can’t seem to adjust. I think it’s partly because I associate Christmas with cold weather. December here feels more like the beginning of summer, evoking outdoor picnics and barbecues.

I’m from New York where we have four distinct seasons, and in December it’s always cold. If we’re very lucky, we might even have snow for that classic White Christmas. All of my childhood holiday traditions are wrapped up in blustery nights, mittened hands and frosty windows.

Baking cookies while sipping hot chocolate; the cold biting my cheeks while picking the perfect Christmas tree; the scent of wood-burning

46

fireplaces in the crisp night air; carols playing as I check off every gift on my list. These conjure Christmas for me. It’s not quite the same amid palm trees and pina coladas by the pool.

I know people from the Southern Hemisphere and Florida will disagree.

Christmas to them means beach barbecues and days of sun. Perhaps they don’t have a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. For me, though, the weather is only one issue.

I think another reason I’m low in the merriness department is that Christmas isn’t considered a holiday in the UAE. Sure, the malls do their part with decorations and promotions, but it feels hollow. The few bedazzled plastic Christmas trees, colored packages, and candy canes don’t seem authentic. It’s a poor man’s version of the real thing. There just isn’t that huge lead-up to the big day like there is at home.

Unless Christmas Day falls on a weekend, my husband has to work.

This was the case when I was working as well. It was really difficult our first year in Al Ain when we had

Having Christmas dinner with friends, although a poor substitute for some, is preferable for others. Let’s face it; not everyone gets along with their family.

AL AIN HOUSEWIFE

two girls ready to celebrate and both my husband and I had to work. Luckily, we had a friend kind enough to entertain them for a few hours.

the tree. Rather than dwell on what’s missing, I’m going to focus on what I have: a great husband, three incredible girls, and close friends to share the holiday with.

Perhaps the biggest thing that dampens that warm holiday glow is the fact that my extended family is so far away. I’ve talked with other expats who feel the same. For many, the holidays are a time to celebrate with family, but living in Al Ain makes this difficult. That is, unless your family is willing to travel here for the holidays.

Thankfully, Christmas falls on a weekend this year. We can unwrap and enjoy Santa’s surprises, have a leisurely breakfast, and relax as our girls explore their new gifts.

Later in the day we’ll get together with some close friends for a barbecue and some laughs. It might not be the white Christmas I’m used to, but perhaps a green Christmas can be just as good.

Instead, most expats celebrate a different kind of holiday, one with friends. It’s still a coming-together, a sharing of good will and good food. In many ways this seems appropriate. When you live here your friends are really important, filling the space that family would back home.

When I had my baby recently, my friends were the ones visiting me and helping out. They chauffeured my girls to and from school, hosted sleepovers and held my screaming baby during colicky evenings. No one from my family could come out, so I was lucky to have such good friends.

I also feel comforted to know that I have people I can rely on should something happen to my husband and me. Were we injured or worse, it would take a couple of days for any family member to get here. In the meantime I’ve prearranged for one of my friends to step in.

Having Christmas dinner with friends, although a poor substitute for some, is preferable for others. Let’s face it; not everyone gets along with their family. The holidays can be a time of stress and conflict. Old beefs and disappointments may get dredged up after too much eggnog. Having the legitimate excuse of living overseas is a welcome relief for some people.

We’ve created some of our own family traditions that include watching It’s a Wonderful Life and baking cookies.

I also buy each girl a new ornament every year to hang on

Christmas Market Brunch 25th December, Saturday 12:30pm to 4:00pm AED 130 net per person.

For more information, please contact our Food & Beverage office on 03 706 7006

47

TEXT Andrew Madigan

T

he Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet stands alone at the peak of the mountain. I was surprised at how short the drive was from the city center, only 15 minutes, and how quickly we wound our way around and upward. From the hot springs of Green Mubazzarah, lounging at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, it’s only a tenminute scenic drive to the top, yet you feel as though you’re far away from the congested roundabouts and geometric grids of Al Ain. The hotel is hidden within a grotto of jagged rock. As you turn off the mountain pass, veering down toward the hotel entrance, it feels as if you’re discovering a secret hideaway. As we entered the lobby, The Sahara Band 48

was playing beside a café. The music gave ambience to the room without being too loud or interruptive. What really draws the eye, though, is not the trio of women on stage, singing and shaking and dancing, but rather the gargantuan wall of ivy hanging from the ceiling of the atrium. It must be 20 square meters in size, a tapestry of foliage. This gives a lush, organic feel to the hotel, which is fitting since The Mercure seems to sprout from the mountaintop as if it were an indigenous plant. This green, natural motif is complemented by the furnishings and décor throughout the hotel.

Our room was impressively spacious; a genuine executive suite rather than one of those glorified single rooms with a tiny alcove attached that

would never serve as a useful living area. The design was elegant, spare and modern, but not cold or sterile.

Subtle, tasteful flourishes, such as a vase and flowers in just the right place, made the room feel homey and casual. There were smart Arabic touches as well, such as an intricate wooden latticework decorating an otherwise unadorned wall. The living area had room for two full-sized couches and an armchair, in addition to end tables, storage space, and a dining table with four chairs.

The room’s aesthetic was consistent with the rest of the hotel, especially with the arboreal-themed lobby.

The duvet had a striking rainforest design of white and green, which sat well alongside the bathroom’s

GOING PLACES

We had lunch at Le Belvedere, the hotel's international buffet (that also features several a la carte selections).

I was impressed as much by the food's variety as by its quality.

green, blue and white tiles. The lamps and fixtures were sophisticated yet understated; all chrome, blonde wood and soft pale-green glass. The furnishings were carefully selected and not too bulky, which gave us more breathing room. Many hotel rooms suffer because too many large overstuffed pieces are crammed into a tight space, but we felt as though we had the freedom to move and room to relax. The lighting was also exceptional. Somehow, the designers were able to provide a great deal of artificial lighting without being obvious about it. Most of the lighting was hidden, recessed into the ceiling like the hotel itself which is tucked away in the mountainside.

Without a doubt, however, the best aspect of the room was the spectacular view, which we could enjoy from either of two intimate balconies. From the third floor, we could look down at the pool area, which was wide-shouldered, peaceful and well-appointed. Beyond this, we could see craggy jutting points of limestone which make up the majestic face of Jebel Hafeet, long stretches of empty desert, and the city of Al Ain, which seemed quiet and distant.

We had lunch at Le Belvedere, the hotel’s international buffet (that also features several à la carte selections).

I was impressed as much by the food’s variety as by its quality.

