Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

With great pleasure, I would like to announce the launch of my new website abioriginal.com  on which you will be able to view all of my new and upcoming blog posts.

We recently visited the Museum of Illusions Dubai, and were completely immersed in a world of discovery. Situated in the quaint Al Seef District, the city’s newest Instagram haven and edutainment venue, is fun for the whole family. The largest branch in the chain’s 14-strong global network, Museum of Illusions Dubai is filled with an array of tricks and mind-boggling puzzles that is certain to keep you hooked. The museum features a range of illusions, displays and games to suit visitors of all ages. For me, the highlight was the Vortex Tunnel, the first of its kind in the UAE! The tunnel gives you an immediate dizzy feeling. It is as if the ground is shifting under your feet as you navigate through a rotating cylinder – which surprisingly remains a stable and flat surface! Once you get to the other side, you will be certain to try it again. The Mirror Room is equally fun, as is the Infinity Room. Every exploratory area tempts you to resist the laws of gravity and shap...

When a friend asked me what's the one article I feel proud to have written, it has got to me this. A few years ago, an Editor from Gulf News rang up asking for interesting ideas for Breast Cancer awareness. I didn't want to do the run-of-the-mill pieces about dealing with the dreaded disease. Instead I opted for a look at women who have overcome all obstacles and shine as a beacon of light for us all. I'm happy to have interviewed women of various nationalities and walks of life for this piece. We got to know each other in a short span of time and were able to meet up for a special photo shoot for the cover story. Each of the women come from different walks of life but their laughter still resonates in my ears. I learnt a lot from each and everyone of them. This is the outcome. https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/survivors-and-winners-all-1.1909757 Survivors and winners all By Abigail Mathias - Special to GN Focus Nafisa Mohammad Youssef, Late 50...

Location is everything.  Not every eatery can offer scenic views to its guests. Fish and Bread in the UAE, offers all this and much more. Situated at the heart of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, this modest eatery offers the most delectable South Indian, Italian and Arabic meals. Many visitors choose to catch the sunset, while others sit under the stars and dine here, amid the backdrop of fountains and greenery. The service is quick and friendly. Appetizers include salt and pepper crispy squid or golden calamari. For mains, the Chemmeen Manga curry is a must try. It is made with raw mango and prawns and is served in a clay pot and is bursting with flavour. It is paired with steamed white rice. Another particularly tempting dish is the beef parotha. Made in authentic South Indian flavours, it is a medley of rich flavours which bursts in your mouth. Instead of the usual chapatti, you may want to try the Tapioca bread or 'Kappa,' which can be paired wit...

Many people from my home country, India often say that Dubai is so much like home. That is pretty accurate. With so many residents from the sub-continent and a plethora of Indian dining options, it is easy to forget that home-sick feeling. One venue that pulls out all the stops offering an authentic Indian dining option, is Bar Baar. This fun gastronomic pub located at Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, is designed in a colourful desi-style. From various comfy couches, to film posters and an array of mouth - watering treats, the venue is sure to leave you delighted. We actually dined on an old carrom board! The Thela Bar Baar brunch is set up on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at Dhs. 99 without drinks. With live music and a few brightly lit up food stalls, I knew we were in for a treat when we walked in. Lovers of spirits can try the brunch for Dhs. 199 and premium spirits at Dhs. 259 respectively. Choose from a varied quirky selection of 65 dishes from savoury snacks to main...

Long drives have always been a joy for my family. We start out with a prayer and listen to our favourite music along the way. This time we travelled with a great companion, the all new 2018 Honda - CRV. With its ample back seat we had enough room to load snacks and supplies for the way. We drove from Sharjah to Jabal Hafeet mountain. One of the best aspects of the sun roof is keeping it open in the cooler months. We were able to do this and take a few pictures when we had parked and had some tea. We made a stop at the hot springs located close by and then decided to visit the Al Ain Zoo. Impromptu trips have never been so much fun. Loving every moment in this, my dream vehicle.

