UAE is First Nation to Receive Revolutionary COVID-19 Medication

UAE Becomes First Nation to Receive Revolutionary COVID-19 Medication

Sotrovimab, the world’s newest anti-viral drug for COVID-19, is now available in the UAE for the early treatment of selected COVID-19 patients.

READ ALSO: UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Age 16 and Above

According to studies, the medicine works on all known variations and prevents severe sickness and death in 85 percent of early treatment cases.

UAE Becomes First Nation to Receive Revolutionary COVID-19 Medication
Credits: RAFED_UAE / Twitter

Another First: UAE to Receive Ground-breaking COVID-19 Medication

The medication arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, becoming the UAE the world’s first recipient, the National News reported.

Sotrovimab is an intravenous-administered antibody. It is not a vaccine, but rather a treatment.

It can be used to treat adults and children over the age of 12 who meet certain conditions and are at risk of severe Covid-19 occurrences, according to protocols approved by the National Scientific Committee.

Following the European Medicines Agency’s positive scientific opinion, GlaxoSmithKline applied to the US Food and Drug Administration and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention to get Sotrovimab licensed for emergency use.

Both parties agreed on it.

According to a video report by the Khaleej Times, here’s what you need to know about the new COVID-19 therapy medicine, Sotrovimab:

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health and healthcare procurement business Rafed have secured an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to ensure delivery as soon as June or July.

As a result, patients in the UAE will be among the world’s first to benefit from revolutionary therapy.

“We have been working very closely with the Department of Health and Rafed since the interim results of the clinical trials with Sotrovimab were available,” said Gizem Akalin, managing director of GlaxoSmithKline Gulf.

“The DoH and Rafed have been agile and passionate about accelerating patient access to promising new treatments to confront Covid-19,” he added.

Akalin stated that their collaboration with the Department of Health and Rafed is extensive, getting early access to Sotrovimab so that Abu Dhabi and the UAE residents would be among the first in the world to acquire this breakthrough treatment.

He also stated that there is a great deal of scientific and medical collaboration going on to ensure that medical teams are prepared and equipped.

“We see this close co-operation as another sign of Abu Dhabi’s rapid development as a hub for first-class treatment, medicines research, logistics and manufacturing.”

The Ministry of Health’s National Scientific Committee and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health worked on treatment processes to assist clinicians in identifying at-risk patients.

It assures that such patients, based on their risk profile and eligibility criteria, can get Sotrovimab.

“This medicine is at the forefront of pharmaceutical advancement and is a powerful tool in our fight to end this pandemic,” said Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, undersecretary for the health department.

“We look forward to implementing the eligibility criteria for emergency use of Sotrovimab as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to lead an all-encompassing Covid-19 response in prevention, treatment and care.”

READ NEXT: UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization

UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization

UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization

As more countries are rolling out their national vaccination campaigns against COVID-19, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre recently released a study, revealing that taking the COVID-19 vaccine is 93% effective in preventing hospitalization.

READ ALSO: UAE Gov’t Introduces New ‘Hayat-Vax’

It also noted that vaccines prevent hospital admission for intensive care among individuals who got infected after taking both jabs.

UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization

Vaccination Against COVID-19 Reduces Hospitalization Rate by 93% – Abu Dhabi Study

Furthermore, the study noted that immunity against Covid-19 is best achieved through vaccination and adhering to precautionary measures, and is multifaceted and not limited to the presence of antibodies. The study also found that immunity is not assured after infection, Gulf Today reported.

And then there’s also the fact that the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases as the virus mutates and that the chances of the virus mutating increase with its spread. As of this writing, there are several strains that have already been identified across the world.

UAE Study Highlights COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy, Impact on Preventing Hospitalization
Image: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre

It is also likely that after contracting Covid-19, even if the symptoms are mild, the infection may lead to long-term health complications.

The recent study also tackled the dangerous notion of the ‘post-Covid-19 syndrome’, which may affect some senior citizens, people with chronic diseases, and even healthy individuals. It noted that complications include damage to multiple organs, blood clots, and other complications that may require long-term medical attention.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reminds everyone, whether vaccinated or not, to follow all the precautionary measures set by their respective governments.

