Lifestyle
Living here: housing, money, family and everyday life.
How to Care for Your Car in the Gulf Heat: Essential Tips
Protect your vehicle and stay safe on the road with these practical, year-round maintenance habits for driving in the Gulf.
How to Respectfully Navigate Ramadan in the Gulf: A Practical Guide
Ramadan is a special time of year in the Gulf. This guide helps non-Muslim residents and visitors understand everyday etiquette, from dining to dress, so you can participate respectfully.
Dubai Fitness Challenge turns 10: residents share how 30 days changed their lives
As Dubai Fitness Challenge returns for its 10th edition on 31 October, two residents tell how the event led to a marriage and a 50kg weight loss.
How to Create a Low-Maintenance Desert Garden in the Gulf
Transform your outdoor space into a thriving, water-wise oasis with the right plants and simple techniques suited to the region's arid climate.
How to Plan Around School Holidays in the Gulf: A Parent's Guide
Understanding the typical breaks and how to make the most of them for family time, travel and relaxation in the Gulf region.
How to Choose and Serve Dates the Gulf Way: A Practical Guide
Dates are a cornerstone of Gulf hospitality and everyday life. Learn about popular varieties, how to select the best ones, and the traditional ways to serve and enjoy them.
Bringing Sadu Weaving into Your Gulf Home: A Timeless Craft
Discover the history and patterns of Sadu weaving, a Bedouin craft recognised by UNESCO, and learn simple ways to incorporate its geometric beauty into modern interiors.
How to Use Water Wisely in the Gulf: Simple Habits for Desert Living
Conserving water is part of everyday life in the Gulf. These practical habits help you reduce usage without sacrificing comfort.
How to Choose a Rental Home in the Gulf: A Step-by-Step Guide
From understanding local rental norms to checking the small print, here’s how to find a home that suits your budget and lifestyle.
The Art of Gift-Giving in the Gulf: Customs and Practical Etiquette
Understand the traditions behind giving and receiving gifts across the Gulf, from choosing the right item to presenting it with respect.
How to Pack a Car Boot for a Desert Day Trip in the Gulf
A calm, practical checklist for families and newcomers heading into the dunes or open desert, from water and shade to tyre basics and respectful picnic habits.
How to Plan Your Outdoor Life in the Gulf Cooler Season
From late October, the Gulf's weather turns kind. Here is how to make the most of the cooler months, from beaches and desert camping to daily routines.
How to Settle Into Gulf Life: A Newcomer's Guide to the Weekly Rhythm
From the working week to prayer times and family weekends, here is how daily life in the Gulf tends to flow, and how newcomers can plan around it.
A Practical Guide to Hosting Guests Gulf-Style at Home
Hospitality sits at the heart of Gulf life. Here is how to welcome guests with warmth, from the coffee ritual to the dates on the tray, and what to expect when you are the visitor.
How to Keep Your Home Cool in the Gulf Summer Without Overspending
Long, hot summers are part of life in the Gulf. A few simple habits can keep your home comfortable and your cooling bills under control.