Courtesy: Geo News

Booking flights in advance is advised if you intend to travel over holidays as airports get congested during this time of year

No matter how frequently you travel, it is always a relief to save money on flights.

It’s common knowledge that booking flights in advance is advised if you intend to travel over the holidays as airports are known to get congested during this time of year, CNBC reported.

Regardless of where you decide to travel, purchasing your tickets in advance helps save money.

Here are some tips to help you find the cheapest rates.

How to find cheap airfare?

When searching for low-cost flights, you should seek a window of time when low-cost tickets are most likely to become available for both domestic and international travel, as opposed to focusing on specific dates.

Such as, if it’s an off-peak season then booking one to three months prior has a higher chance of you getting cheaper airfare, while travelling during peak season, it’s ideal to book tickets three to seven months in advance.

Follow 21-day rule for last-minute travel

If you can’t book prior, then experts suggest following the 21-day rule which is to book 21 days before the departure date, as stats suggest that airlines raise their prices after this deadline.

What is the most affordable day of the week to travel?

While buying on a certain day might not result in a lower airfare, the time of year you want to travel can have an impact on the cost of the ticket. In general, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are less expensive than Mondays and Fridays.

Early morning flights are also less popular since people usually prefer waking up later for their flight.

When to use airline miles for travel?

Flight expert Scott Keyes suggests using airline miles when booking last minute or when travelling during peak season.

Courtesy: Dawn News/AFP/Reuters
Wara Irfan | Hawwa Fazal

Despite the introduction of multiple laws, migrants continue to leave the country through illegal channels in the hope of a brighter future.

Weeks after a fishing boat, carrying up to 750 refugees, capsized off the coast of Greece, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has gone into overdrive, announcing the arrests of dozens of ‘human smugglers’ and promising to disrupt the entire network of agents and operators involved in the illegal business.

But why has it taken so many deaths for the authorities to spring into action? Why did so many lives have to perish for the law enforcement agencies to realise this is a problem? Most importantly, why are Pakistanis willing to walk (and swim) through the valley of death to reach ‘greener pastures’?

Everybody wants to escape

The issue of migration — whether legal or otherwise — has long existed in Pakistan. Of late, however, there has been a huge uptick in people wanting to leave for better livelihoods due to a precarious, high-inflation economy, coupled with rising unemployment, as well as a coercive and unstable political climate.

“Pakistan’s economic and political conditions have deteriorated greatly,” said Hassan Zaidi, a filmmaker who has closely documented the migrants’ journey across multiple routes and borders. “It [stability] is directly proportional to legal and illegal [migrations], both of which are [currently] overloaded. The Canadian embassy doesn’t have time, European embassies don’t have time; it’s so difficult to get an appointment at the US embassy. Everyone wants to get out.”

According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix of the International Organisation for Migration, 4,065 migrants have arrived in Europe from Pakistan by land and sea this year alone. Over the last five years, 273,331 Pakistanis were deported from countries across Europe, according to the FIA.

Migrants and refugees wait for a train heading to Serbia from the Greek-Macedonian border near Gevgelija — AFP

Moving towards greener pastures

“Youngsters mostly from rural areas are motivated by seeing people in their surroundings, who after years of struggle, managed to make ‘kothis’ (bunglows),” explained Zaidi.

Almost every family in these towns has a member living abroad, he said. Most of these people managed to migrate legally in the 1960s.

These migrations were driven after the construction of Mangla dam by a British firm. The community displaced due to the project was invited to settle in the United Kingdom (UK) when 250 villages in Mirpur were flooded. Mirpur is still known as ‘mini England’.

Again in 1967, the British invited thousands of Pakistanis to settle in the UK. These Pakistanis served as textile mill workers, domestic workers and nurses addressing UK’s labour shortages in textile mills and health departments following the second World War.

Ali Nobil Ahmad, in his book Masculinity, Sexuality and Illegal Migration, posits that masculinity plays a key role in men attempting treacherous journeys despite knowing the dangers.

Adding to the argument, Zaidi said that many attempt it because of the belief that they would rather die trying to make the lives of their family better, than sit idle and do nothing.

According to the findings of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), young migrants also tend to ignore the warnings from tragic incidents believing them to be cases of “individual bad luck or bad decision making”. Moreover they see unemployment (long-term) as a bigger problem than the “short-term risks to their well-being on the irregular migration journey”.

