Day: June 12, 2024

The Hidden Gems of Meena Bazaar: A Vibrant Journey through Dubai’s Little India

Who doesn’t enjoy shopping, especially in Meena Bazar, Dubai’s “little India”? This is the ideal place to buy gifts for your loved ones when visiting the UAE’s premier shopping destination. You may choose from a wide range of well-liked foreign products here, as well as stylish jewellery that is hard to resist. The challenging thing is having to select from a vast selection of unique products at a discounted price, all under one roof! Don’t worry—we’ve chosen Meena Bazar’s main sights and destinations and just put up this shopping guide for you. Take a look to find out the best things to do and purchase while you’re lounging around “Little India.” Why a hidden gem? Meena Bazar, a well-known bazaar in Dubai, is famous for its reasonably priced jewellery, fabrics, handicrafts, and cuisine items influenced by South Asian influences. You can find remnants of the city’s early textile and gold industry here. It is also a well-liked location for traditional clothing buying. It is located in Bur Dubai, on the corner of Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road and Al Fahidi Street. The vibrant shops of Meena Bazaar transport you back in time, as do the views of the historic Dubai Creek. It’s often referred to as “Bur Dubai’s Little India.” It brings to mind a retail district in Delhi, India, where Meena is the name of a well-known regional girl. The word initially referred to an annual women’s fair hosted by the Mughal emperor Akhbar. Customers like the Bur Dubai market, which is fittingly named because of its traditional fashion fabrics. The market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eye-catching hues, and wide range of merchandise. Additionally, tourists could enjoy haggling with sellers and finding unique mementoes. The Meena Bazaar offers: A range of food options. Featuring Pakistani, Indian, and street food from the area. Mediterranean cooking. Meena Bazaar Dubai is a dynamic market where new businesses often open, so it is impossible to pinpoint the precise number of shops there. However, different enterprises range in size from little booths to massive retail spaces. Thus, visit Bur Dubai Meena Bazaar for a fantastic shopping experience. Where is it located The shopping centre is accessible by public transportation and close to Khalid Bin Waleed Street in Bur Dubai. You can bring your car, although parking is not always easy and expensive. So, use public transport hassle-free if you wish to buy at Meena Bazar. There is a public bus stop at Faheidi Roundabout where you can catch a ride. Alternatively, you can utilise the metro system and exit at Al Fahidi Metro Station 2. Background on Meena Bazar Cosmos Lane is Meena Bazar’s actual name. However, because most of the textile shops on Al Fahidi Street are similar to Delhi’s Meena Bazaar, taxi drivers in Dubai refer to this area as Meena Bazaar. When a store in Bur Dubai changed its name from Shardha Trading to Meena Bazaar in 1970, the title