The sushi was quite fresh and tasty, the seafood pizza surprising and surprisingly good, and the squid rings were spot-on (rubbery, yes, but there’s simply no way around that). Moreover, the lobster tails were generously-portioned and succulent, while the lobster bisque was impeccably, but not overly, spiced. Although fish was dominant among the entrées, there was an assortment of beef, chicken and other dishes. The mushroom risotto, while

a bit dry, was perfectly seasoned; admittedly, it’s difficult for risotto to endure the rigors of a long-term buffet tour-of-duty. Our kids enjoyed the chicken nuggets and salmon, and my personal favorite was the Cajun drumstick, a fresh twist on what can be a stodgy old recipe.

The desserts. My third-grade teacher taught me how to remember the difference between desert and dessert: you spell the food item with two s’s because you want two desserts. This mnemonic device has always served me well, but at Le Belvedere we all wanted three desserts. The Black and White Mousse Almondine was inspired and delicious, especially the interplay between the dark chocolate and the fresh strawberry garnish.

Without a doubt, Le Belvedere has the most ambitious lunch buffet in (or above) Al Ain; the food is fresh, sometimes unexpected, and almost always excellent. The wait staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, but never overbearing.

They make it look easy. The restaurant is cheerfully and ably run

by Mr. Imtiaz Hussain, the Food & Beverage Manager.

49

The view from the Le Belvedere restaurant was as breathtaking as the one from our room, so the minor design flaws, like the gap in Madonna’s front teeth, don’t render the overall atmosphere any less welcoming.

panache) with which the bartender worked. The drinks were enhanced by the aromas drifting from the nearby terrace restaurant, Eden Rock, which was preparing its trademark Friday Barbeque.

After lunch, we enjoyed the hotel’s health club and swimming pool.

There are a wide variety of amenities here, including a Kid’s Club, snooker, mini-golf, spa, table tennis, gift shop, sauna, squash court and playground.

Rather than one mere swimming pool, The Mercure boasts three of them. The baby pool is equipped with climbing frames, slides, a tire swing and other machines calculated to make children tired and go to sleep early.

The slide pool offers three individual slides for all ages and adrenalinequotients. Two are quite serpentine and lengthy, while the other is short but (almost) frighteningly steep.

The poolside area is quite large. The lounge chairs are comfortable and attractive. Extra-large shades, not to mention a wide range of leafy trees, kept us safe from the sun. The lounge chairs are positioned rather far apart, so that you don’t feel as though you’re sitting in your neighbor’s lap. This is a big plus. There are also a number of small yet significant design elements, such as a beautiful veil of bamboo trees that both offers privacy and creates a visually-alluring space. All the greenery, moreover, helps reinforce the hotel’s central design motif: modern elegance within a rugged natural setting. Even at midday, we noticed, with the sun turned up to nuclear, it was cool and breezy on top of Jebel Hafeet.

This is another great reason to slip away to The Mercure for a quick day or overnight trip.

After a few treacherous runs down the waterslide, I decompressed at the swim-up bar. The bartender’s Pina Coladas are the most creamy and expert in Al Ain, and we were all impressed by the speed and manual dexterity (the decidedly Cocktail-like

50

After a rigorous nap, I tried the strange but exhilarating “jaccuzzi

beds” situated in the middle of the main pool. I’d never seen anything like these jet-propelled in-pool resting pods. It was an unforgettable experience, especially when my colleague at the adjoining bed−a man round and hairy as a great bear−jiggled, smiled and purred above the gently-pulsating water.

A final note on the swimming pools: they are heated perfectly. Not too hot, not too cold. It’s the meticulous attention to detail, in areas such as this, that made our stay at The Mercure so pleasurable.

We had an early dinner at Orient Café, which is in many ways a typical hotel lobby restaurant. They serve a few predictable entrées, drinks and desserts (burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, ice cream, coffee), but the real treat is the atmosphere. Quiet music and subtle lighting create a laid-back ambience, and the fittings are, for the most part, quite graceful; the lamps, for example, are sleek and sculptural.

There are also glassed-in displays of local wildlife, which add that special individual note to the room.

After dinner, we put the kids to bed and had our oldest baby-sit. The first stop was Al Khayma, an outdoor sheesha garden that roosts on the side of Jebel Hafeet. The view, it goes without saying, is remarkable. The tone here is lively and joyful, yet somehow tranquil at the same time.

The thick Turkish coffee puts a jolt in your veins, but the hubbly-bubbly encourages you to float away on clouds of soporific vapor. Most of the patrons were young couples, groups of friends, or families with children, and everyone seemed relaxed and content. We enjoyed our coffee in a roomy traditional majlis, but we still had a clear view of the mountain and the thousands of illuminated dots that make up the city below.

Our last stop was Lawrence’s nightclub. The band was energetic and appealing, the atmosphere vibrant, and the service very good. Mr. Hani Al Khouly, the General Manager, was an affable, helpful presence here as elsewhere in the hotel. I’m getting tired of saying this, but the view was tremendous. I was reminded of The 51st Floor in Dubai, a lounge that looks down over the city from atop the Emirates Towers. Clearly, The Mercure’s designers put a great deal of thought into the hotel’s overall layout because each separate location within the complex is consistent with, and balanced against, the others.

I highly recommend the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet. It’s a quick, easy and excellent destination when you want to get away from the city. It’s the perfect place to relax in a chic, beautiful setting. There’s good food, great service and a range of activities.

Come for an afternoon, overnight, or stay longer. A day pass costs 100 dirham, but you get half of that back in food and beverage coupons. The hotel website advertises superb deals, so that’s the place to start (www. mercure.com). The Mercure is a great place for kids as well. After playing with them all day at the pool,

leave them with the hotel’s safe and reliable babysitting service at night; this way, you can unwind without sippy cups, drool or diaper bags.

The Mercure offers all the rewards of a trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or somewhere farther afield, but right here in Al Ain. 51

Bridging

4(% '!0

A visit to two centers that cater to individuals with specials needs - the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minor Affairs and the Al Ain center for Care and Rehabilitation, revealed that as a community we are mandated to be ambassadors of hope, love and peace – an aspect we may have forgotten.

The Zayed Higher Organization for

)VNBOJUBSJBO $BSF Special Needs and Minor Affairs.

T

he Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minor Affairs is a government-based institution that offers educational, vocational and sporting facilities to Emiratis with special needs at no cost. They deal with an array of disabilities and ensure that they cater to all the needs that they may have; even if it means home visits to offer training and assistance. They began operations in the early nineties and have grown over the years to caring for three hundred plus individuals with disabilities. They employ a team of three hundred staff, with expertise in areas such as psychiatry, physical therapy, sports coaching and academics. In addition to this, they have another organization that specializes in early intervention for Autistic people. The Center’s Manager, Mr. Mohammad Al Hadadi takes pleasure in working with the students and seeing them puts a smile on his face, adding that, “unlike any other job, I feel like I am working from the bottom of my heart.” He urges the community to see beyond a person’s disabilities and treat them as equals.

