(This article first appeared in the 13th November 2022 issue of Deccan Herald newspaper's Sunday Herald section https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/sunday-herald/sh-top-stories/exploring-dazzling-dubai-in-a-day-1161039.html)
Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts
Sunday, November 13, 2022
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Dubai's Diaspora Cuisines
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Restaurant Review: Trèsind Studio Dubai
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Celebrating Her!
In the run up to next week’s International Women’s Day on 8th March, this Sunday Raul Dias takes you to four museums around the world that are dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the woman in all her strength and glory.
By Raul Dias
Having my birthday fall exactly a day after 8th March’s International Women’s Day, the day has always been a significant one in my life. Coming from a family dominated by extremely strong, successful ladies, I’ve always held women in the highest esteem. So much so, that, whenever I travel, I try and fit in at least one activity that celebrates a woman the way she should be—with respect and admiration. Be it learning the finer nuances of batik painting in Indonesia from a very patient lady or partaking in a voodoo ritual conducted by a high priestess in New Orleans!
And so, the following article is a collation of my various visits over the years to museums around the world that are significantly different from the scores of others I have visited. Welcome to some of the best ‘Women’s Museums’—from America to Africa and from the UAE to the UK. Places that focus on everything from the history of women’s political, social and cultural equality to some stunning works of art for and by women…
Women’s Museum
Dubai, UAE
Located in Dubai’s historic quarter of Deira, the Women’s Museum is housed in a building called Bait al Banat, which translates to “The Girls House”. Built in the 1950s, this former residential home was said to be the place where three unmarried Emirati sisters once lived. Today, besides being a museum, the space is a national archive and documentation center. It is dedicated to exploring the different facets of the lives of Emirati women—professional and personal, past and present. It includes artwork by various female Emirati artists and photographs showing the contributions of Emirati women. Examples of their Emirati jewellery and dresses and an exploration of how past and current rulers have affected the role of women in the UAE can also be found in this fascinating one-of-a-kind museum.
National Cowgirl Museum
Fort Worth, USA
This museum dedicated to women’s empowerment in a very interesting and unique way, was first started in 1975 in the basement of the Deaf Smith County Library in Hereford, Texas. It was removed to Fort Worth, also in Texas in 1994 and is today dedicated to honouring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneering fortitude. The museum is an educational resource with exhibits, a research library, and rare photography collections. Among its many permanent exhibits, “Into the Arena,” is one of the most fascinating ones. This one covers women in the fields of rodeo and trick riding, as well as modern horsewomen of note such as Belmont Stakes winning jockey Julie Krone. It has interactive computer displays, rodeo memorabilia, clothing, and other rodeo artifacts. However, I personally enjoyed the “Claiming the Spotlight” exbibit that shows the cowgirl as represented in media, and the varying roles the archetypical cowgirl has played in film, television, advertising and music.
Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi, Kenya
Just as one would expect a museum dedicated to an author who was so in love with the wilds of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum is housed at the foot of the Ngong Hills, around 10 km outside of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The life of the Danish writer who was famous for her book Out of Africa is celebrated so wondrously in this well-appointed museum housed in a colonial-style bungalow. The house and its attached property were bought in 1917 by Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke with the intention of operating a coffee plantation. After the Blixens separated in 1921, Karen Blixen continued to live at the house and run the plantation until she returned to Denmark 1931. Her life here is chronicled both in her most famous aforementioned book, as well as in her other book Shadows of the Grass. At the museum, one can join the guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film that was based on Out of Africa and know more about Blixen’s fascinating life.
Florence Nightingale Museum
London, UK
Another great woman whose life and work is celebrated in a specially dedicated museum is the world’s most famous nurse Florence Nightingale. Located on the banks of the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, the museum attracts visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ and her Victorian world. Here you can also examine Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work. The Florence Nightingale Museum even runs a busy learning programme for schools and families activities, as well as a lively events programme with regular afternoon and event talks. Make sure to check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on before you visit!
(An edited version of this column first appeard in the 3rd March 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/international-womens-day-2019-4-museums-around-the-world-dedicated-to-the-indomitable-spirit-of-woman/1472637)
By Raul Dias
Having my birthday fall exactly a day after 8th March’s International Women’s Day, the day has always been a significant one in my life. Coming from a family dominated by extremely strong, successful ladies, I’ve always held women in the highest esteem. So much so, that, whenever I travel, I try and fit in at least one activity that celebrates a woman the way she should be—with respect and admiration. Be it learning the finer nuances of batik painting in Indonesia from a very patient lady or partaking in a voodoo ritual conducted by a high priestess in New Orleans!
