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