gained popularity. Meena Bazar is the ideal location if you’re searching for traditional desi clothing. Although the street has always been a visual delight for tourists, Meena Bazaar wasn’t its original name. The name “Bazaar,” which means “market” in English, came from a shop at the front of the street in the early 1970s. The street and the store both changed their names to Meena Bazaar after initially being known as Shardha Trading. The vibrancy that permeates Meena Bazaar’s streets greets you as soon as you walk through the doors and makes the place come alive. The place will engross you, from the lively hues of the mannequins arranged in rows to the aroma of freshly made street food, which is warm and umami. When to visit The ideal time to shop at Meena Bazar is from 8:00 to 23:59 GST on Saturday through Thursday. Please be aware that it is open from 14:00 Gulf Standard Time till midnight on Fridays if you plan to come. In addition, the stores close for at least half an hour at lunch. Additionally, the UAE cuts their working hours by two hours a day during Ramadan. The Supermarket Extravaganza: Why Meena Bazar Dubai is a shopping enthusiast’s paradise A bewildering collection of stores, each providing something different, line the small lanes. What you can buy is as follows:   Fabrics and Textiles Meena Bazar is well-known for its fabrics and textile products. Shops selling excellent silks, colourful cotton designs, and fabrics with elaborate embroidery can be found. Whether you want to find ready-made traditional clothing or materials to design your own, this is the place to go.   Jewels In Meena Bazar, traditional shops selling jewellery made of gold and silver line the streets. The options range from exquisite bridal sets to delicate daily pieces. If you haggle well, you could walk away with a fantastic deal.   Aromas and Fragrances Meena Bazar is a feast for the senses. Perfume shops sell a wide variety of perfumes, including classic Arabic attars. It’s a great spot to find distinctive smells that will bring back memories of your trip to Dubai.   Technology Are you searching for the newest technology? Dubai’s Meena Bazar has you covered. These electronics stores are renowned for offering numerous goods at affordable costs.   Herbs and Spices Spice lovers exploring Meena Bazar’s spice shops will be in ecstasy. Everything is available, including exotic plants and flavours like cardamom and saffron. As an accompaniment, don’t forget to purchase some Arabian coffee!   Crafts and Memorabilia Visit the stores offering fine handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs to bring a bit of Dubai’s culture home. These are beautiful keepsakes for your trip to Dubai, and they make lovely gifts. Explore the authenticity with Thrillark Meena Bazar Dubai is unique because it is authentic. You may observe the daily lives of Dubai’s diverse populace there. You are immediately transported to the centre of the city by the busy streets, the aromas emanating from food vendors, and the vibrant fabrics blowing in the wind.