52

Walking through the facility, I noticed attractive art works decorating the hallways. I met with Shaikha Rashed, who has been working at the center for thirteen years and is the head of the Active Section. She tells me that most of the artwork and handicrafts are made by the children as part of an interactive scheme to boost creativity.

What is more, some of the handicrafts are made using recyclable materials such as bottles, egg cartons, plastic spoons, sea and nut shells that are collected internally by the students and staff. They ensure nothing goes to waste and turn trash into striking pieces of art.

Vocational training is offered to the older students in order to give them work experience. One of the things they make are candles that they distribute to a local hotel. Watching

the students make crafts fills Shaikha with happiness because, “they may not get a chance to experience it outside,” shee says.

I also met with Nadia Bhayat, who leads the Therapy and Health unit at the center. She hopes to see an integration of individuals with or without special needs working together in the community. She further urges parents or guardians to step out and bring in their loved ones for early intervention, saying that, “the longer one waits the more the gap widens for treatment.”

1

A blissful Hamid who volunteers with the organization told me that he prefers to come here because he feels ‘welcome’ and the ambiance is inviting and always has been, since he began volunteer work five years ago.

2

SPECIAL NEEDS

Al Ain Center for Care

3FIBCJMJUBUJPO

3

4

Thi private This i run organization i i iis home to over one hundred and eighty students who come from diverse areas within the Emirates and regionally across the Arabian Peninsula. There is no apparent age restriction; they simply offer assistance to those in need. The youngest student here is three years old whilst the oldest is thirty years old. They specialize in all disabilities and give optimum care in psychiatry, physical therapy, grooming, speech therapy and autism.

Bringing remarkable hope and healing to dozens of families across the gulf region, the center stands out because it offers a residential care program– making it the only center across the gulf area to do so. Committed to great works, they employ over one hundred and forty qualified and dedicated employees.

Arabic is the only language spoken in the center and teachers are sourced locally as well as from neighboring Middle Eastern countries.

I chatted with Fatma Al Mamari, an Omani native who has been working with the center for ten years, specializing in pediatric autism. It’s the simple joy and love that keeps her going, she said, “I love to help

the children and anything I can offer them makes me happy.”

There are full time nannies to assist the children, primarily those living in the residential complexes with daily grooming needs and anything else they may require. Dedeh Udin, an Indonesian nanny who has been working with the center for nine years says, “I enjoy seeing the children grow and improve from the time they come in till they leave.”

When I headed outdoors to catch the students during their break, I met with fourteen year old Arwa, a young Saudi girl who came in eight years ago as a toddler unable to walk. She has beaten all odds and with the help of physiotherapy she now walks on her own. Though for a short distance, it is still a huge achievement for her.

I also met with twenty three year old Mubarak Aldarmaki, an Emirati national who joined the center eleven years ago. He was an aggressive child, unwilling to socially interact with others. Over the years of training, Mubarak’s demeanor has altered for the better. Intriguingly, it has been observed that Mubarak is

gifted with skills in body movement.

He has used this to a great advantage and has won several awards, namely: a Silver medal at the Al Ain Bowling championship (the sixth) in 2010 and a Gold medal in the Middle East championship for Special Olympics in Syria, 2010.

JOINT CONCLUSION As my day drew to an end I found myself reminiscing on the visits and the remarkable people I met.

I admire both centers for taking a positive step in caring for individuals with special needs; they give hope to many families. For the rest of us in society, we must remember that special needs individuals are precious beings on this earth, uniquely and wonderfully crafted in God’s eyes, and we have been mandated to be their ambassadors; bringing hope, love and peace to them.

1

Hamid – volunteer

2

Student’s artwork made from recyclable materials

3

Mubarak Aldarmaki

4

Arwa

53

-UST (AVES FOR THE

CASUAL

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ashion trends change every year and styles come and go but there are just certain pieces of clothing that have staying power. No matter how many wardrobe changes you go through, these pieces are never really relegated to the back of the closet. These are items that may be categorized as casual but even that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take away from their stylishness.

&ASHIONISTA TEXT Jamie Hanson

dinner at a fine dining restaurant. They can function as an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canvass you can print anything on a shirt, be it a photographic image or a slogan. You can wear it with jeans, a skirt or shorts.

It can even be worn over a swimsuit for a day y at the beach.

Another great thing about t-shirts is the fact that they are inexpensive.

Even thee ones sold by A-list des designers, esigners, such as Ralph Lauren, are affordable.

5IF 5 4IJSU $BTVBM ZFU *OEJTQFOTBCMF T-shirts are easy to take for granted, perhaps because they have always been in your closet. These days, rarely do you find a shirt on a top ten list and yet, everybody wears them.

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The shirt is a very versatile piece of clothing. You can wear it during the day on your way to thee grocery store or you can pair iit with a handsome handso jacket suit ja and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re yo set se for fo

54

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5IF )PPEJF 'SPN 8PSL 0VU UP 8PSL *U Although the hoodie first became popular as gym wear, its origins actually date as far back as the Middle Ages when monksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; robes or tunics came with a long hood at the back.

During the 70s, the hoodie started to gain popularity as a fashion item although it was also popular

"NFSJDBÂľT 'BWPSJUF 5SPVTFS DBÂľT 'BWPSJUF 5SPVTFS Denim jeans eans are such an enduring fashion piece that they have actually attained iconic status. What started out as laborersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aborersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pants is now a symbol ol synonymous with American an culture. The fashion industry just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to do without jeans. Even as top ten lists change nge annually, you can still see jeans on the runway.

Influential ial fashion personalities always talk about the impact of jeans onn the fashion industry and how it has affected the way people define style. tyle.

Jeans have ve gone through a variety of changes in cuts, with each designer creating his own representation of thesee trousers. Jeans come in these styles: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

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among dubious personalities who were up to no good. The hood provided a shield, a way for people to conceal their faces.

As the gained

hoodie more

popularity it came to be associated with college guys. These days however, many hoodie styles are specifically geared towards women and even children. Young males who are into extreme sports such as skateboarding are also often seen sporting hoodies.

Hoodies are also very comfortable yet donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require much effort to wear in style.

TEXT Toni Noble

Hearsay: Candle Wax

Hearsay: H Perfume Testers

Tested:How frustrating it is when you can’t get your cupboard drawers open or they are very stiff.

Well, try rubbing a candle along the top of the drawer a few times; you will then see how smoothly the drawers open and close.