As the vaccines are steadily being rolled out in a bid to establish herd immunity, authorities continue to remind everyone: “Avoid physical contact, including shaking hands, hugging, or kissing when greeting, and only wave your hand from a sufficient distance of not less than two metres when greeting.”

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UAE Gov’t Introduces New ‘Hayat-Vax’

UAE Gov’t Introduces New ‘Hayat-Vax’

Reinforcing the country’s staunch efforts to develop herd immunity among its residents, the UAE government announced a joint project between the UAE G42 and Sinopharm in China that will produce ‘Hayat -Vax’, the first-ever COVID-19 vaccine to be manufactured in the Arab region.

READ ALSO: UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Age 16 and Above

With this development, UAE residents will soon have access to at least two million doses per month of the UAE-manufactured vaccine against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

UAE Gov’t Introduces New ‘Hayat-Vax’
Credits: WAM

UAE Residents Soon to Gain Access to UAE-China Manufactured ‘Hayat-Vax’

“Hayat”, which means “life” in Arabic, contains the same Sinopharm vaccine, which was successfully registered for emergency use by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on December 9, 2020. It was registered in China by the Chinese Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) on December 30, 2020, following Sinopharm’s updated interim results released in China showing 79.34% efficacy, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China witnessed the announcement of the partnership during a high-profile ministerial event in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of high-ranking officials of the two nations.

“The advancement in Life Sciences and Vaccine Manufacturing in our country is UAE’s contribution towards global efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world. The UAE, with the guidance of its wise leadership, believes in the importance of strengthening collective international action,” Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said.

Meanwhile, Liu Jingzhen said that the partnership between the UAE and Sinopharm is a huge breakthrough for millions of residents in the UAE to be vaccinated within months.

Sinopharm has undertaken the mission of fighting this pandemic and thanks to the close collaboration with the UAE, Sinopharm’s vaccine has been now administered to millions of people in the country, the region, and the world in a fundamental step towards defeating this virus. We are proud to partner with G42 in this new Joint Venture that will play a vital role in combatting COVID-19 globally, making an indelible contribution to the health of our communities,” said Liu.

In line with this, Peng Xiao, CEO of UAE-based G42 said that this collaboration proves that the UAE prioritizes the health of everyone living in the country.

Xiao noted, “The launch of the vaccine manufacturing capabilities in the UAE is a momentous step in the fight against COVID-19. We are grateful to the shared vision of the UAE and China, their true partnership and collaboration to make this a reality. This initiative in the UAE is a strategic advancement to future proof the population health of our nations. Our JV is also actively looking to bring our capabilities to new markets around the world.”

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Ramadan 2021: What are The Protocols to be Observed this Year?

ramadan 2021 protocols

Earlier, astronomy experts have projected that Ramadan in the UAE this year will fall on April 13 or 14, depending on the country’s moon-sighting committee. In line with this, authorities, have laid out all preventive measures to ensure that the threat of COVID-19 remains at bay, even as the country is now rolling out its vaccination campaign at full speed.

In line with this, the UAE will welcome Ramadan 2021 without mobility restrictions but must infuse religious traditions with prevention, thanks to the country’s immense progress in the COVID-19 vaccination program.

ramadan 2021 protocols

Here Are The Ramadan Protocols In The UAE This Year

The country is on its second year observing Ramadan under the circumstances of COVID-19. When the virus broke out last year, people had to get used to the prolonged sound of sirens at night, imposing residents to return home, as well as the National Sterilization Program taking place at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UAE. All these took place as the country marked Ramadan in the middle of the pandemic, the Khaleej Times reported.

In its second socially distanced observance of the holy month of Ramadan, here are the safety protocols residents must observe in the country:

Gatherings Still Discouraged

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) advised the public to avoid large social gatherings during Ramadan, stating that these events risk the lives of the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

This implies that the tradition of Iftar tents privately housed in the people’s homes and public donation tents are prohibited across the seven emirates.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Department of Charitable Work at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, announced that all permits for Ramadan tents, pilgrims and Iftar meetings have been cancelled in accordance with the instructions from health authorities and government preventive measures.

Health safety is one of the department’s top priorities. We will take whatever is needed to help people pass the Holy Month safely. Compliance with preventive and precautionary measures is a collective community responsibility to protect public health,” said Darwish.

Meanwhile, duly-recognized charitable institutions will continue with their annual provision of Iftar meals. UAE authorities have urged both individuals and companies to coordinate with such charitable organizations if they wish to contribute to this year’s Iftar meal distribution for those in need.