And so, the following article is a collation of my various visits over the years to museums around the world that are significantly different from the scores of others I have visited. Welcome to some of the best ‘Women’s Museums’—from America to Africa and from the UAE to the UK. Places that focus on everything from the history of women’s political, social and cultural equality to some stunning works of art for and by women…
Women’s Museum
Dubai, UAE
Located in Dubai’s historic quarter of Deira, the Women’s Museum is housed in a building called Bait al Banat, which translates to “The Girls House”. Built in the 1950s, this former residential home was said to be the place where three unmarried Emirati sisters once lived. Today, besides being a museum, the space is a national archive and documentation center. It is dedicated to exploring the different facets of the lives of Emirati women—professional and personal, past and present. It includes artwork by various female Emirati artists and photographs showing the contributions of Emirati women. Examples of their Emirati jewellery and dresses and an exploration of how past and current rulers have affected the role of women in the UAE can also be found in this fascinating one-of-a-kind museum.
National Cowgirl Museum
Fort Worth, USA
This museum dedicated to women’s empowerment in a very interesting and unique way, was first started in 1975 in the basement of the Deaf Smith County Library in Hereford, Texas. It was removed to Fort Worth, also in Texas in 1994 and is today dedicated to honouring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneering fortitude. The museum is an educational resource with exhibits, a research library, and rare photography collections. Among its many permanent exhibits, “Into the Arena,” is one of the most fascinating ones. This one covers women in the fields of rodeo and trick riding, as well as modern horsewomen of note such as Belmont Stakes winning jockey Julie Krone. It has interactive computer displays, rodeo memorabilia, clothing, and other rodeo artifacts. However, I personally enjoyed the “Claiming the Spotlight” exbibit that shows the cowgirl as represented in media, and the varying roles the archetypical cowgirl has played in film, television, advertising and music.
Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi, Kenya
Just as one would expect a museum dedicated to an author who was so in love with the wilds of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum is housed at the foot of the Ngong Hills, around 10 km outside of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The life of the Danish writer who was famous for her book Out of Africa is celebrated so wondrously in this well-appointed museum housed in a colonial-style bungalow. The house and its attached property were bought in 1917 by Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke with the intention of operating a coffee plantation. After the Blixens separated in 1921, Karen Blixen continued to live at the house and run the plantation until she returned to Denmark 1931. Her life here is chronicled both in her most famous aforementioned book, as well as in her other book Shadows of the Grass. At the museum, one can join the guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film that was based on Out of Africa and know more about Blixen’s fascinating life.
Florence Nightingale Museum
London, UK
Another great woman whose life and work is celebrated in a specially dedicated museum is the world’s most famous nurse Florence Nightingale. Located on the banks of the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, the museum attracts visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ and her Victorian world. Here you can also examine Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work. The Florence Nightingale Museum even runs a busy learning programme for schools and families activities, as well as a lively events programme with regular afternoon and event talks. Make sure to check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on before you visit!
(An edited version of this column first appeard in the 3rd March 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/international-womens-day-2019-4-museums-around-the-world-dedicated-to-the-indomitable-spirit-of-woman/1472637)
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Dubai’s Newest Glam-Zone!
With an enviable location perched on the banks of the iconic Dubai Creek, the stylish new Zabeel House Al Seef by Jumeirah is a swanky new addition to the city’s booming hotel scene. Raul Dias gives you four reasons why you need to stay here on your next jaunt to the glitzy Emirate of Dubai.
By Raul Dias
1. Location, Location, Location
As the second hotel in Jumeirah’s new ‘Upscale Casual’ collection, Zabeel House Al Seef—which opened its doors in June this year—offers a chilled-out, hip, loft-style vibe on the south banks of Dubai Creek with a rooftop pool offering up views of the megalopolis to die for. Just like this hotel that it houses, Al Seef is a new district of 90 restaurants and 350 retail outlets, all nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to explore the older parts of Dubai including the wind towers, galleries and cafes of Al Fahidi; the spice, textile and gold souks; and the old homes of Al Shindigha. The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring other parts of the city with Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and the beaches of Jumeirah just 15 minutes away.
2. Cocoons of Bliss
With 200 rooms, the hotel caters to all sorts of travellers, offering three different sized rooms for the solo traveller, couples or families. Think king-size B&B Italia mattresses in the ‘Plush’ and ‘Suite’ rooms or Simmons mattresses in the popular rooms, oversized oak dining and work tables, minimalist wardrobe spaces, hammocks for lounging on when reading, contemporary art on the walls and ceilings inspired by Dubai and you’ll get our drift. Enjoy more luxe amenities in the form of free-standing bathtubs for that ultimate soak—all complete with organic liquid toiletries by OSME, signature black SMEG mini bars, N’espresso coffee machines and a SuitePad, perfect for making plans for the days ahead or simply for ordering that late-night snack!