Tested:Some handbags have a really horrible smell about them. They don’t necessarily have to be old - new one’s can smell just as bad.

Try going to a perfume shop and spray some of your favorite perfume onto three or four tester sticks (make sure it is the same fragrance), then place them inside your handbag.

Verdict:I have used this method for years and think it is a great tip; everyone always has candles at hand so it is not going to cost you a lot of money.

Verdict:This really does work. I learned this by mistake and now my handbags smell really nice. I must admit though that you have to keep topping up with tester sticks every now and again, but that is alright because they’re free.

Hearsay:

Hearsay:

Crispy Baked

Shaving with

Potatoes

Olive Oil

Tested:Everybody loves baked potatoes, especially when they are crispy.

First of all put your oven on high so that it is nice and hot before you start. While the oven is getting hot put your baked potatoes in the microwave for about 8 minutes.

When the time is up put each potato into a sandwich bag with a little oil and salt, give the bag a good shake then put the potatoes into the oven (without the bag) for about 15 minutes.

Tested:This one is for the men.

I asked my husband to try this new way of shaving with olive oil. He said that it gave him a really good shave.

Verdict:If you don’t mind the smell of olive oil it is a good shave. He recommends that you don’t go down to the pool on the day that you use the olive oil though, as your face will burn more than normal.

Verdict:You will have yummy, crispy baked potatoes. Add a little butter and away you go.

Crispy or what!

55

from local stores either canned or fresh. After preparing the pie she makes homemade whipped cream and decorates the top with it. Also an American favorite is apple pie; She loves baking and for her it is a reminder of the holidays celebrated back home such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

.JDIFMMF .BSBJT Comfort food is food that gives us pleasure when eating and has the power of lifting our spirits. For myself, it would have to be my staple food of Ugali (corn flour) and Sukuma wiki (kale). The term ‘Sukuma wiki’ translates to ‘push the week’ in Swahili as families would eat it throughout the week as they waited for the weekend to indulge in meat. Over the years, it became a delicacy for every Kenyan home and I can eat this meal three times a day without getting bored, especially since it reminds me of home.

"CEFMB[J[ 4BMBNJ Emirati A favorite of his is a local dish known as Machboos, consisting of rice and chicken. Every time he eats it, the hearty meal reminds him of his grandfather who used to prepare it for him as a child. He reminises how his grandfather would always warn him before eating the meal, “If you eat my food you will eat your fingers as well.”

7BSB 5JSJLVMB Fijian Vara enjoys a staple meal eal of fish, boiled cassava and yams. The fish is boiled d with various ingredients ts such as ginger, garlic, onions and coconut milk. Once ready, it’s eaten along side plain boiled yams and cassava (a diet must in her native Fiji). At times she may have green cabbage to go along with the meal. This staple meal often reminds them of the delicacies prepared back home.

#BCJUIB +BZBQSBLBTI Indian For Babitha, a Keralite, a must have meal is rice and Sambar. The white rice is boiled normally and the gravy to go along with the rice is known as Sambar; prepared using fresh vegetables and a number of spices bought from local grocerers. The 56

meal can be prepared in numerous other ways with dhal, chicken or dry fish. She enjoys making this meal for lunch or supper. As the aroma fills her kitchen, she is once more reminded of home.

4BBE "GFTI Lebanese A much loved of his is Tabbouleh, common to the Lebanese people. He says, “With every bite of Tabbouleh, I taste Lebanon and remember my family.” Others may look at pictures to recall good days, but for Saad, eating Tabbouleh reminds him of his beloved family and country.

.JZVLJ .VSBLBNJ Japanese A Japanese native, she enjoys making noodles. She buys ordinary noodles from the local supermarket and boils them adding fish and soy sauce for taste. After all the ingredients have come to a boil, it’s ready for serving.

Miyuki, adds that it can also be served hot or cold as one pleases. She loves preparing this meal because it’s light, easily prepared and can be eaten any time of the day, yet it offers her much satisfaction.

5POZB #SJUUJOH American Always a family favorite for her are pies. In particular, homemade pumpkin pies. She buys the pumpkin

South African A must make dessert for her is Malva pudding, a South African delicacy.

She bakes a regular sponge cake and then creates a separate sauce consisting of evaporated milk and vanilla essence. Once the cake is ready, she pours the sauce on top and lets it absorb. She may serve it with custard for extra taste. Michelle enjoys making this dessert for guests or when invited for gatherings because it’s tasty and quick to prepare. The aroma reminds her of loved ones back home.

4IBOF .DLFOOB Australian A pleasure of his are Tim Tams chocolate biscuits. It’s two chocolate biscuit layers joined together by a creamy chocolate filling, then the whole lot is dipped in rich dark chocolate. He buys this treat from the local supermarkets but at times wishes he would be able to get more flavors that are common in his home country. Shane loves Tim Tams because the dark chocolate taste is so satisfying at the end of a long working day.

Oasis Living finds out, what kind of food is comforting to our readers from various nationalities and that takes them down memory lane.

Join us today and become an interactive member of the Oasis Living magazine through www.myoasisliving.com.

travel

1VNQLJO 1JF

.BMWB 1VEEJOH

4BNCBS

.BDICPPT

57

1VNQLJO 1JF Ingredients for the Pie Crust: • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 2-3 tablespoons cold water.

0GVJQF 1. Combine flour and salt in medium bowl. Cut in cool butter with a fork until mixture is like small crumbs. Sprinkle cold water over crumbs and continue blending with fork until mixture holds together.

2. Shape the dough into a ball and roll it out on a lightly floured surface.

Use floured rolling pin to roll dough out into circular shape 1/8-in (3mm) thickness. Line pie plate with the dough and turn the edges under, crimp the edges as desired (pressing with a fork creates easy edging).

Ingredients for the Pie Filling: • 3 large eggs • 3/4 cup sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 cups cooked, pureed, pumpkin.

• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Do not add water to pumpkin.

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Can buy canned pumpkin.

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 can (12 fl. oz) evaporated milk 0GVJQF 1. Mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl.

Beat the eggs with a fork in a separate large bowl. Stir pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture into the beaten eggs. Slowly stir in evaporated milk.

Filling will be very runny.

2. Pour filling into prepared pie crust. Bake in preheated oven 425*F. oven for 15 min. Reduce temperature to 350*F. and bake 40-50minutes more or until a butter knife inserted near the centre of pie comes out clean.

Cool for minimum of 2 hours. While pie cools prepare Topping.

Ingredients for the Topping: Powdered/Icing sugar-to taste • Whipping cream-any amount • 0GVJQF 1. Mix cream and sugar together in chilled bowl. Mix with electric mixer on high speed until cream stiffens. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

When ready to serve pie put a nice plop on top!

