Chaat.Chai.Chatter, Hum Pakistani...UAE Se

When Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza announced that they were getting married in 2008, their patriotism was questioned.  But they have proved their naysayers wrong and enjoy marital bliss even years later. There are thousands of Indo-Pak couples who have made Dubai their home because they find it a neutral ground that is also closer to home.  We speak to one such couple and ask them how they met and made this choice and how life is being  an Indo-Pak couple. Watch this fun-filled interview with two completely opposite personalities!

Many residents of the UAE left for their home countries including Pakistan and India in May to celebrate Eidul Fitr and soon after the UAE government banned passenger flights. Since then, airlines have been announcing date changes based on UAE government authorities. The situation, however, remains uncertain as does the Covid situation around the world. A number of Pakistanis and Indians have their jobs and homes in the UAE and it is important for them to get back. A perfectly legal way is their one option. In this video, we speak to one such couple who explains what route they took, the challenges and the way forward. The Consul General of Pakistan to the UAE is also quoted here.

Hello hello everyone! Yes, it's already been year here and as cliched it may sound, but time flew! It's been a year full of stories, laughter, learning and ups and downs. This is a year recap episode where I take you through my journey and #behindthescenes of why I set up a channel and what goes on behind the scenes. The real power is you guys, and I hope to continue bringing you many more such stories in future also. @zawali Do tell me what you'd like to see in the comments section. Ciao!

Matchmaking in Pakistan is a profitable profession since majority of marriages are arranged and it is the job of a matchmaker to felicitate the 'perfect match' between a boy and a girl. Such opportunities in Dubai are limited but we spoke a matchmaker who claims she has felicitated thousands of matches. Fouzia Shafique, a homemaker, does it free of cost and tells us what are the preferable qualities the groom's and bride's family seeks in each other and the problems that ail the modern Pakistani society. Fouzia can be contacted on 00971543881201

Losing your friend right in front of your eyes in a road accident might not let you ride a bike ever again, but for Usman Ghani, this most intense and difficult moment of his life also became the incident that took him from the road to the race tracks to eventually become Pakistan’s only racer with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Race License. Dubai-based Usman recently painted his bike in the colors of the famous Pakistani Truck Art to give tribute to the Truck drivers in Pakistan. In this talk, Usman tells me how he wants to help others learn the correct way to ride the bike and also gives tips in this regard.

Most Muslims are not aware that there is a strong connection between Islam and nature and they focus is mostly on rituals and forget that the Almighty has created nature as well for us. Not many people know about the Quranic Park in Dubai. The park is set on 64 hectares, consists of 12 gardens containing 45 types of plants mentioned in the Quran. It's Islamic character and innovative concept makes this a unique project in the world. “The orchards are full of plants and trees mentioned in the Quran — from ginger and black seed to olives, figs and Sidr. With its fountain and water feature that represents the parting of the sea by Moses, to the cave attraction that features stories from the Quran, it’s a great way to learn more about the stories from the holy book of 1.8 billion people. However, it’s not just for Muslims. The stories of Isa, Ibrahim and Suliman and their miracles are shown on the walls inside the cave and many other shared stories from the holy books of Christians and Jews. It’s a way to explore the importance of the Quran in the daily life of Muslims and a way to unite people through similar stories and important figures. It is a must visit, especially in the cooler weather!

Pakistan and India have a number of commonalities and the love for good food is one among the many. The king of all South Asian cuisine and loved by all dish is biryani, a fragrant rice delicacy full of spices and sumptuous chunks of meat fit for royalty, is probably the most loved dish on both sides of the border. Though basics of making biryani remain the same, its taste varies regionally in the subcontinent with each claiming theirs as the best even though the modern versions are adapted to suit different localities.  However, in Dubai, a restaurant has taken biryani to the next level, with a price tag so high, that even royals will think twice. This Royal Gold Biryani is an experience in itself. Watch the video to know more

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is very important. Dr Bushra Gul, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecologist  @Zulekhahospital   in Dubai tells us how to know when you are pregnant and how Exercise and Fitness plays a major role in the long term health of the mother and baby both. The interview is in line with Zulekha Hospital's campaign on Eat, Play, Laugh to promote a healthier lifestyle.  In this new segment called 'Doc Talk', we get top most health experts from all fields to answer all your questions that may concern you. This interactive talk is a must watch!   #ZulekhaHospital #fitnessinpregnancy #stayinghealthyinpregnancy