Social Etiquette

Also, expat residents will be required to observe public restrictions, with respect to the vast majority who will be fasting during this period. This includes the prohibition of eating food and drinking water in public. Smoking is also not allowed in public during this time.

Non-Muslims who will not comply with such rules may be fined up to AED 2,000, as per the UAE Penal Code.

Article 313 of the UAE’s Penal Code states that: “[Violators] shall be sentenced to detention for a term not exceeding one month or a fine of not excess of two thousand Dirham whoever: In a public place consumes food or drinks or any other thing that breaks the fast during the Ramadan period.”

Mosque Restrictions

In keeping with this, the Dubai Supreme Council for Crisis and Disaster Management headed by His Highness Sheikh Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged the public that the faithful may perform their Taraweeh prayers across mosques in the emirate, provided that they follow precautionary measures including bringing of their own prayer mats, social distancing, and a maximum of 30 minutes of prayer in establishments.

Also, Iftar meals are not allowed inside mosques as these will be closed immediately after prayers. Meanwhile, women’s prayer areas, other facilities and external roads with praying areas will also remain closed.

Religious lessons and meetings in mosques will remain suspended, with the option of virtual participation. The government encourages reading the Quran through smart devices, and electronic donations, and zakat.

For the Qiyam-ul-layl during the last ten days of Ramadan, authorities will first evaluate the status of the pandemic in the country through continuous assessments, and measures will be enforced according to the new developments observed.

As the country once again enters this solemn period of faith, all residents are strongly urged by the government to adhere to public safety protocols and be considerate of others observing their religious traditions.

READ NEXT: Saudi Arabia to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Hajj 2021

UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Age 16 and Above

UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Aged 16 and Above

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that vaccinations will be free for all residents aged 16 and above.

ALSO READ: Sponsoring Your Family in the UAE: A Guide

The announcement comes after the ministry prioritised the elderly and other vulnerable groups for the jab for six weeks.

UAE Offers Free Vaccination to All Residents Aged 16 and Above
Credits: WAM

Residents Age 16 and Above Can Now Receive Free Vaccination in the UAE

In line with this, starting Sunday (March 21), all eligible residents can book appointments in the most convenient location/clinic of their choice for the jab, the Khaleej Times reported.

The vaccine comes free of charge at over 205 health centers in the country. However, as per protocol, prior booking of appointments are mandatory, the ministry noted.

Over the last six weeks, more than 72 percent of senior citizens and those with chronic diseases in the country have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Overall above 50% of the UAE’s population has received the vaccine.

Currently, there are four vaccines in use in the country. These are: Sinopharm, Pfizer, Sputnik V and AstraZeneca.

And as of March 20, the UAE has administered 7.18 million doses of the vaccine, with a distribution rate of 72.61 per 100 people.

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UAE Introduces New Remote Working Visa, Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas

UAE Introduces New Remote Working Visa, Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas

Authorities in the UAE have approved a new self-sponsored Remote Work Visa that will enable employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE, even if their companies are based in another country.

The decision notes that the special visa has a one-year validity, which will allow foreigners to enter the UAE and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.

UAE Introduces New Remote Working Visa, Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas
Credits: WAM

UAE Reveals New Visa Schemes to Usher Economy’s Revitalization Plan

The new scheme aims to support the public and private sector, and also enables employees to expand their digital skills and adapt to the emerging gig economy, the Gulf Business reported.

The UAE cabinet chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai confirmed the decision on Sunday (March 21).

As observed during this pandemic, this move will also enhance digitization in all major sectors, with employees developing their digital skills.

In the same meeting, the Cabinet also approved a self-sponsored multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities.

The five-year visa will allow tourists to enter the country multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days.

Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter after the meeting that the project is geared towards strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a global financial capital.

The UAE is home to around 200 nationalities, making it one of the world’s most diverse country to live in. That said, the UAE leader reaffirmed that the country’s development journey continues as changes will be a ceaseless process towards achieving its goals.

READ NEXT: Abu Dhabi, Dubai Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad

UAE Suspends Daily, Hourly Maid Services to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

UAE Suspends Daily and Hourly Maid Services to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

UAE authorities on Tuesday (March 16) announced that short-term recruitment of maid services via Tadbeer centers is temporarily suspended.

