Asmaa Al Hameli | June 20, 2013
I heard a beautiful story about the eyelids of camels. Ages ago, I came across a picture of some camels with their masters in the desert and they were hit by heavy storm. At the time, I wondered how camels were able to see in such a situation? In the same picture, the masters had wrapped their faces with turbans, leaving only their eyes exposed, obviously, so they could see. I wondered how the camels walked so calmly in such a sandstorm without any struggle to follow in one direction.
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | June 12, 2013
A popular topic of discussion among my friends has been job-related issues. One of my best friends is not pleased at work. She joined her company nine months ago and she still does not know what she is expected to do. Her mentor does not give her much to do because he is busy with his own tasks.
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | June 9, 2013
A few days ago, I went with a reporter to Al Bateen to take pictures of her car for an assignment. To those who are born in a cold area, the weather in the UAE might be problematic. As for I, 36 C in the afternoon is equivalent to snow, even with my abaya on. We chose Al Bateen because the place is usually calm and you do not see many people walking here and there, from my experience. We were trying to find someplace empty so that I could feel more comfortable taking pictures where no weirdo might be [...]
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | May 30, 2013
A few days ago, I was asked to shadow the photographer Silvia Razgova to learn night photography. That day, I started a late shift and arrived home around 8pm. My brother and father were sitting in the hall and both welcomed me upon my arrival.
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | May 23, 2013
This week, The National reported that in 2006 and 2007, 80% of newlyweds had filed for divorce before completing their first anniversary. This is the most shocking news I have read since joining the newspaper. Many of us have become afraid of the prospects of marriage when hearing about all these divorce stories.
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | May 19, 2013
Since childhood, I enjoyed looking at all the images my family took. It was fun going through the albums and laughing at how each member looked, from having funny hairstyles to wearing glasses that were bigger then their faces. Time takes away the memories, but those photographs bring them back.
Read more...
Ayesha Al Khoori | May 16, 2013
I was very excited to hear last weekend that I would be going to Monster Jam. As you all should know by now, I am obsessed with cars. I love trucks, especially the giant monstrous ones, so I took the event as an opportunity to research the engines, body kits and tyres of the beasts. Sadly, it proved to be a disappointment to me and to my cousin, who came with me. As soon as we got to Zayed Sports City Stadium, where the show was being held, we noticed the crowds. Children were holding giant skull cups filled with [...]
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | May 8, 2013
When someone gets extremely sick, most likely she will see a doctor. Similarly, seeing a psychiatrist means the patient needs help and advice. Unfortunately, in Arab society, going to a psychiatrist often suggests to family members that the patient is insane or a lunatic. It is not in our culture to seek psychiatric help. However if more people were to start consulting one, the practice might become contagious, thus helping us become a healthy and tranquil society.
Read more...
Asmaa Al Hameli | May 7, 2013
I was struggling to find blog ideas when I suddenly came across the Desert Dawn Magazine next to a reporter’s office. I have always enjoyed reading this student magazine produced by Dubai Women’s college. It covers a variety of topics from female circumcision to incest, which many people consider taboo to discuss publicly.
Read more...
Ayesha Al Khoori | May 7, 2013
Auntie would be proud: Ayesha's first attempt at lgaimat.
I may be a car fanatic, but there’s one thing I love more than my motors and engines – food. In a recent post on Emirati cuisine I professed my eternal love for traditional dumplings, know as “lgaimat”. Reading through the post at work on Sunday, I felt a sudden craving for them, and decided on making some as soon as I got home.
Read more...