This phenomenon can also be observed in the numerous videos on TikTok, in which friends of illegal immigrants can be seen cheering them despite knowing the dangers. The men attempting this journey are termed to be courageous and brave sons of their parents.

Previously, agents who used to convince young people to migrate, used to be highly reputed persons of the area coming into contact with people through word of mouth. Now with the advent of social media, TikTok and other similar social media platforms are being used by agents to market their services.

For instance, many immigrants on TikTok have made testimonials for ‘General Musa’, thanking him for helping them reach Europe.

When Dawn.com asked TikTok about the videos and the platform’s actions to curtail the advertisement of illegal migration and human trafficking, TikTok’s spokesperson said that the company has strict community guidelines and are rolling out further changes to combat the platform’s misuse.

An unsuccessful legislation

In 2018, the Government of Pakistan introduced two laws to curtail the illegal movement of migrants — the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act. The latter legislation decriminalised migrants and entailed punishment of up to 14 years in prison for the agents.

However, these laws have largely been unable to deter both the traffickers and the migrants who are desperate to get to Europe.

This legislation also isn’t new in nature. Before these laws, “there were criminal laws prohibiting these activities”, said Furkan Ali, a lawyer closely looking at the migrant crisis. “Like most things in Pakistan, I don’t think the new legislation has had any impact,” he added. “This is not a problem that stems from a lack of legislation.”

Instead, the issue arises from people’s needs, desires and motivation to have a chance at better living conditions. “You cannot stop someone’s desire to move abroad. How can we argue with [someone like] Shahida Raza who has lost her job and husband; she is failed by the economic system, failed by the justice system and failed by society. She will try to leave. We can’t stop that,” said Ali. “All you can do is stop the people who are trying to help her with that illegally and taking money for it.”

FIA Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling Wing Director Muhammad Alam Shinwari told Dawn.com that in the past few years, thousands of agents have been arrested for facilitating the illegal migration of people from Pakistan.

He added, however, that in most of these cases, the victims “resile from their statements”, rendering it impossible to prosecute them. The other challenge is that people now travel with valid visas to the first location, which makes it difficult to catch them. “If we ask too many questions, it becomes a human rights law violation.”

The FIA has 10 police stations across Pakistan where such cases can be registered. They have also updated and tightened the border management system. “At airports, we have started questioning people and stopping travellers who look like victims,” he said.

Similarly, Ali shared that the “FIA has been making arrests and are in touch with airlines to get information about people who’ve travelled to Libya from Pakistan […] and who is booking [tickets] for them.”

Libya is a point of focus “because people who get on these boats, they go from Northern Africa because that is the shortest distance [to the tip of Italy].”

Wreckage of a shipwreck in southern Italy which left dozens of migrants dead after the boat in which they were travelling smashed onto the rocks, in Cutro, Italy. — Reuters/Remo Casilli

“Immigration staff has been given training and new equipment to deal with these issues. Our systems have been connected to NADRA and other databases. There is an intelligence task force consisting of different agencies, especially on our border points, to block people going through land and sea routes,” said Shinwari.

Only recently, the FIA registered 149 cases and arrested 41 human smugglers in connection with the latest Greece boat tragedy in which hundreds of Pakistanis lost their lives.

“FIA can’t spring into action when there is a tragedy like this,” Ali stressed, “It needs an ongoing strategy to get to the human traffickers.”

The migrants and refugee crises are not exclusively Pakistan’s problem. It is, rather, a global issue. With so many countries, transnational actors across borders involved, it becomes a complicated and complex web that is hard for any singular agency to unwind.

The routes

Several routes are used to smuggle people through Balochistan (see map). According to journalist Akbar Notezai, who has reported extensively on the subject, one route goes from Karachi via the RCD Highway towards Taftan, then onward to Zahedan (capital of the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan) to the Turkish border and beyond. Another runs from Karachi to Sistan-Baluchistan via Lasbela and Kech districts. Yet another goes from Quetta towards western Balochistan to the border towns of Taftan, Mashkel or Rajay.

Commonly used routes by irregular migrants. — Map: Dawn GIS

Taking the sea route means first travelling to Gwadar district via the Coastal Highway from Karachi, which allows people to skirt the dangerous, insurgency-hit areas further inside Makran.