1QVG VJCV This pie can be served warm or cold, it is tasty either way! Do not freeze as filling will pull away from the crust.

.BDICPPT Ingredients for the cake: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 1/2 cups water 650 g basmati rice 3 tomatoes, quartered 1-1 1/2 kg chicken

3 onions, finely chopped 1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped 1 green hot pepper, as desired 2 black dried limes 2 teaspoons buharat spice mix 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

• • • • • • •

2 garlic cloves 1 slice ginger root, cut into small pieces 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 tablespoons rose water 3 tablespoons oil 3 teaspoons salt

0GVJQF 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

58

Cut the chicken in half. Heat the water and leave aside. In a small bowl, mix the spices (garam masala: turmeric, cumin, and cardamom) together and add to the mixture one teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture on the chicken halves.

Heat oil in a large cooking pan, fry the onions until golden brown, then add to the pepper and the black limes - you MUST make a hole in each limes.

Add the chicken to the onion mixture and turn it over a few times in the pan. Sprinkle on the chicken a teaspoon of cinnamon and the rest of the mixed spices. Turn the contents all together so the chicken is coated with the spices, cover the pan and let it cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add the garlic, chopped ginger, and tomato cubes to the pan and turn the ingredients in the pan a few times. Cover again for 3 minutes on medium heat. Sprinkle with the rest of the salt and pour water on it while it’s still hot. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked. Add the chopped coriander 5 minutes before you remove the chicken from the stock in the pan. While the chicken is cooking, wash the rice well and soak for 10 minutes in cold water, then drain. Remove the chicken from the pan and put on an oven tray, brush with some oil and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon powder and grill in the oven until the chicken is golden brown. Add the rice to the chicken stock, stir, and then let it cook on low heat until the rice absorbs the stock and is almost done.

Sprinkle rose water and lemon juice over the rice and place the butter pieces on the top. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.

Serve the rice on a large serving plate and place the grilled chicken halves on the top.

.BMWB 1VEEJOH Ingredients for the cake: • • • • • •

1 cup of sugar 1 cup of flour 1 cup of milk 1 egg 2 tablespoons of margarine 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda

Ingredients for the sauce: • 1 cup of cream • 125g of margarine • ½ cup of white sugar

• •

• • • •

1 teaspoon of baking powder 1 tablespoon of apricot jam 1 teaspoon of white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon of salt

½ cup of hot water 5ml vanilla essence

0GVJQF Cream the margarine and sugar together.

1. Add the egg and then beat well in a mixer.

2. Add the apricot jam and the vinegar.

3. Sift the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.

4. Mix everything together well.

5. Pour into a deep round dish about 19cm in diameter.

6. Cover the dish with a lid or foil, then bake for one hour at 180 ºC in the oven 7. For the sauce, melt the margarine and add the sugar and water. Stir everything together well before adding the cream and the vanilla.

8. Pour the sauce over the hot baked pudding as it comes out of the oven.

9. The pudding can be eaten hot or cold, and is simply delicious when you add a dash of cream or hot (or cold) custard.

4BNCBS

Ingredients 'A' • 1/2 fresh: Bitter gourd (pavakkai) • 1 piece: Brinjal (egg plant) • 1 piece: Drum Stick • 4 pieces: Lady fingers • 3-4: Red chillies (split into 2) Ingredients 'B' • 1 cup: Sambar dal (Red gram dal) • 1 sprig: Curry leaves • ½ tablespoon: Turmeric powder • 1 cup: Water Ingredients 'D' • ¼ table spoon: White gram dal • 2 table spoon: Dried coriander seeds • ¼ table spoon: Fenugreek • 4 dried chillies • ½ table spoon: Coconut oil Ingredients 'F' • A few: Coriander leaves

Ingredients 'C' • golf ball sized piece: Tamarind • 1 sprig of: Curry leaves • ¼ table spoon: Asafoetida powder • 1 table spoon: Red chilli powder • ¼ table spoon: Grated molasses • 2 table spoons: Coconut oil • Salt to taste • 1 cup: Water Ingredients 'E' • 2 table spoon: Coconut oil • 2-3: Dried chillies split into two • 1 table spoon: Mustard

0GVJQF 1.

Clean the vegetables and slice into long pieces.

2.

Wash the dal.

3.

Boil 3 cups of water and cook dal in it. Add turmeric powder and curry leaves into the dal. Keep it aside.

4.

Fry the ingredients D in ½ tsp coconut oil. Grind it to a smooth paste and keep aside (this is now called masalas).

5.

Mash the tamarind in 1 cup water and strain.

6.

Boil the tamarind water with red chilli powder, salt, curry leaves, asafoetida and molasses.

7.

When it boils, add 2tbs of coconut oil. Add the vegetables, except the lady fingers into it. Cook till done and add the prepared dal into it.

8.

Bring to a boil and add the lady fingers and the ground masalas. Remove from fire after boiling.

9.

Season with mustard seeds and dried chillies. Sprinkle the Sambar with chopped coriander leaves.

1QVG Various vegetables like potato, carrot, radish, tomato etc… can also be added to the sambar.

City

PHO HOTO HO TO O BY Y PC PCP P

PHOTO TO BY Jomy my y John Joh J oh hn Jo ohn hn hn

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Submit your photographs for consideration: editor@myoasisliving.com.

SNAPSHOT

PHOTO BY Julie Madgwick

PHOTO PH PHO TO BY Jo Jomy Jomy my Joh oh o hn John

P OTO BY PH PHO B PC CP

PHOTO PHO H TO HO O BY

BY Ju ullie ie e Ma adgwick dgw gwick ck

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TEXT Henry Castle

E

very few years, there’s a thriving new epicenter (or two) of popular music.

First, the local clubs start getting more crowded, and people start talking. Word-of-mouth has it that Something Important Is Going On. The scene involves a handful of vibrant young bands, often with a common sound. Once the music press gets wind of the excitement, they start writing about it, and when record companies discover what’s happening they send their agents, armed with contracts and blank checks, to sign new artists.

Some of the better-known musical nuclei include: Liverpool, which spawned the Beatles and other mop-topped Mercybeat groups in the early-60s; Detroit’s Motown, mid-60s, home to the Supremes and other beehive-sporting girl groups; San Francisco’s psychedelic rock of the late-60s, led by the long-haired Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead; London and Manhattan punk in the mid-70s, with its mohawks, spiked do’s and sideways cuts; Manchester’s floppy “pudding basin” bobs and neo-psychedelic music in the mid-80s; and Seattle grunge of the early-90s, which brought back loud guitars and long greasy hair.

It’s really more about hair than music, isn’t it? In any case, for the past 5 years or so, Brooklyn, New York has been the hotbed of new music.

