Most of my friends are from the "seaside" of the country and enjoy jet skiing and fishing etc. But on the weekends, I love to go with my Bedouin friends who often are out in the desert for BBQ-ing and just chilling. Last weekend, we hang out in the desert until 5am and the temperature dropped to 12 degrees at night.
Preparing for our evening.
Trying to get the fire started.
Making Arabic coffee and chai karak (tea).
My favorite dish "mechboos djaj" with yoghurt.
Last night, my friends and I went to a large Emirati-styled family area where you can eat local food, buy traditional things including clothes, and hire an Emirati house for a day (for 100-200 dirhams/day). They also have a huge play area for children. The place opened a few years ago. They are closed during the summer months (when it is too hot to be outside). Opening hours: 5pm-10pm.
The "village" was established to focus on Emirati heritage and national tourism. The majority
of families visiting the area is Emiratis.
Cooking "legemat"...
... and crêpe-looking "Chbab" with chocolate.
Legemat
Traditional Emirati house to rent for a day (afternoon-evening).
Weekday 3pm-10pm (100 dirhams/day)
Weekends 3pm-10pm (200 dirhams/day)
Walking inside the "Family Gathering Village"
Traditional stands selling candy amongst other things.
The bags with the small grains in the center of the photo
are dried hummus called "Nakhaay".
The month of December is the month of National Day (2 December) and we all find several occasions to try the national food and clothing.
My friend is testing the newsly baked "legemat"
(Emirati fried dough with date syrup and sesame seeds)
Traditional tea and coffee pots
I'm testing the traditional ornaments
Pretty jar (of fat)