After Iran erected a 15-foot high wall along its border with Afghanistan’s Nimruz province, Afghans also began to get smuggled out via Balochistan. Duk, a deserted area near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaghi, is the point where they cross over into Pakistan. From Duk, the Afghans are taken 100kms away in the direction of Naukundi along katcha roads and onward to Mashkel or Rajay, which are their gateway into Iran and onwards to Turkey and Europe.

For Pakistanis from Punjab, who seek to cross the border illegally, Quetta is the first port of call. Agents arrange for them to travel to the border, usually via bus through the western parts of the province. Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur districts in the restive Makran region towards the south were once much frequented by migrants, but no longer, because they are most likely to encounter Baloch insurgents there. And these outlaws are particularly hostile towards Punjabis.

In fact, a survey by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in 2021 found that 46 per cent of people trying to migrate are in the age group of 25-34 and 80 pc hail from towns of central Punjab — Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat and Gujranwala — and 10 pc from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Pakistani agents are mostly only concerned with the things within the country and once they get migrants across the Pakistani border, they are handed over to agents of that respective country for the journey ahead. This also hinders the local authorities from stopping the subsequent developments as their scope of control, policing and prosecuting is limited to local boundaries.

To curb this problem, the FIA has signed multilateral and bilateral agreements with different countries to exchange information — and their offices exist in countries such as Iran, Oman, Greece, Spain and the UK. The coordination mechanism between liaison officers of different countries help them share data with each other. However, the effectiveness of these exchanges remains questionable.

On the other hand, the network of traffickers is much better organised and not just limited to illegal migration. It also deals with money laundering, narcotics and other forms of smuggling in Pakistan, providing similar routes for these acts. “These are set routes, not only for [the movement of] people but also things come and go [through them],” said Zaidi. The unregulated inflow of Iranian petrol and diesel is one such example.

Air routes are now commonly used through Iran, Libya and Dubai. The agent in Pakistan helps people get legal visit visas and tickets for the first location, after which they are sent over to the next agent in the chain. The latter would help these legal visitors get onto small boats which would eventually help them land in Europe.

“The easiest entry into Europe is through Italy and Greece, where an immigrant can reach via boats, circumventing the land borders,” said Ali.

Ali added that seas, compared to the land, have lesser control since the beaches where immigrants set ashore are not manned well and once an immigrant is on foreign soil, they are likely to be granted refugee status.

These boats are small, often filled beyond their capacity and their engines fail keeping the people onboard floating in the sea for days or months, making survival next to impossible.

Migrants and refugees panic as they fall in the water during a rescue operation off the Libyan coast in the Mediterranean Sea — AFP/Andreas Solaro

It’s not that simple

On a global scale, Pakistan is a tiny part of this broader issue. Human trafficking is a highly-profitable and lucrative business and happens in various regions of the world. “I don’t look at it at all as a Pakistani problem. It has become a Pakistani problem only because of the events from a few weeks ago — since 400 people died. The international media is paying attention only now sadly,” said Ali.

He added that the majority of migrants globally consists of people fleeing war and conflict zones such as Ukraine and Syria. Most people who leave Pakistan in irregular ways (except religious minorities such as Hazaras) are, hence, categorised as ‘economic refugees’.

“The people escaping war are the ones numbering in the hundreds of thousands. They are the ones Europe is really concerned about,” said the lawyer. Having said that, Pakistan must not look at the crisis in isolation and needs a broader strategy that goes beyond laws to address the multiple-layered problem.

The categorisation of migrants is important to note since the 1951 Refugee Convention states that “a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom”. It also contains rights provided to refugees such as the right to not be punished for irregular entry, right to non-discrimination, right to housing, property ownership, freedom of movement, provision of identification documents, education, freedom to practice their religion and pursuing a profession.

Moreover, the Convention’s 1967 Protocol expanded it “to apply universally and protect all persons fleeing conflict and persecution”.

The ‘refugee’ defined by the Convention is someone who “owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themselves] of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of [their] former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.”

Participants hold flags and a banner during an anti-immigration rally organised by the far-right party in Slovakia. — AFP

On a simplistic glance, the migrants leaving Pakistan for better living conditions may not appear to be qualified as a refugee under the Convention, however, “economic migrants are very rarely just economic migrants,” pointed out Ali. “If you’re forced to leave a country, there’s a mixture of reasons, so it’s not so easy to say that ‘this person isn’t a refugee under the refugee convention, they are only an economic migrant.”

