FROM THE SOURCE
Iwill confess that this weekend’s cover story strikes a special chord with me: I’ve been a bit laidback in my efforts to explore Al Ain from my home in Dubai, so when Silvia Radan suggested we take a closer look at the UAE’s ’green city,’ I couldn’t wait to find out more. While it’s always struck me as a lovely place, I wasn’t entirely sure of what to visit once I completed the drive down the E66.
What we found is the source of much of the UAE’s history, and many ways to explore it this season. It’s all kicking off this month with events designed to showcase the country’s culture and heritage. We’ve put together a list of what to see and do, along with an indepth guide to the key historical sights, on page 25. It will make you want to hop in the car and tackle the legendary roundabouts this weekend – when you do go, send us your pictures as we’d love to share them. And if you already live in (or know and love) Al Ain, then share your tips for out-of-towners in our Story Tellers feature.
This is without a doubt the best time to be in the UAE, with more events than we can list in our Weekend Guide (which is why we curate the best ones for you each week). Case in point: Global Village this week kicks off its 22nd season; by the time it wraps up in April next year, there will have been 12,000 performances at the cultural theme park-carnivalshopping fair. (The colossal number of leather jackets and jars of Yemeni honey sold during the period is uncountable.) Shreeja Ravindranathan rounds up the newest additions on page 19.
Our in-depth guide to Al Ain will make you want to hop in the car and tackle the legendary roundabouts this weekend
Even fashion editor Lindsay Judge gets in on events season with her stylish look at what to wear at the concerts coming up in the next few months – whether you’re waving your arms in the air at Ed Sheeran (yes, he’s confirmed he’s coming despite falling off his bike) or raising your opera glasses to watch ballet masterpieces at the Opera House. Turn to page 34.
Then again, maybe you just want to stay in, do the crossword and have a fish finger sandwich. No problem – we’ve even got a be-good-to-yourself version on page 45, courtesy of well-being guru James Duigan’s new book.