Middle East
Wondering what you should read this summer? Look no further than our top picks of books by Middle Eastern and North African authors – a list of unforgettable reads that will keep you captivated whether you’ve got a packed summer of travel planned, or are looking forward to balmy evenings lounging with a book at home. From timeless love stories to unwind with, to compelling short stories that will keep you on the edge of your deck chair, your next perfect read will be on this list!
To mark Pride Month, we’re sharing a list of resources for anyone who’d like to learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues across the Middle East and North Africa, and in diaspora communities around the world.
Set between sprawling white sand beaches, ancient ruins and a freshwater lagoon, the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Ananatara is perfectly placed for the ultimate Salalah getaway. On the shores of the Arabian Sea, Salalah is Oman’s tropical paradise. This beautiful city is famed for its blissful coastline, unending supply of fresh coconuts, and of course the novelty of monsoon rains in the desert – Salalah’s khareef season! Immerse yourself in Arabian hospitality, history, and incredible food in the Land of Frankincense – and stay in the lap of luxury at the Al Baleed Resort for the trip of a lifetime!
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week we’re highlighting people and organisations doing brilliant things in the field of mental health, from spreading knowledge and acceptance of mental health conditions, to providing mental health care to those in crisis, and sharing strategies and tips on how to cope with everything from social anxiety to intrusive thoughts.
We’re so glad that you’re considering learning Arabic, and if you’re wondering which Arabic dialect to learn you’ve come to the right place! You may have been taken aback to find out that choosing to study Arabic isn’t a clear-cut decision – the range of dialects make things a touch more complicated than for some other languages. But never fear, in this series of blog posts we’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of studying each of the major forms of Arabic and its colloquial dialects, so you can make an informed choice. This week we’re taking a look at Modern Standard Arabic, the formal form of the language, also known as Fusha. We’ll be looking at the good, the bad, and the ugly (we’re looking at you, casing system!) to help make your decision as easy as possible!
If you’re looking for a luxurious Middle Eastern escape, look no further. The Alilu Hinu Bay Resort in Mirbat, Oman is the perfect place to relax and restore. From incredible food to indulgent spa treatments, you won’t even need to venture outside of the hotel to have a blissful holiday, but if you’re looking for a touch of adventure, there’s plenty to explore in this stunning corner of the Omani coast.
This week, we’ve put together an introduction to the month of Ramadan, from key terminology to the festive treats that are served. If you’d like to learn more about Ramadan, here’s some of the most important aspects of the month to know about, and if you’re learning Arabic we’re sharing all the Ramadan vocabulary you’ll need!
If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible taste of Arabic coffee, or qahwa, but never managed to recreate it at home, we’ve got you covered! This week Pink Jinn is collaborating with Medina Coffee to bring you the ultimate recipe for qahwa, so you can enjoy perfect Arabic coffee from home.
Scent is one of the most powerful aspects of personal adornment. It lingers in the air long after a person has left, it brings back memories of places we’ve been or people we’ve loved, and it has a proven influence on our state of mind: from soothing lavender to pick-me-up rosemary, the powers of fragrance have been known and used for millennia. The use of fragrance goes well beyond that of beautification.