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The most essential food experiences in Dubai

Featuring popular pop-ups and limited-time menus, this is your insider guide to experiencing the best of the city’s food scene. Whether it’s to satisfy your hunger for Dubai cuisine or celebrate with friends and family visiting the city, We will never be able to comprehend those who view food only as a means of fuel. Still, for others, it’s a way of life, a pastime, or even an obsession (those people we understand). Appropriate foodies look for unique dishes they can’t wait to share with their pals. These are the culinary adventures in Dubai that every food enthusiast needs to have completed. Local Emirati food has long been underrepresented on Dubai’s culinary map. However, this has started to change as more fascinating new Emirati eateries are popping up throughout the city. We’ve unearthed some of the best local cuisine and drinks to sample during your stay in this Middle Eastern culinary paradise, from mouthwatering breads and pastries to Arabic coffee and camel burgers. Never abandon Dubai without attempting.. 1. The Luqaimat Doughnut flavour and texture abound in these heated dumplings. Every day, cafés prepare new batches topped with sesame seeds and served with a sticky date sauce. A great spot to taste them is in the morning with some hot coffee at Jumeirah’s Local Bites Café.   2. Knafeh This pastry dish originated in Palestine and has become a local staple in the UAE. Made with dough, crisp sugar syrup, and sour cheese, it is best eaten immediately. In Deira, one of the most well-liked locations to sample is Qwaider Al Nabulsi. Thousands of people can place orders for this dessert each day during Ramadan as it is served during iftar, the meal Muslims consume at dusk to break their fast.   3. Camel Meat Although Emiratis have never traditionally eaten camel meat, more and more contemporary chefs in the city are attempting to prepare dishes like camel sliders, camel biryani, burgers, and stews. Camel milk has a slightly higher salt content than cow’s milk but has more protein, less cholesterol, and more iron and vitamin C. Too total to finish a glass? Instead, try some camel milk ice cream. Pistachio, chocolate, and date are just a few varieties available in Arab cafés around the city.   4. Masala at Bab Al Shams Easily the greatest tandoor in the area, Masala’s cuisine carries intense Indian flavours that instantly take you back to childhood. Dine al fresco at Bab Al Shams and indulge in a three-course dinner Chef Keshaw Jha prepared for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Masala is a restaurant that celebrates Indian food unlike any other, offering a carefully curated selection of North Indian cuisine!   5. Harees In Dubai, shares are among the most well-known foods. It is frequently present on Emirati dinner tables and on the menus of some of the best restaurants in Dubai. Due to the time and skill required in its creation, it is frequently served at banquets, weddings, and special occasions. Crushed wheat, minced beef (occasionally chicken), onions, ground cumin, a lot of water, and salt are the ingredients for hares. Emirati hares are regarded as one of the most well-known traditional foods in the nation. It is a significant component of the regional culinary legacy, and recipes are being passed down through the years.   6. Majboos Due to their popularity among Emiratis, majors are enjoyed by a large number of visitors to Dubai. Recipes from families are handed down over the generations. The dish consists of different kinds of meat served over basmati rice. Emirati majors, which have the unique aromas of strong Arabian spices and a variety of vegetables, are commonly served with chicken. Meat or chicken majors are eaten at many family gatherings and are a mainstay of Iftar meals throughout Ramadan.   7. Luqaymat A well-known feature of Dubai’s traditional food is the playmat, which is produced for a variety of cultural events conducted around the Emirates. They are regarded as a “must-have” dessert for restaurants and homes, particularly on special occasions. These quaint, sugary pastries have a beautiful golden ball shape and melt on your tongue. The ingredients include sesame seeds, flour, milk, sugar, salt, and a tiny bit of yeast. After the batter is kneaded, it is fried in oil, covered with syrup and left to rest for a while. Some maintain that the origins of luqaymat can be traced back to the Arab world, specifically to ‘awama or halwa al-luqaymat. However, the Greeks also had a variant called loukoumades. Sharbat, the syrup that resembles honey and is used to finish playmat, originated in Turkiye.   8. Madrouba One of the most well-liked dishes in Dubai is Maroubra, which is equally well-liked in Bahrain and Oman. The most popular type of Maroubra is eaten with chicken but can also be had with fish, lamb, or crushed grains. Garlic, onion, rice, tomatoes, yoghurt, and seasoning are used in its preparation. The use of butter should also be reduced. The recipe’s final step involves beating the ingredients together to create a smooth mash, hence the term “madrouba,” which translates to “beaten” in Arabic. Because it is so digested, this dish is perfect for all ages.   9. Oozie One of the most well-known foods from the Gulf area is oozie. It appears at significant events like celebratory gatherings and weddings. When family and friends get together to break their fast during Ramadan, oozing with meat also has a special place at the Emirati dinner table. This is a rice-based dish that can be served with chicken or filled into little pastry pockets. It is occasionally topped with a blend of roasted and fried nuts and served with lettuce and yoghurt.   10. Manousheh Pizza You may sample some of Dubai’s sharp cuisine by ordering the local pizza if you’re searching for the city’s specialities. It is a stretched dough that becomes utterly mouthwatering when stuffed with locally grown foods and unusual toppings like olive oil, aromatic Zaatar spices, and

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Bucket List Ideas
Meenakshi Nair

