Chaat.Chai.Chatter, Hum Pakistani...UAE Se

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

To truly care for one another, we must love for others what we love for ourselves. What better way to love one another than to give charity? Apart from professing belief and prayer, charity is considered the third most important component of our faith. But what does our beloved Prophet (PBUH) say about charity? Why is it considered so important?  In this last part of #RamadanDiaries, we list 10 insightful Ahadith about why charity is so important in Islam.  #charityinRamadan #charityinIslam

Ramadan is considered incomplete in all Muslim households if you do not break your fast with dates. The date palm is the most mentioned fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.”  Besides, being a Sunnah, dates are packed with nutrition and are full of antioxidants and high in fiber.  The UAE alone grows at least 250 varieties of dates. In the third episode of Ramadan Diaries, we list 7 Popular Types of Dates in the UAE and some of Their Health Benefits.   #ajwadates #datesinRamadan #healthbenefitsofdates

Every evening during Ramadan, the booming sound of cannons can be heard across the UAE at sunset. The police across all emirates operate the special cannons with blank cartridges at the city's popular tourist spots as curious visitors gather to witness the spectacle.  In this 4-part Ramadan Diaries, we take you through some interesting traditions followed in the UAE the Holy Month, starting with cannon firing. The tradition lives on, even as neighbourhood mosques now sound the adhan on loudspeakers.  #RamadanInUAE #cannonfiring #mydubai

The UAE is home to the most magnificent mosques in the world - from the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi which has the world's largest dome to the 500 year old mosque in Fujairah - each one of them is unique in it's architecture and each mosque has it's own story to tell. In this episode of #RamadanDiaries, we bring you the top five worth seeing mosques in the UAE. Enjoy!   #mosquesinuae #sheikhzayedmosque

It's been a year since Covid struck this world and we are now in the midst of an intense third wave. Millions have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands have fallen ill, suffered, quarantined and got better. However, having Covid traumatizes people. Other than impacting their physical health, Covid affects mental health too.  One person ill, means the entire family and community is impacted. Here I speak to a Covid survivor who explains what she went through and why we should not take it easy just yet.  #covidpatient #covid19patientstories #covid19survivor

Abras are the oldest form of the public transport system in Dubai. In olden times, they enabled the movement of men and material between the two shores of the creek called Deira and Bur Dubai. Today, these are still used as water taxis to this day and are run by the government of Dubai and interestingly, the fare is still an unbelievable AED1. I take a short ride on this traditional boat along with a Pakistani who has been steering this boat for the past 8 years. Join me in this journey.  #Dubaiabra #abra #Dubaitourism

March 23 is one the most significant days for all Pakistanis. The Lahore Resolution of 1940  is the result of what may be considered one of the most significant political movements in recent world history. It led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.  That Pakistan came into existence seven years after the resolution of March 23, 1940 is a wonder in itself. It was created in the wake of sharp ideological divides that were exacerbated by the prejudiced conduct of the Hindu leadership, whose sole aim was to subdue the Muslim population after India’s independence from British colonial rule. Pakistanis celebrate this day with fervour but many have forgotten what the resolution actually said. In this video, I try and explain how events unfolded.  #March23 #PakistanResolutionDay #PakistanDay

Belonging to a underdeveloped area of Pakistan's Kashmir area, Tariq Rashid is now the only Pakistani to be hired in the Middle East by the social media giant Facebook. He is now based in Dubai. Working odd jobs and double shifts as well as a freelancer, Tariq talks to me about his journey and the struggles he faced to reach where he is today. With lots of tips for youngsters looking for a professional break, this interview is a must watch.  #Facebook #WorkAtFacebook #earnmoneyonline