62

The new Brooklyn groups don’t always have much in common, and there are many more than a handful of them. The new glut of bands embrace a wide variety of styles, including: multi-instrumental orchestral folk (Sufjan Stevens); eccentric singer-songwriters with (Herman Düne) or without (Mountain Goats) umlauts; alternative danceable world music (Vampire Weekend); Slavic-BalkanFrench-influenced indie, with trumpet and flugelhorn! (Beirut); literate Springsteenesque pub rock (The Gaslight Anthem, The Hold Steady); old skool soul and funk (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings); psychedelic folktronica (Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear); experimental synth-pop (MGMT, the Dirty Projectors, LCD Soundsystem); and uncategorizable mayhem (Les Savy Fav, TV On The Radio). I could go on and on, even without mentioning jazz, rap, R&B, superstar pop…

They’re independent acts known for originality, experimentation and their influence on other, often more popular, musicians, rather than for record sales.

The international music press also knows quite a lot about the scene. Uncut, an English magazine dedicated to new music, has been running features on Brooklyn for several years now. It started with the cover story “10 Brooklyn Bands You Really Should Listen To.” A few months later, a second headline promised something along the lines of “10 More Great Bands, All From Brooklyn.” Now, the magazine

is sick to death of covering the borough’s many exciting new acts, but they continue to do so, sometimes begrudgingly. A typical CD review reads: “The debut album by this Goth-Country group, led by three ukulele players, hailing from, where else, Brooklyn…”

Where else. You can feel the journalist’s boredom and empathize with the Repetitive Stress Syndrome that surely comes with typing the same city’s name in every review.

It feels as if there’s no end to the “important new” bands emerging from New York. And why are they all here? Brooklyn is a huge city so, statistically speaking, more of everything will come from here than, say, from Tiffin, Ohio. It’s also an attractive setting for artists in particular. You can’t walk down the streets of Williamsburg, Gowanus, Park Slope or several other neighborhoods without bumping into actors, musicians, film directors, novelists and visual artists. For musicians, in particular, Brooklyn is compelling for its many live music venues, recording studios, and a seemingly endless supply of people to jam, collaborate or start a band with.

The predominance of Brooklyn in indie music only seems endless, however. All scenes eventually fade away, though in places like Detroit, New York and London the spotlight will inevitably return. Soon, the new hotspot will be Sidney, Bristol, Dublin, Pyongyang, Kandahar, who knows.

Update: Los Angeles is now the hip new place. Disregard above.

frontal mug shots are truly awful unless you’re just perfect in every way. You also need to know if you come out best with a full smile, a half grin, of just an expressionless look.

Our Family Photos And The

Un-photogenic Me! TEXT Gary Tooth

Y

ou know, there are those of us that are photogenic and those who are not.

Alas, I fall into the latter category. There’s just something about looking at myself in photographs that makes me want to wear a balaclava.

Whenever there’s that dreaded family photo shoot looming at a function or get-together, I run for the hills. Okay, so perhaps it’s a little over the top, but I really don’t like to see myself in any picture frame, let alone the family photos that are spread around to the relatives. Anyhow, after studying the subject of portraiture a little, I now have a better understanding of how to make the best out of a bad mug shot.

Have you ever wondered why a really good looking man or beautiful woman can appear so ordinary and sometimes just plain ugly in print? Well, a lot of it is about facial bone structure and particularly the cheekbones. Additionally, there are shapes and contours to the face that are not noticeable outside the lens but for some reason they are exaggerated in photographs. It works the other way too. Some plain or even hideous

looking individuals can look just great in a snap shot. This is why so many dating agencies have failed to bring couples together. These lonely hearts are quite often not truly represented in their online portraits.

Obviously, whenever we are asked to provide a photo of ourselves, whether it’s for a family, a friend, or a formal document such as a passport, driving license, resume, etc, then we always go for the best shot we have which is usually the one that looks the least like us. As far as family photos are concerned, we have little control over the situation as we’re part of a group and just have to make sure they catch our best pose.

However, there are things we can do to ensure we get the best out of our face pics even if we’re not particularly photogenic. To start with, everyone has a good side and a bad side when it comes to photography. The first thing you need to do is to ascertain which side is your best and then make sure it’s facing the camera at the moment of the ‘click’. In addition, always have your head slightly to one side. Full on

Avoid flash if possible. It’s just the most unflattering light there is. It’s both harsh and cruel. Flash lighting can bring out skin imperfections and devillike glares you never knew you had.

Diffused lighting (especially natural daylight) is the most flattering. Early morning, or late afternoon is the best.

Avoid having your picture taken at midday when the sun is at its highest and harshest. The best light ever is a sun that’s covered with a thin veil of high cloud.

Sometimes, if you tilt your head down slightly and look up to the camera's lens, this can bring out a softness, which works especially well with the ladies. Don’t forget to keep that head to one side though. The best angle is where there is only one ear is showing.

If half an ear is visible on the photo then you need to move the head around slightly until one ear is out of shot. You will get to know your own position.

There are lots of tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your pictures.

Now that we have digital photography, you can practice until your heart’s content. You will soon get to know which pose and posture suits you best and you’ll go into autopilot every time that camera points your way.

To summarize then, focus on the following points until you’re happy: Lighting, head position, smile, grin, or expressionless, and find your best side then stick to it. Hey, who knows, you might now be fighting to get in on all the family photos of the future!

63

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65

FINANCIAL 0,!..).'

8IZ JUµT JNQPSUBOU UP QMBO GPS SFUJSFNFOU

By Tony Ashton

M

aybe you have just arrived in Al Ain and the last thing you have thought about is retirement planning. However, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of employers in the UAE do not provide any pension provision, (an end of service gratuity that is usually given based on your length of service).

If you stay out of your home country for some time then you are also often forbidden from making contributions to any scheme you have back home, whilst abroad – so you may receive a lower benefit on retirement.

" HMPCBM JTTVF The issue of planning for retirement has gained prominence in the last few years. In the UK for example, almost every day comes an announcement by yet another employer that it is going to curtail or even shut its final-salary pension scheme. And governments across the world are struggling to find ways to pay for pension obligations.

Why? Because on average our life expectancy continues to rise.

We are going to live longer; not just longer than our parents but even longer than experts thought we would live just a few years ago.

For instance, in 1980, a 65-year old Englishman had a one in 1,000 chance of living to be 100 years old.

Just 30 years later, this percentile has increased to one in 100.

How do we, as a society, pay for retirement when retirement itself is getting longer?

"NFSJDBO DJWJM XBS This issue is highlighted by this 66

example from the United States: The American civil war ended in 1865 but when was the last payment from an American civil war pension?

