As temperatures climb and the days become languid in the heat, it is natural to start finding ways to cool down. As such, this week we are turning our attention to a word that is light and soothing.
Muratabat is often translated as refreshments. Its singular form is muratib. Our Arabic word of the week evokes images of chilled drinks, slices of fruits and the sweet rituals that offer relief from the summer swelter. Muratabat also has several linguistic and cultural layers beyond its culinary connotations.
But we will start in the pantry. While muratabat often refers to iced drinks and refreshments, it can also refer to hot drinks such as tea (shai) or coffee (qahwa). A place that sells refreshments can be referred to as mahal muratabat.
If you have been served refreshments at a gathering, you could say “al diyafa kanet muratabat”.
The word is also used in a metaphorical capacity. Of diffusing the tension in the air, you could say “rattaba al jow”, making sure to accentuate the second consonant.
Breaking down muratabat, we get words such as ratb, meaning fresh or soft – and it also refers to dates that are just on the verge of ripening. Another word in the root of muratabat is rutuba, which refers to moisture and humidity. Murattib can also refer to moisturisers such as creams.
Another form of the word, ratiba, is often used to describe a sense of relief – such as ratiba qalbahu, referring to the heart.
Like many Arabic words, muratabat doesn’t just describe an object, but evokes an atmosphere of good company. Muratabat is not merely about an icy glass of fresh juice or a soothing cup of tea. The word brings to mind the act of hosting, of offering comfort. A tray of muratabat is not just about hydration, but hospitality.
THE LOWDOWN
Romeo Akbar Walter
Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The five pillars of Islam
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Zombieland: Double Tap
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
Four out of five stars
More on animal trafficking
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
