HOW ARE WE ALL DOING?

It’s been an unbelievable couple of months, that’s for sure.

As we watched major events and attractions announce their cancellations, followed by curfews, and sterilisation programmes, it’s been hard not to feel rather jittery. “If there’s nothing happening in the UAE, how can we write about What’s On?”, chirped in one online reporter on one of our first ever Zoom calls.

She had a point. A rather scary one.

But that feeling quickly subsided. Restaurants and small businesses came up with ingenious ways to reach customers; companies quickly shifted their attention to online offerings; and classes of all kinds became virtual. There has been so much to write about, so much to champion, and such positivity, resilience and ingenuity – it’s impossible not to be proud to call the UAE home.

Of course, we know it’s a difficult time. Many of us are far away from family; people are feeling lonely; and many companies that we all love are hurting, so we’ll continue to do our bit and share innovative ways to support them. And while the government may have eased restrictions slightly over the last few days, it’s important we remain resilient and only go out when absolutely necessary.

Which brings me to this issue. This magazine you hold in your hands – or most likely reading online – isn’t filled exactly the way you’ve come to know it. We’re not writing about the new concerts happening this month, sharing details of the new gyms you should check out, or where next to travel to. Because the fact of the matter is, our living rooms have become our gyms, the balcony our next trip, the kitchen our new test centres, and our showers, the new karaoke spot. Okay, ours has always been the only karaoke spot for us.

Instead, we’re sharing guides to the fun things to do at home, from our top 50 movies currently available over streaming services to the best delivery services in the country. We’ll suggest easy and challenging recipes to try, virtual pub quizzes to sign up for and much more, so have a read, get inspired, and pick something fun to do today.

Until we all meet again at the next music festival, stay healthy and be safe. Being indoors is the best place to be right now.

Enjoy the issue – and Ramadan Kareem from our What’s On family to yours.