Tamkeen is a project initiated by the Women Empowerment Committee of the Ladies Forum at Pakistan Association Dubai. This project aims at helping home-based or online business startups and assist women entrepreneurs to stabilize their falling business and empower women economically especially those affected financially during Covid. Here I speak to Sadaf Athar, the head of this initiative and she explains how this consultation is given to women free of cost. You can reach out to the Tamkeen team through these channels:  +971562794329 - WhatsApp Only Email: Tamkeen.LF2020@gmail.com  Instagram:  @Ladies Forum PAD   FaceBook: @ladiesforum.pad2019  #womenempowerment #entrepeneurs #covid

UAE residents can now get the COVID-19 vaccination in all emirates at government centres as well as some private hospitals. The vaccine is optional but highly recommended.  This video will take you through the steps as I take the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine at the Prime Medical Centre in Al Nahda, Sharjah and explain the process step-by-step for your ease.   The second dose will be given after 21 days.  The vaccine is free for all residents.   To book for a vaccine at Prime Medical Centre, click here:   https://covidvaccine-appointment.primehealth.ae:8590/Prime_CovidVaccination.aspx   Also, do not forget to carry your Emirates ID card with you.   Below I've listed where to get the Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE. No booking is required for these centres.  In Dubai: Alittihad Health Center, Hor Al Anz Health Center and Al Qusais Health centre.  In Abu Dhabi Available at all clinics run by Seha and at hospitals and clinics run by VPS Healthcare. Bookings can be made for Seha clinics by calling 80050 or visiting www.seha.ae.  In Ras Al Khaimah RAK XPO Center, Al Jazerah Health Center, Al Mamoorah Health Center, Al Manaie Health Center, Showka Health Center, Kadrah Health Center, Wadi Sifni Health center, Al Rams Health Center, Saif Bin Ali Health Center, Al Humraniah Health Center, Al Nakeel Health Center, Al Digdagah Health Center, Shamal Health Center, Sports Hall, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Alfareq Al Motanaqel and RAK Hospital.   In Sharjah Wasit Medical Centre, Mughaider Suburb Council, West tent, Sajaa Mall, Al Rifaa Health centre, Al Khalidiya Health center, Alriqa Health center, Sharjah Health Center, Alhamryeh Health center, Nazwa Health Center, Albatayih Health Center, Wadi Alhelo Health Center, Lou Aluoayyah Health center and Dibba Alhessan Health Center.  In Ajman Al Humaidiyah Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Mushairef Health Center, Al Manama Health Center, Muzaira Health center, Amina Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, Prime Medical Center EGM and Thumbay University Hospital.   In Umm Al Quwain Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Falaj Almualla Health Center, Alrafa Health center and Alkhazan Health Center.  In Fujairah Murashid Medical Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Hall, Dhadna Health center, Al Khalibia Health center, Al Madina Medical Center, Al Bidya Health Center, Murbah Health Center MOH, Al Qurayyah Health Center, Al Halah Primary Health center, Tawyeen Health Center, Al Siji Primary Health Center, Wadi Al Sedir Health center, Qidfaa Health center, School Health Center Fujeirah, Dibba Exhibition Centre and Thumbay Hospital.  The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination is currently available only in Dubai for frontline workers, people above the age of 60 and people with chronic diseases at 6 DHA centres: * Zabeel Primary Health Care Centre * Al Mizhar Primary Health Care Centre * Nad Al Hamr Primary Health Care Centre * Barsha Primary Health Care Centre * Uptown Mirdiff Medical Fitness Centre * Hatta Hospital  #TogetherWeRecover#covid19 #covidvaccine

Joginder Singh Salaria is the founder of the Pehal Charitable Trust Humanity in based in Dubai Humanitarian City and for years he has been helping people in the UAE, Pakistan and India. However, his desire is to promote peace between both Pakistan and India and for this reason, he often helps Pakistanis in distress.  His trust has also won a Guinness World Record for Longest Line for Hunger Relief Packages in Abu Dhabi in May 2019.  This conversation between us is just a small glimpse of the nature of the work he and his trust PCT does.   Do listen for a dose of inspiration!

