On December 2 2019, the 48th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates is celebrated. For that reason, today I want to tell you about one of the most important and sacred patriotic symbols for Emiratis: falconry, a sport using birds that has been elevated to the category of Intangible Cultural Heritage by … Continue reading Falconry: The UAE’s most sacred sport
Tag: desert
What to wear when travelling the Middle East
As a western woman, it can be hard to know what to wear when travelling in the Middle East. After virtually every trip I’ve taken to the region I’ve been asked what I wear and whether I've needed to cover up. I get the impression that confusion over what’s appropriate and what’s not massively discourages … Continue reading What to wear when travelling the Middle East
5 reasons to fall in love with the Middle East
Happy Valentine’s Day! To share the love, I’ve put together a list of the 5 reasons why I fell in love with this magical, mysterious part of the world… and why, if you haven’t already, you will too! 1. Natural beauty The Middle East is home not only to vast deserts, but also to mountains, … Continue reading 5 reasons to fall in love with the Middle East
Letters from Baghdad: The female Lawrence of Arabia that the history books ignored
Any student or observer of the Middle East has likely heard of a young man named T.E. Lawrence, whose integration into the tribes of Arabia in the early 20th century helped shape the current reality of this turbulent region. His famous work, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, has become essential reading for anyone interested in the Middle … Continue reading Letters from Baghdad: The female Lawrence of Arabia that the history books ignored
Morocco: Echoes of the Orient
Morocco’s tourist trail is certainly well trodden. Nevertheless, for the more cultured or adventurous traveller, Morocco is absolutely not to be missed. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking for a more relaxed break, these top ten experiences ought not to be missed: