The open-air museum city of AlUla is hosting the region's longest-running art, culture and music festival.
Running from December 21 until January 27, Winter at Tantora aims to educate, entertain and inspire visitors with a host of activities that include 200 performers showcasing the essence and history of the region.
With more than 200,000 years of history, AlUla was home to some of the most influential civilisations in the world, including the Nabataeans, Dadanites and Lihyanites.
One of the highlights of the festival is the range of culinary offerings and speciality cafes dotted around the city's Old Town.
Here are some not to miss.
Sass
A glitzy stop in the heart of AlUla lit up by red-coloured glass chandeliers and shimmering interiors that transport you to another world, this restaurant serves Mediterranean and South American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
The fine-dining experience takes place under dim-lit skies adorned with a galaxy of stars.
Must try: Steak and miso black cod.
Tomoor AlUla
Indulge in local date varieties, speciality coffee and a range of creative desserts at this cool spot. Almost always packed, the cafe comes with a majlis-style seating area outdoors, complete with a bonfire that is surrounded by quaint wooden tables and coloured rugs.
Must try: The hot chocolate with a twist of cardamom, which pays homage to the restaurant's Saudi roots.
Wacafe
All the way from Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia, the speciality coffee shop is located at the centre of Old Town. The cafe also sells souvenirs and mugs painted by local artisans.
Must try: Their hawsawi cookies, made with locally infused ingredients such as carom seeds, black caraway and nutmeg, with a shot of freshly brewed coffee or a latte.
Somewhere
One of the most popular restaurant's in AlUla, Somewhere is known for its food, decor and location. Set in the midst of a palm oasis complete with a flowing stream, diners can sit back and admire the surrounding natural beauty, dating back thousands of years. It also gained popularity on social media when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was spotted there last year.
Must try: Mediterranean breakfast with hummus, fresh home-made jams and cheese, shakshuka eggs, Arabic breads and platters, freshly brewed coffee, mocktails and decadent Arabic desserts.
Woop
This spot is known for its stuffed waffles with either sweet or savoury fillings as well as an impressive assortment of drinks. They also serve fresh juices and creamy smoothies that mix Madagascar vanilla with berries and mango.
Must try: Spicy tuna and Nutella waffles.
Ermine
This high-end Saudi macaron shop serves flavours with a regional twist, such as raspberry macaron from Taif, date and tahini macaron from Qassim, orange macaron from AlUla and basil-infused macaron from Al Madinah.
Must try: Saudi coffee with cardamom macaron.
Heart of Oasis
This open-air fine-dining restaurant offers a range of Italian favourites from burrata salads, steaks, pastas and desserts.
Must try: Burrata salad and oven-baked salmon for the main course, and tiramisu and date cake for dessert.
Winter at Tantora runs until January 27. More information is available at www.experiencealula.com
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Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
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Report to local authorities
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The biog
Name: Abeer Al Bah
Born: 1972
Husband: Emirati lawyer Salem Bin Sahoo, since 1992
Children: Soud, born 1993, lawyer; Obaid, born 1994, deceased; four other boys and one girl, three months old
Education: BA in Elementary Education, worked for five years in a Dubai school
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
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Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
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