READ ALSO: UAE Lands in Top 10 Best Countries for Expats Worldwide

The decision was made to support the national government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

UAE Suspends Daily and Hourly Maid Services to Curb Spread of Coronavirus
Credits: drobotdean / Freepik

UAE Authorities Suspends Short-Term Recruitment of Maid Services via Tadbeer

In line with this, household service workers can now be hired for a minimum period of seven days. During this period, they are not allowed to be replaced or transferred, the Khaleej Times reported.

And to ensure safety, the ministry added that household workers will also have to undergo a COVID PCR test before they are deployed. That said, testing must be done in no more than 48 hours before the service schedule.

Moreover, MoHRE called on Tadbeer centers to make arrangements for domestic workers so that they can get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Earlier, officials announced that UAE residents can hire domestic helpers only from Tadbeer centres starting this month. The centres, whose services are regulated by MoHRE, have replaced the agencies for recruiting domestic helpers. Currently, there are 54 such centres across the country.

Under Tadbeer centers, domestic helpers can be hired through three schemes, one of which is short-term recruitment.

The first package offers direct sponsorship from source countries to get a 3-month contract. Employers need to provide all meals, individual rooms, monthly salary and passport renewal requirements for domestic workers.

The second is Tadbeer sponsorship allowing employers to hire a domestic worker for 180 days wherein the company accepts all the costs for passport renewals, except for accommodation-related requirements.

And the third package wherein workers are given a two-year contract recruitment. In this scheme, employers need to ensure accommodation, salary and other requirements, such as service ending benefits.

Last month, Mohre – in cooperation with E11 – introduced an upgraded version of the smart application ‘Tadbeer’ through which users can avail of all services related to domestic workers at any time and place.

READ NEXT: [UAE Labour Law] Guide to Working Hours, Official Leaves, and Vacations

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Named Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad

Known to many global citizens as one of the most expat-friendly cities in the world, Dubai, has once again proven its popularity and appeal as it emerged as one of the top picks among expats looking for work.

The result is based on the in-depth study of the Boston Consultation Group and the Global Recruitment Alliance, ‘Decoding Global Talents: Live and Virtual’.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Named Among Top 5 Destinations for Work Abroad
Credits: Freepik

Dubai, Abu Dhabi Make the List of Top 5 Destinations for Overseas Work

According to Mashable, Dubai’s diverse demographic, which highlights the emirate’s sparkly white beaches, rich cultural tapestry, and booming culinary and nightlife scene that make the Emirati capital a prime destination for professionals from all corners of the globe.

Pierre Antebi, co-managing director of The Network and one of the report’s authors in comments noted, “Hiring people from other countries is not a new practice for employers. But the trend of remote working makes it possible to do it on a broader scale and expand the available talent pool. There’s also an upside for workers, who can advance their careers without uprooting their lives.”

The in-depth report took three months to complete where 209,000 respondents in 190 countries participated.

Dubai ranked third behind London and Amsterdam, while Berlin and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report, however, noted a drop in the percentage of people willing to move abroad for work – down to 50% from 63%.

Despite this, it also revealed that people in the Middle East and North Africa are the biggest exception to the declining interest in working abroad.

READ NEXT: Remote Workers Can Now Relocate to Dubai via New Virtual Working Program

Court Acquits Couple Charged of Having Sexual Relations Outside Marriage

Court Acquits Couple Charged of Having Sexual Relations Outside of Marriage

A foreign couple who was sent to court for charges of having sexual relations outside of wedlock has recently been acquitted by the Sharjah Appellate Court in the UAE.

ALSO READ: 12 Things to Know Before Working in UAE

Earlier, the Sharjah Criminal Court of First Instance had convicted the Palestinian couple to six months in prison followed by deportation.

Court Acquits Couple Charged of Having Sexual Relations Outside of Marriage
Credits: WAM

Court Revokes Punishment for Couple’s Sexual Relations Out of Wedlock

The court ruling was given on November 2 of last year after judges learned of how the couple was caught having sex in a car in Sharjah, the Khaleej Times reported.

After they were caught, the couple was referred to the public prosecution which sent them to court on the charge of having sexual relations outside marriage.

However, during the trial, both of them denied the accusation. Despite this, they were still sentenced to jail.