This intersectional approach helps us understand that often the dearth of economic opportunities are linked to security, well-being and various other precarities. For example, the chronic climate crisis in recent years has forced thousands to be internally and externally displaced. Climate refugees don’t necessarily always leave a place due to immediate threats to their lives but are forced to do so for a myriad of reasons.

Understanding the nuances of the illegal migration crisis shifts the focus from the need for legislation to addressing the root causes such as the improvement of living conditions and having avenues of productive work and leisure activities. Spreading awareness is also paramount about the dangers of the journey, however, most people are already aware of the risks, albeit to a certain degree.

According to Zaidi, many immigrants after hearing about the precarious journey want to turn back. However, the agents demand money for sending them back the same illegal way and most of these migrants, by the time they realise the dangers, have been made to burn their identity documents.

On the contrary, Shinwari said that people who wish to be deported back to the country are facilitated by FIA offices and Pakistani embassies. He said that many people in the past have willingly opted to be deported.

The FIA has increased public awareness campaigns in the 21 districts where trafficking is most prevalent. To curb ads on social media, they have requested the cybercrime wing and public representatives to look into the issue. “Migration has been here for decades. People will only stop if they are given the right opportunities. Otherwise, people will go. If society as a whole discourages this, only then it can be stopped.

“People now sell their valuables to send their loved ones to these places,” said Shinwari. Echoing his stance, Zaidi also believes that making employment and living conditions better is the key to solving the crisis.

Header image: Shutterstock

Courtesy: Geo News

“Corruption situation in Singapore remains firmly under control,” says Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau

Singapore remains the fifth least corrupt country globally, according to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, while Denmark ranked first in the list, the South China Morning Post reported

Singapore remains the only Asian nation in the top 10 list since the index was first published in 1995. Previously, in 2018 and 2020 the country popular for its tourism ranked third, fourth in 2019 and 2021, and fifth in 2022 and 2023.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) released the new index for 2023 ranking countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

The data was gathered from 13 external sources.

• Denmark (90 points)
• Finland (87)
• New Zealand (85)
• Norway (84)
• Singapore (83)
• Sweden (82), Switzerland (82)
• Netherlands (79)
• Germany (78), Luxembourg (78)

Singapore scored 83 in 2023, the same score it received the year before.

The CPIB said the corruption situation in Singapore “remains firmly under control”, highlighting that the number of public sector corruption cases remains consistently low.

“Public Perception Surveys regularly conducted by CPIB indicate strong public confidence in our national corruption control efforts,” it added.

Singapore has been ranked third in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2023 for the absence of corruption, making it the top Asian nation out of 142 countries.

The Political and Economic Risk Consultancy’s 2023 “Report on Corruption in Asia” also ranked Singapore as the top out of 16 economies.

The ranking comes after Singapore’s Transport Minister Subramaniam Iswaran recently resigned after being charged with corruption, becoming the country’s first sitting minister to be charged with a criminal offence.

1- Header image: An aerial view of Maina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. — Unsplash

Courtesy: Dawn News/Image

Courtesy: Dawn News

From December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, this shopping extravaganza promises an unparalleled retail and entertainment experience that attracts visitors from all corners of the world.

ubai, the glittering jewel of the Middle East, is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year – the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). From December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, this shopping extravaganza promises an unparalleled retail and entertainment experience that attracts visitors from all corners of the world. With its unique blend of fashion, food, and entertainment, offering daily deals, raffle draws, competitions, outdoor markets, and exclusive pop-up experiences, DSF 2023-24 is set to be a celebration of luxury and culture.

Musical Extravaganzae

EarthSoul Festival

Among the festival’s highlights will be The Kid LAROI live at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 8. The artist will showcase a lineup of his major hits alongside English DJ Jonas Blue. Bollywood will also take center stage on December 10, featuring acclaimed artists Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, and Abhijeet Bhattacharya in a live performance at the Coca-Cola Arena. This enthralling concert, hosted by the renowned Indian singer Aditya Narayan, promises an unforgettable experience. The British comedian Russell Howard will perform on December 11, at Dubai Opera. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to enjoy these.

