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

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...

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...

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.

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...

Like a kid in a candy store, I set out to explore Anisaty Ladies Salon in Sharjah. What a better way to start the weekend! A trendy establishment Anisaty offers the works from flawless mani-pedi's to soothing hair treatments.  Located in the heart of Buhaira Corniche, right behind a swanky new Lulu supermarket, this salon has had a steady stream of clients for a long time. I first set out for a much-needed hair treatment. Like most women in the UAE, my hair is often dry and dull. Thanks to the staff at Anisaty this was soon a thing of the past. They gave me a quick hair wash and then applied a Loreal hair mask that was kept for an hour. In normal circumstances the hair mask needs to be on for about 10 minutes or so. I kept mine on while I had my nail treatment.  Soft tresses soon appeared leaving me speechless.   The lady doing my blow dry offered to try something different. We went in for soft curls at the end of my locks. It was a very welcome chan...