Film Director, Atul Manjrekar An interview by Abigail Mathias  He was one of the silliest guys in college. Walked around with a red bandana singing Kishore Kumar songs. At least that’s how I remember my friend, Atul Manjrekar. Cut to 20 years later. And now Atul is the director of a major Bollywood film, a musical drama, called  Fanney Khan . The film stars leading actors Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajkumar Rao. Thankfully Atul is still the pun cracker I remember, except he is clearly in another league. Atul’s first feature film will release in a few days and I can’t help but beam with pride. The film has already crossed many millions in trailer views on YouTube. Fanney Khan is played by the ever-youthful Anil Kapoor, who’s struggling to fulfill the dreams of his daughter, Lata who wishes to be a singer. The film releases in India on August 3. It’s taken me three days to get 10 minutes to talk to the busy director. “Aren’t you excited that you...

Click here to see my article published in Kuwait Times. Arun Gandhi

By Abigail Mathias Rude cab drivers, broken promises, when things just aren’t your fault… There are times when you are so angry you just want to lash out. On a warm sunny day at this years’ Emirates Literature Festival, I met the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and his words make anger seem so futile. Arun M Gandhi is an 83-year-old man who has lived, learnt, and studied the art of non-violence (Ahimsa) from a very young age. His book, ‘ The Gift ’, The Sunday Times bestseller, is filled with real life experiences. It is by no means an easy path, but he offers a few guidelines. Gandhi is also an internationally renowned activist and speaker. He set up the M.K. Gandhi Institute for nonviolence in 1987 and spent 30 years as a journalist. As he joined his hands in a humble  namaste  greeting, before a room filled with listeners from around the world, I felt inexplicably proud of my Indian-ness. Following the news these days often leaves me with angst. Innocent vic...

Finally a gutsy movie where women can be the real heroes. This is a film which drew me to it and I didn't mind buying my ticket to watch it alone. When I got to the cinema hall I realised that I was in a room full of mostly women of all ages.  Veere di Wedding  is a flat out Punjabi movie with many references which took me a while to comprehend.  Veere loosely translates to a brother and the film revolves around the lives of four girls who are high school friends, that make a pact to always be there for one another. What is refreshing is how unapologetic these women are about who they are. I do love how they come in all shapes and sizes. Director Shashanka Ghosh weaves a narrative that is quite believable even if all Indian women don't drink and smoke or take 'foreign' trips booking business class seats at the drop of a hat. Like all Indian movies, you can make-believe that this too could be a version of reality. The first half of the film didn't l...

After a day in the sun with games, family fun and many photographs, the last thing I want to do is sit at a laptop. In this instance, I am making an exception. Putting family first is something I’ve learnt from my Goan parents. The Goan community in Sharjah who worked so hard to put all our families at the forefront at an annual picnic need to be recognized for doing just that. All we had to do was show up with mats and beach chairs. There was complimentary food and beverages provided to all who registered for the picnic. Team games were organised for all who attended. Prizes and chocolates were handed out to children and people of all ages. We even had 'Housie' played in English and Konkani. Tea, breakfast and biscuits and snacks were in no short supply thanks to generous support of sponsors at the gathering. It is only the second time I’ve attended this event. What got my family excited to return is the warmth of strangers who feel united despite being so far from ho...

If you are a cautious car-driver like me, you will probably identify with this piece. Not everyone in this world, rides fast cars. We may want to, but some of us have our reasons to tread with caution. My children in the backseat are the biggest reason I never push the pedal. When invited to test drive the All New 2018 Honda Accord, it seemed like a dream come true. These new cars are slick and sporty. First introduced in 1976, the Honda Accord is the second longest-running automotive nameplate in Honda’s history, after the Honda Civic. The Accord was the first automobile from a Japanese automaker to be manufactured in America and has been in continuous production at the company’s Marysville, Ohio auto plant since November 1, 1982, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Total global Accord production exceeds 17.5 million units. The 2018 Accord is the 10th generation of Honda’s perennially best-selling midsize sedan. All new from the ground up, the new Accord is...

When singing, dancing and acting are all rolled in to one artist, it almost seems unreal. Award winning artist, Ricky Martin is all this and much more. On his first concert in Dubai, he certainly had us swaying to his tunes and literally transfixed. "It has taken me 17 years to be at this front line to watch Ricky Martin sing live, and today that wish has come true," says Hosam. This Iranian fan has flown all the way and paid handsomely, just to see one of his biggest idols in person. It is 12. 30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and the sensational Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin has just left the stage after 180 minutes of singing and dancing. It’s a night like no other for me. Not only am I covering the Dubai Jazz Festival, an event that's personally close to my heart because it promotes music, we are also given the rare priviledge to go up close for the first three songs of the show. When he first hits the stage the screaming fans don't know q...