Richard Bernstein, is the first blind judge elected by voters to the Michigan Supreme Court in the US. Richard is visually impaired since birth due to a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa but that has not been a hinderance for any other the tasks he undertakes. He is currently in Dubai where he graciously agreed to meet me for this interview. Richard is often seen walking on Jumeirah Beach,, often for 6-7 hours at a stretch while memorizing his cases. He is also a tireless advocate for rights of the disabled the world over. Richard also wants to visit Pakistan in the coming days to work for the rights of the severely disabled.  Video clips of Richard walking courtesy Gulf News.  #visuallyimpaired #blindjudge #RichardBernstein

The award winning Crossroads of Civilizations Museum (CCM) started from a private collection of one family 30 years ago. The founder of this Dubai-based museum, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori originally housed the collection in his home behind glass cabinets. The museum houses the personal collection of historic artefacts, rare manuscripts and armory. CCM has now grown into a group of three museums: Crossroads of Civilizations Museum, Rare Books, Manuscripts & Prints Museum, and The Armory Museum. For history lovers, a visit to this museum is a must see in Dubai!  #crossroadsofcivilizationsmuseum #dubaiheritage #dubaitourism

To truly care for one another, we must love for others what we love for ourselves. What better way to love one another than to give charity? Apart from professing belief and prayer, charity is considered the third most important component of our faith. But what does our beloved Prophet (PBUH) say about charity? Why is it considered so important?  In this last part of #RamadanDiaries, we list 10 insightful Ahadith about why charity is so important in Islam.  #charityinRamadan #charityinIslam

Ramadan is considered incomplete in all Muslim households if you do not break your fast with dates. The date palm is the most mentioned fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.”  Besides, being a Sunnah, dates are packed with nutrition and are full of antioxidants and high in fiber.  The UAE alone grows at least 250 varieties of dates. In the third episode of Ramadan Diaries, we list 7 Popular Types of Dates in the UAE and some of Their Health Benefits.   #ajwadates #datesinRamadan #healthbenefitsofdates

Every evening during Ramadan, the booming sound of cannons can be heard across the UAE at sunset. The police across all emirates operate the special cannons with blank cartridges at the city's popular tourist spots as curious visitors gather to witness the spectacle.  In this 4-part Ramadan Diaries, we take you through some interesting traditions followed in the UAE the Holy Month, starting with cannon firing. The tradition lives on, even as neighbourhood mosques now sound the adhan on loudspeakers.  #RamadanInUAE #cannonfiring #mydubai

The UAE is home to the most magnificent mosques in the world - from the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi which has the world's largest dome to the 500 year old mosque in Fujairah - each one of them is unique in it's architecture and each mosque has it's own story to tell. In this episode of #RamadanDiaries, we bring you the top five worth seeing mosques in the UAE. Enjoy!   #mosquesinuae #sheikhzayedmosque

It's been a year since Covid struck this world and we are now in the midst of an intense third wave. Millions have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands have fallen ill, suffered, quarantined and got better. However, having Covid traumatizes people. Other than impacting their physical health, Covid affects mental health too.  One person ill, means the entire family and community is impacted. Here I speak to a Covid survivor who explains what she went through and why we should not take it easy just yet.  #covidpatient #covid19patientstories #covid19survivor

Abras are the oldest form of the public transport system in Dubai. In olden times, they enabled the movement of men and material between the two shores of the creek called Deira and Bur Dubai. Today, these are still used as water taxis to this day and are run by the government of Dubai and interestingly, the fare is still an unbelievable AED1. I take a short ride on this traditional boat along with a Pakistani who has been steering this boat for the past 8 years. Join me in this journey.  #Dubaiabra #abra #Dubaitourism

March 23 is one the most significant days for all Pakistanis. The Lahore Resolution of 1940  is the result of what may be considered one of the most significant political movements in recent world history. It led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.  That Pakistan came into existence seven years after the resolution of March 23, 1940 is a wonder in itself. It was created in the wake of sharp ideological divides that were exacerbated by the prejudiced conduct of the Hindu leadership, whose sole aim was to subdue the Muslim population after India’s independence from British colonial rule. Pakistanis celebrate this day with fervour but many have forgotten what the resolution actually said. In this video, I try and explain how events unfolded.  #March23 #PakistanResolutionDay #PakistanDay