Located in Dubailand, the Dubai Miracle Garden opened for visitors on November 1. It uses 150 million flowers from 120 varieties each season and has also been recognized thrice by the Guinness Book of Records in different categories. You all probably know details about this garden but what you don't know is that there is a Pakistani engineer who oversaw the development and landscaping of Dubai’s Miracle Garden when it was being transformed nine years ago. Listen to our very interesting conversation while taking a tour of the garden.   The garden has an entry ticket as follows:  Regular Admission: Adult (12 years old above): 55AED  Children (3 years - 12 years) 40AED

An Emirati man has set a Guinness World Record by building the world's largest dhow. Majid Obaid Al Falasi's dhow was officially certified by the Guinness World Records on October 28, 2020. Al Falasi tells me he plans to soon set sail for Karachi in 'Obaid' where his father built his first dhow.  The majestic dhow measures 91.47m in length and is 20.41m wide. To visualize this, it is the length and almost half the width of a standard American football field, floating over the Indian Ocean. Hypothetically speaking, balancing this huge structure on either its bow or stern vertically would make this dhow stand almost as tall as the Big Ben in London.

Pakistani schools in UAE have been facing a lot of challenges over the past several years. Many of these are community schools founded in early 70s with fees ranging between AED300-600 and hasn't changed much over the years. Salaries of teachers have been below average while the infrastructure has been falling apart. Hence, the quality of education provided has also been below par.  Ratings from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have been 'weak' for several years until last year when HH Sheikh Rashid Pakistani School achieved the acceptable rank which was good news for the community. This school and a couple of others in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are managed by the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai. Here I speak to the Consul General of Pakistan to Dubai, Ahmed Amjad Ali on what changes are being done, how much is being spent on the uplift of these schools, the impact and the future of Pakistani schools in the UAE.

A trip to Mleiha is like stepping back in time. The past few decades of excavations have turned up more and more evidence, dating back as far as the Palaeolithic age that establishes how important the region is archaeologically. Mleiha also holds a vast field of exciting discovery for the nature lover as well. The region has a plethora of flora and fauna including some rare plants and animals that are not easily found elsewhere.  The topography of Mleiha is so diverse that you will find the landscape changing every few kilometres, with the rolling sand dunes suddenly merging into alluvial gravel plains and limestone outcrops suddenly popping up to enliven the scenery. Such diversity naturally allows rare plants and animals to inhabit and thrive in this terrain. Here is trip dedicated to history and nature lovers...

Hello! Just to give you a break from interviews and hard news stories,  I am starting this new series titled "Ye Raaste"  in which I'll take all of you around UAE. We will explore sights and sounds together....there are many places that I haven't also seen and there is much to explore. In this episode, we go around an old market, a traditional souq of textile products located in Dubai's historic Bur Dubai neighbourhood along the Dubai Creek.  During this walk, we come across someone who has a very old and interesting story to tell.   Enjoy the trip!

Pakistani youngster Sitara Brooj Akbar is a child prodigy. She is a multiple academic world record holder, a biomedical scientist, youth ambassador and motivational speaker who moved to the UAE in 2015.  At the age of 11 in 2011, Sitara became the youngest person in the world to pass five subjects in O’Levels (IGCSE of the UK Education system). Years later in 2018, Sitara’s brother Qamar Muneer Akbar broke her record to become the world’s youngest person to pass an O’Level exam at the age of eight.  Here I speak to the siblings who tell me they are home schooled and how they still tower above others in academics.

