Dining in or out? UAE residents share their views
Salem Mohammad Al Beloushi Government relations officer
‘I eat out mostly because I am out for work often. I used to be out of shape before, but now I am working out and more conscious of what I eat. Many restaurants now have healthy food options and that helps. I do my breakfasts at the cafeteria near my home. I mostly eat oats with skimmed milk. My lunch comprises grilled fish or chicken with salad, which I usually eat at Ikea Restaurant Dubai. These days, I am eating salad for dinner as well. My work requirements keep me away from home mostly, so I eat at home only on Fridays. But, given a choice I would love to eat at home more often.’
Jeswin George Facility manager
‘I have moved away from junk over the last few months and mostly eat home-cooked food. I am trying to go back to how our ancestors used to eat. I eat a big breakfast at home and carry my lunch with me to my workplace. Dinner, I usually eat small. Currently, my only concern is the timing of the food intake because, due to the nature of my work, I can’t usually eat on time. I started eating home-cooked food after realising that my weight was increasing. I feel happier and healthier now and also importantly this has helped me financially as eating out costs more.’
Fatima Nazih Relationship manager in Abu Dhabi
‘Having healthy meals each day is very important for me and my daughter, so I prefer to dine mostly at home. I have a maid to prepare meals for us, to our taste and health requirements, which suits me and my child. Mostly children are affected by obesity due to eating too much fast food, so I keep my child away from junk food. It saves money too as dining out is very expensive. But my daughter and I have agreed that, every couple of weeks or once in a month, we dine out.’
Priya Nair Bid manager in Abu Dhabi
‘It’s a matter of convenience or occasion but, during working days, I mostly dine at home and love to do so because there is nothing better than eating home-cooked meals with the family. During weekdays, I carry lunch to the office. But I love to have mostly dinner with my children at home. Family get-togethers and spending quality time with the family are supremely important and fun too. However, sometimes during the weekends we dine out with relatives or friends.’