1914, 1944, 1974 or 2004?

The correct answer is 2004.

William Jasper Martin, despite being on the losing Confederate side, survived the civil war and received his veteran's pension of $50 per month.

When he was 81 years old he married Alberta, then 18 years old, and she subsequently lived until 2004, dying at the age of 97. Throughout this period of time she continued to receive her husband's pension benefit as she was entitled to. No one could have predicted this anomaly and it meant that the cost of the pension was far higher than could possibly have been imagined when it was granted.

1SFEJDUJOH MJGF FYQFDUBODZ The majority of people significantly underestimate their own life expectancy. Understandably, just over a quarter of people have no idea of just how long they might live. Yet being able to plan financially for retirement requires, at the least, a basic level of understanding of longevity.

A 30-year old woman in the UK has a one in five chance of living to 98 according to the most recent projections and A 60-year old man also in the UK has a one in five chance of living to 93 according to the most recent projections.

Higher longevity is a growing burden, not just for employer pension schemes but also the state and individuals as they too need to find ways of funding longer retirement.

&NQMPZFS QFOTJPO TDIFNFT Defined benefit pension schemes, which guarantee a set level of pension payments for the rest of their members' lives, are faced with a significant problem. People living longer cost the pension scheme, and the company which sponsors it, more money. This has left some of the UK's largest companies with yawning holes in their finances as they struggle to keep pace with their pension promises.

In their place are now defined contribution schemes, which do not provide any guarantee regarding the amount of money the pension scheme will pay out to members on retirement.

Instead, members buy an annuity when they retire which will provide regular pension payments during retirement.

While these will continue until death, increasing longevity risk means that insurance companies are offering lower pension payments to offset the increased risk of longer life. So we can expect to receive less money.

8IBU JT UIF BOTXFS Put simply, we drastically need to reassess our expectations of retirement.

In living longer we need to start to consider a 'triangle of compromise': save more now; work for longer; or retire on less money.

Tony Ashton is a Financial Advisor for PIC Middle East in Al Ain. The office is located in the Hilton Hotel Al Ain. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 12 years and can be contacted on 050 795 3305

or tony.ashton@pic-uae.com

Sponserd by

*OB Pilot with Etihad Airways .ATIONALITY English ,ANGUAGES 3POKEN English, German, Spanish 9EARS IN !L !IN 2.5

Scott McReady Before becoming a pilot, you were a pro football player in the US. What was that like?

A lot more fun looking back than it was at the time. It’s a high-pressure situation.

Every week you need to perform and prove yourself.

I’m glad I did it, though.

Since you’re not American, how did you become an NFL football player?

I moved to the States when I was fifteen to live with my dad. I played football in high school and college and then got drafted to play pro football.

What was it like to win the Super Bowl (as a player for the New England Patriots)?

Pretty exciting. I was lucky to win in

my rookie season. It was wild. When we got back to Foxborough [Massachusetts, the Patriots’ home city] tens of thousands of people lined the streets to shake our hands.

Why did you stop playing football?

Injuries mostly. I had both ACLs (anterior cruciate ligaments) done on my knees and three shoulder operations.

When did you decide you wanted to be a pilot?

I’ve always liked flying.

My dad’s a pilot so when I stopped playing football, I thought about flight school.

To get a second chance to do something I wanted to do when I was younger was pretty amazing.

What made you choose Al Ain for flight school?

My dad works for Etihad which is how I knew about their Cadet Pilot Program here in Al Ain.

Tell me about your training. How do you become a pilot?

You start with 6 weeks of ground school and you take 14 or 15 different subjects followed by exams. You also have to complete 230 hours of flying time.

What’s the best part of your job?

It’s a different job every day with different factors: who you’re going to fly with, where you’re going to go.

It’s a challenge. You also get instant gratification, like if you put down a good landing in bad weather.

What do you do in your free time?

I try to get out of the house as much as possible. I play rugby, go to the gym, do jujitsu.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

My wife, Vanessa, hitting the snooze button on the alarm in the morning.

What’s one of your guilty pleasures or secret indulgences?

Chocolate or anything sweet.

If there’s chocolate in the house, I’ll eat it till it’s gone.

Palm Court Café in Hilton Hotel is famous for desserts and Vienna's Julius Meinl coffee.

Both you and your wife work in Abu Dhabi. Why have you chosen to stay in Al Ain? I can’t stand the … traffic in Abu Dhabi. Al Ain is laid back and quiet. We’ve also made a lot of friends here.

Name one of your favorite places in Al Ain? The Rugby Club.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Al Ain? India Curry House.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be and why?

There are so many places I want to go. I want to go farther east: China, Japan, Thailand.

What CD is in your car now?

Beck and Flo Rida.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

It would be cool to be some kind of bird because you could fly. It would be very freeing.

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E

verybody loves animals, right? Wrong. But you don't have to like animals to give them the respect they deserve. At Animal Welfare Al Ain (AWA), we are often asked the question, "Why do you care about animals when there are humans suffering?" Well, the simple answer is, we don't view this as an either/or issue. The suffering of both humans and animals should be addressed; however, while there are many organizations in the emirates set up to deal with the former, Animal Welfare Al Ain is the only group in Al Ain to have taken on the latter. We believe that all animals deserve humane 68

treatment and that humans have a responsibility for their care. Animal lover or not, no compassionate human being can argue that neglect and cruelty is right.

Al Ain suffers, as do many cities in the world, from an over-population of cats. The cats we see on the streets of our town are not naturally occurring wild animals and are not native to the region, a fact which we humans often choose to overlook.

More than 9,000 years ago, wild cats (Felis silvestris lybica), moved into settlements and became 'domesticated' and this word is key to understanding exactly who our street

cats are. Some cats are born on the street, others are abandoned, but they are all domestic cats.

Being independent creatures, many people misguidedly believe that cats can survive if abandoned. This is completely untrue and many abandoned pets meet a miserable death, suffering starvation, disease and attack from other animals or being injured or killed in road traffic accidents. Most former pets are simply not equipped to survive on the street.

Those that do survive will quickly breed if not sterilized and the resulting colonies can grow out of control within a very short time. Many people

ANIMAL SHELTER

will be surprised to hear that a single female cat can be responsible for the creation of what can become a colony of 20,000 to 25,000 new cats within only five years.

So what is the solution to this overpopulation problem? Municipalities around the world often use the trapping and euthanization of cats as a method of controlling colonies, however, this method has proven to be ineffective. One of the reasons for this is that the removal of cats from an area creates a 'vacuum effect', whereby new cats move into the territory and quickly repopulate it. Another reason is that the food source, which attracted the cats in the first place, usually remains.