In the early 2000s, not many Pakistani women were appointed as diplomats in the Middle East region. Rana Raheem was among the few...she was the Minister for Trade and Economics during her tenure here and was later appointed as Consul General to the US and went on wards to become ambassador. She is now retired and lives in the Dubai but her contributions are not any lesser now. While working with the community to uplift Pakistani schools in the Northern Emirates, she has also initiated a book bank for those who cannot afford to buy new books for their children. I talk to her on Pakistan-UAE relations, the past and what the future is like as well on her journey, her achievements and her services for the Pakistani community in the UAE. For those interested in donating books to different collection points across Dubai and Sharjah, here is a Whatsapp number only: 00971551968128

South Asian culture, especially the Pakistani society frowns upon women exercising during pregnancy considering it unsafe for the mother and unborn baby. Sadaf Majdy Khan, a Pakistani fitness trainer and nutrition coach, instead ran a marathon while she was 8 weeks pregnant! Here I talk to Sadaf who is on a mission to educate women on the benefits of exercising during pregnancy. Here I speak to her on her journey, why she ran, what happened during her marathon. Sadaf has documented her journey on her Insta page @movewithmajdy to motivate women and also gives fitness and nutrition advice.

Aleema Khan is the sister of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. She is also member Board of Governors of Namal Educational Foundation which is Imran Khan's vision and concept.   Here she talks to me on what Namal offers Pakistani students, about Imran Khan's involvement, his vision for Namal as well as future collaboration with UAE on agri-research.  Listen to the episode to hear what she says about her brother and a whole lot more.

A big chunk of the Pakistani workforce in Dubai are taxi drivers. Almost everyone who has ever travelled in a taxi in Dubai has come across a Pakistani driver. Pakistani drivers are well known for their honesty and are often rewarded for these actions. In this video I talk to one such Pakistani who has been in the UAE for 8 years on how his typical day looks like, what irks him about passengers and ofcourse, a little bit on Pakistani politics and Imran Khan.

While there is no difference between girls and boys taking over the kitchen at home nowadays, our Pakistani society still has specifically fixed  and assigned cooking to the female gender unless of course the boys grow up and choose cooking as their love for the profession. After all the best chefs in the world are men!   However, habits develop and the best cooks learn at a young age, for both genders.  I speak to one such amazing boy Rehan Khurram who started baking at the age of 6 after being inspired by his mother's cooking. And there is no doubt that he was encouraged by his mother who tells me why it is important to treat boys and girls equally.   Slowly but surely we are getting there!

Recently Pakistani celebrity Fakhr-e-Alam took to social media to highlight the issue of Pakistanis stranded in Dubai and UAE since the start of Covid19. Here he talks to me on how and why the #Pakistan government needs to speed up repatriation before a human crisis unfolds...

I am launching this new channel to address community issues, to shed light on the talents, our achievements and many more such interesting stories from a vibrant #Pakistani community in the Dubai and UAE.  In this introductory video, I talk about why this platform is needed for a population of 1.2 million Pakistanis in the UAE and what I will be the direction of this YouTube channel. Hope you all enjoy and participate as a community.

We often use so many adjectives to physically define people without giving a thought to how it could be affecting them in many ways. I speak to Pakistan's first plus size TV news reporter who describes her journey while being given such labels, her struggle and self discovery through the power of 'self-love'.  This episode should make you think differently.

Mental health remains a taboo in the Pakistani society. Though discussion has begun to open around the issue, it still needs to be talked about more often. We, as a society, do not openly discuss issues related to mental health and often go on to find solace in namaz and dua rather than to look for a cure.   During the #Covid19 lockdown, all of us have been mentally impacted in one way or the other. We have either lost our loved ones, or have been impacted physically or financially which makes it imperative to address mental health.  In this episode, a youngster narrates her struggle with depression and how she is on the road to recovery. In an engaging discussion, a psychotherapist explains why we do not accept mental health as an illness and instead advice others to pray to resolve the issue.

Pakistan's SAPM, Syed Zulfi Bukhari talks about a number of issues related to Pakistanis in UAE after his meeting with UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli today.  He answers my question on reopening of visit visas to UAE for Pakistanis, and talks on a number of other issues such as jobs, pensions and tax free facilities for expatriates. With him are Pakistan Ambassador to UAE, Ghulam Dastgir and Consul General of Pakistan, Ahmed Amjad Ali.

