Middle East
We’re so glad that you’re considering learning Arabic, and if you’re wondering which Arabic dialect to learn you’ve come to the right place! You may have been taken aback to find out that choosing to study Arabic isn’t a clear-cut decision – the range of dialects make things a touch more complicated than for some other languages. But never fear, in this series of blog posts we’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of studying each of the major forms of Arabic and its colloquial dialects, so you can make an informed choice. This week we’re taking a look at Modern Standard Arabic, the formal form of the language, also known as Fusha. We’ll be looking at the good, the bad, and the ugly (we’re looking at you, casing system!) to help make your decision as easy as possible!
If you’re looking for a luxurious Middle Eastern escape, look no further. The Alilu Hinu Bay Resort in Mirbat, Oman is the perfect place to relax and restore. From incredible food to indulgent spa treatments, you won’t even need to venture outside of the hotel to have a blissful holiday, but if you’re looking for a touch of adventure, there’s plenty to explore in this stunning corner of the Omani coast.
This week, we’ve put together an introduction to the month of Ramadan, from key terminology to the festive treats that are served. If you’d like to learn more about Ramadan, here’s some of the most important aspects of the month to know about, and if you’re learning Arabic we’re sharing all the Ramadan vocabulary you’ll need!
If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible taste of Arabic coffee, or qahwa, but never managed to recreate it at home, we’ve got you covered! This week Pink Jinn is collaborating with Medina Coffee to bring you the ultimate recipe for qahwa, so you can enjoy perfect Arabic coffee from home.
Scent is one of the most powerful aspects of personal adornment. It lingers in the air long after a person has left, it brings back memories of places we’ve been or people we’ve loved, and it has a proven influence on our state of mind: from soothing lavender to pick-me-up rosemary, the powers of fragrance have been known and used for millennia. The use of fragrance goes well beyond that of beautification.
Travellers from all across Oman, the Gulf and much further afield flock to Salalah during the Khareef season to witness this transformation, but did you know just how stunning this region is during the rest of the year? The unique draw of the monsoon rains doesn’t just bring stunningly verdant vistas – they also bring huge numbers of tourists and higher prices at hotels and attractions. Visiting at other times of the year can ensure a more sedate holiday as well as being kinder to your budget, but never fear, there’s still plenty to do and see in this gorgeous coastal city. Here’s some ideas for a truly unforgettable trip to Salalah at any time of year!
This week, we’re celebrating ten incredible Yemeni women making waves in the worlds of journalism, food, activism, photography, art, music and even paleoanthropology. From a filmmaker documenting the realities of living through the war in Yemen to an explorer uncovering the secrets of human evolution on Socotra, you need these fearless women on your feed!
Learn all about the wonders of Yemeni coffee beans and dive into the world of coffee with us, from its discovery to the darker chapters of its story. Read on to find out about the history hiding within your morning latte, and explore the delicious world of Arabic coffee with the incredible Medina Ilyas!
You all loved our last roundup of our favourite podcasts about the Middle East and North Africa, so we’re updating it for 2022! If you’ve emerged from lockdown a podcast addict too, we’ve got you covered. Throughout 2022, we’ll be sharing our top picks of Middle East podcasts. This week we’ve rounded up some of the best Middle East politics and history podcasts.