3. Edible Wonders
Speaking of food, there’s much to be said about the legendary food and beverage scene in Dubai, and this hotel has a lot to offer on that front! Chapters is not your normal lobby bar, as you are encouraged to settle in for a while with one of the books pulled down from the surrounding bookcases. Through the lobby you’ll find Nyon serving Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern bites throughout the day. Don’t forget to check out the black and white photographs on display here that showcase some of the world’s most iconic cities. A recent addition to the hotel’s F&B scene, Skafos is a wonderful alfresco gastro restaurant reaching out over the waters of Dubai Creek, the ideal spot to watch the dhows and abras cruise past. Seven floors above, the Sol Sky Bar sits on the brim of the rooftop pool with a cocktail menu to match the variety of panoramic views of the city.
4. R&R at its Best
The vast open-plan lobby provides the perfect location for catch-ups with colleagues, clients or friends. Here is where you are first welcomed into the hotel with a ginger shot mixed with fresh saffron from the Spice Souk and pure honey from Yemen. From the group of human sculptures raising their hats to you as you enter the hotel, to the abstract art display called the ‘cityscape’ which portrays Dubai’s transformation and the stereos that adorn the reception desk and the spa, there’s design details to inspire at every turn. And if you’re looking for zen throughout your stay, the hotel has a well-equipped indoor gym, complete with sauna, steam room and two treatment rooms. For the outdoorsy kind, head out for a run on the 2-kilometre promenade that stretches from the hotel alongside the Creek.
By Raul Dias
1. Location, Location, Location
As the second hotel in Jumeirah’s new ‘Upscale Casual’ collection, Zabeel House Al Seef—which opened its doors in June this year—offers a chilled-out, hip, loft-style vibe on the south banks of Dubai Creek with a rooftop pool offering up views of the megalopolis to die for. Just like this hotel that it houses, Al Seef is a new district of 90 restaurants and 350 retail outlets, all nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to explore the older parts of Dubai including the wind towers, galleries and cafes of Al Fahidi; the spice, textile and gold souks; and the old homes of Al Shindigha. The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring other parts of the city with Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and the beaches of Jumeirah just 15 minutes away.
2. Cocoons of Bliss
With 200 rooms, the hotel caters to all sorts of travellers, offering three different sized rooms for the solo traveller, couples or families. Think king-size B&B Italia mattresses in the ‘Plush’ and ‘Suite’ rooms or Simmons mattresses in the popular rooms, oversized oak dining and work tables, minimalist wardrobe spaces, hammocks for lounging on when reading, contemporary art on the walls and ceilings inspired by Dubai and you’ll get our drift. Enjoy more luxe amenities in the form of free-standing bathtubs for that ultimate soak—all complete with organic liquid toiletries by OSME, signature black SMEG mini bars, N’espresso coffee machines and a SuitePad, perfect for making plans for the days ahead or simply for ordering that late-night snack!
3. Edible Wonders
Speaking of food, there’s much to be said about the legendary food and beverage scene in Dubai, and this hotel has a lot to offer on that front! Chapters is not your normal lobby bar, as you are encouraged to settle in for a while with one of the books pulled down from the surrounding bookcases. Through the lobby you’ll find Nyon serving Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern bites throughout the day. Don’t forget to check out the black and white photographs on display here that showcase some of the world’s most iconic cities. A recent addition to the hotel’s F&B scene, Skafos is a wonderful alfresco gastro restaurant reaching out over the waters of Dubai Creek, the ideal spot to watch the dhows and abras cruise past. Seven floors above, the Sol Sky Bar sits on the brim of the rooftop pool with a cocktail menu to match the variety of panoramic views of the city.
4. R&R at its Best
The vast open-plan lobby provides the perfect location for catch-ups with colleagues, clients or friends. Here is where you are first welcomed into the hotel with a ginger shot mixed with fresh saffron from the Spice Souk and pure honey from Yemen. From the group of human sculptures raising their hats to you as you enter the hotel, to the abstract art display called the ‘cityscape’ which portrays Dubai’s transformation and the stereos that adorn the reception desk and the spa, there’s design details to inspire at every turn. And if you’re looking for zen throughout your stay, the hotel has a well-equipped indoor gym, complete with sauna, steam room and two treatment rooms. For the outdoorsy kind, head out for a run on the 2-kilometre promenade that stretches from the hotel alongside the Creek.
Zabeel House Al Seef
al Seef, Dubai Creek
PO BOX 35449, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971-4-7077077
reservtions@zabeelhouse.com
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 18th November 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://epaper.freepressjournal.in/m5/1900464/Free-Press-Mumbai-Edition/18-Nov-2018#page/13/1)
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