In defence of the couple, Emirati lawyer Salim bin Sahoo filed an appeal requesting his clients to be acquitted.

He pointed out that his clients are being prosecuted for an act that no longer is considered a crime based on the amendments made to the UAE laws last year.

After considering the appeal, the appellate court acquitted both the defendants on January 10 this year.

The appellate court decided to acquit the couple, citing the fact that the charge raised is no longer valid as per the amended law and according to federal decree number 15, which was published in the official gazette last September.

The amended law, enacted late last year, states that unmarried couples are no longer in default of the UAE regulations and they can freely live together in the same place, as long as both are adults and enjoy a healthy mind, and reasonable behaviour.

Authorities reiterated however that public morals remain at the forefront of the UAE legislators and the amendment’s aim is to regulate the life of UAE residents in the spirit of acceptance and tolerance.

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Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience

Renowned Emirati vlogger, Khalid and wife, Salama, go back to the streets of Dubai, to bring another mouth-watering and thought-provoking vlog. This time, they visit one of Dubai’s well-loved African restaurants, Biggy African Restaurant.

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In the video, they show their audience a little bit of African culture through the food experience they’ve tried at the famed restaurant in Dubai. So the next time you go around the city and happen to visit this place, you’d know what food to try and what to expect from them. If you’re excited to know more about African food and the cultural representation they bring to Dubai, then keep on reading.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

[VIDEO] Emirati Vlogger Khalid and Salama Share Nigerian Food Experience in Latest Vlog

In the latest vlog update shared by Khalid Al Ameri on his Facebook page, he and his wife, Salama, visit one of Dubai’s well-loved African bistros to try some of the most popular African food – Nigerian food, to be exact.

According to Khalid, “The tastes of Nigeria or Nigerian food and dishes represent the hundreds of ethnic groups that make up Nigeria. From soups and stews to rice and pounded yams, Nigerian meals are some of the most colourful, lavish, and tastiest meals in the world.”

The couple, accompanied by their friend, Steven, headed over to the restaurant in the Al Jabri building in Al Nahda, Dubai, feeling hungry and “stoked” to learn and try something new to share with the people following their gastronomic adventures all over the world.

However, given the circumstances we are all in, this time, they opted to explore some of the most well-loved places in the city, and let others know of how awesome Dubai is, in terms of its cultural and ethnic diversity. And what better way to do this, than by trying out specialty dishes served by the people who best make them! And representing the people and culture of Nigeria is the restaurant owner and main chef herself, Ade AKA Biggy.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

Coming into the restaurant, Khalid was quick to look for one of the more popular Nigerian meal, known as Fufu. Interestingly, however, there were some misconceptions even with this very popular dish. And Ade was very candid about teaching Khalid and the group, what the real score with Fufu is. She explained that Fufu can easily be confused with pounded yam, especially when you look at the way they are presented the first time. To set the distinction, Fufu is not made of yam, but of cassava. So the next time you look for Fufu, you’d better not confuse it with pounded yam, because just like what happened to Khalid in the video, it can get quite a bit awkward, and that’s not exactly a good way to start exploring a new culture through the people’s food. But now that you know the difference, you should be okay.

So after that little awkward moment with Fufu, the couple decided to go wash their hands thoroughly in preparation for their food experience at Biggy’s. Khalid shares that Africans, just like Arabs, enjoy eating their food with their hands.

And after they’ve cleaned up, they’re now ready to dig in.

Khalid explains that the best way to start was to go with, of course, only the best or the most popular Nigerian dish there is: Jollof Rice.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

After she took a bite, Salama was already enjoying herself, with the way things are starting to turn out. But Khalid got a bit more descriptive with his evaluation. He explained that there was a hint of sweetness from the plantain, which interestingly goes well with the spicy rice and the meat they eat it with: pan fried turkey. Salama couldn’t hide her delight when she snuck in another bite of the amazing food combination. And to this, Khalid remarked, “What that dish said, was welcome to Nigeria! You are home with us. Enjoy our flavors. Enjoy our colours. Enjoy our life.” It’s a bit poetic, yes. But isn’t that the point of enjoying great food? To make us feel truly grateful and happy to be alive.