This is the story of Abdul Rahman, a young Pakistani boy living in Dubai who poured acid over himself and is currently undergoing procedures that will extend and grow his skin so that it can be replaced over the burns. The procedure is long and expensive. I speak to Abdul Rahman's mother Iqra who tells us what happened on that day. This video should also be an eye opener for all parents who unknowingly increase the risk of injury to their children by storing such industrial items at home.  Abdul Rahman's plastic surgeon also takes us through the treatment procedure and gives us tips on what should be done immediately in case of all kinds of burns including acid burns.  *Since Abdul Rahman is a minor, his identity has been kept hidden. Consent: Abdul Rahman's parents have agreed to the filming of their child

Pakistanis are very passionate about food where ever in the world they are. Even if we have the world cuisines at our disposal, we remain very #desi at heart and look for our familiar comfort food. This episode is about what we miss and where we can go looking for it.  So, it's All Things Pakistani...

We overseas Pakistanis are often considered outsiders by fellow country mates. But being away from our homeland Pakistan does not mean that we have lost our link to our motherland. In this video, I show you the celebrations that all Pakistanis undertook in UAE today on August 14, 2020 despite the events being muted due to Covid-19. The highlight of this video is my talk with two Pakistani youngsters - the new generation and the future of our country - who have been born and bred overseas. I ask them if being away from home makes any difference and listen to what they have to say...

Education and schooling of millions of children across the world has been disrupted during the Covid19 lockdown. In Pakistan alone, 4 million children have been affected many of whom might not be able to attend school anymore because of the high financial costs and the fact that parents can no longer afford schooling. In a candid chat with Amna Khaishgi, the CEO South Asian region of Coded Minds, an education provider that runs the Hope Academy in the UAE, we discuss how the academy offers hope and low cost education to many parents who might not be able to send their children back to school once the schools reopen in a couple of months. The academy also has an offer for those workers in Dubai whose children study in Pakistan and scholarships for the Pakistani community in the UAE.  For admissions or details contact: admissions@coded-minds.org Whatsapp: +0971 50 2677294

The lock-down during Covid19 was a very tough time for everyone of us but more so for specially-abled kids. As the lock-down eased, a Dubai-based mother set up a challenge for her specially-abled child - to run 100-kilometers for the next few weeks. She asked the community to support and accompany the child, and the response she received was overwhelming. This story is about the courage of this special child who is running to raise awareness that differently-abled individuals can do amazing things when more people believe in them and support them. This is a story of hope and courage.

Only the best can be chosen to train Dubai's royals. Ghazi Karim is a Pakistani fitness trainer who is based in Dubai for several years and he is much sought after since he been giving fitness classes to Dubai's royals as well as other top professionals.  He claims to have a 100 per cent retention rate and the strongest track record in the fitness industry. Ghazi is media shy but here he sits down with me and in this exclusive and interesting chat, talks about his journey until here.  He also gives fitness tips - fit for royals - to all of you.

The Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) has grown manifolds over the years but their newest and biggest project, the Pakistan Medical Centre is by far the most outstanding one. In this video, I give you a tour of the new centre that will welcome all people who seek medical help, irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, religious or philosophical beliefs, gender, political views, economic status, or age and will give free, quality medical treatment to the needy. No other community has set up such a centre in the entire GCC. Moreover, this centre has been built 'brick-by-brick' by the Pakistani community in the UAE, something every UAE-based Pakistani must appreciate and be proud of.

Many of you have been asking if visit visas for Pakistanis to the UAE have opened up or not. Following up on my earlier video and answers from Zulfi Bukhari, I speak to the Consul General of Pakistan on this. This video also shows the steps to be followed despite the change in policy of ICA to get approvals to come back to UAE. Most importantly, a legal help desk has been set up to give free advice to Pakistanis in Dubai. Watch this video to know how you can avail of this facility