In a never-happened-before collaboration, Sole DXB, a well-known festival that celebrates lifestyle and street culture, has teamed up with DSF to commemorate 50 years of Hip Hop, offering live music acts, exciting basketball matches, enlightening discussions, exclusive shopping experiences, and immersive art exhibits. This blend of music and urban culture promises to ignite one’s enthusiasm. Be sure not to miss Sole DXB happening from December 8 to 10 in the Dubai Design District.

Also on that weekend is the EarthSoul Festival, the UAE’s first and premier eco-conscious music and art festival, which will feature Pakistani artists, including Shae Gill and Young Stunners, taking place, at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Festival goers can look forward to informative workshops, panel discussions, and wellness and art classes.

Retail Heaven

Global Village

DSF shoppers can explore a range of retail destinations, from The Dubai Mall, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall to Lulu Village, Gold Souk, Nakheel Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, and Dubai Outlet Mall to avail unbeatable deals and year-round sales. For instance, The Dubai Mall houses 1,200 retailers including well-known high-street brands including H&M and Zara, alongside department stores, Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. Delve into the world of luxury labels nestled within the Fashion Avenue, an exclusive mall section adored by couture enthusiasts. Dubai Festival City Mall has more than 400 brands under one roof including a massive IKEA furniture store and other international brands.

The festival showcases exclusive collections, runway shows, and even workshops by acclaimed designers. From haute couture to street style, it has something for every fashion-forward visitor. Majid Al Futtaim will also be joining the DSF celebrations at the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif, offering exciting deals, special promotions and prizes.

For those who wish to opt for unique, localised and family-friendly experiences, Global Village, Al Rigga Street, Night Souk, and Al Fahidi are must-visit to look out for. The shopping experiences offer an array of traditional and contemporary clothing, jewelry, vibrant spices, electronics, and accessories from around the world.

Gastronomic Bliss

Traditional Arabic Dishes

Dubai’s culinary scene thrives during DSF as the festival celebrates the city’s diversity through an assortment of gastronomic delights, ranging from traditional Arabic dishes and homegrown favorites to international cuisines prepared by renowned chefs. Take a break from shopping to fuel up on food at the malls, across hotels and beyond to enjoy a variety of cuisine, including Thai, Japanese, and Korean. Don’t forget to make a stop at the food trucks with innovative gastronomic ideas, and cafes offering experiential moments for Instagram-worthy photos. It’s an opportunity to savor the world’s diverse flavors without leaving Dubai. Each day during DSF is exciting, with unforgettable concerts, outdoor activities, culinary delights, spectacular fireworks, and amazing raffles.

This content is produced in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Tourism Department 

Courtesy: Dawn News/Images

ubai, the glittering jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene that tantalises the taste buds of both locals and tourists. But it is even more mesmerising in the cooler winter months. Explore some of the best and cosiest outdoor dining experiences in Dubai, ranging from beachfront bistros to cosy cafes and beyond, where the cool winter air adds a delightful charm to every dining experience. Whether dining under the stars, enjoying the warmth of a beachfront bonfire, or sipping coffee at charming outdoor cafes, Dubai’s winter season adds an extra layer of enchantment to every experience.

Beachfront Bliss
Pierchic – Jumeriah Al Qasr

Dubai’s pristine beaches create an idyllic setting for unforgettable dining experiences, especially during the winter season. Whether planning a romantic evening or a casual meal with friends, beachfront restaurants in Dubai offer something for everyone. For instance, Pierchic provides diners with a surreal experience that blends the tranquility of the sea with gourmet seafood extravagance. While savouring the sumptuous dishes made from the freshest catch of the day, one can gaze over the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Those who revel in the sun and sea can enjoy dining experiences along the coastline of Palm West Beach, situated along the Palm Jumeirah Island. Enjoy leisurely beachfront breakfasts at shoreside restaurants, including KoKo Bay, Surf Club, and Orange Chameleon. At Pointe, relish the choice of over 50 restaurants, featuring establishments such as Meshico or Al Safadi, along with premium coffee spots like %Arabica.

Brunch Paradise
Alici – Bluewaters Islands

Alici on Bluewaters Dubai offers delicious seafood with scenic vistas overlooking JBR, creating an ideal setting for a leisurely winter afternoon, soaking up the radiant Dubai sunshine. Recognised as one of Dubai’s liveliest brunch experiences, the Mediterranean-themed extravaganza at Bar Du Port is a must-attend. Situated at Dubai Harbour’s waterfront development, this place presents four hours of boundless cuisine and endless beverages. Embark on an Italian escapade featuring a five-course seated brunch experience at Fi’lia, located on the 70th floor of the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences. Indulge in the opportunity to savor plates of authentic Italian home-style cuisine amidst this exquisite setting.