So moving onto the next dish, the couple was then served with another popular combo dish of Nigerian fried rice, moin moin, and chicken. Moin moin is processed beans that are boiled and formed to make a sticky dough-life texture. The taste-testing is one thing worth looking forward to in these videos, but if you’ve been following this couple, you know that it’s going to be more than just great food here. Great conversations – sometimes, snarky and funny ones, pepper the discussion, creating more excitement for the viewers. That said, this couple is truly cute and funny together.

Then they get into the real deal, the Fufu. However, not everything was what they thought about this food to be. Yes, Fufu, is indeed a popular dish in Nigeria, but there’s something that’s more popular than this: pounded yam (or could it just be one of Biggy’s favorites? Let’s find out.)

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

Not to be confused with Fufu, both have the consistency of sticky rice and are usually eaten with meat stew called Egusi. This is made of goat, mixed with melon, and bitter leaves. Apparently, this dish is not only tasty but is also healthy – and extremely spicy! So if you’re feeling a bit under the weather or lacking appetite, this one’s highly recommended! It’ll surely wake up your taste buds.

Next, they tried the yam porridge, which looks colourful and soft from the outside, but once you take a bite, the spiciness is something to brace yourself for. Both Khalid and Salama agreed that the dish reminds them of the Arabic Chili Potato. As a compliment to the dish’s ingredients, texture, and flavors, the couple agreed that it’s a must-have when you’re feeling low on energy or when you want to have something to keep you warm on a cold day.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

Next in line was the famous west African dish, Ewa Agoyin – which Salama couldn’t hide her excitement for. The dish is made of beans in chili sauce generously topped with crispy fried beef paired with plantain to complete the savoury-spicy-sweet formula of most African cuisine. And indeed, it did not disappoint, Khalid said that the dish is worth having “all-day”.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

Fortunately or unfortunately, there’s still one last dish to top everything off. They were warned not to try it though because it is literally FIRE. Something you describe as fire could only mean two things: it’s so good that it’s considered “hot” or it’s extremely spicy that it burns your mouth. Of course, as adventurous as our favorite couple is, they did not back down. Instead, they really insisted. Salama funnily puts it this way, “I’m not leaving unless I burn myself!” And you know that she’s not joking.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

So after they’ve convinced the staff that they are, indeed, ready for it, they were served with Ofada rice and Ayamase, a kind of spicy beef stew, also known as the king of spicy stews for Nigerians. It was interesting to see how they were calm and enjoying themselves at first bite, but then, tears started to well up in their eyes, with Khalid panicking and drinking water, but this just made the spiciness much worse. They were told that they just needed to get used to it and to keep going, and so they did.

Interestingly, the only way to conquer the king of Nigerian spicy stews is to keep eating it. Biggy even jokes that if you have this stew four or five times in a month, nothing can stop you, not even the corona. But we’ll leave you to decide about that bit. But what they did confirm after enjoying such an interesting dish was that it’s a slow-burn kind of hot, but nevertheless really good. A must-try and fun experience.

And to cap off the savoury and spicy goodness they’ve had from the other dishes, it’s time to calm the taste buds with a dessert called puff-puff, which is like a doughnut but not the sweet kind – just the mellow, feel-good kind in your mouth. This reminded them of a dessert in the UAE, known as the luqaimat. Both of them agreed that it’s the best way to calm your nerves and taste buds after eating Ayamase. Very interesting, yes?

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

So after having a full course of Nigerian food, Khalid wrapped things up by sharing what they’ve learned from the experience. He said that Nigerian food and culture is full of life, energy, giving you a sense of happiness, joy, and most of all love – just like all of the great food in the world.

Khalid and Salama Vlog About Nigerian Food Experience
Credits: Khalid Al Ameri Facebook Page

And of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without having a word from Steven, their African guide for the day’s adventure. He talks about the Nigerians in the UAE and their culture, explaining: “[We] Nigerians in the UAE have been able to build a good reputation over the years because our people are charismatic, adventurous, and easy-going. But if there’s one peculiar thing to be said of our people, that is we are emphatic. So, if you see two Nigerians talking, and think they might be quarrelling – really, they are not. They are actually just trying to make a point. Also, Nigerians are very welcoming people and we are blessed as a nation, so if you want, you can visit us, and come to Nigeria anytime you want and you’ll be welcome.”

Catch the full video feature as posted via Khalid Al Ameri’s Facebook Page:

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