Four To Look Forward To

Although it's much better than it used to be, Dubai is a cultural dessert in the Summer. It's too hot and everyone goes away. Thankfully, as the end of August arrives, so do the people. Here's what I'm looking forward to over the next couple of weeks:

1. A Touch Of Clay- September 7th - 28th

Next month some friends and I are taking part in a series of pottery workshops led by master potter Mubarakka Nandi.  Hopefully we'll be churning out beautiful ceramics like the ones crafted by Mubarakka (pictured) but even if I end up with something resembling the ball of clay I started with, it'll all be worth it because I'll finally get to use a pottery wheel and quietly sing Unchained Melody with my eyes closed.

2. The Scene Official Launch- 12th September

Pier 7 has been on a roll and it shows no signs of slowing down with the opening of its latest restaurant, The Scene. Headed by British celebrity chef Simon Rimmer the restaurant, consisting of an open plan dining area, lounge and terrace is currently in its soft launch phase. However, come mid September, the restaurant will be fully fledged (and fully licensed). If the recent media preview is anything to go by, expect well executed hearty fare in a Shoreditch inspired setting. 

3. Alserkale Galleries Night- 15th September from 7pm

The Alserkale galleries night makes the opening of  the 2014-2015 arts season. The Avenue in the heart of Al Quoz has long been a mothership of sorts  to the city's creative class which has continued to grow in numbers and influence. With several galleries such as Mojo, Ayaam and Carbon 12 simultaneously exhibiting, it's boung to be a great social and cultural event. 

4. Boyhood- September(ish)

This uniquely epic project by Richard Linklater is essentially a coming of age story. A story that took 12 years to film as we follow Mason (Ellar Coltane) from the age of 6 to 18. It's fascinating to watch him and his parents, played by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette on screen. The actors age as their characters evolve in what is probably the best example of method acting captured on film. Boyhood was set for an August release date in the UAE but according to Gulf Film, the film's regional distributor, the release has been delayed until the film can be submitted for censorship. It should be out sometime in September. 

Four To Look Forward To

Qasr In The Sand

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels in Dubai so it might seem strange to drive three hours into the Liwa desert for a weekend getaway but off I went to Qasr Al Sarab armed with my GPS and an excellent selection of snacks. Know that you'll drive for miles. You'll doubt yourself, you'll ask the GPS lady if she's sure, she won't respond. Then, just as you're eating your final chocolate covered pretzel and the paranoia that you've been driving for 200Km in the wrong direction is about to set in, the entrance appears. You will hear a chorus of angels and it will be beautiful.

The resort doesn't disappoint either. It's much bigger than expected but its traditional architecture in allows it to gently blend in with its sandy surroundings. The first thing that strikes me is how quiet it is, then I take in the view and property's remoteness begins to make sense.

I pay a visit to the Anantara spa where the signature treatment is Traditional Rose Hammam. Black olive soap is applied to purify the skin followed by an intense steam and a vigorous exfoliation. A healing rose clay body mask is then applied. Finally, the pièce de résistance in the form of Shiffa gemstone body oil is massaged into my skin. The oil consists of rubies combined with a pure essential oil blend of rose, geranium and sandalwood. The precious stones are incorporated in the oil as they are known to stimulate and balance the heart chakra, detoxify the lymphatic system and stimulate the reproductive system. I'll never look at Ylang Ylang in the same way.

After my treatment, I wander back to my room, collapse on the bed and proceed to nap. 

I dream of rubies. It's probably one of my top 5 naps.

Qasr Al Sarab brings the concept of a modern Arabian adventure to life with attentive hospitality and meticulous attention to detail in an incredible setting.

Tips

- A road trip needs a great playlist and radio reception cuts out about an hour into the drive so get your music in order.

- Take advantage of the lack of light pollution and do some stargazing. The night sky is incredible

- On the way back, stop on the Emirates National Auto Museum.  I'm not a car enthusiast but it's one of the world's most extensive private car collections and definitely worth having a look.

- The speed cameras work.

Qasr In The Sand

An Education

I grew up in Deira which is now considered old Dubai. I remember walking to the Gold Souk, taking 25 fil abra rides across the creek to Meena Bazaar and going on weekly trips to the fish market.  Deira Fish Market is just down the road from where my family used to live. It was my mother's domain and the place she could demonstrate her incredible bargaining skills and her ability to spot the best produce from a mile away. She was determined to pass these skills on the my sister and I  so every other Friday morning, while my friends in normal households were in bed or watching TV, we'd be down in Shindaga getting lessons in market etiquette. It was crowded and noisy and my mother added to the chorus with 'don't touch!', 'say thank you', 'and hold my hand', 'no thank you'. For a while I probably demonstrated the exact behaviour my mother was trying to discourage however, as I got older I realized that the more cooperative I was, the sooner we could leave. Eventually what used to be an arduous chore, slowly became one of my passions. When I would come home from university I actually looked forward going. I learned where food came from, to appreciate the effort that went into procuring and producing what we ate and the importance of getting to know the people behind the counter. Although my parents are no longer in Dubai and I now live on the other side of town I still try to go as often as I can. My sister and I paid a visit to our old stomping ground last weekend and through the familiar buzz were familiar faces asking 'where’s mama?’ 

An Education