Latest news with #SuwaidiPearls
Cosmopolitan ME
a day ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
24-hour Ras Al Khaimah road trip? Yes, pls
Whether you're trying to escape the city noise, or just want to post dreamy desert sunset content, Ras Al Khaimah is your underrated UAE staycation spot. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, this northern gem is packed with serene beaches, mountain views, ancient forts and aesthetic vibes for days. Here's your 48-hour guide. DAY 1 6 AM – ActionFlight Hot Air Balloon Supplied Start your trip on a literal high with a sunrise balloon ride over RAK's golden deserts. Book with ActionFlight and float above dunes, mountains, and, if you're lucky, some desert wildlife. Location: Al Wadi Desert (pick-up arranged with booking) 11:00 AM – Brunch at Boons Brasserie & Bar, InterContinental RAK Back on solid ground, head to Boons for a classy-but-casual brunch. Their shakshuka and Nutella-stuffed pancakes are pure joy. Also: very aesthetic interiors. Location: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, Hayat Island 1:00 PM – Visit Suwaidi Pearls Supplied Time to dive (literally) into local culture. At Suwaidi Pearls, you'll ride a traditional boat through mangroves to the UAE's only pearl farm. Open an oyster, maybe find a pearl, and snap those gorgeous mountain-backed views. Meeting Point: Al Rams Marina (15 min from city centre) 4:00 PM – Spa + Sunset Chill Back at your hotel, it's time for a massage, a hammam, or just a lazy float in the pool. If you're staying at The Ritz, opt for their desert-facing spa for full main-character feels. 8:00 PM – Dinner at 1484 by Puro The highest restaurant in the UAE? Check. Epic views of Jebel Jais? Double check. Their truffle pasta and miso salmon are top-tier, and the drive up is just as iconic. Location: Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park DAY 2 10:30 AM – Climb Dhayah Fort Supplied Time for a little hike. Dhayah Fort is the only remaining hilltop fort in the UAE and has some seriously cinematic views. Pro tip: Wear sneakers and bring water. Location: Dhayah, 20 min from RAK city centre 1:00 PM – Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café Serving up authentic Emirati dishes in a nostalgic setting, Al Fanar is where you go for grilled hammour, saffron rice, and vibes. It's like a little time capsule of the UAE's past. Location: Grove Village, Ras Al Khaimah Corniche 3:00 PM – Last Pool Dip + Checkout Head back to your hotel for a final lounge in the sun. Order something sparkly, soak it all in, and start mentally planning your next trip back. Where to Stay: 3 Dreamy RAK Hotels to Check Into InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa – Hayat Island c For that five-star, toes-in-the-sand energy, this resort is the one. Think beachfront villas, an infinity pool that belongs on your feed, and a world-class spa. Ideal for a luxe girls' weekend or a chill romantic escape. Location: Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert – Wadi Khadija Calling all nature lovers and soft-life queens. Nestled in a desert reserve, this resort serves Bedouin-meets-boujee vibes. Private pool villas, falcon shows, and candlelit desert dinners? Yes please. Location: Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island – Al Marjan Island Supplied Bright, beachy, and super social, this fun resort has serious girls-trip energy. Whether you're sunbathing at the infinity pool or sipping a mocktail at the beach bar, the mood is always: relaxed but ready to party. Location: Al Marjan Island Boulevard Don't miss out on these summer staycation deals around the UAE.
Sharjah 24
26-01-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI launches the first " Rare Natural Pearls' exhibition
The exhibition will take place as part of the sixth edition of the Jewels of Emirates Show, scheduled to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 29 to February 2, 2025. Partnership with Suwaidi Pearls Held in partnership with the "Suwaidi Pearls", a leader in reviving the splendor of Emirati pearls, this exhibition marks the first of its kind in the emirate of Sharjah. It will showcase a stunning array of the finest and rarest natural pearl pieces in the emirate, including silver and gold varieties of unique shapes and sizes, all distinguished by their exceptional quality, clarity, and dazzling shine. Best Natural Pearl Jewellery Set Design Competition The exhibition will also feature a range of heritage and cultural activities dedicated to pearling culture and the unique cultural heritage of the pearling industry, alongside a display of traditional tools used for natural pearl diving. The exhibition will also feature the announcement of the winner of the "Best Natural Pearl jewellery Set Design" competition, which saw wide participation from Emirati designers registered with the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform. Contestants competed to craft jewellery pieces using Emirati pearls of Emirati pearls of "Gioon" quality and "Sangbasie" shades, consisting of a necklace and two luxury pearl earrings. Participants will demonstrate outstanding artistic innovation, echoing the inherited craftsmanship and heritage of Emirati artisans and forefathers. The event will host a panel discussion titled "The UAE: The Coast of Pearls Through the Ages," documenting the historical role of the UAE's coasts in supplying the world with premium-quality pearls and shaping the global pearl trade. The session will also shed light on pearl diving, an integral part of Emirati heritage, and feature contributions from leading experts in the field. Among the distinguished speakers are Mr. Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, a leading Arabian pearl diver and trader, who will share practices from this timeless profession; Dr. Ali Saqr Al Suwaidi, who will explore captivating storytelling traditions from historical pearl diving seasons; and Dr. Sultan Al Amimi, a literary scholar and critic, who will delve into the poetry and cultural significance of Emirati pearls. Statements from Officials In his remarks, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, said that 'Rare Natural Pearls Exhibition' marks a significant addition to the series of specialised exhibitions in the jewellery and gemstones sector hosted by the emirate of Sharjah. He noted that the exhibition highlights the Sharjah's leading historical position in the pearl trade and diving industry, as it offers a unique platform to display rare and historically significant marine treasures. It also reflects the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to promoting the sustainability of maritime heritage, an integral part of the authentic Emirati cultural legacy. For her part, Mona Sultan Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s Chairman and in charge of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, stated that the exhibition showcases the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform's continued achievements in advancing the gold, gemstones, and pearl industries locally. She affirmed the Platform's commitment to supporting Emirati designers and industry professionals within Sharjah and across the UAE. Al Suwaidi also pointed out a steady annual increase in the number of designers joining the Platform, which now exceeds 250 designers, reflecting its rising appeal and impact. Meanwhile, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, the founder of Suwaidi Pearls, emphasised that participating in this prestigious exhibition is a pivotal step in preserving the UAE's deep-rooted heritage in pearl craftsmanship, an essential element of the nation's identity and cultural fabric. "We are proud to showcase the outstanding quality of Emirati natural pearls and are thrilled to contribute to this event, which sheds light on Sharjah's illustrious history of pearl diving and trade," he stated.