The best places to watch the sunset in the UAE

Due to its long history of trading in precious metals, Dubai has earned the nickname “the city of gold.” However, if you spend enough time here, you’ll discover still another reason for its designation. The beautiful golden hours the city’s year-round weather affords are best experienced, in our opinion, with your toes in the sand at one of the many pubs and restaurants that take full advantage of their excellent sunset views. These are Dubai’s favourite places to enjoy a sundowner, whether on a rooftop patio or at a coastal taverna. It’s good to enjoy the tiny shocks that nature gives us in between the flash and glamour of Dubai. Warm orange, regal purple, and beautiful pink tones mix magically to herald the end of another scorching day and welcome the cool embrace of nightfall in the Middle East. Dubai is a terrific place for sunset watchers, with many excellent venues and settings to capture the ideal Arabian dusk. These are our top recommendations for spots in Dubai to watch the sunset. Viewing Deck of the Burj Khalifa A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is necessary for the ultimate Dubai experience. The 829-meter-tall outdoor observation deck is a must-see if you want to see the city’s breathtaking sunset. The 124th story of the building is home to the deck known as “At the Top.” With its stunning views of the setting sun, the observation deck is ideal for taking pictures and enjoying the most extended sunset in the nation. To get the entire experience, plan and reserve your tickets well in advance, especially from October to April, when it’s the busiest. Allow at least one hour for the adventure. Advice: Reserve your time slot right before sunset instead of during the performance to witness the city light up from day to night and experience the entire spectacle. Deira Creek There’s an inherent appeal to Old Dubai. There are still traces of Deira’s former status as Dubai’s financial and commercial centre. Taking a dhow, or abra, a traditional fishing boat, across the water from Deira to Bur Dubai at sunset is one of the most excellent things to do in Dubai. The district is enveloped in an ethereal glow as the warm orange hue of the sunset dances across all the silver buildings facing the creek and reflecting off the water. Sit by the markets and fishing boats and gaze out into the water as the sun sets if you don’t want to cross the water. With its curving mirror, the triangular Chamber of Commerce tower next to the Emirates NBD building is a sight to behold when the sun sets, and its brilliance reflects off them. Sunset Cove As its name suggests, Sunset Beach, located behind Sunset Mall in Jumeirah, is among the city’s most sensitive and tranquil beaches in cities. Sunset Beach is the ideal location to enjoy the setting sun in a calm and serene ambience. It’s close enough to the busy Kite Beach yet far enough away to appreciate the peace of your surroundings. At the shore’s edge, take a lovely view of the wealthy Burj Al Arab as it sets and comes to life at sunset. The verdant Umm Suqeim Park is conveniently located within walking distance, as are a multitude of eateries and cafes serving a wide range of surf-n-turf cuisines. If you’ll be there on a Friday, get there early to secure the most excellent beachside site. Jebel Hafit Desert National Park Jebel Hafit may be the site of the highest peak in the emirate, with stunning scenery and a rich archaeological past. Admire the sun setting over the mountains or the golden hour light hitting the sandstone faces below. Just outside of Al Ain, the park can be reached from Abu Dhabi in around 90 minutes by car—the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United Arab Emirates. Jebel Hafit Desert Park is a great place to enjoy the area’s natural surround: experienceence camping, mountain riding, and historical tours like never before. Mosque Sheikh Zayed Grand For a good reason, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is already at the top of every traveller’s list of things to do. The mosque is one of the most astonishing architectural achievements in the history of the United Arab Emirates and is a celebration of the country’s tolerance and diversity of cultures. Additionally, sunset is the ideal moment to photograph it since the beautiful white façade and ornamental embellishments gleam in the golden hour li.ght The Corniche of Abu Dhabi Spotless beaches, cafes, and dining establishments border the eight kilometres of beachfront that make up the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Obtain moving and rent a bicycle from one of the many rental stations scattered throughout the Corniche, or stroll down the boardwalk during golden hour to obtain some fantastic pictures. Pierchic, Al Qasr Jumeirah Diners at Pierchic will experience a surreal sense of floating lightly over the Arabian Gulf thanks to its prime location on Jumeirah Al Qasr’s private pier. On one side, you can see the famous Burj Al Arab, which resembles a sail and has come to symbolise Dubai’s skyline. On the other, you can look out over Palm Jumeirah, another enduring emblem of the Emirate, and straight ahead, you can see the Gulf’s sparkling seas fade into the distance. Savour chic Italian seafood while enjoying the breathtaking views during the golden hour. Sal at the Burj Al Arab Sal is a stylish new pop-up beach restaurant that offers a taste of Carrara, Tuscany, with views of the Arabian Gulf. This place has a classy yet relaxed vibe thanks to its vibrant pillows and sandy colours. Sea bass with a salted crust, delicious king crab served with homemade trenette pasta, and seabream Isolana are some of the restaurant’s specialities. Just a few feet from the restaurant, you can spend time in a luxurious cabana with your significant other. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a tray of fresh fruit and a quality

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