Spoken Arabic Course at SMCCU

Yesterday SMCCU announced new dates for Spoken Arabic Course. The fee is 1250Dhs and it takes 18 weeks. There are very few places left so hurry up! I've already signed in, and the first classes are on next Saturday! Can't wait!

Kilim rug love

I just can't help, but I adore kilim rugs. Those ones are just gorgeous, colourful and with additional pompons or embroidery. Find them at the Majlis Gallery.

Design Dubai: Majlis Gallery

Beautifuly and tastefuly decorated Majlis Gallery is another great place in Bastakiya. This well-established place is a must stop for everyone who is looking for a quality decorative objects or gifts with arabic feel.

Design Dubai: Basta Art Cafe

Design Dubai wouldn't be complete wihout mentioning Basta Art Cafe located in Bastakiya. Simple, tasty food, relaxing atmosphere at the courtyard, and mint cooler (as seen here) make this cafe a perfect spot not only for tourist, but for all Dubai'ers (?) as well.

Design Dubai: XVA

XVA - cafe, gallery and boutique hotel, is one of my favourite places in Dubai. Everything is beautifuly arranged around the courtyard, and adjacent small rooms offer some surprises like window tower room with comfy sofas, shop, and gallery spaces. You can stop here for a coffee and delicious vegetarian lunch or you can just browse around. Upstairs there is a hotel.

Bastakiya Nights

Another arabic interior  - Bastakiya Nights restaurant; they offer delicious kebabs selection, and some good aubergine dish. Definiately it's worth to pay them visit.

Mint cooler

Mint cooler - the best is from Basta Art Cafe. Great drink if you want to cool down after exploring Bastakiya.

Middle East feel

This room has got truly arabic feel - low table and sofas, and great mix of fabrics. It's great for hot days, too, as you're sitting directly under wind tower.

Dubai guide (1)

Hi! My sister came over to Dubai for her holidays, and I'll be a tourist guide for a next few days:-)So, I thought: why don't you join us! All welcome!

Today we spend a day browsing Spice and Textil souqs, visiting Dubai Museum and strolling through Bastakiya quarter.

Great smell and exotic spices you'll find in Spice Souq on Deira side of the Creek. Abra crossing is another attraction and costs only 1 Dhs!
Girls can get some beautiful henna tattoo while in Dubai Museum (one hand cost only 20 Dhs!)
Find some nice corners in Bastakyia, get some coffee, grab nice bite and relax! (Pictured: XVA Cafe - aubergine burger is highly recommended!)

more art...

I must say that the most I enjoyed paintings presented by Guy Flichy Gallery and photos by Tashkeel Gallery.

Bastakiya Art Fair

Cuadro Gallery, where you can buy photos taken by Palestinian kids in Gaza.

Hey, did you manage to catch up with Bastakiya Art Fair? If not, you've still got few days to go there and browse some exibitions. And when you gets tired, you can relax in some cool places on the spot.

Art in Dubai

Dubai Art Week has finally begun with yesterday's opening vernissage at Bastakiya. Picture this - old buildings, art, candlelights and great music - but Bastakiya quarter opens its doors only once a year, so remember to book this date in you diary for the next year venue!