I read a story in The National recently that piqued my interest. “Why contact was broken” was the headline on the article, which went on to talk about the growing segregation between Emiratis and expats. You might have guessed my reaction: I can’t be friends with everyone!
I am now ready to share my best advice about how to make friends with nationals in Abu Dhabi, as well as a host of hot tips in Ask Ali: a guide to Abu Dhabi. Not only does this volume contain all my local knowledge, but it features me — as a cartoon. I am most grateful to my incredibly talented team for putting together such a handsome and valuable resource, and for the National for its support.

Now, I want to share my baby with you. As a subscriber to my Ask Ali newsletter, you will be given the first chance to purchase a copy (for those of you who won a free copy, we expect you to either show up with your ask ali card at our stand at the ad book fair or simply visit our office in abu dhabi, for further information feel free to call 02 641 9916).

My inspiration for this guide came from the wonderful questions you sent to me. I am proud to announce that we now have almost 5,000 subscribers from all around the world. As a thank you for your warm support, I am offering a special discount to subscribers. Consider it a gift; that’s what friends do, after all.

I hope to see you all at our stand at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair this coming Tuesday until Saturday. From Tuesday to Thursday, the fair opens from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, it opens at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m., while on Saturday and Sunday it is open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
For those who can’t make it, no worries, stay tuned and make sure you are following the news and the newsletter to know where you can purchase the book from.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover of my book:

Finally, a guide book that gives you the inside scoop on how to really interact with locals – written by a local. Ali Alsaloom is one of the fastest rising media stars and public speakers in the Gulf. His TV show, Ask Ali, reaches thousands, as does his column in the weekly magazine M. For his work as a cultural ambassador, Time Out even recognized him as one of their 40 local heroes in 2008.
Add to that Ali’s extensive worldwide travels and you can see why he is considered the pre-eminent Emirati expert on intercultural affairs, with a special sensitivity to the expat experience.

After reading Ask Ali: a guide to Abu Dhabi, you will know:

- How the UAE went from the camel to the Cadillac.
- The essential information for relocating, exploring and settling in Abu Dhabi.
- The best way to get a bargain when you visit the souq.
- Where to find the best local restaurants.
- How to show respect during Ramadan.

The Mini Guide is available in English language and soon to be available in other 3 languages including Arabic.

Pass by at the Embrace Arabia Stand (hall 8 stand G02). Ali Alsaloom and the Embrace Arabia team are looking forward meeting you!

Join our Facebook group!

We do agree…there is a parallel universe out there called www. And we like it!!! One of our most favorable continents to visit in this world is Facebook.
We keep in touch, have fun and get together with our friends in our Facebook group. When you join us, you will see the latest news, the “naked truth” in our unedited pictures and the funniest comments. We already have more than 250 members, but there is still plenty of room out there in cyberspace. See you there!

A picture can say more than 1000 words

Wow, if this is true, we have the equivalent of gazillions of words in our Embrace Arabia Picture Gallery under :
http://embracearabia.com/photogallery.asp.
Check it out, see what you have missed and make sure to be with us next time!

An Embrace Arabia tour isn’t just sightseeing - it’s a journey

Since the weather is getting so pleasant, don’t you feel like getting out and about? Take advantage of our local knowledge by visiting the area with Embrace Arabia. Whether you have half a day, a full day or more, we will design a program that fits you and your guests’ wishes exactly! Have a look at:
http://www.embracearabia.com/PDF/EA_Tour_Price_List.pdf and let us show you the hidden treasures of the UAE.

Building bridges by breaking bread …

…was our theme for the countless cultural awareness sessions we hosted since late summer during Ramadan. More than 2,000 guests from all over the world spent memorable hours with the Embrace Arabia Team, our local associates and local artists in our majilis in the Emirates Heritage Village, out our farm in Al Ain and at the Al Ghaf Art Gallery. We know, it was still not enough, but there will be more to come. We just had too much fun. Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai are the confirmed cities for events in the next month. As part of the Abu Dhabi Festival, we will have three public cultural awareness events. And thanks to the generous support of ADMF www.admaf.org they are free to attend. On Monday, 22nd of March and on Saturday 27th of March at 16.00 you can join me and the Embrace Arabia Team for a tour through the Emirates Heritage Village, followed by a cultural awareness session and a traditional Arabic dinner with authentic Local dishes and desserts!!
On Saturday 3rd of Aril we come to Dubai! Form 13:00 till 17:00 we will be in the Knowledge Village Auditorium for a fun-filled afternoon. And you know how it works …. You ask and I will answer. Stay tuned with our website and facebook groups – you will find all event updates and registration links there.

Maylesna – Emirati Girl Power

It became already a tradition for Embrace Arabia to support a project every term by students of Zayed University. It is such a great pleasure to share a few steps with our talented and motivated sisters on their path from the classroom into “real life.” Actually, this year we took more than a few steps, we went so far we even had to take a bus. A busload full of local and expatriate ladies took off to Al Ain to enjoy a day of fun and new experiences. Sightseeing, a cultural awareness session, a traditional meal, henna and photo sessions were just a few highlights of the day, spent at the Embrace Arabia Farm and organized by three students Fatima, Reem and Farah. Wanna see it what you missed? Here you go: http://tiny.cc/embracearabia. The lades promised they will be on board for the next ladies day out! Are you in?

Assalamu Alaikom,
@ali.