The complete eradication of cats is therefore, a fairly short-sighted and unrealistic solution.

A far more humane option, and one recommended by The World Society

for the Protection of Animals, (WSPA), is a Trap-Neuter-Release Programme (TNR). This involves catching the cat in a humane trap, having it spayed or neutered and then returning it to its colony. There are many benefits, to both cats and the community, in operating such a programme.

For the felines, sterilization has many advantages. By stabilizing the population the cats will have more space, lessening the likelihood of fights and the spread of diseases. Spayed cats live healthier lives; showing lower levels of breast cancer and benefiting from not constantly giving birth to litters of unwanted kittens.

TNR also helps the community by stabilizing and gradually reducing the population of a feral colony. Nuisance behaviour such as loud noise, fighting and spraying are largely eliminated and no more kittens are born. However, the presence of cats

in an area ensures that the rodent population is kept in check.

Animal Welfare Al Ain is a non profit organization, run by a small group of volunteers who support the notion that TNR is the most effective way of dealing with the stray and feral cats of our city. It offers a solution that helps both animals and the community and it is essential that the public understands its benefits.

Feral cats are much maligned, yet it is we, the irresponsible pet-owners that have created the situation. These feral colonies are the result of neglect by humans and it is the responsibility of the community to manage the problem in a humane way.

For more information on Animal Welfare Al Ain, or to volunteer, please contact us at: Animalwelfarealain@gmail.com

Take Me Home Rugby

Rugby is good-natured and affectionate.

Walks well on a lead and loves to play.

Will even stay still while you hose him down in the garden. He’ll be a great addition to any family with children.

Fun Facts

What do teens and pets have in common? Acne!

Did you know that both cats and dogs suffer from acne? And maybe for the same reason -stress - while some vets believe it might be from food or contact allergies. For instance, using plastic instead of glass or metal dishes is not a good idea. Plastic collects bacteria more quickly and can affect the skin in the form of acne. Felines suffer from 'acne' much more often that canines. Pet acne can be treated with a little hydrogen peroxide and/or anti-biotics.

Kissing Cat He is a friendly and active cat. Loves to run around and play. Will love all the attention you have to give him and doesn’t mind too much if you pick him up and give him a hug. When you put your face near his, he’ll put his nose to yours just like he’s trying to give you a kiss.

He’s a real sweety who would need a home with “older” children.

Animal Welfare Al Ain Please contact us if you have any comments, queries, if you would like to volunteer, foster or adopt a pet.

Contact us by email: info@alainanimalfriends.com

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Planning a

New Year’s Eve Party at Home – Bringing the world inside your home New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and although going out on the town to enjoy dinner or a party is typical (and well deserved after a year of hard work!), some of us choose to celebrate at home.

For some, a celebration among close friends in their own home is simply preferable to a large, mainly anonymous gathering while for many with children (especially young ones) going out can be a hassle and often does not allow the children to celebrate with them.

I

f you are considering bringing in the New Year in the comfort of your home this year and are looking for ideas on how to make your celebration unique as well as fun for the kids, you need not to look far.

Though smaller than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Al Ain boasts a demographic rainbow all the same. With an amazing variety of cultures and people, you can literally bring the world into your home this holiday season by incorporating great food and entertainment ideas from around the globe. We asked some of Al Ain’s residents about their favourite holiday

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foods from their countries of origin as well as traditional entertainment ideas for the children. These foods are great to make for both relaxed as well as more sophisticated gatherings and the children’s games can be altered to suit both small and large parties as well as various age groups.

Detailed recipes with multitudes of great variations can be easily found on the internet. After some searching we found the Food.com website (www.food.com) particularly useful and comprehensive, with easy to follow recipes as well as reader reviews for each one.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

We asked some of Al Ain’s residents about their favourite holiday foods from their countries of origin as well as traditional entertainment ideas for the children.

Saly Nasy el Gafarawi

Wouter Van ver Merwe

IATA Agent –Palestinian

English teacher, Al Khazna school, South African/Dutch

Favourite festive food: “One of my favourite Palestinian foods is Mansaf. It is a rice and chicken or lamb dish that is great for lots of guests and in Palestine it is always made for parties and weddings. It is basically rice with chicken on top but what distinguishes it from other similar dishes is the sheep’s milk yoghurt which is cooked with the juice from the meat and then mixed with the meat itself.’

Favourite Festive Food: Koeksister. This is a syrup-coated doughnut that is made by deep-frying dough in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold sugar syrup.

“This was a great snack! Usually in South Africa they added ginger, cinnamon and tangerines to the syrup and you can fry the dough directly in the syrup. We always ate it with tea, like a cookie.”

Favourite children’s party game: “In Palestine children love the chair game where you place chairs in a circle and play music. When the music stops all the children have to quickly sit but there is one chair less than the number of children so the child that is the slowest does not get a seat and is out. You play the game until only one child is left and that child wins a prize.”

Favourite Children’s party game: “ We always played Jukskei. You put sticks in the ground in a sandy area and then you throw wooden pins at them and the point is to knock the sticks down. This game is actually over 200 years old and it is now an organized sport in South Africa!”

Claudia Behrendt

Student of Marketing, Skyline University College Sharjah, residing in Al Ain – Kuwaitii

Abeer Shaker Sartawi Gastroenterologist, Al Ain Hospital, German Favourite festive food: “ I really like Bouletten. These are special meatballs from Berlin. They are made from minced beef that is mixed with eggs, chopped onions and garlic with a little kumin. You can make hamburger sized pieces or meatball sized ones and you can eat them with mustard or ketchup. Sooooo good!”

Favourite Children’s party game: “In Germany, at every children’s party we always played a game called “Hitting the Pot”.

It is very easy. You just take a cooking pan, turn it upside down and put a gift underneath.

The child has his/her eyes covered and is holding a wooden spoon. Then the child crawls around while the other children shout hot if they are going in the right direction and cold if they are going in the wrong one. When the child bangs the pot he/she gets the gift that is inside.”

You can do this game timed (when time runs out it is the next child’s turn) or simply have gifts for every child, depending on the number of children involved.

Favourite festive food: Kabsa – This is another variation of the chicken and rice meal in which “the chicken is made in a sauce of tomato puree mixed with onions and water. This sauce is poured over the chicken while you are eating.”

Favourite Children’s party activity: “In Kuwait, if the children are lucky they will go camping in the dessert with their family for holidays.” Although you may not want to go on a whole dessert safari, you can make your children’s New Year’s Eve celebration into a “camping sleepover” by setting up tents either in your garden or even inside your home. Regardless of where the tents are, children always love them and will not only sleep in them but also spend half the evening playing in and around them.

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