Coffee Culture Under the Sun
The Arabian Tea House – AlFahidi

Dubai’s coffee culture is thriving, with an increasing number of cafés offering outdoor seating that allows one to soak up the sun while enjoying their favorite brews. The coffee shops often take the art of coffee to the next level with intricate latte art and creative coffee presentations. The aesthetics of the coffee cup are just as important as the flavors, making every sip a visual and gustatory delight. The Arabian Tea House is renowned for its stylish outdoor areas, and all three of their Dubai locations, adorned with their signature turquoise and white decor, offer top-notch Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dish up authentic local cuisine that’s delectable.

For a more holistic experience, head over to Kulture House, a three-in-one coffee shop, art gallery and store to indulge in diverse culinary delights. There is also the SEVA, a plant-based café where the cuisine offered is free of gluten, sugar, dairy, and artificial components, yet maintains an exceptional taste without compromise.

Fine Dining with a View
Tamoka – The Ritz Carlton

Dubai’s skyline is nothing short of spectacular, and there are numerous outdoor fine dining options with breathtaking vistas to enjoy the crisp cool breeze. At the Michelin-starred, Armani/Ristorante at Armani Hotel, indulge in genuine Italian cuisine while enjoying the captivating spectacle of the Dubai Fountain coming alive.

Tamoka at Ritz-Carlton Dubai also offers stunning vistas, dynamic cuisine, and a relaxed island atmosphere influenced by Latin American and Caribbean coastal vibes. Akira Back by renowned chef Akira Back, hailing from Las Vegas, is also a favorite among Dubai’s culinary enthusiasts. Located at The Palm Jumeirah, it offers breathtaking views of Dubai Marina from its expansive terrace. It is the perfect place to indulge in delectable Japanese specialties such as tuna pizza, and vegan options. Enjoy a fusion of fresh flavors under the sun or moonlight, complemented by a refreshing sea breeze.

Hot Pot Haven
Kimura – Ya – Downtown Dubai

Dubai’s culinary landscape is also enriched by the influence of international cuisines, and hot pot is a favorite among residents and visitors alike, making for a perfect choice for winters. The cool weather adds to the delight, ensuring a stunning setting to indulge in this interactive and communal dining style.

Hailing from the province of Sichuan, award-winning Chinese hotpot restaurant Haidilao has made a global impact with its outstanding dishes and service. Its flagship restaurant in Dubai is located at the Dubai Mall Chinatown. You’re sure to feel transported to the Far East on a visit, thanks to the surrounding Asian decor which perfectly complements the authentic meal offerings. Seven Hotpot, located in Dubai Marina, is a hearty hot pot choice for food enthusiasts who want to revel in flavorful broths, abundant seafood and meat options, and delightful fresh, stringy noodles. Kimura-Ya specializes in Japanese hotpot, and is a popular hot pot choice with multiple branches across the city.

Barbecue Extravaganza

Dubai’s barbecue scene is not to be missed, especially during the winter season. There’s no shortage of open-air venues that allow tourists to relish the flavors of succulent grilled meats and aromatic marinades. The Pit – House of Barbeque brings authentic flavors of classic American barbecue to Dubai with a variety of smoked meats. Delight in Southern American cuisine at the waterside destination, Pavilion at The Beach’s crab-shack, CLAW BBQ where one can experience an impressive array of meats on the grill menu, all prepared using the UAE’s pioneering genuine BBQ wood-chip smoker.

There is the picturesque corniche, Mamzar Beach Park that offers visitors over 200 acres of tree-lined landscapes. During the winter season, one can relish the cool, comfortable weather and enjoy one of the 30 public barbecue spots, each offering fabulous views and plenty of fun.CLAW BBQ – Pavilion at The Beach. JBR

In Dubai, outdoor dining is more than just a meal; it’s a sensory experience that immerses one in the city’s unique blend of luxury and culture. And exploring during the winter season will leave tourists with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this dynamic and cosmopolitan city, where the warmth of the cuisine and the coolness of the season come together in perfect harmony.

This content is produced in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Tourism Department