Belonging to a underdeveloped area of Pakistan's Kashmir area, Tariq Rashid is now the only Pakistani to be hired in the Middle East by the social media giant Facebook. He is now based in Dubai. Working odd jobs and double shifts as well as a freelancer, Tariq talks to me about his journey and the struggles he faced to reach where he is today. With lots of tips for youngsters looking for a professional break, this interview is a must watch.  #Facebook #WorkAtFacebook #earnmoneyonline

Tamkeen is a project initiated by the Women Empowerment Committee of the Ladies Forum at Pakistan Association Dubai. This project aims at helping home-based or online business startups and assist women entrepreneurs to stabilize their falling business and empower women economically especially those affected financially during Covid. Here I speak to Sadaf Athar, the head of this initiative and she explains how this consultation is given to women free of cost. You can reach out to the Tamkeen team through these channels:  +971562794329 - WhatsApp Only Email: Tamkeen.LF2020@gmail.com  Instagram:  @Ladies Forum PAD   FaceBook: @ladiesforum.pad2019  #womenempowerment #entrepeneurs #covid

UAE residents can now get the COVID-19 vaccination in all emirates at government centres as well as some private hospitals. The vaccine is optional but highly recommended.  This video will take you through the steps as I take the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine at the Prime Medical Centre in Al Nahda, Sharjah and explain the process step-by-step for your ease.   The second dose will be given after 21 days.  The vaccine is free for all residents.   To book for a vaccine at Prime Medical Centre, click here:   https://covidvaccine-appointment.primehealth.ae:8590/Prime_CovidVaccination.aspx   Also, do not forget to carry your Emirates ID card with you.   Below I've listed where to get the Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE. No booking is required for these centres.  In Dubai: Alittihad Health Center, Hor Al Anz Health Center and Al Qusais Health centre.  In Abu Dhabi Available at all clinics run by Seha and at hospitals and clinics run by VPS Healthcare. Bookings can be made for Seha clinics by calling 80050 or visiting www.seha.ae.  In Ras Al Khaimah RAK XPO Center, Al Jazerah Health Center, Al Mamoorah Health Center, Al Manaie Health Center, Showka Health Center, Kadrah Health Center, Wadi Sifni Health center, Al Rams Health Center, Saif Bin Ali Health Center, Al Humraniah Health Center, Al Nakeel Health Center, Al Digdagah Health Center, Shamal Health Center, Sports Hall, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Alfareq Al Motanaqel and RAK Hospital.   In Sharjah Wasit Medical Centre, Mughaider Suburb Council, West tent, Sajaa Mall, Al Rifaa Health centre, Al Khalidiya Health center, Alriqa Health center, Sharjah Health Center, Alhamryeh Health center, Nazwa Health Center, Albatayih Health Center, Wadi Alhelo Health Center, Lou Aluoayyah Health center and Dibba Alhessan Health Center.  In Ajman Al Humaidiyah Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Mushairef Health Center, Al Manama Health Center, Muzaira Health center, Amina Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, Prime Medical Center EGM and Thumbay University Hospital.   In Umm Al Quwain Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Falaj Almualla Health Center, Alrafa Health center and Alkhazan Health Center.  In Fujairah Murashid Medical Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Dhadna Health center, Al Khalibia Health center, Al Madina Medical Center, Al Bidya Health Center, Murbah Health Center MOH, Al Qurayyah Health Center, Al Halah Primary Health center, Tawyeen Health Center, Al Siji Primary Health Center, Wadi Al Sedir Health center, Qidfaa Health center, School Health Center Fujeirah, Dibba Exhibition Centre and Thumbay Hospital.  The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination is currently available only in Dubai for frontline workers, people above the age of 60 and people with chronic diseases at 6 DHA centres: * Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre * Al Mizhar Primary Health Care Centre * Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre * Barsha Primary Health Care Centre * Uptown Mirdiff Medical Fitness Centre * Hatta Hospital  #TogetherWeRecover#covid19 #covidvaccine