In this episode of Culture Bites, chef Salam Dakkak joins Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews to talk about her award-winning Levantine cuisine and the "nafas", or soul, that she shares through her cooking. The Palestinian-Jordanian owner of Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam, named in honour of her mother, revives the tastes and traditions of home in her kitchen, inviting guests from all over the world to discover her culture through the universal language of food.
Dakkak, who has been lauded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand commendation and ranked in the Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024, discusses her new elevated Levantine restaurant, Sufret Maryam, and her vision for preserving authentic flavours of Palestine for the next generation.
As the war in Gaza continues to take a toll on hundreds of thousands of Palestinians suffering under bombardment for more than a year, more celebrities are speaking out. Enas and Farah spotlight some of the artists and activists who have sharpened their tone in recent weeks to condemn the brutality in Gaza and advocate for the innocent civilians who are being killed. From John Legend and Javier Bardem to Andrew Garfield and Gustaf Skarsgard, public figures have been using their platforms to raise awareness and call for a ceasefire.
With Israel’s expanding its war into Lebanon, there has been a fear that historic landmarks may be destroyed. This comes after an air strike hit less than one kilometre away from the Unesco World Heritage Site of Baalbek, a Roman complex dating back 11,000 years. The hosts discuss the risks of cultural erasure during war, and the efforts being taken to protect and archive the rich histories of these places.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
